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Student Spotlight: Isaiah Connects in the Right Environment

Isaiah is a spirited Kindergartener who struggled in typical classes due to his lack of speech, hyperactivity and behavior challenges associated with autism. His dad, Jaime, spent countless hours after work helping Isaiah burn energy, learn numbers and letters, and fit in socially without much success until he learned about Connections. 

"It’s so difficult to care for a child with autism when you don't how to help them." says Jaime. "It’s such a relief for him to be at Connections with teachers he loves and who understand him." See more.

Students Learn From Celebrity Chef at Recipes for Success

Fans of the hit show “Below Deck” will recognize the celebrity chef who taught our students recently at Recipes for Success. Chef Dave White taught our students how to back British shortbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies and dough for fresh bread. See more photos on Facebook.

Musicians from Lynn University Share Musical Talents with Our Students

Our friends from Lynn University's Conservatory of Music visited and treated our high school students to an engaging musical class. Students explored rhythm and pitch while learning about the violin, cello and piano.

Research shows that music activates multiple parts of the brain simultaneously, making this a valuable part of our students' education. We are so grateful for these talented musicians and faculty for sharing their gifts with our students! See more photos on Facebook.

You Can Help Change the Future with Your Year-End Gift that Will Be Matched!

There's never been a greater need for the specialized academic instruction and targeted therapies that students with autism need. As you consider making a meaningful donation to a nonprofit as the calendar year ends, we invite you to make your impact at Connections.

Our students are among the most underserved in the area and need access to the high-quality academics, therapies and social skill training for which we're known. You can help provide access for local students with autism with your year-end gift and help change the future for children and their families.

All year-end donations received by Dec. 31, 2023, will be matched 2X -- up to $30,000! This is an amazing opportunity to double your impact and help us make a huge difference! Give online.

Plus, we have been offered an additional $10,000 match when our campaign reaches $15,000 (we're almost there)! Please help us unlock that additional match and extend your impact!

Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Together, we can change the future for children with autism!

Gingerbread Shop Creates a Sensory-Friendly Shopping Environment

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 2023 Gingerbread Shop possible!

Holiday shopping can be an overwhelming experience for individuals with autism, so our fabulous PTO and staff set up a shop at Connections where our students can select gifts for the people they love.

We're able to let students shop in small groups with managed sensory inputs so they can feel calm while finding the perfect present.

Thank you to our PTO volunteers, staff volunteers and our friends at the PGA National Community Outreach Committee who gave time and energy to make this possible! The PGA volunteers even purchased all leftover inventory to use in their own toy drive. We appreciate you! See more photos on Facebook.

Don't Miss This Unique Experience of Fine Dining Beneath the Stars at Swank Farm

Find your favorite Mardi Gras mask and come enjoy a truly unique experience at the Swank Table Family Style Dinner -- themed Club Carnival -- at Swank Farm on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, beginning at 4 p.m. This event, which benefits Connections, features fresh-from-the-farm produce, local spirits and accomplished chefs. Guests enjoy a five-course dinner served family style under a covered, open-air structure complete with music and more.

When you arrive at Swank Farm, you will be greeted with a "first bite" appetizer and a handcrafted specialty cocktail as you listen to music by local entertainment or wander some of our fields. Next, you'll be treated to a specialty tapas plate, consisting of four unique dishes created by the chefs and paired with the perfect wine or champagne. Next, see more.

Join Us to Play It Forward for Students and Adults With Autism

Tickets and sponsorships are now available for our 2024 Hearts & Hands Gala that promises to be an event you'll long remember. Don't miss this uplifting, enjoyable evening where we'll Play It Forward for students and adults with autism. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.

See sponsorship opportunities here. Learn more about this incredible event here!