Help Support FND

Back to the '80s Scavenger Hunt and Pub Crawl Fundraiser

The 3rd Annual Back to the '80s Scavenger Hunt and Pub Crawl Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at Pioneer Park in Downtown Dunedin. The fundraiser is sponsored by Chic A Boom Room, Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin Smokehouse, Flanagan's Irish Pub and Rosie's Tavern.

Follow Updates on our Scavenger Hunt and Pub Crawl Facebook Page.

CLICK HERE!

The 6th Annual  

The 6th Annual Heart and Hope Statewide Family Conference will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2012, at Dunedin Highland Middle School in Pinellas County.

This is a free full day event designed to help bring individuals who are at -risk, families who have children with disabilities, and the professionals who serve them awareness in regard to their options and rights that are available to them within the school system and beyond.

Free breakfast, lunch and childcare will be provided. One-on-one assistance will be available at our IEP clinic and workshop topics will include RTI, Restraint and Seclusion, Self-Determination, Learning Styles, IDEA and much more!

Visit http://www.fndusa.org/programs/heart-and-hope.aspx for more information and to register.

2012 Jan La Belle Scholarship Award Recipients    

The 2012 Jan La Belle Scholarship winners, Daniel Caballero and Erica Martinez, were recognized in front of their peers at the senior awards ceremonies at their respective high schools last month.

FND Executive Director, Richard La Belle and Scholarship Award Winner Daniel Caballero

Daniel Caballero is the recipient of a $10,000 award and lives in Davie, Florida. He has been accepted at the University of Central Florida and wants to be a doctor. Daniel is very active in his school and his community.

Scholarship Award Winner Erica Martinez and her parents

Erica Martinez is the recipient of a $5,000 award and lives in Immokalee, Florida. She has been accepted at the University of North Florida and wants to be a nutritionist. Erica works with children in her community and wants to specialize in the nutritional needs of children with health issues.

FND is honored to be able to help these amazing young students reach their full potential.

Click here if you would like to make a donation to help more students like these realize their dreams.

Each year one or more Jan La Belle Scholarship winners are selected for a total possible non-renewable award of up to $15,000. Award amounts are based on several factors, including available funds and number of eligible applicants. The 2012 application period will begin September 15, 2012.

Visit www.fndusa.org/scholarship for more information.

Staff Bio

Francoise Penha, Project Co-Director

Parent Education Network (PEN) 

Francoise Penha has more than 22 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector helping individuals and their families deal with various barriers that they face on a daily basis accessing benefits and services. She has a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Florida International University, and also pursued a nursing certificate.

Francoise is very passionate in helping individuals and families with children who are facing challenges accessing assistance in the disability arena. She continues to work hard in expanding resources to affectively help this group.

To All Moms with Kids/Adults with Special Needs 

This poem was written by our PEN Project Co-Director, Margarita Montalvo, and her daughter, Lisa. Even though Mother's Day has passed, we wanted to share it with you again to recognize all of the special moms and children!

You were there for me through thick and thin

You never gave up when I was sick

When you were told I had special needs

You knew I was special, and you're special to me

I know why you were chosen for your capabilities

You are my teacher, advocate, and taught me many abilities.

You cry and smile when I succeed

I want to thank you for all you do for me

Because you are special, the most special mom for ME!