Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches

To empower students with autism and related disabilities to learn academic, social, vocational and independent-living skills using...Learn more

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Charleen Decort is fundraising
School for Autism Needs a New Bus!
Connections Education Center is a nonprofit, Title 1 school that serves students with autism in Palm Beach County, Florida. Their curriculum includes adaptive swim lessons because drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for kids with autism and because these students live near lots of water. The school recently lost a student to drowning outside of school so this issue is even more urgent.

They have a bus that takes students to/from the pool during school, but the bus is 15 years old and breaks down frequently. Last school year, they raised $114,800 to buy a replacement bus. But when they went to order the bus, inflation had driven the price up due to the increasing cost of steel and other raw materials.

We're trying to raise $19,911 so they can finish buying this bus by December 2022. With a replacement bus, they can continue teaching students to swim and take them into the community to work on socialization and independent-living skills. They have qualified for a grant that helps pay for the aquatic program but they have to be able to transport the kids to the pool.

Please help us fund this bus! Any amount helps.

You can learn more about the school at their website: https://connectedpb.com. You'll see that more than 80% of the students live below the poverty line, giving us an opportunity to help some of the most underserved kids in this area. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of students with autism!

Below, see special needs swim instructor Katie and some of our students with autism at swim lessons.

Here's the current bus that's in urgent need of replacement:

Here's a picture of the bus the school hopes to order. It seats 77 students enabling them to transport more of their students!

The local news covered this swim program in May 2022 when Katie included parents so they could continue swim lessons over summer break:

Please help this school finish buying this bus! Any amount helps.

Thank you for caring about these kids and making a difference in their lives!
D
J
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115 supporters
Derick Cook is fundraising
Join Derick's Mission for Autism Support
A Father’s Love: Supporting Connections Autism to Help Autistic Kids Thrive

My name is Derick Cook, and I am the proud father of an incredible son who is Autistic. Every day, he teaches me about resilience, kindness, and the unique beauty of seeing the world through his eyes. My love for him is boundless, and I want to show him—and other kids like him—that they are surrounded by a community that truly cares.

That’s why I’m reaching out to you today.

I’m partnering with Connections Autism to raise money for Autistic children and their families. This is my way of giving back and supporting those who may need a little extra help on their journey. Whether it’s providing therapy, educational tools, or emotional support, every dollar raised can make a meaningful difference.

This effort will be a surprise for my son and his entire school. I want to see him and all the kids smile with joy and excitement. There’s no better feeling than seeing that pure, unfiltered happiness on a child’s face, knowing that they feel loved and supported.

This mission is deeply personal to me. I want my son to see how much love and effort his dad pours into helping others. I want him to grow up knowing that his uniqueness is a strength and that there’s a network of people rooting for him and others like him.

I can’t do this alone, though. That’s where you come in. Together, we can:

Fund programs and services that empower Autistic kids to thrive.

Provide resources for families navigating life with Autism.

Spread awareness and understanding in our communities.

This isn’t just a one-time effort. My dream is to make this an annual tradition—a way to continuously show love, care, and support for Autistic children and their families. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly impact lives and help create a brighter future.

Please help me become my son’s hero again. This isn’t just about the funds—it’s about showing these kids and their families that the world is filled with love and compassion.

Will you join me in making a difference?

Thank you for helping me honor my son and all Autistic children. Together, we can create something truly beautiful.
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About Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches

To empower students with autism and related disabilities to learn academic, social, vocational and independent-living skills using evidence-based strategies and a family-centered approach.

1310 Old Congress Ave Suite 100West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Find Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches at

Causes

Early childhood education, Charter school education, Middle school education, Special needs education, Equal opportunity in education, Elementary education

Established

2015

Tax ID

47-3805751

NTEE code

Primary/Elementary Schools

Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 47-3805751. Donations are tax-deductible. Select content is provided by GuideStar.

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W. Bradford Ingalls Charitable Foundation donated to School for Autism Needs a New Bus!
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