A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

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

Recreation Complex
Get Involved

Volunteers

Active Volunteers

Thank you for being a part of the Els for Autism Volunteer Program!  We appreciate your support.

Please log your hours here

Become a Volunteer

Group of Volunteers

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique talents and perspectives to our various projects and initiatives. Whatever your passion is, and however you choose to assist, your efforts will directly contribute to the success of our programs and the betterment of our clients and their families.

We understand that your time is precious, and we are genuinely grateful for your decision to invest it in our cause. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, make a significant impact and inspire others to get involved.

How to Volunteer

Recruitment

  • Volunteers shall be recruited proactively by Els for Autism. Recruitment methods
  • include, but are not limited to websites, partnership with local organizations,
  • educational institutions, community events, civic groups, and word of mouth.
Golf fans

Eligibility

  • The general eligibility criteria for Els for Autism volunteers are below. Extenuating
  • circumstances may be reviewed at the discretion of the Human Resources Generalist
  • if all eligibility requirements are not clearly met.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Must be passionate about serving the autism community.
  • Must present a friendly manner.
  • Must be communicative, dependable, and punctual.
  • Must be self-directed, willing to take initiative, and detail oriented.

Download Volunteer Handbook

To learn more about open volunteer opportunities, please complete the form below and a volunteer coordinator will contact you or feel free to contact 561-625-8264.

Volunteer Expression of Interest Form


What Our Volunteers Say

“There is not just one reason why I volunteer. My mother was a professional volunteer and I am following in her footsteps – it’s in my DNA. I also volunteer as a Guardian Ad Litem and as a mentor to an 11 year old boy. Giving back and helping people brings joy to the world. I have a great rapport with the Els for Autism Adult Day Program clients, and it is a wonderful thing when they tell me they’ve missed me when I am not there.”  – Keith Kleinick, Sea of Possibilities, Social Enterprise Volunteer

“I come in once a week and help with the Sea of Possibilities art program. I think it’s a fantastic program where everybody gets to play a part in creating beautiful pieces to sell. I love seeing all the different, wonderful things they make, and to see everyone enjoying their time.”  – Lucy Uhler, Sea of Possibilities Microbusiness Volunteer

“I chose to volunteer at The Els Center of Excellence so that I could get out of my comfort zone and work on expanding my skill set as a person. But most importantly because I love helping others. What that grew into is a real passion for the Center and a deep respect for all those involved in it.” – Davis Dickinson, College Freshman, Golf and Summer Camp Volunteer

“My volunteer experience with the Els for Autism started 13 years ago as an employee at SAP.  I supported Steve Peck who at that time was a founding Co-Chair of the Golf Challenge.  I have been blessed to volunteer ever since. I love to see how many families’ lives have been enriched through, not just the schools, but the many programs they offer.  Els for Autism is ‘Best in Class’ and very well-run which is why I proudly support them.” – Angel Azat, Executive Assistant, SAP, Els for Autism Golf Challenge Volunteer

“I have been working with individuals with ASD in Brazil for many years as an Occupational Therapist, with a passion to be with children and provide quality of life and well-being! When I had the opportunity to move to Florida, I found out about Els for Autism through some friends. It is a great pleasure to exchange experiences with such a nice team! I will continue next year, as it is something that fulfills me as a professional and a human being.” – Adriana Farinas, Occupational Therapist, Adult Day Training program, Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, and Kickball Volunteer




Volunteer Spotlight

Last year, we were fortunate to gain a great asset to elevate our organization and continue our work towards becoming a global leader in ASD.

James (Jim) Williams, the former President & CEO of Easterseals, has been mentoring and guiding the Els for Autism development team since December 2022. He generously volunteers his time on a weekly basis to support our staff in their efforts to meet and exceed the annual development plan and teach best practices in fundraising and donor relations.

In addition to Jim’s support of the development team, he is also providing mentorship and coaching to multiple leadership team members. Jim’s expertise and experience are playing a vital role in propelling us to become a leader in the autism community worldwide.



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Giving Tuesday

18 Days of Giving

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our GivingTuesday Goal

As our team continues to change the culture of sports and recreation for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, we need your help! To expand our recreation offerings, we are fundraising to build a specialized autism-friendly recreation complex that will include a gymnasium, aquatic center, and splash pad. With these features, we will be able to offer a dedicated indoor space for activities during inclement weather and provide water safety and drowning prevention for our clients. Learn more about how you can help build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex. Learn more about how you can help build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex.


Current Progress $18,000
Learn More