LiFT 2022 Impact Report

LABELS CAN ONLY CONFINE. WE ASPIRE TO BE UNDEFINABLE.

LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

Dear Friends,

Since opening our doors on January 09, 2013, LiFT enrollment has grown by more than 700%! Not only do we provide challenging academics for our students, but we are intentional in our approach to enhance their social, interpersonal, and leadership skills every day. At LiFT, we do not use labels, diagnoses, or limitations as our starting point. Instead, we use abilities, encouragement, empathy, and commitment to our learners to empower them to go further and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

LiFT has remained steadfast in our efforts to maintain a safe, inclusive, and diverse learning community focused on inspiring and empowering people with neurodiversity to learn, thrive, and succeed. Not only has LiFT maintained strong enrollment, but we have continued to grow in our size and scope of services, all while never losing sight of what matters most—our LiFT Learning Community. With small class sizes, individualized attention, and a culture of “YES,” LiFT aspires to be the premier academic and life skills program for those with learning differences.

Over the past year, our focus has been growing the LiFT Community. In doing so, we have increased our community partnerships by more than 30%, increased our microbusiness sales by an average of 163%, and have increased our community resources through our Family Resource Center by more than 142%. We have hired additional support personnel to enhance the educational learning experiences and LiFT Support Plan process. We have enhanced lesson planning, instructional practices, and professional development of our teachers. Moreover, we are driving changes in the space of neurodiversity to advocate for our learners and to continually focus on creating and maintaining a learning environment where students are empowered regardless of their individual differences.

Over the past 9 years, LiFT has rented space from the back of two churches in Seminole, FL. While we have been fortunate to have great partnerships with both, there are no exterior signs, no visible invitations to draw people in, and no ability for LiFT to stand out in this community. In fact, most of our growth has been by word of mouth—real students and families sharing about their positive experiences at LiFT and how it changed their life for the better. While this organic growth is inspiring, we feel a responsibility to reach more students in need.

As such, LiFT has made the investment into our future by purchasing a centralized, highly accessible campus in Clearwater, FL. Formerly the Clearwater YMCA, this 60,000 square foot campus on 7.2 acres will more than double our number of classrooms, provide dedicated meeting and sensory rooms, and offer an on-site Family Resource Center and gymnasium. Most importantly, this space will give LiFT the ability to hold all its programs under one roof and serve up to 400 students by Fall of 2023, a number that is more double the number of learners currently served.

Only 10 miles from our current campuses in Seminole, this space will have visible signage, better furnishings, more availability of adaptive equipment, and larger learning spaces. With plans for a culinary teaching kitchen, a community café, and microbusiness workspaces, LiFT is seeking to provide tangible life skills that students can use for the rest of their lives. Most importantly, this new campus will finally match the quality of the education we have built and have been providing for the past decade. It will serve as a visible community resource accessible for learners of all ages to see that neurodiversity is a gift to be celebrated. A place where more families can find comfort that their neurodiverse loved one has a place where they will be met with compassion, quality academics, and opportunities tailored to each individual’s specific needs.

LiFT is not only achieving our strategic vision, but we are positioning ourselves to serve more children and adults with neurodiversity. On our new campus, we will be able to offer more robust after-school opportunities, including enrichment programs, sports programs, and community functions.

The power of a collective community enables us to help people in a way we simply could not achieve on our own. At LiFT, we recognize that our BIG DREAMS have become a reality because of YOU, our generous and giving community.

We are incredibly thankful to our teachers, team members, and leadership team who give passionately every day to positively impact our students and adult learners while ensuring their safety; to our community partners who provide unparalleled opportunities for life skills and employment training; to our Board of Directors who selflessly give their time and talents to ensure LiFT’s sustainability and growth for generations to come; to our donors, for your extraordinary treasures and time that help us to change lives. Above all else, we are thankful to our families who have entrusted their children to LiFT. You are what drives us and are the reason for our constant pursuit for improvement and furthering our mission.

Thank you for partnering with LiFT on this journey to create a world where independence is possible for those with neurodiversity. Together we are changing lives, and in doing so, we can change the world!

