The Hope Bus: November 2009

Saturday, November 7, 2009

11/6/09 Closing Ceremony in Tampa

From left to right: Sean Mitton (Hope Ambassador and President of Canadian Expat Network), Helena Nyman (Founder of the Hope Bus, Jackie Davis (Hope Ambassador and Presiden of J. Davis Consulting) in Tampa Florida after reaching the Goal of visiting 50 Charities in 50 Days.

Helena Nyman and Spanky -the Hope Puppy- who traveled over 8,000 miles on the Hope Tour

11/6 America's Second Harvest, Tampa, FL - Closing Ceremony

Videos, Pictures and Text coming soon!

11/5 WUWU, Ft. Myers, FL

Videos, Pictures and Text coming soon!

11/5 Resource Center, Lake Worth, FL

Pictures and Text coming soon!

11/4 Fund for Hope, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Videos, Pictures and Text coming soon!

11/4 Clydey Foundation, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Clydey Foundation
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

http://theclydeyfoundation.org

The Clydey Foundation, Inc is a, no- kill, not for profit rescue organization.

Each year thousands of South Florida pets are euthanized because their owners cannot afford critical medical care. Other pets suffer needlessly because only substandard care is available to their owners.

The Clydey Foundation funds medical care for pets whose owners could not otherwise afford it. We also partner with Animal Clinics and Pet Rescue to find homes for abandoned pets.
Dozens of generous animal lovers have helped us make a difference. We understand that the difficult task of ensuring animal health and reducing South Florida’s stray animal population begins with a series of small steps.

Did you know that there are currently 800, 000 or more stray/feral cats on the streets in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Counties? It is The Clydey Foundation’s mission to bring our animal friends a better quality of life through population management and public education.The Clydey Foundation will provide South Florida communities with a Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic that will provide quality care and high volume spaying/neutering, at a negligible cost. This mobile clinic will be available 6 days a week, traveling to scheduled areas throughout the tri-county area. Our working together to provide this service will greatly reduce unnecessary euthanasia, births, and deaths which will ultimately result in a more stable and healthy dog and cat population in South Florida.

Interview with Sharon Jacobson, Founder of the Clydey Foundation Part 1

Interview with Sharon Jacobson, Founder of the Clydey Foundation Part 2

11/4 Salvation Army, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Videos, Pictures and Text coming soon!

11/4 Ann Storck Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Ann Storck Center, Inc.
1790 S.W. 43rd Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
Phone 954-584-8000

http://www.annstorckcenter.org/

The Ann Storck Center is a nationally accredited, highly acclaimed 501 (c) (3) non-profit human service organization serving the needs of children and adults in South Florida who present severe and multiple developmental disabilities including Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Mental Retardation. The Center strives to discover and build upon the uniqueness and strengths of each person it serves in order to provide life-enriching experiences.

The Ann Storck Center offers Residential, Preschool, and Adult Day Training services to adults and children. Life-enriching opportunities include the Expressive Arts, recreational services, and annual events and celebrations.

Expressive Arts:

Music Therapy and Fine Arts

The Expressive Arts program provides the opportunity to experience freedom from disability through creative expression. The Expressive Arts brings not only enhanced self-esteem but promotes a sense of accomplishment as an artist, a musician, a performer and as an individual.

The Expressive Arts team consists of the Fine Art and Music Therapy Departments. Each member of the team contributes unique and specialized talents to offer a wide spectrum of creative outlets and opportunities for the Ann Storck Center participants.

Internships and volunteer opportunities are available through the Music Therapy Art in Motion Department. For more information contact the Department Directors at (954)584-8000 Ext. 348 or Ext. 361.

I.M.A.G.I.N.E. (more info)

Interactive Music and Graphics Images Nurturing Education

The I.M.A.G.I.N.E program is designed to provide opportunities for participants to explore creativity, self-expression, and increase independence through the creative arts. Advanced Technology programs promote communication, develop physical movement, and free artistic ability from disability.

