Thank you so much for the honor to be selected as the nominee for Woman Volunteer of the Year. I want to thank the Unicorn Children's Foundation for the nomination and the opportunity to serve on their Board.
I am so passionate about the Unicorn Children's Foundation’s mission. The autistic epidemic that so deeply impacts families affected by it is heart wrenching and I am so grateful to be part of a foundation that focuses on creating cradle to career pathways to equip kids and young adults with the tools they need to excel and find purpose in their communities. Spreading awareness about what the Unicorn Children's Foundation does to help families of those with neurodiversity is a major goal of mine. I am also so passionate about the health and well-being of women and children and the importance of getting children involved in the arts.
I want to encourage everyone to continue to do what you do because change begins at home. The foundation of a better world is based on individuals impacting change in their immediate circle leading to a ripple effect throughout other circles, other communities. And what are we, if not a community? It’s about action. One action. Building a better world one action at a time. One action has the power to create an avalanche of change. If each person took the opportunity to perform one action that impacted another for the better, our world would evolve into one where humanity thrives and not just survives. Everything you give, every moment that you spend focusing on facilitating positive change to empower, inspire and improve someone’s chance for a bright future will reframe their world for a better tomorrow.
So remember that. Remember that change is wrought by the cumulative actions of all of us, and has the power to reform our society for a better tomorrow. Let us showcase ourselves as a beacon of hope to light the way for those less fortunate, and to model the behavior we want our peers to emulate. Keep inspiring those around you as I aspire to continue along this philanthropic path for all our children, because the fact is, they are our future.
- Gail Wasserman
I am so passionate about the Unicorn Children's Foundation’s mission. The autistic epidemic that so deeply impacts families affected by it is heart wrenching and I am so grateful to be part of a foundation that focuses on creating cradle to career pathways to equip kids and young adults with the tools they need to excel and find purpose in their communities. Spreading awareness about what the Unicorn Children's Foundation does to help families of those with neurodiversity is a major goal of mine. I am also so passionate about the health and well-being of women and children and the importance of getting children involved in the arts.
I want to encourage everyone to continue to do what you do because change begins at home. The foundation of a better world is based on individuals impacting change in their immediate circle leading to a ripple effect throughout other circles, other communities. And what are we, if not a community? It’s about action. One action. Building a better world one action at a time. One action has the power to create an avalanche of change. If each person took the opportunity to perform one action that impacted another for the better, our world would evolve into one where humanity thrives and not just survives. Everything you give, every moment that you spend focusing on facilitating positive change to empower, inspire and improve someone’s chance for a bright future will reframe their world for a better tomorrow.
So remember that. Remember that change is wrought by the cumulative actions of all of us, and has the power to reform our society for a better tomorrow. Let us showcase ourselves as a beacon of hope to light the way for those less fortunate, and to model the behavior we want our peers to emulate. Keep inspiring those around you as I aspire to continue along this philanthropic path for all our children, because the fact is, they are our future.
- Gail Wasserman
Project SEARCH Testimonials
Below is an email that was received from one of the applicants for next year’s class at Boca West Country Club. Emily is currently in a boarding school in Massachusetts. Sharon met her parents at the SNAC Housing Solutions Summit who approached her in tears wondering what would happen to their daughter when she ages out. They flew her down specifically for the skills assessment day and, if accepted, they will be relocating her to Boca to be part of this program.
Dear Ms.Falconer and Ms. Alexander,
Thank you for allowing me to go to participate in the Skills Assessment Day at Boca West Country Club, I thought each of the tasks there were interesting. After I graduate from Riverview School, I would like the opportunity to continue my work-training growth with you please. I look forward to hearing back from you. It was nice seeing you and all the staff today.
Sincerely,
Emily
Another story from the Skills Assessment Day:
We had an applicant who 6 years ago required a personal aide and had a code word when his behavior became uncontrollable at his previous school. Additionally, most of his conversations revolved around Disney movie scripts. After attending Unicorn Village Academy for the past 5 years, he now takes Uber to a part-time job where he recently received a raise following his performance review. At the assessment, he was identified as the top pick by all department managers. Some of the characteristics that were shared included: self-starter, critical self-checker, best conversationalist, detail oriented, and meticulous.
