Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Will You Donate to Unicorn Children's Foundation During #GreatGive15?

Unicorn Children’s Foundation is participating in the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties​  #GreatGive15 on May 5-6. You can help.

With 1 of every 6 children affected by some form of neurodiversity, we need your help to create programs and services us that will inspire, engage, include and empower children who think, communicate, and learn differently.

Any amount will help but the donation must be made through the ‪#‎GreatGive15‬ link on May 5-6 and select us as your charity of choice. Stay tuned for more details!

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/greatgive


Monday, April 27, 2015

Residents of Palm Beach County Speak

Residents of Palm Beach County who are challenged by special needs, disability and mental health challenges have an opportunity to tell what services and supports are working, what needs improvement, and what is lacking.  A Community Needs Assessment is currently taking place that covers nearly every aspect of living including education, healthcare access, housing, transportation, employment, and social/recreational opportunities.  Two surveys are available online: one survey assesses the needs from a parent/caregiver perspective, the second survey seeks to understand the viewpoint of individuals who have been diagnosed with a special need, disability and/or mental health issue.

The online surveys will be available through May 20, 2015 and can be accessed by visiting www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org (http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/) and clicking on the appropriate survey link on the home page under Palm Beach County Speaks.

This “first of its kind endeavor” was spearheaded by Unicorn Children’s Foundation, a leader in the field of neurodiversity, to build a community of support, acceptance and opportunity. Unicorn’s Executive Director, Sharon Alexander expresses, “We want to know how Palm Beach County measures up as a place to live for individuals with unique needs and the only way we can be sure to get a complete picture is by asking people who really know - the individuals, families, and providers who are in the trenches every day.”

This comprehensive assessment will provide a coalition of community agencies with a foundation for a community development program that will allow individuals with special needs and disabilities an opportunity to be meaningfully engaged and included throughout a broad range of community activities.  The following agencies have provided funding support for this assessment: Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Quantum Foundation, Federation of South Palm Beach County, Children’s Services Council, Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, Autism After 21, Autism Project of Palm Beach County, Els for Autism and United Way of Palm Beach County.

Nearly 12% of Palm Beach County residents have some form of disability according to the 2009-2013 American Community Survey and it is imperative that we hear the voices of those who are often underestimated, isolated, and unfulfilled.

Visit the www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org or call 561.620.9377 for more information and to learn how you can get involved.

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Established in 1994, Unicorn Children’s Foundation provides leadership, education, and funding of innovative programs to ensure that individuals with neurodiversity are appropriately assisted, supported, and included in least restrictive ways to maximize their full potential.  According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, the increase in prevalence of neurodiversity presents communities with serious health and social challenges.  The latest statistics indicate that 1 of every 6 children is affected by a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning disorders. For more information, please call (561) 620-9377 or visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org.

http://www.prlog.org/12446339-residents-of-palm-beach-county-speak.html

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

We need to hear your voice, parents!

If you live in Palm Beach County and are the parent or caregiver of children or adults with special needs, mental health issues or disabilities, we want to hear from you.


Help us create a model community where individuals with special needs and disability will be appropriately assisted and supported in least restrictive ways to maximize their full potential.


We need to hear your voice!

If you live in Palm Beach County and have been diagnosed with a special need, mental health problem or disability, we want to hear from you.


Help us create a model community where you will be appropriately assisted and supported in least restrictive ways to maximize your full potential.


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Study: Adults with autism often have little opportunity

USA Today reports on the lack of opportunities for adults with autism.  Unicorn is spearheading a research study in Palm Beach County to better understand the needs of families and individuals challenged by special needs across the lifespan.  If you live in Palm Beach County, please take 15 minutes to complete the survey and share with others who reside in Palm Beach.

Individuals with Special Needs, Mental Health Challenges or Disability - http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

Parents or Caregivers - http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey




Monday, April 20, 2015

End of Season Volunteer & Customer Appreciation Cocktail Photos

Vianna Brasil Jewelers hosted an End of Season Volunteer & Customer Appreciation Cocktail to benefit Unicorn Children’s Foundation on Thursday, April 16, 2015. While Vianna B.R.A.S.I.L is a fourth generation business specializing in fine jewelry featuring genuine gemstones, they recently opened their first showroom at Royal Palm Place in Boca Raton, Florida.

Luciana Vianna, owner of Vianna B.R.A.S.I.L., shares “We wanted to open a showroom that blends an assortment of exquisite jewelry and art in seamless harmony. We are pleased to be able to give back to the community we have grown to love.”

Attendees were treated to tasty bites along with superb wines and champagne, while enjoying the hospitality and colors of Brazil. Unicorn Children’s Foundation and Vianna B.R.A.S.I.L. created this event to thank their volunteers and customers for all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year. The store generously donated a portion of proceeds from all sales that evening to Unicorn Children’s Foundation.

