Author Archives for Forum for Nonprofits

Molly Murphy, the Outreach Manager for Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, Inc. came to the Forum for Non Profits to discuss their incredible organization and how it provides help to special needs children and adults alike.  Formerly Horses and The Handicapped, this organization uses horses in the therapy process for special needs students.  Equine-Assisted activities (EAA) are widely recognized as one of the most beneficial forms of recreational therapy that people with special needs can receive. They have been providing this therapy for almost 30 years. Students use all five senses as they ride. Students process visual, auditory, and tactile information which leads to significantly improved muscle tone, strength, speech, balance and coordination. The programs, as well as ways to get involved philanthropically, were discussed. To find out more about this highly recognized and successful organization, contact them by phone at 954-974-2007, or visit their website here. To listen to the program in a new window click here: Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida. 6/16/13

ARC Broward gives people with disabilities the opportunity to reach their full potential. Listen as Dennis Haas, ARC’s president and CEO and Development Director Jessica Kersey talk about how this organization, which was founded in 1956, provides services and employment to children and adults with autism, Down Syndrome and other intellectual and life challenges. The organization operates at 10 locations and provides 21 programs, as well as “mission-based” enterprises that provide training and employment opportunities for individuals served while generating revenue to help fund services. These enterprises include the ARC Broward Culinary Institute, ARC Broward Electronics Recycling Services, and the ARC Broward Learning Institute.  For more information, visit their web site here. To listen to the program in a new window, click here: ARC Broward.  6/09/13

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, formerly known as the South Florida Science Museum, has expanded its offerings to become a magnet for scientific inspiration for anyone age 2 to 92. Listen as Kate Arrizza, COO, and Marcy Hoffman, director of development, describe the new space and ways donors, volunteers and visitors can get involved in the mission to bring the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers to life. Hear in detail about the hands-on experiences of students from throughout the county, from dissecting frogs to petting sharks.  Kate, a former U.S. Naval Officer, volunteered at the museum during high school and Marcy’s daughter, who is pursuing a college degree in pre-med, represents the fourth generation of science museum supporters. Both women are convinced that the Center changes lives.  To see for yourself or to find out how to support the facility, call 561-832-1988, or visit their web site. To listen to the program in a new window, click here: South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.  6/02/13

Margie Larkin and Jerry Crank were in the studios to talk about the West Palm Beach-based Center for Creative Education, a program that connects artists in the community with teachers in the classroom in order to teach traditional subjects in new and creative ways. They recently opened a new facility in the Northwood neighborhood for classes and other arts outreach events. Their more than 40 trained teaching artists participate in both in-school and after school activities. The organization also has strong collaborative partnerships with arts and educational agencies in the area. For more information, call 561.805.9927, or visit their web site. To listen to the program in a new window, click here: Center for Creative Education.  5/26/13

Long-time supporters of the arts, Elizabeth Sanjuan and Ken Brown, created Gallery 2014 to support the advancement of the arts in Hollywood, Fla. and surrounding communities. Tune in to find out how this independent gallery located at 2014 Harrison Street is providing a forum for new and emerging artists – students, local artists and unknown artists from the remote corners of the globe. Gallery 2014 exhibits quality original art from artists who might ordinarily lack access to the public. In addition, studio space is allocated to “artist-in-residence,” class rooms are set aside for art classes and seminars and the entire facility is available for events. To learn more call 954-505-3291 or visit their web site. To listen to the program in a new window, click here: Gallery 2014.  5/19/13

During the summer of 2003, as severe cuts were being made to public school arts programs, three music teachers had a dream to create an organization that would provide an outlet for young singers.  The first choir season of the new Young Singers of the Palm Beaches began with 79 singers, in grades 4 through 12, assigned by grade level and ability to two choirs. In just 10 years, the group blossomed into Palm Beach County’s premiere community-based children’s choir, based at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, with approximately 350 singers, in grades 3 through 12, from all parts of the county. Listen to Beth Clark, executive director, and Hank Gonzalez, board president, talk about the amazing accomplishments of this group and the young singers who have enjoyed singing with them over the years. For more information about Young Singers, call 561-659-2332, or visit their web site. To listen to the program in a new window, click here:  Young Singers of the Palm Beaches.  5/12/13