MUSIC THERAPY (more info)

The Music Therapy program is designed to provide meaningful outlets for those with special needs through the use of music as therapy. The goal of the program is to enhance communication, socialization, reduce stress, sensory stimulation, learn, create and maintain physical and emotional functioning through music.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE (more info)

The Annual Expressive Arts Performance is a yearly community event that involves Participants from the Arts in Motion Program. Vocalists, dancers, percussionists, songwriters, stage crew and fine artists combine all their unique talents to make the performance come alive!

Sean Mitton and Helena Nyman at the Ann Storck Center
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Why is the Ann Storck Center UNIQUE?

During our Hope Tour, we were able to experience what a Difference it makes when a Center strives to get the best out of every single Individual and doesn't accept the "limits" that studies or books lay on them.

At our arrival, a very enthusiastic Team guided us to the covered outside area where over hundred Children abd Adults with severe and multiple developmental disabilities including Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Mental Retardation welcomed us with laughter and cheers.

No need to tell you how touched we were. But nobody saw coming what happened next: Life Music - Songs with active involvement of all the disabled children and adults who - based on our expectations - should have just been listening.

At this moment, I was deeply ashamed for never even having considered how capable these kids and adults could be. I under-estimated them. Helena, the Success Coach who drives Athletes, Top Executives and never lets any stones unturned.

The LOVE and enthusiasm, the joy and involvement - a picture I will never forget!

Did you know?

The Ann Storck Center offers Expressive Art, and some of the Masterpieces make it to Exhibits

The Ann Storck Center puts together Musicals that are viewed in public

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Recreation and Leisure Service Programs

C.A.R.E.

Community Activities Reaching Everyone

C.A.R.E. is designed to provide an opportunity for the participants to be involved with volunteers and volunteer programs in the community. The program builds relationships, encourages community volunteer interaction on a weekly basis, and enhances community awareness.

C.A.R.E. offers an individual the opportunity to enjoy recreational experiences with the community. Local students participate in community service by planning and leading recreation activities with participants.

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION

Community Integration is designed for individuals to take part in the community and explore the opportunities to interact, socialize, learn and enjoy the therapeutic and fun experience.

Interview with Executive Director Jim McGuire

Interview with Elisabeth Glynn, Director of Community Relations

11/3 Neighbors for Neighbors, Miami, FL

Pictures and Text coming soon!

11/3 Animal Service, Miami, FL

Videos, Pictures and Text coming soon!

11/3 Broward General Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Broward General Medical Center
1600 South Andrews Avenue,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 355-4400

http://www.browardhealth.org/

Passion for Life, Compassion for People

A respected leader in healthcare since its founding in 1938, Broward General Medical Center's mission has remained constant over the decades: to provide all the people of Broward County with the best possible medical care. Broward General continues to deliver on that promise through its commitment to physician excellence, technologic advancement and academic affiliation. Caring for our community goes far beyond the walls of the medical center

Our main services include:

The Comprehensive Cancer Center

Recognized as the first accredited cancer program in Broward County by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Broward General provides state-of-the art diagnosis and care for all forms of cancer in adults and children.

Stroke Center
Warning signs of a stroke, what is a stroke or "Brain Attack", diagnosis, etc.

Heart Center of Excellence
Distinguished as one of the nation’s top centers for cardiovascular treatment, the Heart Center of Excellence at Broward General is dedicated to providing comprehensive clinical, surgical and rehabilitative care.

Joint Replacement Center
A “hospital-within-a-hospital”, consisting of a specialty trained, customer-focused team.

Orthopedic Sports Medicine Center
Drs. Daniel Kanell, George Caldwell and Erol Yoldas specialize in treating professional, high school and recreational athletes, focusing on injuries to the shoulder, knee and elbow. While their emphasis is on sports medicine, they also treat individuals whose daily activities have caused damage to those parts of the body.

Sleep Disorders Center
Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the Sleep Disorders Center at Broward General has been successfully treating people with sleep problems for more than 19 years.

The Wellness Center
Staffed by a team of experienced exercise physiologists, registered dietitians and fitness instructors, the Wellness Center at Broward General offers everything you need to get started and stay on track to better health. The Center also specializes in cardiac rehabilitation designed to help patients monitor recovery, increase functional capabilities and reduce risks associated with cardiac disease.

