The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is
excited to announce that its Board of Directors voted to invest some of its
resources in capacity building which includes a move to a larger location that
will allow program growth, increased collaborations, and the generation of
sustainable revenue. Through community
needs assessments and conversations, the foundation has heard repeatedly that a
one-stop shop for families to go to get connected to resources does not exist and
that there are few opportunities for adults with special needs to socialize
once the school bus stops coming at the age of 22. The Unicorn Children’s Foundation will fill
this void by opening the Unicorn
Connection Center as of February 1, 2020 located at 99 SE Mizner Blvd.,
Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Phone
numbers and email contacts will remain the same.
This location, near public
transportation, will provide coaching, consultation, education, recreation,
vocational training, and employment opportunities for individuals with diverse
abilities that are expected to improve health and wellness, social connections,
and life skill development. The heart of
the Unicorn Connection Center will feature warm and welcoming co-working spaces
that allow people with special needs, parents and professionals to connect,
foster relationships, build community, and enhance their health and well-being
through programs, activities and events that are offered in an inclusive
setting. The plans also include the creation
of a space to engage in tele-health and tele-education programs which will
eliminate geographic and transportation barriers.
The Unicorn Connection Center will
be anchored by two social enterprises which will train and employ people with
special needs, all while generating sustainable revenue for future
programs. At the Mizner Boulevard
entrance, the much-anticipated opening of Special
Percs CaféTM, will feature a warm and sensory-friendly
environment where guests receive specialty beverages made and served by
employees with special needs. Special Percs CaféTM will create a
path for individuals with special needs to become more valued, accepted and
included within the community through meaningful employment options in a
competitive high-demand industry, as well as give their lives meaning and
purpose one cup at a time. Special Percs
CaféTM will develop tax-payers rather than tax-burdens and provide
their families with the comfort of knowing that their special loved one will
have natural supports in the community.
Uniquely Gifted Shoppe and Art Studio will serve as the other anchor
for the Unicorn Connection Center. The
Uniquely Gifted Shoppe will be a retail store featuring items created by
individuals with unique abilities and will offer retail training and employment
opportunities for this vulnerable population.
The Art Studio will be a safe and creative space where items will be
created for sale in the Uniquely Gifted Shoppe while also providing
social-recreational opportunities. The
space also lends itself well to host fundraisers that are open to the public
such as painting with a purpose, candle making, glass fusion, ceramics, and
cooking classes that can be taught by various artists in residence and
Executive Chefs.
1 of every
6 children is diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder! 16% of residents in Palm Beach County have
one or more special needs of disability! 35% of parents of children with
special needs report feeling isolated, guilty, stressed and worried about their
children’s future! People with
disabilities experience a 64% unemployment rate despite their ability and
desire to work! It is time for the community
to come together and support this social hub that will be a place to make
connections, develop relationships, and find meaning and purpose in a safe
place for our most vulnerable families.
Naming opportunities, sponsorship, and collaborative opportunities are
available. To learn more, offer
assistance, make a life-changing gift, or be added to our mailing list for upcoming
events and tours, please visit our website at www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org
or call (561) 620-9377.
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