John Deri, whose 22 year old son, Andrew, has autism, has translated his skills as a successful entrepreneur into a venture aimed at helping individuals with autism secure steady employment.   The Rising Tide Car Wash, now open in Parkland, employs 35 individuals with autism, including 21 Broward County high school students, who have completed a rigorous training program. Each team member must perfect 46 specific steps to completing the customer experience at the car wash.  He has worked closely with a variety of autism groups, including the Dan Marino Foundation and Autism Speaks, to develop this unique training model.  With his son, Tom, John dreams of franchising this concept throughout the nation.  He also envisions this concept working so well that no customer will even notice that they are being helped by people with autism. They’ll only be amazed at the excellent customer service they receive and become a loyal patron.  For more information about Rising Tide Car Wash and how to help create careers for people with autism, call (954) 482-0732, or visit their web site here. To listen to the program in a new window, click here: Rising Tide Car Wash 05/04/13

Every day thousands of children are abused, abandoned or neglected in our country. These children need a voice, and becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem is one of the best ways to help make a difference for our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Listen as Dr. Sandy McNeill-Finklin, the program’s volunteer coordinator, explains how anyone with an open heart and time to give can help these children. Hundreds of volunteers are needed. Requirements include a thorough background check, being age 21 or older and completion of a 30-hour training class. Barbara Van Voast , a South Florida interior designer, has been a Guardian ad Litem for two years and retired football great Roy Foster is about to start his training.  You’ll hear both tell their stories and find out more about why and how you can volunteer for the Broward Guardian Ad Litem Program 17^th Circuit.  To learn more, you can visit the following online sites: on Facebook here;  on LinkedIn here; at or on Twitter here. You can also call 954-831-6214, or sent them an email here. To listen to the program in a new window, click here: Broward Guardian Ad Litem.  04/28/13

David Goldstein, a passionate soccer player at Ransom High School in Miami, suffered headaches, nausea and fatigue for months before finally learning that he suffered symptoms related to a concussion.   More than 300,000 high school students like David suffer from sports-related concussions each year.  Listen to find out how David transformed his experience into the Countywide Concussion Care Initiative, a program that helps increase awareness about how to prevent and treat concussions and provides a computer-based testing program to public schools in Miami-Dade County.  The ImPACT Test is a computer program that uses a baseline testing system to diagnose concussions.   David’s mother, Cheryl, also discusses her experience as a parent who didn’t know the signs of a concussion or how to get her son help.  She supports David in his drive to educate parents, coaches and players about the dangers of concussions.  Find out how this initiative is spreading throughout South Florida and how you can help. Call the University of Miami Sports Medicine Department at 305-689-5500, or visit the Countywide web site here. To listen to the program in a new window, click here: Countywide Concussion Care. 4/21/13

Did you know that having a family of opossum in your yard is good? Dubbed the “sanitation experts,” these critters eat bugs, poisonous snakes and rodents, and, much like cats, keep themselves very clean. Learn other interesting information by listening to Dotty Molski, executive director, and Donna Fife, hospital manager and wildlife rehabilitator, from the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital. Located on Sample Road and the Sawgrass Expressway in Coral Springs, the facility cares for sick and injured wildlife and offers a wide variety of educational programs. Stan Baron, a recent retiree, is one of the center’s most loyal volunteers. Hear about his experience and how you can get involved as well. Also find out how you can sponsor an animal or habitat to support this nonprofit organization by calling 954-WILD (9453) or visiting the organization’s web site here.  To listen to the program in a new window, click here: Sawgrass Nature Center 04/07/13