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A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

Expanding recreation activities available at The Els Center of Excellence® campus.

Recreation Complex

Importance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research

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Els for Autism Foundation has six focus areas; Adult Services, Education, Global Outreach, Recreation, Therapy Services and Research.  Research tends to be the focus area discussed the least, but since the Foundation has significant research studies in progress, we want to provide an update.

In 2018 on the World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, the Foundation announced a joint initiative with Mount Sinai Health System of New York to create The Seaver Els Institute located at The Els Center of Excellence™ campus. The Seaver Els Institute research team began operations in August of 2018 and is currently conducting genetic and behavior studies as well as measurement of biological and behavior markers using non-invasive tools. These studies are open to a wide range of individuals and ages, including individuals with and without an ASD diagnosis.  If you or someone you know may be interested in participating, please visit the Foundation website.

“In addition to being mutually beneficial to both parties”, said Kenneth L. Davis, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mount Sinai Health Systems of New York, “this collaboration will result in breakthroughs that advance autism research and care for children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder.”

“Participating in research is incredibly helpful to the autism community and advancing our knowledge of ASD to improve assessment and intervention,” said Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Chief Operating Officer, Els for Autism Foundation. “Through this joint initiative we are expanding and elevating the Foundation’s Research focus area.”

For more information on the Foundation’s research initiatives, contact Dr. Christine Honsberger, Research Manager, Christine.Honsberger@elsforautism.org or 561-320-9525.

 

Congratulations Employee of the Year – David Asterino!

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by Kathleen Barney

Els for Autism would like to congratulate David Asterino for his achievement of earning the award of Employee of the Year at Seawind Elementary in Hobe Sound, Florida.

David has been a huge supporter of Els for Autism ever since Patricia Valentine, a graduate of the Work Experience Program, started working at Seawind Elementary. David has been an outstanding mentor to Patricia and has guided her through any challenges she has faced since being employed. When Patricia was asked how she felt about David winning this award, she responded “I’m so happy for him. He deserves it.”

The employee of the year is awarded to an individual who exemplifies only the best qualities, such as customer service, interaction with his coworkers and willingness to go above and beyond the assigned job duties. When I asked David why he thought he won this award, his response was, “I think it was because I still take my job very seriously but I don’t let it affect the camaraderie with the rest of the staff and the students.”

The Adult Services department at Els for Autism is very fortunate to have coworkers and mentors such as David in the worksites. Congratulations!

Spring 2020 Recreation Schedule Is Now Available!

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The Spring 2020 Recreation Schedule has been released! The Foundation is now offering chorus, art, and the Canine Connection recreation programs–in addition to the mainstay recreations programs of golf, tennis, yoga, music, dance and theater.

Recreation for Autism and Special Needs

Each group class is specifically designed for individuals with autism and special needs and are all held at the Els Center of Excellence located in Jupiter, Florida. These classes are led by qualified instructors, promote an active lifestyle, and provide opportunities for socialization and friendship. Classes are open to anyone in the community. You do not need to be enrolled at The Learning Academy or The Learning Center to enroll.

Music Therapy

Music Therapist, Erica Lyles piloted the Inter-Ability Chorus this past fall to great success. “The Inter-Ability Chorus featured adults of various abilities and special needs in Palm Beach County,” said Erica,  “Whole Vibes Music Therapy and The Palm Beach Opera collaborated with the Els for Autism Foundation to launch this amazing group! It was an honor to work with this group and to see them shine at our first concert in December.”  Participants gained confidence, self-esteem, and signing skills throughout the semester. The chorus is a wonderful addition to the Foundation’s recreation programs for adolescents and young adults.  “For the upcoming Spring session, we will have adults that are verbal and nonverbal, and we would love to include adults with communication devices,” said Erica.

Art Therapy

Art is back!  This is another program for adolescents and young adults and will be taught by The Learning Academy’s art teacher, Michelle Naccarato. The art group will be creating two individual pieces, and one group piece. On the last day of the class, Session 1, March 19 | Session 2, May 14, will be an art show, showcasing the great work completed by this group.

Canine Connection

Canine Connection, formerly known as Walk the Pup, will provide participants the opportunity to have a hands-on interactive experience with trained therapy dogs. During the program, participants will learn how to approach and interact with a dog. This will provide them with the knowledge to safely interact with people and their dogs in the community. Individuals will also learn and practice skills including, walking a dog, grooming, feeding, and basic obedience. Megan Weinberger, Rescue Life and The Hometown Foundation, will be the instructors for this program.

 

View the Recreation schedule

Haley Moss: The 2019 Els for Autism Spectrum Award Winner

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We are pleased to introduce the 2019 Autism Spectrum Award winner, Haley Moss!

