Tuesday, March 31, 2020

National Unicorn Day: Make Your Own Horn

Celebrate National Unicorn Day by Creating Your Own Horn during this VIRTUAL EVENT!

Thursday, April 9th is National Unicorn Day! We want you to show YOUR Unicorn Spirit by making your own horn!! During these difficult times, let's do something fun and show we are all united by our magical spirits!!

We've posted some ideas and inspirations, but feel free to get as creative as you'd like!

We will post all of your horns on our website. Submit your horn by Thursday, April 9th, and we will have a contest starting on Friday, April 10 for the Best Horn! Vote for your favorite horn and you will win a special prize!!

Make sure to post your horn on social media with the hashtag #GetCaughtBeingKind or by visiting our website!

https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/unicornday2020.html

Good luck, Unicorns!!


Friday, March 27, 2020

Michael Israel Virtual Studio Party TOMORROW

Don't forget to RSVP for the Michael Israel Virtual Studio Party TOMORROW at 7pm! Enjoy the show for free, and if you see something you like, proceeds will benefit Unicorn Children's Foundation!

Use this link to make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs: https://www.michaelisrael.com/unicorn/?Aff=unicorn

Michael Israel Virtual STUDIO PARTY 2020 from Michael Israel on Vimeo.

We Want to Hear from You!

Dear community with special needs,

We want to hear from you!

We, at Unicorn Children’s Foundation, are working diligently to develop innovative and remote programs so that we can continue to support kids and young adults with special needs, as well as their families, to help them stay on their path to reaching their full potential.

Please let us know what types of supports, programs, or guidance would be helpful during this uncertain and unprecedented time.


Thursday, March 26, 2020

In Case You Missed It: Palm Beach Post

Thank you to The Palm Beach Post for featuring Unicorn Children’s Foundation!!

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/lifestyle/20200322/americas-got-talent-star-helps-mark-25-years-of-unicorn-childrens-foundation
 


Looking for something to do on Saturday night?


Looking for something to do on Saturday night? Join Unicorn Children's Foundation for a spectacular virtual show by the amazingly talented Michael Israel! There is no fee to attend. A portion of the sale of artwork will support our mission of creating cradle to career initiatives for kids and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These funds are critical for our organization during these challenging times! Please join us!

https://www.michaelisrael.com/unicorn/?Aff=unicorn

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Join Us This Saturday for a Michael Israel Virtual Party & Show!

Looking for something to do on a Saturday night? Join us for a free performance and you can possibly help raise money for Unicorn Children's Foundation if you see something you like!

https://www.michaelisrael.com/unicorn/?Aff=unicorn


A Message from the CEO



Dear friends,

Our lives have drastically changed in the last week as we all try to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from Coronavirus. While we have transitioned to remote working at Unicorn Children’s Foundation, we are still busy at work preparing for a swift bounce back to support cradle to career pathways for individuals with special needs as soon as our lives return to normal. In the meantime, we are exploring alternate ways to remain connected with our generous supporters and are exploring innovative ways to engage our most vulnerable members of society. Over the course of this, what we hope to be short, interruption in our routines, we will be providing you with frequent updates on our progress and strategic direction. In the meantime, here are a few things you should know…

Should you need to reach any member of our team, you can call the office at (561) 620-9377 and leave a voice mail. Our system is set up to generate an email recording of the message to the intended recipient in real time and we will get back to you during normal business hours.

You can email any member of the team and we will respond during normal business hours.

Please forgive any delay in getting receipts or other correspondence. We are working on a solution.
Until next time, be well and stay safe as your continued support will be very much needed!

With sincere gratitude,
Sharon Alexander, M.H.Sc.*
CEO

View New / Postponed Event Dates:
https://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/ceomessage.html

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

AGT Winner, Kodi Lee, Headlines Unicorn Children’s Foundation 25th Anniversary Royal Ball







On March 7, 2020, The Unicorn Children’s Foundation hosted its 25th Anniversary Royal Ball at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, Florida.  Kodi Lee, the winner of America’s Got Talent, was the headline performance during the evening. Rachel Barcellona, Unicorn Children's Foundation's first Youth Ambassador recipient and Junior Board Member presented Kodi with the Youth Ambassador Award. It is bestowed on those who have selflessly supported Unicorn Children's Foundation's mission through extraordinary efforts of time, service, and dedication. Kodi has demonstrated to the world that we are not defined by our disabilities but rather by our talent, courage, determination, and positive attitude.

The event chaired by Angela Fisher, President of Unicorn Children’s Foundation, and Valeria Rosenbloom, Lifetime Grand Benefactor, honored the “Precious Jewels” who have helped raise nearly $18 million dollars over the past 25 years to support cradle to career initiatives for people with special needs.  Diane DaSilva was inducted into Unicorn’s Visionary Society, an exclusive club that recognizes extraordinary women who are united by their acts of generosity. Nearly $450,000 was raised to support the launch of the Unicorn Connection Center, a one stop shop to support families whose children have intellectual and developmental disabilities which affect 1 out of every 6 children.  This location will provide coaching, consultation, learning opportunities, recreation, vocational training, and employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities which are expected to improve health and wellness, social connections, and life skill development. 

