June 2026

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With another school year coming to a close, my heart is incredibly full. We recently celebrated graduation — from our youngest students to our high schoolers. Watching our students grow throughout the year has been nothing short of inspiring.

Graduation day is always emotional at Connections because we know the journeys behind every milestone. We see the perseverance, the breakthroughs, the hard work, and the courage it took to get there. To watch our students confidently hold their diploma, hear staff members share heartfelt stories, and celebrate alongside families was a powerful reminder of why Connections exists.

I could not be more proud of how far each and every student and adult has come.

Thank you to our incredible staff, therapists, families, supporters, and community partners for making these moments possible.

We wish all of our families a safe, happy, and relaxing summer filled with fun, growth, and special memories. We cannot wait to see what next year brings.

Jason Portman

Executive Director

🎓 CELEBRATING GRADUATION 🎓

On May 22nd, we celebrated one of the most meaningful times of the year at Connections — graduation.

We proudly celebrated:

• Pre-K graduation and student transitions into traditional school settings
• 5th grade elementary school graduation
• 8th grade middle school graduation
• High school graduation

Each ceremony was deeply personal and emotional, featuring student slideshows and heartfelt speeches from staff members who have watched these students grow tremendously over the years.

These moments reminded us that every milestone — big or small — deserves to be celebrated.

We are endlessly proud of our graduates and excited for what comes next.

RECIPES FOR SUCCESS & SERVSAFE CERTIFICATION

Our final Recipes for Success session of the year was one to remember.

Students prepared a special graduation meal for their families while celebrating an incredible accomplishment: earning their ServSafe certifications and building real-world vocational skills that will help prepare them for future employment opportunities.

The growth, independence, and confidence shown by these young adults has been truly inspiring. Watching students overcome obstacles and develop life-changing skills is exactly what Connections is all about.

CONNECTIONS PROM 2026

It's safe to say: the dance floor got WORKED. From the incredible Asian-inspired decor at the National Croquet Center to a packed dance floor, this was a day our high school students and adults won’t forget anytime soon.

At Connections, we believe individuals with autism deserve every opportunity to celebrate milestones, build friendships, express themselves, and experience moments like these to the fullest. And this prom was exactly that.

The laughter, the outfits, the music, the dance moves… every moment was special. Seeing everyone celebrate, let loose, and have the absolute best time together is what it’s all about.

LITERACY & EDUCATION CHAMPION OF YEAR AWARD

Connections was honored to receive the Susan Schachtel Literacy & Education Champion of the Year Award from the Junior League of the Palm Beaches.

This recognition highlights our commitment to literacy, education, communication, and helping every student reach their fullest potential. We are especially grateful for partnerships like the Little Library initiative, which help make books and reading accessible and enjoyable for our students and families.

Thank you to the Junior League of the Palm Beaches for this meaningful recognition.

SPONSORS & VENDORS NEEDED FOR OUR 4TH ANNUAL FIRE TRUCK PULL!

We're gearing up for our annual Fire Truck Pull, and we're looking for businesses, organizations, and community partners who want to be part of this incredible event! The Fire Truck Pull brings together families, supporters, first responders, and community members for a day of fun, teamwork, and fundraising in support of children and adults with autism.

Whether you'd like to become an event sponsor, host a vendor booth, donate an item, or find another way to get involved, we'd love to connect with you.

📧 Email jmarley@connectedpb.com to reserve your sponsorship.

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

If you’d like to support this life-changing program, please consider donating.

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!

EXPANDING SAFETY THROUGH PROJECT LIFESAVER

Connections is proud to partner with PBSO and FAU CARD through the expansion of Project Lifesaver.

Thanks to a recent grant, Connections received 10 Project Lifesaver tracking devices designed to help protect individuals who may wander or elope due to autism or other cognitive conditions.

This partnership represents another important step toward increasing safety and peace of mind for the families we serve.

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.

SUMMER WATER SAFETY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

As summer begins and families spend more time around pools, beaches, and lakes, water safety becomes more important than ever. For individuals with autism, the risks are especially significant. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children with autism, making swim instruction a life-saving skill.

At Connections, every student and adult client participates in adaptive swim lessons through our Draw the Line on Drowning program. These specialized lessons help individuals with autism build confidence in the water while learning critical safety skills.

This month on our blog, learn why adaptive swim instruction matters and how our community can work together to prevent drowning and save lives.

Follow us for the latest news and updates!

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