11/3/09 Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation, Ft. Lauderdale

Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation
Broward General Medical Center
1600 South Andrews Avenue,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 593-5603
http://www.jjccf.org/

The Story of the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF)

Imagine you’re told that your child has cancer. What would you do? Sandra Muvdi, the founder of the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF), discovered that: “Your entire life turns upside down and you’re thrown into a downward spiral leading to various types of situational crisis.” Imagine dealing with the trauma of your child battling a life threatening illness while unable to pay the rent to keep your family off the streets. Even worse, imagine you’re unable to pay for medical tests and treatments that are critical to your child’s survival.

Unfortunately, many low income families lack the financial resources required to provide optimal care for a sick child.In short, a diagnosis of childhood cancer creates an immediate medical and emotional crisis while also creating a financial crisis for many families. That's why JJCCF is committed to providing emergency financial relief to help families pay for everyday necessities such as medical, utility, rent, mortgage, car, and groceries. This direct and tangible assistance for access to basic necessities is vital to the survival of these children while they're receiving treatment.

The mission of the Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation is to provide financial assistance for underprivileged children fighting cancer. As an advocate, the Foundation helps raise additional funds through media partnerships, collaborating charities, newsletters, and special events to ensure ill children maintain access to basic human necessities during times of crisis.

JJCCF is a nonprofit IRS approved 501(c) (3) public charity founded in 2004 by Sandra Muvdi shortly after the loss of her only child to cancer. The Foundation was created in memory of Jessica June Eiler Muvdi (1996 - 2003).

Interview with Founder Sandra Muvdi who lost her daughter Jessica June Eiler Muvdi in 2003.

Interview with Founder Sandra Muvdi who lost her daughter Jessica June Eiler Muvdi in 2003. Plea for 3 year old Felix Castillo. To read Felix's story, visit: http://www.jjccf.org/kids_felix.html

Interview with mother who's 3 month old son lost his left eye due to cancer.

A special 'Thank you' to the La Quinta Hotel in Orlando!

A special 'Thank you' to the La Quinta Hotel in Orlando for donating us the Hotels Rooms during our events in Orlando.

La Quinta Inn Orlando Airport West
7931 Daetwyler Dr.
Orlando, FL 32812
Phone: 1-407-857-9215

To book a Room, click here!

Orlando's Hair Stylists and Beauticians volunteer for Charities!

Our visit in Orlando had a surprise ready for me. During our stay, I met Noemi and Jimmy, two warm-hearted Hair Stylists that offered to volunteer for Charities in their area. The idea was to spoil disadvantaged women with beauty treatments to make a difference during their time of hardship.

At the end of 2 hours, Noemi and Jimmy had recruited a whole team who agreed as well to be a part of this good deed.

What a touching encounter! Imagine, if more cities would offer their services from time to time for FREE...

It's all about giving back to the Community and making a Difference.

"Noemi and Jimmy, you never know how much you both touched me! Thank you for being so generous!"

If any other cities would like to volunteer for good causes, please, contact me at: thehopebus@yahoo.com (Thank you!)

Sunday, November 1, 2009

10/31/09 Children's Home Society, West Palm Beach, FL

The Hope Bus visits Children's Home Society of Florida in West Palm Beach, FL.

Children's Home Society of Fl
3333 Forest Hill Blvd
West Palm Beach
(561) 868-4300
www.chsfl.org

Please check in later for Pictures and Text!

Thank you for your Patience!

Interview with Executive Director Stephen Bardy (Part 1)

Interview with Executive Director Stephen Bardy (Part 2)

Interview with Beatrice

Halloween Party at the Children's Home Society

10/30/09 Nu Hope Elder Care Services, Sebring, FL

Pictures and Text will follow!

Interview with Executive Director Sandy Foster

Interview with Laurie Murphy

Interview with Luis

A special 'Thank you' to the Don Jose Mexican Restaurant in Sebring, FL for hosting the Halloween Party Fundraiser for Nu-Hope Elder Care Services during the Hope Tour!