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www.DSFFlorida.org
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Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month.
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11th Annual iCan! Bike Camp - open for registrations! |
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When: July 24-29
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Where: Orange County Convention Center
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Cost: $50 for members/$150 for non-members per rider which includes 5 days of camp (75 minutes a day), a t-shirt, and a helmet.
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Who: Anybody over the age of 8 who does not ride a two-wheel bicycle. If your child doesn't ride, we hope you will consider registering him/her.
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We are once again partnering with iCan Shine and the Orange County Convention Center to bring iCan! Bike Camp to Central Florida! Since 2011, The FOUNDATION has been creating gateways of endless opportunities for our riders. Several of our riders have gone on to compete in triathlons and one even completed the Florida IRONMAN!
Learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle has many benefits such as:
•Exercises cardiovascular muscles
•Builds muscle mass
•Relieves stress
•Strengthens emotional wellness
•Positive change in family dynamics
•Independent transportation
And many more!
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Check out our iCan! Bike Camp 10th anniversary video here!
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If you have questions or concerns about whether your child is ready to learn, please visit our website or email Camille. Learning to ride a bicycle is hard work but the rewards are amazing! Riding will create an avenue to independence for the participants by helping riders gain assurance, self-confidence and giving them a gateway to become active members in their community. We are excited to partner with you and your family to help your son/daughter achieve this huge milestone.
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Share the news with your friends, family, colleagues or community! |
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When: July 24-29
Where: Orange County Convention Center
Sessions (for each day):
- 8:30 am - 9:45 am
- 10:05 am - 11:20 am
- 11:40 am - 12:55 pm
- 2:00pm - 3:15pm
- 3:35pm - 4:50pm
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Lucky Littles and Young Explorers -
May Meet-Up was FUNtastic!
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Our youngest members had a fantastic afternoon at Crayola Experience in Orlando this past Sunday! It was a great opportunity for families to meet other families, visit with old friends, and make some new friends. Thank you to Suzanne Sherrill - our Lucky Littles Coordinator (birth to eight) & Claudia Chiorando our Young Explorers Coordinator (1st through 6th grade).
Be on the lookout for information on our Lucky Littles play dates and Young Explorer meet-ups happening this summer! Details will be in our newsletters. We look forward to seeing you!
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When: Saturday, May 14
Time: Afternoon - (approx. at 2 pm) depending on movies playing
Location: Regal Cinema at Waterford Lakes
Address: 541 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
Calling our 18+ members! Our T21 Social Network program is for members 18+ and will give them the opportunity to gain independence, socialize, and make new friends and memories!
Join us on Saturday, May 14 in the afternoon (approx. at 2 pm) at Regal Cinema in Waterford Lakes for a meal and a movie! The FOUNDATION will cover YOUR cost of admission to the matinee at Regal Cinema. Please bring money for lunch and if you wish to purchase snacks at the movie!
This program is for members 18+ and provides them the opportunity to gain independence, make their own transactions and decisions, socialize, and make new friends and memories! We host monthly drop-off events where participants will have the chance to experience fun outings in an independent but safe environment (fully staffed). Social gatherings will include trips to restaurants, movies, bowling alleys, and a variety of other fun places.
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The cost of the movie will be covered by The FOUNDATION, but participants will need to bring money (cash or a debit/credit card) and be responsible for ordering snacks and a meal before the movie. Volunteers will be available to assist with the transaction as needed. (*If cost is an issue for your family, please email Caroline.Sanchez@dsfflorida.org to discuss how we can assist.)
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***If your loved one does not have their own debit card yet, we suggest that you consider getting one. Another option is a prepaid credit card that you can buy at Publix or CVS so they can start practicing making transactions. Due to COVID, there are several locations that are ‘card only’ options so it’s important that knowing how to pay with a credit or debit card is a skill that is used and practiced. ***
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Parent Informational Meeting - Project Lifesaver: All about Safety Resources for Wandering and Elopement
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When: Thursday, May 19
Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Location: Virtual Zoom meeting
Join us on Thursday, May 19 from 7-9 pm to learn more about safety options in our community for tracking and locating lost children. The Orange County Sheriff's Department will share about their SNAP Bracelet program, GPS tracking, and other alternative resources for children who experience wandering and elopement. This parent informational meeting will include a question and answer session as well.
Please note: after you register you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. Come join us and learn more about safety resources available in our community.
Click here to learn more about Project Lifesaver.
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When: Saturday, May 21
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Location: Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach.
iCan! Surf is designed to teach surfing skills to members of any age. Each session includes instruction on the beach and in the water so participants know how to get up on a surfboard and experience riding in the surf. The FOUNDATION partners with Chris Ross who provides the lessons and volunteers that are familiar with the area and surfing. To ensure your loved one keeps learning, we ask parents (or older siblings) to participate in the lessons. You will work alongside instructors and volunteers in the water so please come beach ready! If you are not able to get into the water, we will have volunteers who can help, however, the goal is to continue practicing after the lesson so having a family/friend attend with you who can participate in the water is most beneficial.
