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The Florida Grantor, Summer 1999

Message from the Chair

Nancy Koepke

With the new fiscal year in full swing, The Able Trust is busy planning for the many events and activities in the months ahead. We have also been busy preparing for our many events this fall, including the annual Symposium on Disabilities, which will be held in September in Orlando. It offers some exciting workshops for both employers and service providers. We are also gearing up for our annual Ability Awards Banquet, in which we recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to Floridians with disabilities. We encourage you to nominate someone from your area with whom you have shared positive experiences. If we don't see you in September, we hope you will join us for the Mardi Gras Gala at Mar-a-Lago. We have an extraordinary Steering Committee and sponsors. The event is sure to be another successful fundraising endeavor for both The Able Trust endowment and our affiliates.

Total grant monies for Fiscal Year 1999 exceeded $1.5 million, marking another milestone for the Trust. Twenty-five Florida counties will benefit from services as a result of The Able Trust grants this year, enabling close to 2,000 Floridians with disabilities to enter the workforce. We are always looking for new project proposals from our individual and agency friends. Our grant information booklet, which outlines criteria and guidelines, is available via mail and on our website, so please take advantage of these resources.

The Able Trust is looking forward to another successful year and as always, welcomes your input and support to ensure that we best serves the needs of Florida's disability community. I am looking forward to serving in my new role as a member of the Occupational and Opportunity Access Commission. J.R. Harding, Ph.D., the Commission's Executive Director, will speak at this year's Symposium to update the audience on the mission and goals of the new commission. It is sure to be an informative presentation; we encourage you to join us.

We hope to see many familiar faces, along with new friends at our upcoming events. Staff and directors are always on hand and welcome the opportunity to thank those who help make our foundation such a success.