Interested in Volunteering?

Unicorn is seeking strong volunteers to support our mission by volunteering their time to our organization.

It could be in the form of:
- Registering guests at an event
- General office and administration duties
- Special talents such as grant writing or graphic design

There are many rewarding responsibilities involved with Unicorn Children’s Foundation and we hope you will join our amazing team! 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Neil Birch, Special Events Coordinator of Unicorn Children's Foundation at 561-620-9377 x 306.

Michelle Yellin Nominated as 2014 Woman Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to our SUPERSTAR Volunteer, Michelle Yellin, for being nominated as the 2014 Woman Volunteer of the Year representing Unicorn Children's Foundation!

Help show your love for Michelle by placing an ad in Junior League of Boca Raton's Program Book. Deadline: Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Please contact Amy at amy@unicornchildrensfoundation.org or 561-620-9377 x 304 for more details.

The Junior League of Boca Raton announced 25 candidates for the 2014 Woman Volunteer of the Year at the new Waterstone Resort & Marina. The 27th annual ceremony, slated for November will be held at Boca West Country Club.

Here are the 25 nominees and the organizations for which they volunteer:

• Marina Morbeck: AVDA - Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc.

• Laura Clarkson: American Association of Caregiving Youth

• Kelli-Ann McLeod: Best Foot Forward Foundation

• Valentina Martinez: Boca Ballet Theatre

• Margi Cross: Boca Helping Hands

• Robin Deyo: Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum

• Peg Greenspon: Boca Museum of Art

• Evie Zimmerman: Caring Hearts Auxiliary of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center

• Tiffany Rodriguez: CROS Ministries

• Mildred Strom: Boca Raton Community Hospital Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League League

• Kathy Adkins: Florence Fuller Child Development Centers

• Marysol Gonzales: Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce

• Debora Kellogg: HomeSafe

• Tandy Robinson: Impact 100 Palm Beach County

• Mary Csar: Junior League of Boca Raton

• Laura Wissa: Junior League of the Palm Beaches

• Wendi Snyder Lipsich : Kidsafe Foundation

• Bettina Young: Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County

• Shari Upbin: NSAL Florida East Coast Chapter

• Laura Campbell-Held: Place of Hope at The Haven

• Donna Robins: Center for the Arts In Boca Mizner Park

• Mariela Montgomery: Soroptimist International of Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach

• Marilyn Murray Wilson: South Florida Women's Executive Club

• Ann Rutherford: Spirit of Giving Network

• Michelle Yellin: Unicorn Children's Foundation

In addition, the Junior League announced two Lifetime Achievement nominees: Helen Babione (Boca Raton Women's Club, GFWC) and Connie Berry (Caridad Center).

L'shanah Tovah from Unicorn Children's Foundation!

Throwback Thank You!

Throwback to June 9, 2014 when Unicorn Children's Foundation was one of the beneficiaries of the Boca West Foundation's 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. A special thank you to Dr. Rafael Cabrera and Gregory Fried for golfing for us that day, as well as everyone who helped us raise over $12,000!

Deal Reached On Tax-Free Disability Savings Accounts

Federal lawmakers say they've reached a deal to move forward on legislation that would establish a new way for people with disabilities to save money without jeopardizing their government benefits.

Members of the U.S. Senate said Friday that they have an agreement that will allow the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act to proceed.

The bill’s chief sponsors and leaders of the Senate’s Committee on Finance said in a joint statement that they expect the legislation to be considered when Congress returns to Washington in November.

“We are committed to working with our House colleagues to ensure this legislation will be passed in a bipartisan, bicameral manner and sent to the president’s desk in the lame duck session,” read the statement from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.

Under the measure, people with disabilities would be able to create special accounts at any financial institution where they could deposit up to $14,000 annually. The ABLE accounts could accrue up to $100,000 in savings without risking an individual’s eligibility for government benefits like Social Security. What’s more, Medicaid coverage could be retained no matter how much money is deposited in the proposed accounts.

Modeled after the popular 529 college savings plans, funds deposited in ABLE accounts could be used to pay for education, health care, transportation, housing and other expenses. Interest earned on savings within the accounts would be tax-free.

