Timucuan Parks Foundation has a new partnership with another local nonprofit, PossAbilities Plus. The two have teamed up to bring young adults with special needs to local wilderness parks and preserves as part of the foundation’s Healthy Living program.
PossAbilities Plus is a nonprofit based in Atlantic Beach. It was created by its executive director, Susan Peters, to enhance the lives of those with special needs through social opportunities, job training and employment.
“We are very excited to embark on this new partnership and look forward to bringing these young adults into our wilderness parks and preserves to show them the benefits of spending time in nature,” said Felicia Boyd, program and outreach director for the foundation. “Our work with groups like PossAbilities Plus is so rewarding. We designed our Healthy Living programs to promote the therapeutic effects of our parks and preserves and to create opportunities for educational and recreational activities for underserved groups.”
The first outing with PossAbilities Plus was an evening at Castaway Island Preserve, one of JaxParks' designated “Healthy Parks.” Organizers spent the first half of the program with the young adults at the education building, where they participated in yoga led by volunteer Julie Anderson. Following the yoga, the group went for a nature walk along the Castaway Preserve boardwalk that took them to the observation platform, where they overlooked the Intracoastal Waterway and learned about the ecosystems surrounding the preserve.
“It was an evening filled with laughter, curiosity and enjoyment,” said foundation Executive Director Fred Richards. “We fully enjoyed having you there and look forward to future activities together.”
The next event brought the PossAbilities group to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for a fun, engaging evening that included a nature hike and a kayaking adventure. There were 13 special needs young adults, five parents and chaperones from PossAbilities Plus, and volunteers from the foundation’s Young Professional Group, along with foundation staff, who participated in the event.
Led by Stephen Klem, Hanna Park’s lead naturalist, and Dennis Thompson, owner of Adventure Kayak Florida, the group enjoyed a paddle on the lake and then a sunset nature hike through Hanna Park’s wilderness trails.
Both events were made possible by grants from HEAL Northeast Florida, RS&H, and Boeing. The foundation has plans to host additional events throughout the area’s wilderness parks and preserves.
PossAbilities Plus partners with organizations to bring together young adults and community members for recreational activities like this in a safe, fun environment.
The nonprofit also provides on-the-job training, parent resources and workshops. Through its Cup of Dreams Café, its Unique Boutique and its Secret Garden, these young adults are able to build skills including self-advocacy, resume writing and occupational competencies.
For more information on PossAbilities Plus, go to possabilitiesplus.com.