Dear Ms.Falconer and Ms. Alexander,
Thank you for allowing me to go to participate in the Skills Assessment Day at Boca West Country Club, I thought each of the tasks there were interesting. After I graduate from Riverview School, I would like the opportunity to continue my work-training growth with you please. I look forward to hearing back from you. It was nice seeing you and all the staff today.
Sincerely,
Emily
Another story from the Skills Assessment Day:
We had an applicant who 6 years ago required a personal aide and had a code word when his behavior became uncontrollable at his previous school. Additionally, most of his conversations revolved around Disney movie scripts. After attending Unicorn Village Academy for the past 5 years, he now takes Uber to a part-time job where he recently received a raise following his performance review. At the assessment, he was identified as the top pick by all department managers. Some of the characteristics that were shared included: self-starter, critical self-checker, best conversationalist, detail oriented, and meticulous.
I write to express my sincere gratitude to you and others at Unicorn for your contributions to get Marc to the level where he qualified for Project Search. I feel this is a golden opportunity for Marc. I will do my utmost to promote his chance of success at Project Search.
Oscar
Oscar
Good Day:
I am very interested in doing the Rest Respite Train the Trainer program. I noticed it has since been implemented .
I just came upon your website. I think it would be a very effective program.
I live in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago to be more specific.
I work with children in the church. There are many groups of persons who are affected because their loved ones are faced with a disability and it feels almost hopeless, given it is very expensive to see a psychologist.
Also, so many children are just labeled being incapable or are difficult children, who eventually drop out of school and there are so many sad stories subsequently.. They are also bullied at school.
I want to make a difference as a parent and as someone who cares about what happen to others..
If I am trained then I can make a difference and bring awareness or as a group catch some of the young ones before they are just left to fall through the crack.
I hold a MBA, and I am prepared to be trained and serve others to help mankind.
Regards,
Margaret
I am very interested in doing the Rest Respite Train the Trainer program. I noticed it has since been implemented .
I just came upon your website. I think it would be a very effective program.
I live in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago to be more specific.
I work with children in the church. There are many groups of persons who are affected because their loved ones are faced with a disability and it feels almost hopeless, given it is very expensive to see a psychologist.
Also, so many children are just labeled being incapable or are difficult children, who eventually drop out of school and there are so many sad stories subsequently.. They are also bullied at school.
I want to make a difference as a parent and as someone who cares about what happen to others..
If I am trained then I can make a difference and bring awareness or as a group catch some of the young ones before they are just left to fall through the crack.
I hold a MBA, and I am prepared to be trained and serve others to help mankind.
Regards,
Margaret
It’s beautiful what you and your organization does. My wife and I are the parents of a teen with a DD and support the community in Boca and elsewhere.
Eric
Eric
Please know that it is my desire and continued effort to support in as many other ways as possible the amazing work you are doing at Unicorn Children’s Foundation. I think what you do is truly outstanding.
Regards,
Kathy
Regards,
Kathy
Was blown away by the symposium......I know a lot of people either think it can't be done or we heard this before and nothing has happened.
I know that community inclusion is not for everyone, but for those who really want to, it is very possible with time and work
I just submitted a application for a grant from Autism Speaks for what I call the Mentor/Leadership Program which would ask business and community leaders to mentor high functioning disabled persons such as those with Aspergers and then they would mentor those who are not as high functioning as they are.
I also think that if we had like job coaches for community inclusion in addition to Supportive Living Coaches....that would help moving this concept forward. Those maybe like seniors etc who would work through a organization somewhat like Americorp - volunteers who receive a small stipend for their work.I personally think about this stuff all the time. There should be more choice in the community so that our citizens with disabilities can achieve a better quality of life.
