www.DSFFlorida.org

A Season of Gratitude for Our Amazing Parents and Educators!

As we enter this season of thankfulness, we’re reminded of the incredible impact teachers have on our children’s lives. Every day, they take the time to learn, understand, and create classrooms where students of all abilities—especially our wonderful members with Down syndrome—feel valued, supported, and included. Their dedication, compassion, and creativity truly make a difference.

This Thanksgiving season, we encourage our families to take a moment to thank the teachers who go above and beyond to make inclusion a reality. A simple note of appreciation can mean so much!

In that same spirit, we want to remind you that it's NOT TOO LATE to offer your teacher(s) an incredible opportunity for them to continue growing in inclusion and understanding. Please download and share the invitation below with your child’s teachers TODAY and encourage them to join us for our CHAMPIONING SUCCESS IN EDUCATION event on November 1st—a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of inclusive education together. Parents are also welcome to come and learn! We are better when we collaborate and work together!

Giving Tuesday is December 2nd. This special day is dedicated to giving back and supporting nonprofit organizations. By choosing The FOUNDATION, you’re helping fund member events, programs, and scholarships. Mark your calendars and help make our 2025 Giving Tuesday a great success!

Through our Holiday Assistance Program, The FOUNDATION helps member families enjoy delicious holiday meals and thoughtful gifts. Your support makes this possible, and together, we can brighten many members’ homes this season. All members are welcome to apply. Priority will be given to active members of The FOUNDATION.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must participate in at least one of the following activities:

• Have a fundraising team or Corporate Cup team for our annual Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction
• Attend a minimum of 6 FOUNDATION events within the year
• Volunteer at least 10 hours with The FOUNDATION
• Host a fundraiser benefiting The FOUNDATION
• Serve on or chair a FOUNDATION committee
• Secure a corporate sponsorship or grant on behalf of The FOUNDATION
• Volunteer for 5 or more iCan! Work shifts

Application Timeline & Details:



• Scholarship applications will be accepted until Monday, December 1, 2025.
• All documentation must be received by Friday, December 5, 2025.
• Award letters will be sent by Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
• Payments will begin on January 1, 2026, or when sessions begin if after January 1, 2026.
• Checks are mailed to providers only on the 15th of each month, through April 2026.

The Orlando Magic’s season has started! We’re calling all members 18+ to volunteer at Magic games by assisting with delivering food and snacks to the Club and Loge Level lounges. Members must volunteer with another adult.

Members who are not in our iCan! Work program must volunteer with another adult (18+) for their first five games. After completing five games, members become eligible to receive payment for working Magic shifts.

Empowerment Through Employment

The iCan! Work Program helps members 18+ who have completed high school gain meaningful employment. It includes on-the-job training opportunities and our signature Lunch & Learn Program, designed to lead to long-term employment.

Participants will gain:

• Skill Development: Participants are provided with training to develop essential workplace skills, such as communication, punctuality, customer service, and task management.
• Real-World Experience: The program partners with local businesses to offer hands-on job experiences and supported employment in a variety of fields.
• Customized Support: Each participant receives individualized support tailored to their strengths, interests, and areas for growth.
• Job Coaching: Professional Success Coaches assist individuals during training and while at work, ensuring a successful transition into the workforce.
• Confidence Building: The program focuses on building confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose in its participants.
• Employer Education: The FOUNDATION educates and collaborates with employers to create inclusive and supportive work environments.
• Long-Term Success: The goal is to help participants secure and maintain competitive, integrated employment for the long term.
• Community Integration: iCan! Work fosters greater inclusion by connecting participants with their communities through employment.



Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to help your son/daughter shine! Sign up today and watch them thrive!

Supporting Our Homeschooling Families

To better support our community, we have started monthly Homeschool Support Zoom Meetings! Whether you're just considering homeschooling, currently navigating it, or have completed your journey and want to share your experience—this space is for YOU.

Families of all ages and stages are welcome! A special thank you to Gemma (mother of Randy) for her initiative and dedication in starting this program!

For more information about our online programming:

follow our private Facebook page, Meetup, or email

Dennymarie.Linares@dsfflorida.org

Thank you to our sponsors

for making all of these events possible!

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