SHAWN NAUGLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OUR MISSION

TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH NEURODIVERSITY TO LEARN, THRIVE AND SUCCEED.

VISION

A world where independence is possible for the neurodiverse.

VALUES

We believe that each and every learner at LiFT comes to value and view their individual uniqueness and diversity as a gift to be celebrated. Equally important is for each learner to respect the differences found in one another.

OUR STORY

In 2012, Kim Kuruzovich and Keli Mondello had a vision. Inspired by their daughters, they set out to create an inclusive and accepting environment where children would be free from bullying so they would have the peace to learn and grow.

Today, LiFT boasts an enrollment of 150(+) students and three educational programs. LiFT Academy is a place where students of all academic levels in Kindergarten through 12th grade can excel; LiFT University Transition Program is a four-year post-secondary program for students who have completed high school, but desire continued academics, career readiness, and intensive life skill training; and LiFT Adult Training Program offers continued learning and employment skills while promoting social enterprise.

As a recognized leader in the landscape of special education and inclusivity, LiFT is committed to providing exceptional and equal opportunities in education, employment and life experiences for ALL!

Kim Kuruzovich Vice Chair and Co-Founder

Matt Rich Treasurer

Amy Maguire Director Sergio Cadavid Director

Keli Mondello Board Chair and Co-Founder

Shawn Naugle Executive Director

Elliad Granger Director Kyle Maxson Director

WHO WE ARE

Our goal is to level the playing field for individuals with learning differences and neurodiversity.

Through our programs, we provide our learners with exceptional academics, life skills, career training, and opportunities to strengthen social skills and build meaningful friendships.

OUR PROGRAMS

LiFT Academy

A safe, inviting, and educational space for students with neurodiversity in grades K-12.

LiFT Adult Training Program

Provides adults with neurodiversity (ages 23+) with the opportunity to develop employability skills, strengthen social skills, and gain independence.

LiFT University Transition Program

A post-secondary program to meet the needs of young adults with neurodiversity.

A community-based platform that provides services for families in Tampa Bay and beyond living with neurodiversity.

Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center

L i FT ACADEMY

LiFT Academy emphasizes a preventative approach to bullying, labels and exclusion while offering challenging academics, afterschool clubs and enrichment programs.

At LiFT Academy, we are committed to developing the individual talents and personal character of each student.

100% of our students have an individual LiFT Support Plan, identifying the unique academic accommodations needed to achieve their fullest potential.

Weekly Social Skills classes to navigate emotions, social interactions, and behaviors, along with independent living skills for our young adults.

Behavior Therapists partner with us in meeting student needs. They are included in the classroom setting at all grade levels.

Unique accommodations such as varied seating options, fidgets, sensory foot pads, and fluorescent light covers in classrooms to reduce sensory overload.

Ultimately, students will learn how to meet daily life challenges independently and with confidence, becoming productive, successful citizens in our community.

SANDI LYNN GELLER

MEMORIAL

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

The Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center (FRC) is a community- based, family-focused, inclusive platform that provides programs and services based on the growing needs of families in our community and beyond living with neurodiversity.

The FRC includes: parent mentoring, support groups, expert speakers, local events serving the neurodiverse population, family counseling resources, sensoryfriendly service providers and more!

- FRC Parent

ABOUT SANDI

None of this would be possible without Sandi Lynn Geller, who as LiFT’s valued team member, managed the development of this program with a dream to impact the world through this Family Resource Center.

During its development, she was fighting a courageous battle with a rare and incurable form of cancer. She oversaw this project from November 2020 until she entered the arms of our Heavenly Father on May 2nd, 2021. In honor of Sandi and her family, LiFT is committed to bringing her passion and spirit forward with the Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center (FRC).

LiFT LEARNERS

MEET ISAAC

Isaac has an artist’s eye. He sees, feels, and hears the world around him in a unique way. At age 4, he was diagnosed with autism and three years later, he was also diagnosed with auditory processing disorder.