Thanks again for this conference I really enjoyed it.
Maryellen
I know that community inclusion is not for everyone, but for those who really want to, it is very possible with time and work
I just submitted a application for a grant from Autism Speaks for what I call the Mentor/Leadership Program which would ask business and community leaders to mentor high functioning disabled persons such as those with Aspergers and then they would mentor those who are not as high functioning as they are.
I also think that if we had like job coaches for community inclusion in addition to Supportive Living Coaches....that would help moving this concept forward. Those maybe like seniors etc who would work through a organization somewhat like Americorp - volunteers who receive a small stipend for their work.I personally think about this stuff all the time. There should be more choice in the community so that our citizens with disabilities can achieve a better quality of life.
Thanks again for this conference I really enjoyed it.
Maryellen
I think your pretty awesome! Thank you for all you do for our future generation!!
Julissa
Julissa
I truly appreciate all you are doing to support students with disabilities in Palm Beach County!
Kevin
Kevin
We appreciate all you are doing. What an exciting time for Palm Beach County and special needs families.
Kathy
Kathy
I truly appreciate what you are doing for my son and his compadres. It is encouraging to know that people such as yourself acknowledge the shortcomings in today's environment and are opened and willing to work towards identifying solutions and trying to implement them.
Ronni
Ronni
For those of us who are trying to navigate the system and find resources for a loved one, it would be extremely valuable to have a repository of information in one easy-to-access place. For example, having a searchable database online where we could go in order to find resources in whatever area we need, would be a tremendous help and stress reducer. For those of us who are caring for a person with disabilities, life is already complicated and worrisome. Add the additional burden of chasing down all the support pieces needed at various times during the lifetime of a person with disabilities, and it can be overwhelming. In fact, the lady in front of me at the seminar today turned around at the end and said just that, "it's all very overwhelming." Having a place online which aggregates resources would be invaluable.
Respectfully,
Ana
Respectfully,
Ana
Thank you for ALL you are doing! You are making such a huge long lasting impact on the community.
Maryellen
Maryellen
Just a quick note to thank you for taking the time for our conversation yesterday. It was delightful, informative and provided me with better insight to the work you and others do in your community.
Larry
Larry
This is a stellar group of advocates for the #SpecialNeeds Community in @pbcgov thanks to @ucfoundation
Picasso Einstein
Picasso Einstein
I cannot, simply cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help. I know there are resources to help my son, it’s just the finding them that has been difficult.
Laura
Laura
Bravo for what you do for our beloved community with disabilities.
Boaz
Boaz
I wanted to follow up from your letter granting Bryan a scholarship. I am extremely grateful for the Foundation's generosity and in light of the circumstances, the kindness.
Bryan has been blossoming at Unicorn and your support has definitely eased the burden.
Thanks very much,
Jane
Bryan has been blossoming at Unicorn and your support has definitely eased the burden.
Thanks very much,
Jane
I just shared the proclamation that will be made next week with my management team. They are very pleased to hear such great progress is being made in this important area. Thanks for all you do!!! What an exciting time we live in for individuals and families facing disabilities.
Regards,
Kathy
Regards,
Kathy
Great two days of information. Kerri & Sharon, I hope you both feel great about the event. I hate conferences! But this one I not only enjoyed, but walked away with lots of new information and new thoughts about housing.
Thank you both. Great job.
Dick
Thank you both. Great job.
Dick
I’m emailing you both to tell you how absolutely wonderful the SNAC Housing Summit was in every way possible! From the cordial greetings by all at sign-in, a delicious cup of hot coffee and breakfast in the beautiful Sensory Garden, to the amazingly prepared and passionate speakers starting with Liezl Els and everyone that followed including the hand-selected group of parents for the speakers panel, a perfectly timed lunch that allowed us to eat on the road and go back and check on our patient Georgie at home, and then back for more great speakers and classes..!!! WOW were we ever glad that we made the decision to pull away from our busy life and attend this event!