Unicorn Children's Foundation has been opening doors for 25 years through its cradle to career initiatives supporting people with special needs.
·         1994 - 2006 Supporting research into effective intervention approaches and producing educational conferences
·         2003 – 2008: Unicorn Children’s Foundation Developmental Clinic and Endowed Chair at Nova Southeastern University
·         2008 – 2010: Providing mobile developmental clinics to Universities for early screenings
·         2013 – Current: Established Unicorn Village Academy with 100% of graduates entering employment or post-secondary programs
·         2014 – Current: Awareness and support of inclusion in elementary schools with our Creating Compassionate Children curriculum
·         2015 – Current: Convening the community to address priorities via Special Needs Advisory Coalition
·         2015 – Current: ESDM Parent coaching scholarships to provide strategies that promote the development of critical early developmental milestones
·         2017 – 2019: Expanding cadre of high-quality respite care providers via REST
·         2017 – Current: Creating a pre-employment internship program that resulted in 100% of interns being offered employment
·         2020: Opening of Unicorn Connection Center, Special Percs Café and Uniquely Gifted Boutique

A big thank you to this year’s sponsors: Diane Lynn Family Foundation; Valeria Rosenbloom; Sonn Family Foundation; Sunshine Health; Mashkin Family Foundation; Genevieve Murphy; Silvana & Barry Halperin; Northern Trust; Rocco & Mary Abessinio Foundation; Emelle & Alvin Segal; NAV-TV; The Morris & Rosalind Goodman Foundation; Angela Fisher; Raymond James; MBAF; Phil Gori; Privatefly; Law Offices of Joel Reinstein, PA; UBS; Stuart Fife; Breakthru Beverage Florida; Mark Rosenbloom; and Simply the Best Magazine.  For more information, visit the foundation’s website www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org or call 561-620-9377.


About the Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Unicorn Children's Foundation is a 25 year old non-profit organization that is dedicated to building communities of acceptance, support, and opportunity for kids and young adults who are challenged by special needs and neurodiversity by supporting or developing its cradle to career pathways.  Our initiatives connect families to community resources, advocate for inclusive opportunities, respect differences, empower individuals, and support success.  With 1 in 6 children being diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder, we believe it is our responsibility to create a world where all children’s potential can flourish.  To learn more about the Unicorn Children's Foundation visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org. Also available on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Shop Amazon and Make a Difference

During these unpredictable times, many of us are relying on Amazon to get us the items we need the most, safely. Did you know that your purchase can change the life of an individual with special needs? When you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/57-1168205, AmazonSmile donates a percentage to Unicorn Children's Foundation!
It's the SAME Amazon, except a different link, and no extra cost to you!
1. Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser.
2. From your desktop, go to Your Account from the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page.
3. Select Unicorn Children's Foundation.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Unicorn Children's Foundation!

We are LUCKY to have supporters like you!


Friday, March 13, 2020

There's Still Time to Bid!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 25th Anniversary Royal Ball auction!!

There are still some great items available for you to place your bids on!!

Each bid helps change the lives of kids and young adults with special needs.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Project SEARCH Family Information Night

Family Information Night: March 31, 2020
Deadline to Apply: Friday, April 3, 2020
Learn how youth with disabilities (ages 17-26) can become involved in this unique transition to work internship program for the 2020-2021 school year!

In partnership with Boca West Country Club, Unicorn Children’s Foundation and Unicorn Village Academy launched a job training internship program for young adults with disabilities in August of 2018. Interns ranged in age from 17-24 years of age who have an intellectual or developmental disability which makes it statistically more difficult for them to find jobs upon completion of high school. The unemployment rate for youth with disabilities is approximately 80% despite their ability and willingness to work.

Student Eligibility Criteria:
• Students with a variety of developmental disabilities
• Appropriate hygiene, social and communication skills
• Ability to take direction and change behavior
• Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation
• Access public transportation
• Pass drug screen, background check, immunizations - whatever is required of other employees
• Desire to Work!

Apply Now:

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Phillip DiPonio Nominated for Outstanding Male Volunteer

Congratulations to Phillip DiPonio, our Outstanding Male Volunteer Award Nominee for Florence Fuller Child Development Centers Men with Caring Hearts! Thank you for everything you do for Unicorn Children's Foundation and for the community. Good luck!!!!


Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Auction Spotlight: Captain Lee

Join us at the 25th Anniversary Royal Ball THIS Saturday at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa! We have spectacular Silent and Live Auction items for you to bid on including a dinner at Prime Cut with Captain Lee from the Bravo Series Below Deck!

Generously donated by JM Lexus, Captain Lee, and Boca West Country Club!

Visit our online auction here: https://qtego.net/qlink/unicorn#