The Els for Autism Spectrum Award honors an individual with autism spectrum disorder who has shined a positive light on autism through his/her character, positive attitude, and contribution. “Haley has not only defied the odds by accomplishing her creative and educational goals but is a tireless advocate for every person on the spectrum,”  Haley’s friend and fellow autism advocate said.

Haley Moss was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and is an associate attorney at Zumpano Patricios in Coral Gables, Florida. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2018, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Criminology.

She is a renowned visual pop artist and the author of “Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About” and “A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About.” She also illustrated and contributed to the anthology “What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew.” Her writing has been featured in publications such as HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Bustle, Elite Daily, and The Mighty. Haley also co-hosts the “Spectrumly Speaking” podcast, which is dedicated to women on the autism spectrum.

Haley currently serves on the constituency board for the University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and the Board of Directors for Different Brains. She previously served on the board of Unicorn Village Academy.

Liezl Els, Adam Jones, Haley Moss & Ernie Els at the 2019 Els for Autism Grand Finale

 

Prior Award Recipients:

2018 Adam Jones
2017 Rachel Barcellona
2016 Gloria Mendoza
2015 Joshua Deer

The criteria for award nominations:

  • Open to any adult, age 18 and over, who identifies as having an autism spectrum disorder
  • Significant achievement in their own personal context
  • An inspiration to other people with autism and a catalyst for helping people with autism fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives
  • In any area of endeavor (arts, employment, community service, recreation, etc.)
  • The nominee has given consent for a nomination

Clearing up the Confusion

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By Mariann Coleman, Marketing and Development Manager

When we give tours of The Els Center of Excellence™ campus we often face puzzlement from tour participants when explaining the different entities on the campus. To provide some clarity between the physical location, the Foundation, and the two schools here is a reference.

    • The Els Center of Excellence: Based in Jupiter, Florida, The Els Center of Excellence is a world-class, 26-acre campus in which three nonprofit organizations coexist: Els for Autism Foundation, The Learning Center and The Learning Academy.
    • Els for Autism Foundation: The Foundation staff offers programs and services that are accessible to families and caregivers around the world in the six focus areas of Adult Services, Education (Digital Resource Library for Virtual Learning), Global Outreach, Recreation, Research, and Therapy Services. To find out more about the programs and services the Foundation offers, contact us here.
    • Palm Beach County Charter Schools
      • The Learning Center: A tuition-free, nonprofit, Palm Beach County public charter school serving students ages 3 – 14. To find out more about this school, contact The Learning Center.
      • The Learning Academy: A tuition-free, nonprofit, Palm Beach County public charter school serving students ages 14 – 21. To find out more about this school, contact The Learning Academy

    Els for Autism Foundation continues to run a Capital Campaign to secure funding for the Adult Services Center, the Medical & Research Services Facility, and the Sports Complex.  Once the campus is completed, the impact will be magnified!

    If you have not toured the campus and are in the Jupiter, Florida area, contact us and we would be delighted to show you around.

Volunteering at Els for Autism Foundation

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“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock.  If you want to touch the present, touch a flower.  If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”
– Author Unknown

We are extremely grateful to our many volunteers who help provide added opportunities for local individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. 

Since January of 2019, the Foundation has had 41 people volunteer their time and expertise giving the Foundation 965 hours of support and we are proud to say two volunteers have been hired into paid positions! 

The Foundation has a variety of volunteer positions available ranging from assisting in tennis class to exploring the community with a group of our adult clients. All of the arts and recreation classes are split up by age group starting with age 5 through adults.

The second fall session is getting started this week for recreation and then a new session will begin in early spring. No experience is required – all volunteers will view several training webinars before starting and those 18 and over must complete a background check.

Learn more about how to become a volunteer, here.

We encourage you to fill out an application today!

Jen Hong’s 108 Hole Hike

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Early this year, Ernie Els was asked by a friend to participate in a fundraising challenge—the ‘108 Hole Hike’. Due to Ernie’s busy golf schedule, he was unable to participate but sent Jen Hong, Director of Special Initiatives at Els for Autism Foundation, and former professional golfer, in his stead.

The ‘108 Hole Hike’ originally started at the crack of dawn one July day, back in 2015, when John Ashworth, Founder and President of the apparel company Linksoul, played 108 holes (six full rounds) over the course of 13 1/2 hours, as a fundraising effort, on the historic golf course—Goat Hill Park.

Goat Hill Park, located in Oceanside, CA, opened in 1952. Originally called the Center City Golf Course, locals nicknamed it, “Goat Hill.,” for the severe up-and-down climbs best-suited for mountain goats. When John Ashworth and other partners took over the course in 2015, the name was changed to Goat Hill Park and they kicked-off a plan to completely renovate the course.

The ‘108 Hole Hike’ has continued as a fundraising activity and on June 24, Jen joined Eli Ivey, GM of Goat Hill Park, John Ashworth, Michael Sim, a former tour player, and others to raise money for their charities. In true Jen fashion, she pledged that the funds raised would be donated to Els for Autism, but specifically earmarked to the “Walk the Pup” program.