George and I came in with our own ideas of what we thought the “next step” of independency might look like for our sons, but it wasn’t long after the speakers and parents started talking that we realized OUR vision might not be the best vision after all! These speakers allowed us to look beyond what we deemed important and allowed us to look more from the eyes and hearts of our sons and what they might deem more important. It was a real and necessary eye opener for us both!
This next step of independency is SO scary that I wanted to leave the auditorium and run to the bathroom and have a good cry and then pull myself back together and listen to the rest. Fortunately, I didn’t have to do that! With each and every speaker I gained more confidence and hope and as I looked around the room and saw so many familiar faces that had crossed our paths for years…I knew right then and there that God was still paving the way for our sons long before we realized it and that we’re not alone in this!
We have attended A LOT of seminars over the years, especially in regard to Autism and I must say that this one was hands down THE VERY BEST EVER for us from a parent’s perspective!!! We always feel like we attend most conferences and walk away with one or two good nuggets of information (which is very important) and the rest of the day wasted (to be truthful)! But this event was FULL of information and golden nuggets! The speakers spoke from their hearts and that made all the difference! Even you putting us on the spot in the end and asking us what one thing we’d put into action after leaving the conference…showed me how much YOU take this to heart for us!
Thank you so much for working so hard to bring these great speakers together under one roof for us!
Kerri - You and your committee and the ELS are to be highly commended!!
With much appreciation,
George and Debbie S
George and I came in with our own ideas of what we thought the “next step” of independency might look like for our sons, but it wasn’t long after the speakers and parents started talking that we realized OUR vision might not be the best vision after all! These speakers allowed us to look beyond what we deemed important and allowed us to look more from the eyes and hearts of our sons and what they might deem more important. It was a real and necessary eye opener for us both!
This next step of independency is SO scary that I wanted to leave the auditorium and run to the bathroom and have a good cry and then pull myself back together and listen to the rest. Fortunately, I didn’t have to do that! With each and every speaker I gained more confidence and hope and as I looked around the room and saw so many familiar faces that had crossed our paths for years…I knew right then and there that God was still paving the way for our sons long before we realized it and that we’re not alone in this!
We have attended A LOT of seminars over the years, especially in regard to Autism and I must say that this one was hands down THE VERY BEST EVER for us from a parent’s perspective!!! We always feel like we attend most conferences and walk away with one or two good nuggets of information (which is very important) and the rest of the day wasted (to be truthful)! But this event was FULL of information and golden nuggets! The speakers spoke from their hearts and that made all the difference! Even you putting us on the spot in the end and asking us what one thing we’d put into action after leaving the conference…showed me how much YOU take this to heart for us!
Thank you so much for working so hard to bring these great speakers together under one roof for us!
Kerri - You and your committee and the ELS are to be highly commended!!
With much appreciation,
George and Debbie S
A program supported by Unicorn Children's Foundation:
Wouldn’t be a successful meeting without you and Unicorn! - David R.
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Autism Parent Coaching Scholarship
Attendees comments from Community Conversations:
“I just wanted to thank you that was a wonderful meeting and I am very excited as to the potential of work that will be done.”
“Thank you for taking the lead in our community to bring everyone together and to conduct a community wide needs assessment. I thought today went very well. The day was well-organized, Betsey did a great job of moderating and there was a room full of committed individuals. Thank you! Nice job! I was thrilled to be able to participate.”
Thanks again for your efforts regarding our “community conversations.” I have found both meetings to be productive and actually made a new connection at each one.
“I want to thank you for putting together the wonderful community meeting that took place today. You are making the things I have only dreamed of happen. You are amazing! I am honored to be a part of such a life-changing project.”
“Thank you for taking the lead in our community to bring everyone together and to conduct a community wide needs assessment. I thought today went very well. The day was well-organized, Betsey did a great job of moderating and there was a room full of committed individuals. Thank you! Nice job! I was thrilled to be able to participate.”
Thanks again for your efforts regarding our “community conversations.” I have found both meetings to be productive and actually made a new connection at each one.
