Boca Raton, FL – The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is delighted to announce the finalists for the Special Needs Advisory Coalition (SNAC) of Palm Beach County 2018 Community Inclusion Awards. These unsung heroes, who were nominated by the community and evaluated by a group of independent judges, are recognized for their efforts at building a better and more inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families in Palm Beach County. The winner in each category will be announced at a luncheon sponsored by Unicorn Children’s Foundation on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Boca West Country Club. Congratulations to all of the finalists who embody excellence, integrity and passion in providing support and services to the 12% of residents who have one or more special needs/disability.
- Center for Strategic Philanthropy & Civic Engagement Volunteer of the Year
Edward Albarran
David Lagnado
Mina Mandel
- Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County Innovation & Collaboration of the Year
The ARC of the Glades
Gulfstream Goodwill Industries
Palm Tran
- Mister NonProfit Consultancy Champion of Inclusion Award
Mary Louise Duffy, FAU Academy for Community Inclusion
Kevin McCormick, School District of Palm Beach County
Dr. Jack Scott, FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
- Publix Self-Advocate of the Year
Merrick Egber
Haley Moss
Dominique Rivera
- Quantum Foundation Healthcare Provider of the Year
Dr. Carlos Gadia, NeuroNetwork Partners, LLC
Dr. Judith Aronson-Ramos, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics of South Florida
- Direct Service Professional of the Year
Despina Hall, School District of Palm Beach County
Kerri Morse, Els for Autism Foundation
Jay Van Vechten, American Disabilities Foundation
- Respite Care Companion of the Year
Torika Davis, The ARC of Palm Beach County
- Employer of the Year
Coalition for Independent Living Options
Home Depot/Ken’s Krew
Otis Elevator
- Employee of the Year
Jackie Applebaum, The ARC of Palm Beach County
Samuel Klinger, Peter Piper Pizza
Stephanie Soplop, City of Boynton Beach
- Teacher/Educator of the Year
Evelyn Falconer, Unicorn Village Academy
Amy Fleming, Palm Beach Central High School
Nicole Koppel, Palm Beach School for Autism
- Post Secondary Program of the Year
FAU Academy for Community Inclusion
SOAR – Summer Opportunity for Adult Readiness
South Tech Academy
All nominees are being considered for the TD Bank Community Choice Award which will be determined through online voting through October 5, 2018 at www.snacawards.org. Tickets are $75 per person and exhibitor tables are available which include a ticket to the awards luncheon. More information is available by calling (561) 620-9377 or visiting our website www.snacawards.org.