Isaac attended a local elementary magnet school. He had an IEP (Individual Education Plan) in place from day one in kindergarten. Even though he had great teachers and support, such as occupational therapy, speech, and ABA therapy, throughout elementary school, he was always academically and socially delayed. He never “fit in.” I knew there needed to be a change for him before entering middle school.

Thank goodness we’ve found a home at LiFT. Last year was Isaac’s first year attending LiFT Academy, and his experience has changed both of our lives! At LiFT, Isaac finally feels that he is in a community where he is accepted and understood by his peers and teachers. His confidence began to grow immediately and his outlook on life began expanding. Isaac now feels appreciated and seen by those around him when at LiFT. He was even awarded the K-6th Leadership Award at the end of last year, a moment he and I will never forget.

Now a 7th grader, Isaac has a strong sense of self and has undoubtedly stepped even further into this leadership role. He speaks up for himself, and supports and encourages selfadvocacy in his classmates. He leads with genuine empathy for those around him, and you feel this the moment you meet him.

As a part of the LiFT community, I am confident that Isaac’s bright light will only shine brighter as he continues to grow into a young man. I cannot wait to see what his future holds. One thing I do know is that he will always help those around him; whether it’s with his kind words, his optimistic perspective, or by sharing his musical talents to nurture a sense of belonging for all.

LiFT has helped Isaac and my family in more ways than I ever could have imagined. And Isaac, with his limitless positive outlook on life, is something we can all learn from. - Amanda D.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Our LiFT events are a great way to learn about our mission, meet the LiFT team, volunteer, and support our organization.

LiFT YOUR SPIRITS

This Kentucky Derby themed event is our largest fundraiser of the year. It’s full of entertainment, chance drawings, and exclusive silent and live auction items that had everyone bidding! Save the date for May 6, 2023.

RISE AWARDS

Our annual luncheon celebrates inspirational leaders in Tampa Bay. Through their acts of courage, compassion and commitment, these individuals rise above the status quo to LiFT and inspire others.

LiFT enrollment has grown by more than 700% since opening our doors in 2013 and has outgrown our space. Our new campus will allow us to serve more students and help to create a spotlight for what is possible for individuals and families living with neurodiversity. We will be a resource and partner for the whole community and through partnerships, internships, employment and volunteerism; we will break down barriers and continue to support the ability of our learners to reach their full potential.

REACHING OUR GOAL TOGETHER

LiFT is poised for the largest growth in our 10-year history. With the purchase of the former YMCA of Clearwater building, the new permanent home of LiFT will allow us to grow by 300% in the next 3 years.

You, our donors, have made this possible, creating a strong foundation for expansion.

Thankfulness strengthens relationships and we could not feel more connected to our incredible donors, volunteers, and leaders. You are an integral part of our team and we are truly grateful for your time, talent, and treasures. We welcome you to continue this journey with us, embrace our mission and change the landscape of learning for those with neurodiversity. Together we can reach our goals and build for the future.

You have many options when choosing to support Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT). Selecting the ideal gift plan is a personal decision dependent on your personal financial situation and goals. We have included methods of giving below, but please feel free to contact us to discuss them in more detail. Thank you for your support of LiFT.

METHODS OF GIVING

GIFTS MADE BY CASH, CHECK OR CREDIT CARD

Gifts made by cash, check or credit card are the most common and will allow LiFT to address our immediate needs. Checks should be made payable to Learning Independence for Tomorrow and can be mailed to 13400 Park Blvd. N, Seminole, FL 33776 or dropped off at our school office. Please visit our website at liftfl.org to donate by credit card.

CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS

A matching gift program provided through your employer may allow you to increase the value of your gift. Many companies match charitable gifts of employees, retirees or board members. Check with your company’s Human Resources Department to see if your employer has a matching gift program and if the campaign would qualify for a matching gift.

GIFTS OF SECURITIES – STOCKS, BONDS AND MUTUAL FUNDS PLANNED GIFTS

Planned giving is the process of carefully selecting the best method and asset for making a charitable gift. Such a gift can enable you to take full advantage of the tax laws to accomplish your financial and charitable goals.