“I want to thank you for putting together the wonderful community meeting that took place today. You are making the things I have only dreamed of happen. You are amazing! I am honored to be a part of such a life-changing project.”
Jack Scott, FAU CARD
Sharon Alexander and Unicorn Foundation have really done some great work in getting the attention of some major foundations and even Children’s Services Council and United Way to take a very serious look at special needs issues in Palm Beach County. This Community Conversation is a key part of the overall process. In addition, Unicorn is spearheading a major very professional and expensive study of disability needs, gaps, services etc. country-wide. The products of this study will serve as the basis for public policy change and action. It will have real data, the kind of information that county commissioners, school board members, CSC board members and others need to make changes when changes are warranted.
Most of us know that a very similar effort in Broward now almost 10 years ago brought about huge changes in the coordination of disability services with a heavy focus on services for children and youth with disabilities. It also brought dramatic increases in funding. And maybe more importantly, it raised the profile of disability needs within the funding community and with elected official and other key decision makers.
We should be looking to these Community Conversations as an essential change mechanism. Our own separate meeting may be best put on hold while this process plays out. And once the study is completed and ready to be shared we re- ignite and see what can happen.
Again, I want to thank Sharon Alexander and the Unicorn Board for helping to do what has been needed here in Palm Beach County for probably 20 years.
Sharon Alexander and Unicorn Foundation have really done some great work in getting the attention of some major foundations and even Children’s Services Council and United Way to take a very serious look at special needs issues in Palm Beach County. This Community Conversation is a key part of the overall process. In addition, Unicorn is spearheading a major very professional and expensive study of disability needs, gaps, services etc. country-wide. The products of this study will serve as the basis for public policy change and action. It will have real data, the kind of information that county commissioners, school board members, CSC board members and others need to make changes when changes are warranted.
Most of us know that a very similar effort in Broward now almost 10 years ago brought about huge changes in the coordination of disability services with a heavy focus on services for children and youth with disabilities. It also brought dramatic increases in funding. And maybe more importantly, it raised the profile of disability needs within the funding community and with elected official and other key decision makers.
We should be looking to these Community Conversations as an essential change mechanism. Our own separate meeting may be best put on hold while this process plays out. And once the study is completed and ready to be shared we re- ignite and see what can happen.
Again, I want to thank Sharon Alexander and the Unicorn Board for helping to do what has been needed here in Palm Beach County for probably 20 years.
On behalf of two sons with “Autistic Spectrum Disorders / Special Needs” I would like to let the Unicorn Children’s Foundation know how grateful we are for all the work you have done and continue to do. Hopefully one day there will be a cure for autism and related learning disabilities. Thank God for people like you
As well, thanks for the Mother’s Day greeting.
All the best,
Adele R
As well, thanks for the Mother’s Day greeting.
All the best,
Adele R
From Dr. Herm Fishbein, Executive Director of Renaissance Learning Academy:
Thanks so much for allowing me to be part of the event. I, perhaps more than most, appreciate the efforts of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation in being willing to confront the issue of adolescence and young adult issues in youth with disabilities. Sadly, very few agencies are willing to do this. I applaud your courage and the courage of your board of Directors! As I mentioned, I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with you and the members of the Unicorn Children's Foundation as they continue to "brave new paths" towards making community inclusion a true reality.
Thanks so much for allowing me to be part of the event. I, perhaps more than most, appreciate the efforts of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation in being willing to confront the issue of adolescence and young adult issues in youth with disabilities. Sadly, very few agencies are willing to do this. I applaud your courage and the courage of your board of Directors! As I mentioned, I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with you and the members of the Unicorn Children's Foundation as they continue to "brave new paths" towards making community inclusion a true reality.
After a visit to the UM-NSU CARD Mobile Clinic, funded by a grant from The Unicorn Children's Foundation in 2008
“I wanted to thank you all for "The magic bus". Thanks to the accessibility of the van my sister FINALLY took her son in. She went to visit Jennifer on Friday. I can say that if it was not for the van coming my sister might never have received guidance (other than from me). This is a step in the right direction for my nephew.
