The Butterfly Effect

Changing Lives One Person At A Time

1st Quarter 2014

In This Issue

In Action

Community Supports

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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It's a new year and we're looking forward to our biggest year ever! We had a great 2013 with incredible growth in our after school program, the beginning of our adult day program, and of course, our community services! We've been called, "The most forward thinking agency in North Florida", and we're proud of it! Our mission has always been and always will be to keep people living self-determined lives in the community of their own choosing - and it takes forward thinking to make that happen. So here's to a wonderful New Year for you and yours and we hope you'll continue to support our mission and it's programs in 2014 and the years to come.

Butterfly Effect in Action

Ethan volunteers at the YMCA helping with the basketball games

One of the goals of Henderson Haven is to make sure the individuals we serve are not only given the opportunity to live within the community they choose, but that they are a part of that community by being involved. Inclusion isn't just about location, it's about giving back.

We work hard to help our individuals understand that being a part of their community works both ways. Whether we're working with adults already living an inclusive life, or preparing our younger guys, the long term goal is the same. This can be a daunting challenge for individuals with social issues and Ethan is a perfect example of overcoming those challenges.

Diagnosed with Autism along with Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Ethan faced a huge challenge when he started at Free 2 Be Me. Let's just say working with others and following the rules was not one of his strong points - but we refused to give up on him. Working as partners with the school system, behaviorists, and even his Psychiatrist, we have been able to make huge strides in helping him deal with social situations. Now, Ethan even volunteers at the local YMCA on weekends - something his father would have never believed possible just a year ago:

"I never thought Ethan would be able to do something like volunteering by himself. Through the skills he has learned at the Free 2 Be Me program at Henderson Haven, Ethan is learning to be more self-reliant and responsible. It was Ethan's idea to fill out an application and try to start volunteering at the YMCA. I helped him with the application and drove him to his interview. He did not want dad along, so I waited outside. Imagine my surprise when he came out with his Volunteer shirt and his own badge! The staff at the YMCA is very supporting of Ethan and want to help him along in his journey. He is so proud of his contribution and continues to volunteer every Saturday."

Community Services are Still Our Backbone

In home community based services allow people like Nikki to live where she's happiest

We've been focusing so much on our After School and Day Programs, some people have forgotten that the backbone of our business is still what we've been doing for over 10 years now - Community Supports.

Most of our employees are still serving individuals all over North East Florida in their own homes and apartments. Community Supports is where the rubber hits the road when it comes to fulfilling our mission of full inclusion for everyone we serve. The day programs can help lay the foundation and preparation, but it's the Community Supports that make it happen day in and day out. Henderson Haven staff may work a few hours a week or 24 hours a day, depending on what is needed to help ensure success.

Services can provide actual physical supports to help those with physical limitations overcome those challenges, or it may be financial help to make sure budgets are maintained. We might just need to provide a means to get out and enjoy the community they live in, or help make good dietary choices when grocery shopping. Whatever the need is to help make living a self-determined life a reality is what our community based staff provide.

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 to their communities.

Sincerely,

Lee Henderson
Henderson Haven, Inc.