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March 2026
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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The past month has been a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. From the incredible success of our Hearts & Hands Gala to meaningful conversations about the future of inclusive education and programming, we continue to see firsthand how much can be accomplished when passionate people rally around our mission.
We are especially grateful for the overwhelming support shown at this year’s Hearts & Hands Gala, where our community truly embraced the theme "Building the Future Together". Because of the generosity of our supporters, we are able to continue expanding programs, investing in innovative opportunities for our students and adults, and moving forward with the vision of Logan’s Campus of Opportunity.
As you’ll see throughout this newsletter, exciting things are happening across campus, from life-changing student progress to new ideas that will help shape the future of Connections.
THANK YOU for being part of this journey with us.
Jason Portman
Executive Director of Connections
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HEARTS & HANDS GALA RAISES OVER $500,000 FOR CONNECTIONS
On February 28th, our Connections community came together for the 9th Annual Hearts & Hands Gala, a truly unforgettable night filled with generosity, inspiration, and a powerful reminder of why the work happening at Connections matters so deeply. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, more than $500,000 was raised!
If you were in the room that night, you felt it – the energy, the emotion, and the shared belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
If you weren’t able to attend, or if you’d like to experience some of the most powerful moments from the evening, we invite you to VIEW OUR GALA PHOTO ALBUM and watch the videos below.
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CALL TO THE HEART
In this moving video, you’ll meet Jaime, whose grandparents share the incredible transformation they’ve witnessed as he grew from non-speaking to communicating and expressing himself. You’ll also hear from Jahred, now thriving at Palm Beach Gardens High School, whose family credits Connections with helping him reach his full potential.
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BUILDING THE FUTURE
This video shares the vision for the future of Connections and the expansion that will make it possible. Learn about Logan’s Campus of Opportunity, a transformational step forward that will allow Connections to serve more students, expand life-skills and vocational training programs, and create new pathways toward independence for individuals with autism.
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To our sponsors, table hosts, auction donors, volunteers, and every guest who joined us — THANK YOU. Your support helps ensure that students and families who need Connections the most have access to education, opportunity, and a future filled with possibility.
We look forward to building the future together.
| | JOIN US AT THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW | | |
Connections is honored to be one of seven local charities selected to participate in the inaugural Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back Zone during this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show, taking place March 25–29.
This exciting new initiative is designed to highlight and support impactful nonprofit organizations in our community, and we are proud to represent the work being done at Connections. Our team will be on site throughout the week sharing more about our mission, our students, and our transformative programs.
Even better — the Gives Back Zone is open to the entire community, not just boat show attendees. We invite you and your family to stop by and say hello! We would love to see you there!
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A DAY FOR AUTISM: BUILDING BRIDGES WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT PICNIC
Connections was proud to attend A Day for Autism: Building Bridges with Law Enforcement in Wellington, a community event focused on connection, understanding, and support for individuals with autism and their families. Organized by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, the event brought together local organizations, first responders, and families for a day of fun and meaningful community engagement.
The event featured a 911 bus and Touch-A-Truck experience, therapy dogs, fire rescue vehicles, arts and crafts, games, and more. It was a wonderful opportunity for our team to connect with families, share resources, and celebrate a community working together to build greater understanding and support for individuals with autism. We're already looking forward to next year!
| | LEARNING FROM ClemsonLIFE | | |
Last weekend, members of the Connections leadership team visited Clemson University to learn more about the nationally recognized ClemsonLIFE™ program, which provides a college experience for young adults with intellectual disabilities focused on employment, independence, and life skills.
During the visit, our team met their incredible staff to learn more about their innovative approach and the partnerships that help support student success.
The experience was both inspiring and informative as we continue planning for the future expansion of Connections’ adult programming and explore the most successful programs across the country, leaving no stone unturned as we work to build the very best program for the adults we serve.
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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!
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Registration is open for the 19th Annual Rooney 5K Run/Walk on April 4th, 2026 in West Palm Beach! We're so grateful to be among the beneficiaries of this incredible event.
Whether you’re a serious runner or just looking for a fun family outing, this beloved event has something for everyone.
All proceeds benefit Connections, Palm Beach County PAL, Potentia Academy, and Westgate Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency.
Don’t wait—sign up today and make your first steps of 2026 count for our community!
| | 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.
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A big THANK YOU to two special guests who recently visited Connections for a tour and firsthand look at our programs.
Our students and adults truly enjoyed the visit!
| | MaryLynn Magar is the Vice Chair of the Florida Board of Education and a former four-term member of the Florida House of Representatives. She served in key leadership roles including Chairman of Health Care Appropriations and Speaker Pro Tempore, where she was the highest-ranking woman in the Legislature at the time. She is also a local business leader and board member of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. | | | Amy Kemp is the External Affairs Manager for Central and Southern Palm Beach County at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Amy serves on several local boards, including the Parks Foundation of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Chamber and Greater Boca Raton Chambers of Commerce. She is a critical liaison between the utility and local government officials, business leaders and community stakeholders across Central and Southern Palm Beach County. | | | |
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AUTISM & NEURODIVERSITY
At the Hearts & Hands Gala, one of our former students—now 18 and thriving at Palm Beach Gardens High School—shared a message that captured the spirit of Connections:
“Autism isn’t a disability, it’s a different ability.”
In our latest blog, we explore some of the most common misconceptions about autism and why understanding neurodiversity matters.
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