December 2025

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

During this festive time of year, I’m reminded just how grateful I am for our extended Connections family.

At Connections, we don’t just serve students —we walk alongside families, champion our adults, and support one another as a team. Every student, parent, caregiver, staff member, partner, and donor is part of what makes this community so strong. We are truly thankful for each one of you.

As you read through this month’s updates, I hope you feel inspired by the progress we’re making together and excited for the meaningful initiatives launching in the new year.

Thank you for being a vital part of our growing family. May your holidays be filled with peace, and may the new year bring joy, hope, and new opportunities.

Warmest wishes and happy holidays,



Jason Portman

Executive Director of Connections

Our Gingerbread Shop is in full swing!

Our students and adult clients love the joy of picking out gifts for their loved ones, but traditional stores can often be overwhelming for individuals with autism, making it difficult for many to participate in gift-giving.

That’s why, every year, our PTO and staff create a festive gift shop (aka the Gingerbread Shop) right here at Connections, filled with a wide variety of items in a sensory-friendly environment—from dimmed lighting to limited shopper numbers—for a calm, enjoyable experience.

Students and adult clients explore the shop at their own pace, selecting thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. Our wonderful volunteers then help wrap the gifts, allowing everyone to take home their carefully chosen presents and share in the joy of giving.

A big THANK YOU to holiday elves who have been hard at work making sure everything runs smoothly — from helping our students and adults choose gifts for their loved ones to beautifully gift wrapping each surprise. 

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT:

SUPPORT OUR AFTER-SCHOOL & SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS WITH A YEAR-END GIFT

Connections is more than a school; we are a lifeline for many families. They rely on Connections year-round—especially after school and during the summer, when structure, social connection, and safety are most critical.

And yet—the funds that once supported our after-school and summer programs have been lost.

You can be the lifeline we need.

To keep after-school programs and summer camp accessible for our families who need them, we must reach our $100,000 goal by December 31.

And thanks to the Age Fisher Foundation, your gift will be MATCHED up to $50,000. Every dollar you give will help twice as many children and adults with autism.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO... CONNECTIONS!

On Friday, December 19th, Santa and his first responder elves from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 24 will arrive in style — on their big red fire truck.

It's one of our favorite holiday traditions at Connections! Our students and clients love seeing the fire truck pull up behind our school as they greet Santa. 

Stay tuned for photos!

PTO HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER


Thank you to everyone who purchased a poinsettia or a holiday wreath from our PTO Holiday Fundraiser!

If you would like to place an order, there is still time to order online. The online store for wreaths will remain open through December 15.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 HEARTS & HANDS GALA

Tickets & Sponsorships Now Available

For more than a decade, Connections has transformed the lives of students with autism and their families in Palm Beach County.

Together, we are building the future with plans for expansion that include new classrooms, enhanced programs, and state-of-the-art resources—investments that ensure every student can thrive.

This vision is only possible with the support of our families, donors, and community partners.

Join us at the 2026 Hearts & Hands Gala as we celebrate your impact and the extraordinary future we are creating together.

Receive one complimentary “Football’s Biggest Night” raffle ticket with every $100 donated to the Hearts & Hands Gala by January 9, 2026. Limited quantities available.

GIVING THANKS TOGETHER

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we celebrated with a wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon that brought together our high school students, CAP clients, staff, and parents. Our talented culinary team prepared a delicious meal, with students pitching in to help with prep work. Check out the photos here.

PROJECT A.L.E.C. SWIMMER OF THE WEEK

Our Project A.L.E.C. Super Swimmer of the Week is Cristian! Cristian loves being in the pool especially during free time when he gets to jump off the sides! Today he worked hard on his backstroke. Mr. Carlos and Cristian focused on keeping his head back, chin up, and making smooth arm strokes in and out of the water. Watch him swim here.

Through our Draw the Line on Drowning campaign, we’re committed to giving every child the skills and confidence they need in the water through our adaptive swim lessons, taught by specially trained instructors who understand their unique sensory and communication needs.

For a limited time, ALL DONATIONS WILL BE MATCHED, DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR, thanks to our generous donors.

You can help us make a difference. Please consider supporting Draw the Line on Drowning with a donation today.

WIN TICKETS TO FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR!

Love football? Here's your chance to win an incredible Experience for two to the big game — and other great prizes — while supporting Connections!


• 1st Prize: Two tickets to the BIG GAME in Santa Clara, CA on February 8th and three nights hotel accommodations. PLUS $1500 to spend while you're there!
  
• 2nd Prize: Two night premium accommodations at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa and $250 to spend!
  
• 3rd Prize: Dine-Around-Town package of restaurant gift certificates valued at $500!

Tickets are available here now through January 9, 2026, 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!

The drawing will be held January 16, 2026.

Receive one complimentary “Football’s Biggest Night” raffle ticket with every $100 donated to the Hearts & Hands Gala by January 9, 2026. Limited quantities available.

THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD DONATIONS!

In our last newsletter, we put out a call to action asking for help in supporting our Connections families facing food insecurity—and the response has been nothing short of incredible. Thanks to the generosity of so many of you, we’ve been able to provide essential food items to families who truly needed the support.

We are incredibly grateful for each person who stepped forward to help.

For those who would still like to contribute, our Amazon Wishlist remains open. Every item donated goes directly to a Connections family and makes an immediate impact. Thank you for continuing to uplift our community with your compassion and generosity.

Please share the wishlist with friends and family.

A special thanks to Anthony & Sheryl, Addy, Trish, Michelle, and all of our anonymous donors.

NAVIGATING HOLIDAY GATHERINGS: A FAMILY GUIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM

Our December blog offers practical, family-friendly strategies to help individuals with autism feel comfortable and supported throughout the holiday season. From navigating busy gatherings to preparing for houseguests and managing festive meals, this guide provides simple tips to create a calmer, more joyful experience for everyone.

Follow us for the latest news and updates!

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