“We genuinely appreciate the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and business partners. Through their support, we will be able to create a model community where individuals with special needs and disability are appropriately assisted and supported in least restrictive ways to maximize their full potential” stated Sharon Alexander, Executive Director of Unicorn Children’s Foundation.

For more information on the event or Unicorn Children’s Foundation, visit our website at www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org or call 561.620.9377x304.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Thank You Hackie!!

Hackie Reitman, author of Aspertools, visited Unicorn Children's Foundation today!! Check out his book: http://aspertools.com/


NEEDS ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY

Please see below for details on the opportunity to participate in an interview to assess the need for services in Palm Beach County. The assessment is spearheaded by the Unicorn Children’s Foundation. Please contact Ruthie.Bunkelmann@gmail.com if you are interested.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW FOR
PALM BEACH COUNTY

Currently looking for parents/caregivers willing to participate in a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Interview for Palm Beach County supported by the Unicorn Children’s Foundation.

The interview can be conducted by phone or in person and only takes about 30 minutes. The project is covering all ages; birth through adulthood and ALL disabilities.

Questions may include:
• Parent/Caregiver challenges
• Current services
• Needed services
• Services for parents

Professors from Florida Atlantic University will be conducting the interviews including:
Dr. Mary Lou Duffy
Dr. Cynthia Wilson
Dr. Peggy Goldstein

All interviews must be completed by 4/27/15.

Contact Ruthie Bunkelmann LCSW at Ruthie.Bunkelmann@gmail.com
Please include following information if you choose to participate:
• Parent/Caregiver’s name
• Child’s name child’s age
• Disability/diagnosis
• City you live in
• Best number to contact you
• Best time to contact you.

Thank you for taking your time to share. Please note your contact information will not be shared with any agencies or systems for services.

Thank You Vianna B.R.A.S.I.L

We are so thankful to Vianna Brasil Jewelers for hosting our Volunteer Appreciation Cocktail last night at their store, and for generously donating 20% of the proceeds to us!! It was a beautiful evening with amazing people and stunning jewels.


Thursday, April 16, 2015

Volunteer Appreciation Cocktail Tonight

We are THRILLED to celebrate the hard work of all of our incredible volunteers from 6pm - 9pm this evening at Vianna Brasil Jewelers!! They are also generously donating 20% of sales tonight!! See you all there...


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Individuals with a Special Need or Disability in Palm Beach

We need to hear your voice! 

If you live in Palm Beach County and have been diagnosed with a special need,
mental health problem or disability, we want to hear from you.





Help us create a model community where you will be appropriately
assisted and supported in least restrictive ways to maximize your full potential.

Parents or Caregivers of Special Needs or Disabled Children and Adults in Palm Beach

We need to hear your voice!

If you live in Palm Beach County and are the parent or caregiver of children or adults with special needs, mental health issues or disabilities, we want to hear from you.




Help us create a model community where individuals with special needs and disability will be appropriately assisted and supported in least restrictive ways to maximize their full potential.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Monday, April 13, 2015

#GreatGive15

Unicorn Children's Foundation is participating in the ‪#‎GreatGive15‬ on May 5-6 from 5pm – 5pm. This 24-hour online giving event is designed to raise as much money as possible for local nonprofi ts in a single day.

Join us and celebrate the spirit of giving!



Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Join Us for Community Conversation IV on Special Needs and Disability

Unicorn Children's Foundation with Community Partners will be conducting a Community Needs Assessment in Palm Beach County on Special Needs and Disability. If you fall into one of the groups below and are interested in having your voice heard, please send your contact information to Sharon Alexander: sharon@eunicorn.org
- Service Providers or Agencies working with special needs
- Parent of a child/adult with special needs
- Individual who has been diagnosed with a disability
Please feel free to join us at our next Community Conversation on April 9th.


Thursday, April 2, 2015

April 2015 Newsletter

The April 2015 Newsletter is now available online!



http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/415newsletter/

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is a very special day to celebrate and spread awareness of the unique strengths and talents of individuals who have been diagnosed with autism.
Five years ago today, our Founder, Dr. Mark Rosenbloom, and Executive Director, Sharon Alexander, were invited guests to the Second Annual World Autism Awareness Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
At that time, the incident of autism was 1 out of 91 births. Statistics released by the Center for Disease Control reveal that 1 in 68 U.S. children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) are affected, a 30% increase between 2008 and 2010.
What change has occurred over the last 5 years that has not yet been revealed?
The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is working diligently to increase opportunities for individual’s with neurodiversity to live independently, obtain and sustain employment, pursue continued academic endeavors, and participate in the communities where they live.
Your donation will help us to make a difference in the lives of those who think communicate and learn differently. To help, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/




Wednesday, April 1, 2015