www.DSFFlorida.org

This season, we celebrate the joy, love, and friendships that make our FOUNDATION community so special.

Thank you for believing that when POTENTIAL is given OPPORTUNITY, the outcome is SUCCESS. Your generosity helps make this season brighter for our amazing community.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with hope, happiness, and the warmth of cherished moments 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!

Where does the money go?

• You work hard for your money, and nonprofits should work just as hard to use theirs effectively. Look for organizations where their programs, grants, research, and expenses are clearly defined and efficiently managed.

• A reputable nonprofit should have a strong rating on Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Key things to consider include their audited financials, the balance between program spending and overhead (including salaries), and how efficiently they fundraise, do they spend a lot to raise a little, or do they spend a little to raise a lot?

• Ultimately, would you prefer to give $100 and know that $90 goes directly to the cause, with only $10 spent on overhead and salaries? Many donors don’t realize how important it is to understand where their contributions go.

At The FOUNDATION, when you donate $100, $90 goes directly to support families, scholarships, and programs. Your generosity makes a real impact!

Application Timeline & Details:

• 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.

WOW!! What an Incredible Day! THANK YOU!

We are beyond grateful to The Martin Andersen–Gracia Andersen Foundation for sponsoring our Match Day Challenge, and to our amazing donors and team captains who showed up in a BIG way!

Because of you, we didn’t just reach our $20,000 goal… we surpassed it, raising over $45,000 in ONE DAY!

These funds will directly support the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida’s scholarships and 200+ programs each year, helping individuals with Down syndrome, their families, community leaders, educators and employers learn, grow, and thrive together.

This incredible momentum gives us a powerful start toward our $500,000 Tour of Champions goal, and we couldn’t do it without YOU.

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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