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 Café™, will feature a warm and sensory-friendly environment where guests receive specialty beverages made and served by employees with special needs. Special Percs Café™ 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 Café™ 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 Boutique™ will serve as the other anchor for the Unicorn Connection Center.  The Uniquely Gifted Boutique™ 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 Boutique™  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.