Please bring:
- beach chairs
- towels
- sunscreen
- sunglasses/hat
- water bottle
- a snack (the surfers get HUNGRY!)
The cost is $20 per participant. Each registered participant will receive a t-shirt and certificate at the end of the day!
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When: Sunday, May 22
Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Astro Skate Orlando, 866 South Goldenrod Road, Orlando, 32822.
Cost: Free! Skating and Pizza will be provided by The FOUNDATION.
Club 321 (middle and high school-aged members) join us at 2 PM on Sunday, May 22 for our 80's Skate Party at Astro Skate in Orlando!
Dress in your favorite 80's outfit, lace up your skates, and join us for an afternoon of FUN - pizza included!
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PLEASE NOTE: This is a drop-off event (sorry - parents are not invited) we will have volunteers to assist with members.
Club 321 is for our members in middle and high school.
Questions? You can email Robin at robin.longley@dsfflorida.org. A confirmation email with detailed day-of information will be sent the week of the event, thank you!
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Social Media Internship Opportunity |
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This is a great way to build your Marketing portfolio! |
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Unpaid internship opportunity.
Hours: 10 hours per week (as determined by management)
Competencies: Time management skills, ability to multitask, problem-solve, self-manage, and follow through with tasks. Excellent attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work as a team is required.
Must be proficient in Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Microsoft Office, and Google suite. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite preferred. The Social Media Marketing Intern will provide support essential to the daily functioning and success of the Marketing team including (but not limited to):
- Follow our annual marketing calendar,
- Post daily FOUNDATION updates and related stories to various social media channels,
- Follow current marketing strategies,
- Create content for programming, special events, and classes,
- Maintain and update communication channels (i.e. websites, mass mailings),
- Create slideshow recap videos after our events,
- Perform related Marketing activities/efforts at the request of management.
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This is an unpaid internship, but an excellent way to grow your marketing skills and experience. |
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Nathaniel's Hope Make 'm Smile Event |
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Save the Date
Saturday, June 4, 2022
7:30 AM – 1 PM
Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando
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MAKE ‘m SMILE is the Biggest Party that celebrates kids with all types of unique abilities - they are the VIPs of the day! It is a day filled with family entertainment, games, characters, petting zoos, food, helpful resources from the community, a friendship stroll, and tons of SMILES!
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We would also love to have a few families volunteer with The FOUNDATION at our booth.
This is a great way to see friends, meet new families, help us recruit volunteers, and share what we do in the community. Think of it as your way to give back and pay it forward! We have two-hour shifts available throughout the day. If you have benefitted from a scholarship, any of our iCan! programs, or just love what we are doing and want to help us spread the word - we'd love to have YOU!
Email Robin at robin.longley@dsfflorida.org to reserve your volunteer spot today!
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Say HELLO to our new team member!
"I’m Alex and I’m an Army veteran and artist. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and I’m really excited about this opportunity. I look forward to learning more and being able to educate others about our cause. I’m eager to help The FOUNDATION grow and to see the change as we move forward. "
Alex will be joining our team as a Success Coach and Program Coordinator. With her impressive skill set and background, she will help The FOUNDATION grow our iCan! Work program and provide support for our growing list of programs.
Let's all welcome Alex!
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When: June 13 - 17
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: 1919 Delaney St. Orlando, FL 32806
Join us for a week-long program where you can learn how to better communicate your strengths, abilities, interests, & needs when interviewing with potential employers or applying to trade schools, colleges, or universities.
Participants will learn how to represent themselves and make decisions that affect their lives. Throughout the training, individuals will learn skills that increase confidence and self-esteem while helping them develop a sense of independence and self-empowerment.
In addition to this being a great opportunity to work on self-advocacy skills, this will be a week of fun and an opportunity to develop friendships. If you have any questions please contact Caroline Sanchez at caroline.sanchez@dsfflorida.org
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***Participants need to be registered with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)*** |
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Virtual Zumba with Elyse! |
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When: Every Tuesday
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing:
Elyse Mundelein will be teaching a virtual Zumba class! We will post the Zoom information of the event below or on our private Facebook page. No experience needed, just get ready to dance and have fun!
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Upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, May 3
- Tuesday, May 10
- Tuesday, May 17
- Tuesday, May 24
- Tuesday, May 31
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Join our Club 321 virtual meet-up for middle and high-schoolers!
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
This is a great opportunity for our middle and high school group to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
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Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, May 4 - Simon Says
- Wednesday, May 11 - Pictionary
- Wednesday, May 18 - Karaoke Night
- Wednesday, May 25 - Workout fun!
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Virtual T21 Social Network (18+) |
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When: Every Thursday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
This is a great opportunity for our adult group to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
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Upcoming dates:
- Thursday, May 5 - Dance Party!
- Thursday, May 12 - Would you rather
- Thursday, May 19 - Drawing 101
- Thursday, May 26 - Workout class with Morganne
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SAVE THE DATE!
November 11-13
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Looking for recipes? A good tracker? Forgetting to write down what you need at the grocery store? Having problems with your math homework? We've got you covered! |
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Let's get social!
Follow us on social media for more information and to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events.
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