Innovative Member News

Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations is always looking for members who are doing something new and innovative. Share your story by calling us at 305.557.1764 or email at Lynne@fano.org.

Active Disabled Americans

Active Disabled Americans, a not-for-profit organization operating out of Key Largo, Florida, is a small boat and cruise charter operation specializing in charters for people with disabilities (dba Tranquil Adventures). Captain Mick Nealey, who runs the operation, launched Tranquil Adventures, a charter tour, and cruise operation over 30 years ago. His dock is completely wheelchair accessible, as are both of his vessels. Both vessels have lifts to assist individuals with disabilities in and out of the water. Check out this video about their program.

Special Compass

The purpose of Special Compass (SC), is to promote success for persons with disabilities by providing assistance to meet their individual needs and independence through recreation and sports, as well as create “Inclusion” awareness and raise funds for their achievements.  SC has a very innovative program that allows differently-abled persons to experience the triumph of completing an athletic event, for example, a 5K, 10K, triathlon or iron man competition, by pairing them with another athlete and providing special equipment to allow them to be included.  The experience usually greatly impacts everyone involved as shown in the video below.  Also see their website.

When faced with a new life or born into the world of disabilities, finding resources and researching eligible benefits can be exhausting. Special Compass is available to serve the disability community with information and guidance to serve everybody with special needs.

Programs may include scholarship opportunities, purchasing of medical equipment or adaptive sports equipment for others or contributing to other organizations that provide similar assistance to disabled persons as well as participating in educational campaigns to create awareness about Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities.

1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project

The 501(c)3 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project & Gallery of 1000 Mermaids is a monumental public EcoArt project in the form of an artificial reef installation that will also serve as an underwater eco-friendly destination for tourism & research. Its mission is to enhance marine habitats and expand fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors alike. Mermaids have long been a symbol of humans’ connection to the ocean, and this artificial reef is being created by body casting real people in the form of mermaids on ocean-friendly artistically crafted reef modules that will allow their likeness to live forever on the sea floor.

SWITCHBOARD

MERGING IS THE WAY OF THE FUTURE… COLLABORATING AND WORKING TOGETHER.

Switchboard Miami, one of the oldest nonprofits serving the community, now has a new website and a database listing over 5,000 programs serving Miami- Dade County and  the Keys. The “All Stars Awards” in October is an opportunity to thank the nonprofits for providing the referral services to their 150,000 plus calls per year. Currently nominations are accepted in seven categories (Miami’s all star, rookie of the year, collaboration, leadership, innovation,volunteerism, and most valuable).

Also Switchboard Miami merged its phone counseling with the face-to-face counseling of Family Counseling Service. Today it is officially a service within Switchboard.

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