“I wanted to thank you all for "The magic bus". Thanks to the accessibility of the van my sister FINALLY took her son in. She went to visit Jennifer on Friday. I can say that if it was not for the van coming my sister might never have received guidance (other than from me). This is a step in the right direction for my nephew.
Name: Antoine, age 12
Diagnosis: ADD
Areas of Difficulty: failing grade 7
Dear Unicorn Children's Foundation,
As a mother of 5 children and as a full time teacher I was very well aware of my son's difficulty in school. This year particularly was especially hard on the family. My husband was sick and I became the only financial support. The stress affected all of us. My son needed help to succeed and we could not afford outside help.. All my efforts to help my son at home resulted in a negative reaction with him. The help needed to come from outside of the family.
At the end of the school year the resource teacher from my elementary school told me about Andrea Rich's program. If it wasn't for the funding from your foundation, I couldn't afford this excellent service. I am so greatful and I feel priviledged to access such professional help for my son. After only a few sessions I see my son's attitude change positively and his motivation to work during summer changed drastically after he met Erin for the first time.
Thank you so much for your help.
Micheline
Diagnosis: ADD
Areas of Difficulty: failing grade 7
Dear Unicorn Children's Foundation,
As a mother of 5 children and as a full time teacher I was very well aware of my son's difficulty in school. This year particularly was especially hard on the family. My husband was sick and I became the only financial support. The stress affected all of us. My son needed help to succeed and we could not afford outside help.. All my efforts to help my son at home resulted in a negative reaction with him. The help needed to come from outside of the family.
At the end of the school year the resource teacher from my elementary school told me about Andrea Rich's program. If it wasn't for the funding from your foundation, I couldn't afford this excellent service. I am so greatful and I feel priviledged to access such professional help for my son. After only a few sessions I see my son's attitude change positively and his motivation to work during summer changed drastically after he met Erin for the first time.
Thank you so much for your help.
Micheline
Lionel on the left with his friend from school
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April 18th, 2009
Greetings, Our son Lionel is 9 years old and he has Down ’s syndrome. He is an active, curious, creative boy who loves life. In so many ways his life is what one would call normal. Lionel attends the local school down the street; he enjoys swimming lessons, teasing his siblings and does not always like homework. However, speaking is very hard for Lionel because he also has the diagnosis of Apraxia. Yet Lionel has always strived to communicate. His receptive knowledge of English and French is good. Yet his speaking is very poor. Lionel strives to make himself understood with words, gestures, sign language. Since Lionel entered public school in Kindergarten five years ago he no longer had access to the speech therapy he so much needs. The school board is mandated to provide Lionel with speech therapy, but their means to do so are practically non-existent. As a family with four children we simply did not have the financial means to offer Lionel speech therapy. One month ago Lionel’s school made a recommendation that Lionel change to a special needs school for the simple reason that Lionel would be able to have a more specialized therapy in speech. On so many levels this is not a good choice for Lionel at this moment. Lionel learns so much by imitation and needs the model of other children. His travel time would go from a 10 minute walk, 20 minutes total in the day to over two and a half hours daily hour of bus transport The social integration of Lionel is a great success and the class is enriched because of Lionel’s presence. Birthday parties are a great favourite of Lionel and his last birthday he invited his entire class. All of this would have been taken away from Lionel if we had not found out about the Unicorn Children’s Foundation. With the support of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Lionel has started speech therapy. We are delighted to be guided in helping Lionel speak and his progress is already starting to be seen. Words like “boat” “key” are simple words but Lionel could not say them intelligibly before. So with the speech therapist at Rich Rewards and working at home we are working step by step to give Lionel a gift of speech. We thank the Unicorn Children’s Foundation from my heart for making this possible. Sincerely and very gratefully, Shelley Craig (mother) and Alex Soudin (father) Ps – the photos are from Lionel’s last birthday party. |
