|
May 2026
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
| | |
This time of year always brings a sense of pride across our campus. You can feel it in the classrooms, during activities, and in the everyday moments that show just how far our students have come.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen that growth come to life in so many ways, including the Special Olympics and connecting with our community at local events. And with graduation just around the corner, we’re especially excited to celebrate an incredible group of students as they reach this important milestone.
At Connections, progress doesn’t always follow a traditional path—but that’s what makes it so meaningful. I’m incredibly proud of our students, our team, and the community that continues to support them.
Jason Portman
Executive Director of Connections
| | |
CELEBRATING 11 YEARS OF CONNECTIONS
It all started around a kitchen table—just a small group of passionate people with a big vision: to create a school built on connection. Connection between teacher and student, family and school, and school and community.
Like many meaningful things, it started small. And over the past 11 years, it has continued to grow, evolve, and touch the lives of so many.
Today, we’re incredibly proud of what Connections has become—but even more grateful for the people who made it possible. Our dedicated educators, our inspiring students, our supportive families, and our generous community. The ones who believed in this vision and gave their time, talent, and heart to bring it to life.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just looking back—we’re looking ahead. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.
| | CONNECTIONS AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS – FLORIDA | | |
There’s nothing quite like the energy and pride that comes with the Special Olympics—and this year was no exception. Our students showed up with determination, confidence, and so much heart, representing Connections in the best possible way.
Moments like these go far beyond competition. They’re about courage, growth, and celebrating what each individual is capable of.
We’re incredibly proud of our students for stepping out, giving it their all, and supporting one another every step of the way.
Be sure to watch the video below to see one of our amazing students in action—it’s a moment you won’t want to miss.
| | |
Connections invites you to join our Draw the Line on Drowning campaign — a schoolwide effort to raise awareness and funds for adaptive swim safety lessons for individuals with autism.
Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism? In fact, they are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers.
At Connections, we’re taking action. EVERY child and adult we serve receives adaptive swim lessons taught by specially trained instructors who understand their unique sensory and communication needs.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DRAW THE LINE ON DROWNING and support these life-saving swim lessons and water safety training for children with autism.
All donations will be MATCHED dollar for dollar up to $20,000 thanks to a generous donor!
| CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT & WATCH IT DOUBLE | | COMMUNITY COOKOFF COMPETITION LUNCHEON | | |
It was an honor to be a Community Sponsor of the Community Cookoff Competition Luncheon hosted by the Boca West Children's Foundation, an inspiring afternoon bringing together local businesses and community leaders for a great cause.
Hosted by Hunter Fieri, the culinary competition was full of creativity, energy, and heart, with dishes judged by a distinguished panel of notables. Most importantly, every dollar raised supports underserved children in our community.
A special shoutout to Connections supporters, Clerk Mike Caruso and his wife Tracy, who stepped into the competition!
| | |
WIN TICKETS TO THE WORLD SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP
Love soccer? Here's your chance to win an incredible experience for two to the final match — and other great prizes — while supporting Connections!
1st Prize:
2 Tickets to World Soccer Championship
East Rutherford, NJ • Sunday, July 19, 2026
Includes $1,500 to spend & enjoy the experience
2nd Prize:
Wyndham Boca Raton Hotel
2 nights stay with $250 to spend
3rd Prize:
Dining - Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
$500 Gift Card to NYY Steak Restaurant
Tickets are available here and are $100 each. When you purchase tickets through Connections, 100% of the proceeds go directly to us to help students and adults with autism!
| | |
Our students showed their love for the planet in the best ways—planting window gardens, picking up trash around campus, creating beautiful mosaic Earths, and diving into creative Earth Day art projects.
It was a hands-on reminder that caring for the environment starts with simple, meaningful actions. Through these activities, students not only explored creativity and teamwork, but also built a deeper understanding of how they can care for the world around them.
It’s more than just a day—it’s a mindset. And we’re so proud of our students for embracing it and taking steps, big and small, to make a difference.
| | SUPPORTING CONNECTIONS FAMILIES | | |
THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD DONATIONS!
Our Amazon Wishlist remains open for our Connections families facing food insecurity. Thank you for continuing to uplift our community with your compassion and generosity.
| | | | | |
We were honored to welcome Dana Middleton, Mayor of Palm Beach Gardens, to Connections for a recent campus tour. It was a pleasure to share our mission and give her a firsthand look at the meaningful work happening each day. We’re grateful for her time and support, and for the opportunity to showcase the impact of our community.
| | |
UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION DIFFERENCES IN AUTISM
Learn how communication differences in autism impact how individuals express themselves and interact with others. From speech and social cues to AAC devices and visual supports, this blog breaks down what communication really looks like—and how we can better support it.
| | Follow us for the latest news and updates! | | Was this email forwarded to you? | | | | |
