EDUCATION...
A PATH TO FREEDOM
ABOUT US
F
or Annie’s Sake, Inc. (FAS) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 2017 by family and friends of the late Antoinette Ferguson-Gordon. FAS exists to honor Annie’s memory by continuing her life’s work and transforming the memory of her death into a mission of hope. The organization is based in Florida; initially serving the counties of Sarasota, Charlotte, Broward, Miami-Dade and surrounding counties. It is the vision of FAS to become a premier organization that has a nationwide impact on the groups targeted. FAS is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Annie Ferguson-Gordon. Annie’s life as a teacher and parent to an autistic child was one of service and commitment. Her death revealed the pain of the latent abuse that was her reality. The desire to continue the former and expose the latter have inspired the establishment of For Annie’s Sake, Inc.
MISSION To partner with individuals, families, and organizations in order to create opportunities for various educational programs which will positively impact our communities.
GOALS
OUR
To encourage and empower “at-risk� youth on topics such as self-identity, goal-setting, and making good choices through mentorship, educational programs, and scholarship initiatives.
2
To increase autism awareness in communities served and provide the tools necessary for families with autistic children to cope better with the challenges.
3
To reduce the code of silence surrounding domestic violence by bringing awareness, offering support, and referral services through partnerships with other related organizations.
A
ANNIE’S LIFE AND WORK
ntoinette Patrice Ferguson-Gordon, affectionately referred to as “Annie”, was born to Roderick and Dorothy Ferguson on September 30, 1974, in the tropical island of Jamaica. Her formative years were spent in Kingston, Jamaica, with her parents and older brother Andrew. Annie was a diligent student both in her secular and religious studies. At a young age, Annie committed her life to Jesus Christ, a decision which undoubtedly shaped her future. In 1986, Annie and her family migrated to New York where she eventually found her passion for teaching. As she continued to excel academically, she earned her master’s degree in Secondary Education and later began teaching at August Martin High School in Jamaica, New York. In 2003, she relocated to Florida where she was employed to North Port High School.
Annie became a mentor, counselor, and confidant to many of her students. She was described as a transformational teacher. She believed that all children were unique and sought to ‘meet them where they were’ mentally and physically. Nurturing and loving children was a natural part of Annie’s life. She was overjoyed when, after getting married, she was blessed with her son Anthony William Gordon. Eventually, as a single parent, Annie had to face the task of raising a child who was challenged by autism. She was devoted, loving, and compassionate; a mother who jumped every hurdle life presented to empower her son to achieve amidst his limitations.
FOLLOW THE PLAN In an effort to extend her reach, Annie embarked on a mission to provide encoura gement,empowerment, and education to the youth in the community in which she lived and worked. The program initiative was called “Follow the Plan� which aimed to motivate students to stay focused on their goals, to do well in school, and to be good citizens in our society. Through this program Annie was able to impact the lives of many students. She also trained other teachers on classroom management and techniques to create a favorable environment to facilitate learning.
ANNIE’S LEGACY Annie was a petite lady with a beautiful smile and an indomitable spirit. Her spirit brought hope, strength, and courage. Regrettably, Annie is no longer with us as she was violently murdered in the city of Port Charlotte, Florida on April 29, 2016. Her spirit will continue to ignite the flames of love, service, and compassion through those who have dedicated to preserve her legacy and continue her work. She will be remembered as a teacher through the continuation of various aspects of “Follow The Plan”; as a mother by assisting other families coping with autism; and as a victim of domestic violence by empowering others to be aware and end the silence of abuse. We invite you to join us on this journey of service as we bring awareness, educate, and make a difference.
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P.O. Box 190145, Lauderhill, Florida 33319 foranniesake@gmail.com www.foranniessake.org +1 (754) 702-7533