The ABLE Act has been under consideration in Congress since 2006 and is sponsored by more than half the members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nonetheless, when the bill was approved by a House committee in July, lawmakers indicated they would need to reach an agreement on how to pay for the measure before it would be put up for a floor vote.

The deal reached this week will “serve as the foundation for final passage,” the senators said.

Via: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/09/19/deal-savings-accounts/19689/

Autism Services Focus Of New Push

Unicorn Children's Foundation has spent the last 19 years supporting these types of efforts.

Connecting people to services – 211 Special Needs Hotline and Mobile Developmental Clinics

Transition to Adulthood and Employment Preparation – UnicornVillage Academy

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/09/15/autism-services-push/19673/

Seeking Volunteers!

Unicorn is seeking strong volunteers to support our mission by volunteering their time to our organization.

It could be in the form of registering guests at an event, general office and administration duties, or if you have a special talent such as grant writing or graphic design please let us know.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Unicorn Children’s Foundation, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mary McMullen at volunteer@eunicorn.org to receive a Volunteer Packet which contains more information about assisting Unicorn.

We ask each new volunteer to participate in one of the following Volunteer Introduction meetings at the Delray Beach branch of Floridian Community Bank.

September 23rd at 12:30pm
September 30th at 5:30pm

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Neil Birch, Special Events Coordinator of Unicorn Children's Foundation at 561-620-9377 x 306.

Thank You Boca Raton Observer!

Thank you to the Boca Raton Observer magazine for including Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass in their Flash Zone!

Nearly 8 In 10 Kids Don’t Get Developmental Screenings

This is why our Unicorn Children's Foundation mobile clinics that run through under-served communities and provide free developmental screenings are so crucial.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/09/11/nearly-8-in-10-screenings/19665/

Transition from School to Adult Life

Community Based Instruction is a key component of the curriculum at Unicorn Village Academy.  The first graduate had 3 full-time job offers to choose from and several businesses experienced the advantages of employing individuals with special needs.  If you are willing to give a student a chance, please let us know.

http://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/transition/CBIVideo.shtml

Demi Lovato Shares Bipolar Disorder Part Of Who She Is, Nothing To Be Ashamed Of

Never be afraid to embrace who you are. Demi Lovato doesn't let bipolar disorder stand in her way!

Read More Here

Reversing autism? Treating infants for disorder may eliminate symptoms

While it is a very small sample size, it has some interesting potential.

Via WPTV: Can autism be reversed? A study finds early intervention could significantly reduce or eliminate all symptoms autism by the age of three. The treatment included coaching to help parents increase their infant's attention. Check out this groundbreaking study and share with other parents: http://bit.ly/1nJ7p09

Scholarship Opportunities Available

Scholarships are available for students with intellectual disabilities, including autism, through Step Up For Students.

For more information, visit http://stepupforstudents.org/special-needs-scholarship/plsa

We Need Your Help Now More Than Ever!

September is Unicorn Children’s Foundation Volunteer Recruitment Month!

Unicorn is seeking strong volunteers to support our mission by volunteering their time to our organization. It could be in the form of registering guests at an event, general office and administration duties, or if you have a special talent such as grant writing or graphic design please let us know. There are many rewarding responsibilities involved with Unicorn Children’s Foundation and we hope you will join our amazing team!

The latest statistics from the Center for Disease Control indicate that 1 of every 6 children is affected by a neurodiverse condition, such as Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, Bipolar, Dyslexia and other learning disorders. Together we can create life-changing opportunities for all individuals with developmental, communication, and learning disorders and provide hope for their families.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Unicorn Children’s Foundation, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mary McMullen at volunteer@eunicorn.org to receive a Volunteer Packet which contains more information about assisting Unicorn.

We ask each new volunteer to participate in one of the following Volunteer Introduction meetings at the Delray Beach branch of Floridian Community Bank.

September 23rd at 12:30pm
September 30th at 5:30pm

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Neil Birch, Special Events Coordinator of Unicorn Children's Foundation at 561-620-9377 x 306.

DO NOT Open Video Link in Newsletter

Please DO NOT open the link to the Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass Video that was provided in our September 2014 Newsletter earlier today. The link was to Eye on South Florida's website, which has apparently been compromised. We SINCERELY apologize for this inconvenience.

