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Why The Butterfly?
We chose the butterfly for our logo because of "The Butterfly Effect." The meaning comes from a 1972 talk given by Edward Lorenz to the American Association for the Advancement of Science describing the chaos theory titled, "Does The Flap
Of A Butterfly's Wings In Brazil Set Off A Tornado In Texas." In other words, the ripples of a very small change can make a huge difference down the road. |
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Tell Your Friends
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Just text TRUELIFE to 22828 |
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Greetings!
We're baaack. It's been a long time but the Butterfly Effect is back and we plan to keep it that way. There's been a lot going on over the past few months, and we've been working hard to keep our heads above water, keep providing the most innovative community based services in North Florida, and we had to reinvent our funding strategies at the same time! As the economy changed, so did the State funding levels for community based services. While other organizations handled the changes by developing more segregated, group services like larger adult day training, group homes and workshops, we refused to change our core values and mission. We still believe the best life is a true life of choice and inclusion and that basic belief will never change. However, we had to figure out how we could continue to make these lives possible with the already limited and ever decreasing funding. Having to think that far outside the box not only provided a way for us to continue our services, but provided families in North Florida with new services that have moved inclusion to an even more reachable goal! |
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She Will Be Missed
One of our founding Board Members and first consumers, Dorita McDonald, passed away last month after a long illness. Not only an advocate for, but an inspiration to, those with disabilities, she proved every day that, given the opportunity, everyone can enjoy the life the rest of us take for granted. Survived by her son and two grandchildren, Dorita was a constant reminder to us and our staff of why we do what we do. |
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Butterfly Effect in Action
 | | Sammy & Zach |
Sammy and Zachary are twins attending both Free 2 Be Me and Camp Possible. We recently asked their mother if she felt they were benefiting from the program:
"My boys thoroughly enjoy attending the Free 2 Be Me program at Henderson Haven. Each of my sons is on different ends of the autism spectrum, and the individual attention they receive is wonderful. My more behaviorally-challenged son, Sammy, has notably blossomed in his cooperation in non-preferred activities such as handwriting and using his words to make requests. That success has been fostered by the intervention and daily efforts of the program staff. Its such a blessing to see my children excited and happy to attend their after-school program, and to bear witness to the improvements in their individual skill sets at the same time. Its also been an enormous comfort to my family knowing they are in a safe, loving and education-based environment while we are at work. My boys have been in other afterschool programs prior to Free 2 Be Me, and there truly is no comparison in the typical "daycare" experience compared to our experience at Free 2 Be Me. I am very grateful for the good work they do."
Would your child benefit from Free 2 Be Me's program? Take a look below to learn more. |
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Start Them Young and Teach Them well
 One of the first programs we added filled the community need for an after school program that would not only welcome individuals with developmental disabilities, but work with them at a low service ratio to improve their academic performance as well as their social and vocational skills. By using volunteers from area high schools as well as paid staff from Henderson Haven, Free 2 Be Me is making a huge difference in the lives of those involved, both at home and at school while showing those students without any disability they have more in common than they realize. It's a win-win for the whole community. Contact us here or give us a call at 904-264-2522 option 3, to find out more about this amazing opportunity for your child!
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We Need Your Help
 We need a bus! "Why?" you ask? Because it's the next step in being able to reach even more families with our programs.
While the school systems are very helpful in providing transportation for those in ESE, they can't provide it for regular education. Plus, there are private and charter school students that would love to take advantage of our programs as well. Also, we want to hold Camp Possible in Duval County this summer and we need to be able to transport those wanting to attend in other areas.
If you have any information on available used busses, great deals on new ones, known grants, sponsorships, or other financial help - anything you feel might help us in filling this need, please contact us here. |
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Thank you for your continued support of our programs. All of us at Henderson Haven appreciate your belief in our vision of everyone living the life they have chosen for themselves regardless of their perceived abilities.
It takes all of our business partners, volunteers, family members, directors, and of course, our dedicated staff working together to make this vision a reality for everyone in North Florida. It's because of people like you that it's working, and it is.
We're proving that our system can work for anyone and we're even showing that in the long run, our way is cheaper. We can see a future for Florida where segregation is a thing of the past and everyone is able to be a contributing member of their communities.
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Sincerely,
Lee Henderson
Henderson Haven, Inc. | |
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