To learn more about how you can support Learning Independence for Tomorrow, please reach out to Development Director, Julie Brecher, at jbrecher@liftfl.org or (727) 433-7298 or Executive Director, Shawn Naugle, at snaugle@liftfl.org or (813) 517-6905

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Because of your generosity, hundreds in need have had their lives improved as they are lifted up in dignity. The following list reflects donations received during the July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 Fiscal year. We cannot list you all, but we thank you all equally. We strive for an error-free list. If we made a mistake, omitted you entirely, or if you do not wish to be listed in the future, we apologize. Please contact us to let us know at info@liftfl.org.

$25,000+

Keli and Mark Mondello

Florida Department of Education Jo Ann and Joe White

The Lightning Foundation Eileen and Greg Pater Raymund Foundation, Inc. Stephanie and Stephen Flagg

$10,000 -$24,999

Judy and Larry Bellack Wei and Mark Brian Community Foundation Tampa Bay Kim and John Duffy Jane and William Floyd Tara and Corey Gaffney Stacey and Dale Gamberini Shanna and Bryan Glazer Stephanie and Larry Goodman Guardian Trust Tara and Bruce Johnson Jamie and George Lutich Debbie and Joel Momberg Nancy and Bill Peters Grant Schnabel

Lynda and Barry Spofford Tracey and Kenny Wilson

$5,000 - $9,999

Angelic Hands, Inc.

Kim and Tom Bernat Tammy and Dan Boldt Corcoran Partners

Core Scientific

Phil Gallagher

Jeff Griffith Steven Howerton

Kim and Mike Kuruzovich Courtney and Mike Mahaz Linda and Joe McBeth Gabrielle Mondello

Lorie and Tony Faulkner

Les and Pam Muma Kenneth Nicholson Dr. Tamas and Mary Frances Paredy Judy Resop Drew Revitzer

Julie and Matthew Rich Romp n’ Roll St. Petersburg Candice and Courtney Ryan Smith & Associates

Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation Tampa General Hospital Truist Bank Zoom

$1,000 - $4,999

Addessi Financial Partners Matt Adler APG

Beth Walters and Michael Babich Jim Bailey

Bailey Vasti Real Estate Patti and Tony Baldino John Barkett

BDA Systems Co. Layce and Adam Berry Beth Dillinger Foundation Ericka and Steve Borges Marylou and Joe Bourdow Julie and Matthew Brecher Brown & Brown Insurance Bullard Family Foundation Mark Burman

Linda and Jeff Busch Piedad and Sergio Cadavid Chris Cergol Chase Christensen Christa Collins

Bill Colyer Jessica and Michael Corcoran Pam and Michael Cozene Richard Davis-Flagler

Courtney and Wayne Dehaven

Susan and Allan Dickson

Mike Doherty

Elizabeth and Richard Dvorak

Katherine and Mike Evanoff

Kelley and Mark Fratoni

Mark Freeborough

Joanie and Kevin Gallagher

Courtney and Frank Gallagher Natalie and Scott Gebicke HavenHome

Melanie Haynes, MD Homeowners Financial Group Todd Jacobson

Dr. George and Michelle Jallo Janssen Pharmaceutical, Johnson & Johnson Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (Brain Institute) Matthew Jontz

KAST Construction Eric Kaye

Calvin Keoh Carey and Charles Kleinmetz Tiffany and Rick Larson Alissa and Nate Lawver

Laura and Fred Lay Robin and Ian Leavengood

John Lee

Elizabeth and Joshua Lobel Lora and Dan Lynch Ray Maceyras

Thomas Mahoney Andrea and Colby Masterson Dennie Masterson Denise and Richard Mastry Beatriz and Kyle Maxson Debra and Bob Maxwell Susan and Mark McGarry Amy and Sean Maguire McLeod General Trades BayMed Hair and Aesthetics Shannon and Bill Miller Becky and Dewey Mitchell Carol and Phil Mondello

Jonathan Moore Amy and David Moran

Shelly Narum and Stephen Page Katie and Shawn Naugle Phyllis and Ronald Newberg Greg Newman

Rosemary and John O’Connor Jane and John Ogilvie Pasadena Yacht & Country Club Carey Paulus