Please enjoy the direct link to Youtube to enjoy highlights from this memorable evening: http://youtu.be/J3TVeNJ6dqU

September Newsletter Now Online!

Unicorn Children's Foundation's September 2014 Newsletter is now available online!

Become a Sponsor of our 20th Anniversary Luncheon & Boutique!

We would like to extend a personal invitation to join us in our efforts to create positive change.

This year’s 20th Anniversary Luncheon & Boutique will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the exclusive Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, the home of Mr. Donald J. Trump who is this year’s honorary chairman. We are anticipating 200 guests representing a cross-section of South Florida’s community leaders, business professionals and philanthropists.

We hope that you will take advantage of this incredible opportunity to expose your business to prospective new clients.

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/

The Next Miss ARC Broward Could Be You...

There are still few slots open for contestants!

If any young ladies would like to participate, apply online at www.arcbroward.com/missarcbroward

NEW GUIDE HELPS WITH TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

AbilityPath.org has launched a new report, “The Journey to Life after High School: A Road Map for Parents of Children with Special Needs” in an effort to ease the transition from high school to adulthood for children with special needs. This comprehensive guide examines the laws that impact a child with special needs, the importance of the individualized education plan, and the different paths a child with special needs can take after graduating from high school. “The Journey to Life after High School” not only provides the steps that need to be taken prior to graduation but also the preparation required for the new adult’s legal and medical rights. All of this culminates in a national state-by-state agency guide.

The third in a series of groundbreaking reports released by Abilitypath.org, “The Journey to Life after High School” is a tool to chart a child’s transition into adulthood. The guide gives an overview of what lies ahead and contains a detailed list of resources for where to go for support.

By treating the transition as a long-term process beginning in middle school, “The Journey to Life after High School” creates a road map for parents that will help organize the work and properly frame the expectations for this time.

The report can be downloaded for free by going to: http://bit.ly/WMbbPM

Drinks Poured and Tips Overflowed!

Boca Raton, FL – August 22, 2014 – The Unicorn Children’s Foundation “Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass” Bartender Challenge was a huge success!  Over 200 people came out to support the Unicorn Children’s Foundation and the bartenders who were vying for votes (dollars).  Event chair, Gregory Fried of Gregory’s Fine Jewelry had a vison of the bartenders competing online and then challenging each other the day of the event.  The competition was stiff among the local celebrities, raising over $20,000 for the Unicorn Children’s Foundation.  Congratulations to the winners of the bartending challenge Sarah Hassan & Bill Kruegel, who raised over $6,000!

Competing at this year’s event were: Former Miami Dolphin, Keith Sims, Marie & Franck Occhigrossi, Joey Giannuzzi of Farmer’s Table, Susan Klein of Fit Foodz Café, Adam Goodkin of Simply the Best Magazine, Jody Jack of Jody Jack & Co. Salon, Bill Kruegel of Sunshine Health, Sarah Hassan, Michael Schatzberg, Lori Cabrera, Gregory Fried,  Mary Ann Morgan-Fried, John McClaskie, Peggy Hernandez and Angela Fisher.  The highlight of the event was President of the Fire Fighters Union in Boca Raton, Captain John Luca leading the parade of bagpipe players escorting Frank Occhigrossi to the bar.

This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous sponsors Blue Martini, Boca Raton, Seacoast National Bank, Accelerate, Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton, Ambassador Printing, Gregory’s Fine Jewelry, Farmer’s Table, Jody Jack & Co. Salon, Grand Lux Café, Simply the Best Magazine and Eye on South Florida.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will allow Unicorn Children’s Foundation to continue funding education, and innovative programs that will ensure the success and acceptance of individuals who think, communicate and learn differently.

“Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass” was part of Boca Raton Chamber Festival Days (a series of fun-filled events held at different locations during the month of August) and is facilitated by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.

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About the Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Unicorn Children's Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to children and young adults with developmental, communication, and learning disorders so that they have every opportunity to lead productive and fulfilling lives through the support of education, awareness, and research initiatives.

Mark Your Calendars!!

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/events/