Jen started “Walk the Pup” four years ago when she was a member of the Foundation’s program team. “Walk the Pup” combined her two passions: helping individuals with disabilities and dogs. Jen designed the program to impart skills to individuals with autism, on how to take care of a pet and foster a love for dogs.

When she ran the first pilot program, she found that many of the parents registered their children for “Walk the Pup” because they were terrified of dogs and in the first few sessions, many of the children spent the class screaming in fear. Jen was patient and with the help of some well-behaved and friendly dogs, she says “after nine sessions one of the kids who was originally terrified of dogs, was walking one on a leash all by himself.”

After playing golf from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the hilliest course she has ever been on, losing ‘only’ one ball during the 5th round, and getting a miserable blister on her foot, Jen raised $7,366 for “Walk the Pup”! With these funds, the program can continue to help individuals with autism overcome their fear and anxiety of dogs, help them to learn how to take care of a pet, and foster a love for dogs. Thanks to everyone in the Golf Challenge family who supported Jen in her adventurous ‘108 Hole Hike’!

Advice and Consent: Our Self-Governing Advisory Board

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Why an Advisory Board?

At Els for Autism, we believe our total commitment to the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes us stand apart from other organizations and Foundations. This commitment is demonstrated throughout the various facets of the Foundation, including the programs and therapy services we offer, best practices we share, the research we participate in, and through our community outreach—which promotes the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with ASD.

As we grow and expand, we believe it is important to continue to seek input from the individuals we are on a mission to help and posit questions such as, “how would someone with autism like this?” or “would this help people on the spectrum live more productive and rewarding lives?”. If we serve people with autism, we must listen to their voice and act upon their advice and direction.

Who are our members?

John Miller – John is middle school teacher who specializes in educating those with autism, and inaugural 2016 Awe in Autism speaker. As we education is one of our focus areas, we thought of John as a great addition to the board.
Ron Sandison – Ron is a professor of theology at the Divinity School of Ministry, and another inaugural 2016 Awe in Autism speaker. Religion can influence one’s morals, ethics, and perspectives on taking care of the world, so Ron’s insights are helpful.
Andrew Blitman – Andrew is a writer who helps run a workshop for disabled people. Last year he worked at the Foundation’s Movin’ and Groovin’ Summer Camp. Andrew’s creative side and experiences with the outreach branch of our Foundation are important to us.
Rachel Barcellona – The first Miss Florida contestant with autism, and the 2017 winner of the Els for Autism Spectrum Award, Rachel has developed her “Ability Beyond Disability” platform for eight years, and cares deeply about being a strong advocate for autism.
Adam Jones – The 2018 winner of the Els for Autism Spectrum Award, Adam brings knowledge from his work experience at Madison Fields, part of the Madison House Foundation. Adam’s can impart lessons learned from his workplace that may be beneficial our Foundation.
Hunter Huff – Hunter is a graduate of one of the Foundation’s signature programs–the Hospitality Work Experience Program, and his experiences with our program will be very helpful in determining a strategy and improvements for our programs/services.
Merrick Egber – Yeah, you should already know me. I’ve worked with the Foundation for over four years, doing a host of different things along with bringing an autistic perspective to my working environment. I’m the chairperson of the group.

Read more about the advisory boad members here

What do we hope to accomplish?

We hope to showcase that neurotypical and autistic experts can work together to plot a better course for methodologies and practices when it comes to the autistic population. We hope to show clients and advocates within the community that we understand what the population really needs, and that we take their interests seriously. We want to make sure that our forward-thinking strategies will serve to influence and significantly improve the treatments of autistic individuals.

What challenges does the board face?

We have two challenges we must work on:
1. We are such a diverse and complex environment, that it is difficult to have a singular team of a few consultants working on influencing so many aspects of it. However, since we would be a prime example in the autism community, any successes derived from this model could have a greater outreach of influence.
2. Our members are not all local, we have a mix of Floridians and members from other states, yet through the usage of modern technology by offering virtual participation through video conference quarterly meetings, we’ve overcome the issue.

Next Steps:
The next meeting in 2019 will be the first week of November. We will be talking about new and upcoming programs, what our board members believe are important discussion topics, and plans moving forward.

Amy Lourie

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Amy Lourie is an artist and Coach at The First Tee of the Palm Beaches. The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf.  Amy encourages parents to reinforce these behaviors by talking about them, what they mean and what these behaviors can look like at home.

Jeffrey Hoyt

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Jeffrey Hoyt creates  3-D  figures of his illustrated characters as well as writing story lines and dialogue for his comics. He is also working with his sister on a novel that they had created together years ago and now are turning into a graphic novel.  He also enjoys being outside and taking walks or riding his bike, and hanging with his cat, Puma.