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FROM THE PRINCIPAL -- NOVEMBER 2023

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As we approach Thanksgiving, brace yourself for a twist on the usual gratitude note. Yes, I am immensely thankful for your incredible support. We simply would not be able to open our doors each morning without the incredible support of our parents, faculty, staff, donors and volunteers. But, let's shift gears a little. I want to share with you what inspires me.


I'm inspired by students who face challenges but come to school and work hard every day. I'm inspired by donors who see a need and meet it -- just to serve others. I'm inspired by our volunteers and parents who give up days, nights, or weekends to ensure our students and clients have what they need. And I'm inspired by our faculty and staff who probably could have taken an easier job but bring their passion and energy to Connections every day.


As you read this month's newsletter, I hope you feel inspired by the significant work being done at Connections. And, yes, I am incredibly grateful for your role in making this possible! Happy Thanksgiving!

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Debra A. Johnson, M.Ed

Principal/Executive Director

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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Student Spotlight: Samy's Triumph


Samy has grown up at Connections. Now in his final year of middle school, Samy may be headed to a mainstream high school thanks to the tremendous progress he has made. It’s a far cry from his early days when his prognosis looked bleak.


His mom Luz says, "I don't have words to describe what Connections has done for us. They've been everything for me." See more.

See Sami's Story
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SCHOOL NEWS

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Our New Sensory Room is OPEN!


We officially opened our new sensory room this week, thanks to a generous grant from the Lost Tree Foundation.


This therapeutic space gives our students with autism a safe space to meet their sensory needs so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others. Through sensory work, individuals with autism can feel more calm, focused or even energized.


Watch our ribbon cutting and reveal in this short video on Facebook or on YouTube.


Watch the Reveal

New Annual Report Shows YOUR Impact


Our latest annual report is hot off the press, and we're excited to share the impact we've been able to make with your support!


See highlights from the last year and preview what's next in the 2022-23 Annual Report.


Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference for individuals with autism and their families!ο»Ώ

See Annual Report

CAP Clients Learn at Vinceremos


Our CAP clients are working on vocational skills alongside beautiful horses at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. During this weekly program, they learn how to care for the animals and practice communicating with them in order to give directions.


This center is a sensory-friendly environment where individuals with autism often feel calm, making it easier to work on vocational skills that can be difficult to learn in classrooms.


In recent weeks, our clients learned to groom horses and even dressed the horses for Halloween!


See more photos on our Facebook page.

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See More
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We're Cooking Again at Recipes for Success!


Our high schoolers are back in the kitchen at the Recipes for Success program by Extraordinary Charities! This month, they learned how to prepare and cook a variety of proteins, squash spaghetti and all the fixings for a delicious taco meal.


This amazing, 10-week program teaches culinary skills with accommodations, expanding opportunities for our students. Some of our older students and CAP clients earned their ServSafe Certificate through this program last spring, and some are getting started on the path to certification this fall.


New this year, a group of our middle schoolers is also attending the program weekly. While they're not working toward certification at this time, they are building important independent-living skills.


We can't wait to show you their progress!

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Join Us at the 2023 Overcomer Breakfast


The 10th Annual Overcomer Breakfast hosted by Rooney's Golf Foundation is this week, and we hope to see you there! Join us to enjoy a delicious breakfast and inspiring message from Carter Bonas, an autistic golfer, young entrepreneur and true overcomer.


The Overcomer Breakfast will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at 7:15 a.m. at The Paddock Restaurant in West Palm Beach. This event benefits local charities including Connections! You can purchase tickets or make a donation online.


Get Tickets
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Shop & Share at Lilly Pulitzer -- Dec. 7


Come get your holiday shopping done while helping to raise money for Connections! Lilly Pulitzer will donate 10% of the proceeds from all purchases made during this Shop & Share event!


Shop & Share at Lilly Pulitzer

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023

2-6 p.m.

@ Lilly Pulitzer at the Gardens Mall


Invite your family and friends to help make this event even more successful, and come shop to support!

Get Ready to Play It Forward!


Have you saved the date yet for our 2024 Hearts & Hands Gala that promises to be an event you'll long remember? Don't miss this uplifting, enjoyable event where we'll Play It Forward for students and adults with autism. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.


Sponsorships are available! See sponsorship opportunities here.


Learn more about this incredible event here!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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Nov.

16

Overcomer Breakfast

Join us for the Rooney's Golf Foundation's 10th Annual Overcomer Breakfast to hear an inspiring message from Carter Bonas, a golfer and entrepreneur with autism. More.

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Dec.

7

Shop & Share at Lilly Pulitzer

Come get your holiday shopping done while helping raise money for Connections! Lilly Pulitzer will donate 10% of the proceeds to our school. More.

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Feb.

4

Swank Table Family Style Dinner

Enjoy a unique experience at Swank Farm with a five-course dinner served family style. This event, which benefits Connections, features fresh-from-the-farm produce, local spirits and accomplished chefs. Watch for more details.

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Feb.

17

7th Annual Hearts & Hands Gala

Don't miss this unforgettable evening where we'll Play It Forward while celebrating the incredible difference being made at Connections. More.

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March

30

Rooney's 17th Annual 5k Run/Walk

Join us for a fun family event for the serious and not-so-serious runner! This event features Rooney's famous French toast breakfast, an event t-shirt and the chance to support local charities like Connections. More.

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