DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018
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AWADAE -Adventures with Autism, Down Syndrome and Epilepsy Supporting Families through Domestic and International Respite Adventures with Helping Hands Karen Duncan, owner of Peeks Cruises and Tours, created a foundation to help families who want their children to experience a vacation while giving the parents a break. AWADAE (Adventures with Austism, Down Syndrome and Epilepsy) is a 501© (3) non-profit. AWADAE’s mission is to provide an extraordinary opportunity for respite vacations for families with special needs. They provide the opportunity for caregivers to go on a family vacation that provides a positive family experience without the financial concern: 1. They provide respite camp for the special needs child/adult, 2. Allow the caregiver to have time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and reconnection, 3. Provide the family opportunity through scholarships to the families,
4. Caregivers and their families get to connect with others in a fun and organized environment. These adventures are supported by our volunteer staff/specialist that travels with these families. Our helping hand specialist provide respite camp and activity support which allows caregivers to feel confident their family member is being well cared for. Our volunteer staff have a diverse but significant level of professional backgrounds: behavioral, physical, speech, and respite therapist, nurses, and special education teachers who are used to working with special children.We host workshops, provide themed parties, and the cruise lines arrange for us to have private group activities on the ship, like putt putt golf, ice skating, rock wall climbing, karaoke etc.
There are three components to the Black Pflugerville organization. Black Student Advocates. They advocate for Black students in Pflugerville ISD are currently working on a task focus along with Measure Austin, Pflugerville & Pflugerville ISD Police department to address the disproportionate number of Black kids being charged with assault while in school.
AWADAE also arranges one excursion as a group where we meet with Jamaica Autism Center or Autism Centro de Cozumel. We provide them with equipment and a financial donation to help their causes as well. This also allows for fun fellowship between our families. For more information visit: http://awadae.org/
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT BLACK PFLUGERVILLE?
It’s A Growing Organization that is Growing the Community Black Pflugerville was established on March 28th 2016 with the intentions to create a Hub for Black Organizations in Pflugerville and Central Texas. Founding members of the organization were Sheldon B. Lamey, Jamelia Styles, and Ashely Gordon. Black Pflugerville, is a non partisan 501(3c) non-profit organization which encourages informed and active participation for Black people in the city of Pflugerville. It works to increase understanding of public issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy and collaboration.
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Student Advocates have been successful in their ability to address the identification of Gifted and Talented Black kids and it is their hope to continue their work. The second component is the adoption of Historic Colored Cemeteries. They are dedicated to preserving Black History within our city. Volunteers are welcome to join us with the monthly maintenance of the cemetery.
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The third component is the Black Business Builders. They meet every Tuesday from 7pm-8pm at First the Blade Barbershop 103-A West Pecan St, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. To become a member attend 3 meetings, have 3 1x1s, bring 3 guests and pay a nominal monthly membership fee of $5. The goals of Black Pflugerville is increase civic engagement, advocacy, preservation and support of Black businesses To join visit www.blackpflugerville.com
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