Assisting Workers Overlooked By Society

By  //  November 29, 2013

2013 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIANS

ABOVE VIDEO: Through services at school and on the job, Brevard Achievement Center nurtures dignity and self-respect in individuals with disabilities, makes taxpayers out of tax users and prevents the institutionalization of many people. Before the arrival of Brevard Achievement Center in Brevard, Space Coast residents with disabilities had absolutely no services in the area to meet their needs.

Since 2001, Nicole has been an adult day training client of the Brevard Achievement Center, which has helped this disabled young woman become successful, independent and proud of herself.

BREVARD-ACHIEVEMENT-CENTER-388“I began attending cooking, communication, daily living and money classes,” said Nicole, who last year landed a job as a dining attendant at Patrick Air Force Base.

“I’ve the learned the importance of good communications, managing things and giving something back to those whose lives were like mine before I came to Brevard Achievement Center. I think if you give a little, the community gets back a little, too. In fact, they get a whole lot because people with disabilities can do the job if they are trained right.”

One in five Americans has a disability. This segment of the population has much to offer, if only given the chance. Brevard Achievement is all about giving chances.

Since 1968, Brevard Achievement Center has been a powerful force for individuals with disabilities, helping them reach their full potential socially and vocationally.

Since 1968, Brevard Achievement Center has been a powerful force for individuals with disabilities, helping them reach their full potential socially and vocationally through programs at its Rockledge headquarters, at federal job sites in Florida and Puerto Rico, at numerous local employment locations – including Patrick Air Force Base, Parrish Medical Center and the City of Palm Bay – and in classrooms within the public school system.

SUCCESS STORIES ARE MANY

Five decades ago, a small group of concerned citizens united to create a program that would help persons with disabilities become independent, productive members of the Brevard community.

Through services at school and on the job, Brevard Achievement Center nurtures dignity and self-respect in individuals with disabilities, makes taxpayers out of tax users and prevents the institutionalization of many people. (Image for Space Coast Medicine & Active Living)
Through services at school and on the job, Brevard Achievement Center nurtures dignity and self-respect in individuals with disabilities, makes taxpayers out of tax users and prevents the institutionalization of many people. (Image for Space Coast Medicine & Active Living)

Through services at school and on the job, Brevard Achievement Center nurtures dignity and self-respect in individuals with disabilities, makes taxpayers out of tax users and prevents the institutionalization of many people. Before the arrival of Brevard Achievement Center in Brevard, Space Coast residents with disabilities had absolutely no services in the area to meet their needs.

Success stories at Brevard Achievement Center do not usually arrive with big houses and high-paying jobs. They’re actually much more meaningful, for they affect the heart and soul of dedicated workers who all too often are overlooked by society.

 Brevard Achievement Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The organization also operates Cogswell Street Studio, affiliated with Very Special Arts (VSA), the international organization that has, since 1987, served children and youth with disabilities through public schools.
Brevard Achievement also operates Cogswell Street Studio, affiliated with Very Special Arts, the international organization that has, since 1987, served children and youth with disabilities through public schools.

The Brevard Achievement Center also helps clients find a place to strike out on their own and to maintain that newly found independence through job training and continuous related support, such as training with meal planning and preparation, budgeting and coordination of medical services.

Clients can depend on Brevard Achievement Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The organization also operates Cogswell Street Studio, affiliated with Very Special Arts (VSA), the international organization that has, since 1987, served children and youth with disabilities through public schools.

Thanks to Brevard Achievement Center, there are no limits to what disabled individuals can achieve.
Thanks to Brevard Achievement Center, there are no limits to what disabled individuals can achieve.

When VSA became a program of Brevard Achievement Center, it expanded to reach both children and adults. At Cogswell Street Studio, adult artists create works in clay and glass sold at the studio, local businesses and art festivals.

Thanks to Brevard Achievement Center, there are no limits to what disabled individuals can achieve. Our community greatly benefits from these hardworking people with a can-do attitude.

ABOUT THE 2013 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

CFHA-SPONSORS-200-1The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world. 

This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.

“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Maverick Multimedia Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.

All Humanitarian alumni are presented a specially commissioned medallion.

“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.

This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by Brighthouse Networks, Health First, Brevard Physicians Network, Florida Pain, Forever Florida, MPAC ACO, Brevard Geriatrics, Community Credit Union, Clear Choice Health Care, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, First Choice Medical Group, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine, CentralFloridaMedicine.com and SpaceCoastDaily.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala or to make a reservation, call 321-615-8111 or e-mail SpaceCoastMedicine@gmail.com.