www.DSFFlorida.org

As we start a new year, we want to thank you for being such an important part of our FOUNDATION family. Your support, energy, and involvement made this past year meaningful in so many ways.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to a 2026 year filled with new POTENTIAL, new OPPORTUNITIES, and continued SUCCESS for our members and their families. Thank you for helping us grow and for showing up for one another the way this community always does.

Thank you for choosing to support The FOUNDATION

this past Giving Tuesday, among so many incredible nonprofits.



This global day of giving meant the world to us, and we were truly honored to be chosen by you. Your generosity helps us continue providing scholarships and programs that empower the success of our members and their families!

Join us as we aim for our challenge goal of

$500,000!

💙 38 days to go and we are at $97,500 - it's time to get the party started!

Our annual Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction will take place at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando on February 15, 2026!

By participating, you’ll help support vital events, innovative programs, and scholarships that empower individuals and transform lives. Your generosity can spark inspiration and create lasting change. Together, let’s strike for a brighter future and champion the causes that matter most. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference, and be part of this incredible journey! 🎳✨

💙 Check out our newest incentive to share with friends and family!

Who will earn the title of 2026 Champion of Inclusion?

It’s nomination time!

Who’s the teacher who goes the extra mile for your student or your family? Tell us! Nominate your favorite educator for the 2026 Champion of Inclusion

and help us celebrate exceptional inclusion in our community at 

The Magic of Inclusion with the Orlando Magic!

The Orlando Magic season is almost halfway over — don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Members 18+ can join us at Magic games to help deliver food and snacks to the Club and Loge Level lounges, right in the middle of the action.

If you’re not part of our iCan! Work program, you’ll volunteer with another adult (18+) for your first five games. After that, you’ll be eligible to get paid for future shifts.

It’s a fun, fast-paced way to gain experience and be part of the Magic game-day excitement!

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

Meet Giana!

Giana is excited to join The FOUNDATION as a Mental Health Counselor. She earned her master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida and previously

co-facilitated The FOUNDATION's iCan! Excel groups during her practicum, an experience that deeply influenced her collaborative, creative, and strengths-based approach to counseling.

When Giana's not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her dog and fiancé, soaking up the sun at the beach, thrifting for unique finds, and creating art purely for joy. She believes creativity, connection, and a little laughter can be powerful tools in the healing process.

Giana looks forward to welcoming adult members interested in therapy and supporting each individual, whether they are new to therapy or continuing their journey.

Meet Jayla!

Jayla is a new Success Coach and brings several years of experience in behavioral health services. Her background includes working as an early intervention specialist, where she implemented ABA services and supported individuals and families during critical developmental stages.

Originally from Ohio, Jayla recently relocated to Florida and is continuing her graduate studies at Walden University, where she is preparing to begin her internship as a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern. She is passionate about making a meaningful impact in her new community by combining counseling skills with behavioral techniques. Outside of work, Jayla enjoys exploring new coffee shops, cheering on the Orlando Valkyries volleyball team, reading manga, and attending concerts.



Meet Yvette!

Yvette is a new Success Coach who brings us over 15 years of experience in the Human Resources field. She is deeply passionate about her work and known for blending professionalism with empathy, creating environments where people and processes thrive together.

She is a proud mom of two amazing children, ages 14 and 25. When she’s not prioritizing workflows or mentoring new professionals, Yvette enjoys staying active, baking, reading, and attending social events. Her people-first mindset and dedication to supporting others make her a valued part of any team and community.

Thank you to our sponsors

for making all of these programs possible!

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