Nicole and Lee Pearlman Perfect Copy and Print Pharmetric Laboratory Matt and Maria Loder

PNC Bank

Debbie and Ed Pughe

Raymond James Rays Baseball Foundation, Inc. Carol Romell

Amy and Ron Ruffner Ashley Salabarria Joseph Schrage Jan and Craig Sher Andrea and Matthew Silverman Skanska USA Building Inc. Specialty Solutions Southeast, Inc. Lee and Steve Stratton Sunday Bacon Foundation

Superior Structures, Inc. Eric Swanson Shannon and Aaron Swift Tina and James Sykes Tampa Bay Buccaneers Douglas Taylor

The Bank of Tampa The Jane Floyd Team of NFM Lending TOP Jewish Foundation

Christine Valls Martha and Stephen VanCamp Chad VanDoorninck Lizabeth Moses and Rene Villeneuve Cherra and Chad Wammock Leslie and Clifford Will James Wolak Sarah and Bill Wood Workscapes

Elizabeth and Gregory Zaski

$1 - $999

Malissa Aaronson Megan Achurch Kaitlyn Aki Julie Anderson Stephen Arthur AthleChics

Sherri and Tony Barner Erica Barnes Ruth and Cliff Barnett Jennifer Bartolomei-Blancato Matthew Beard Sofia Beigel Jodie Bielman

Representative Michael Bilirakis Kim Faulkner and Mark Bitkowski Birute Blotnys Joan and Tom Bondi Sherri and David Bossung Michelle Bristol Christopher Brown James Brown Jr. Carol Bumiller

Jane Byers

Nancy and Juan Cardenas

Brent Carmack

Melanie Carson Jack Carter

Alex Cervera

Danielle Champman

Sandi and Kenneth Chervon

Chips Clips

City of Seminole

Stacy and Will Conroy

Benjamin Cook

John Couris

Catalina and Scott Crisco

Samantha Cummins

Louis Curcio, Jr. Sarah Daly

Crystal Davis Fiona De Freitas

Jan Dean

Elizabeth Dequesada Ryan Desjardins

Maria Diveris

Brian Doherty Mike Downie

Suzy Dross Michael Dudley David Egles

Carol and Karen Eisenbrei PA

Marlene Evans Craig Fales

Jennifer Farley Kim Faulkner

Jenna Morgan and Todd Ferguson Anna Ferjuste

Angela Fernandez Andrea and Ricardo Fernandez

Maureen and Stephen Fisher

Jan Fleming

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Fox Frey Masterson & Associates Investment Advisors

Lisa Garcia Hilah and Robert Gatewood

Max Geller

Tom Geller

Mary Teresa Gibbons

Ivory and Elliad Granger Darlene and Tom Grayson

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

Joey Guggia

Natalie Guibleo

Denise and George Guida Cynthia and Wally Guthrie

Mariel Haddick

Michelle Hamilton Janice Hanson Leslie Harst

Mikel Hassman

Richard Haverstick

Larry Heintz Mary Herrold

Anne Dowling and William Hess Darby and Mike Hettinger

Angela and Josh Heuchan Jessica Higgins Minh Ho

Elena and Bob Hoel Brenna Hooker

Laura and Martin Hoski Erica and Will Hough Kacee Howes

Morgan Humphrey Jordan Hunter Kim Hurd

Lauren Iglesias Stephanie Jackson Rachel and Todd Jennings Carson Jeremiah Robert Johnson Patrice Johnson Therese Johnson Donald Jowdy Sharon Kanter Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein David Kazarian Bevery Keatly Lynne and Kenneth Kelly Cindy and Brett Kennedy Lisa Kettlestrings Sheila and Maurice Zoolingen Hbkjb Kjbn Dr. Rich and Mrs. Sue Knipe Olivia and Justin Koenen Conner Kohlbeck

Jessica Abrante and Michael Kumar Jane and Dennis Kunka Lauren and Tony Leavine

Jo Ligas

Virginia Lisle Sue and Michael Loparco Linda Lund

Laurie and Glenn Lyle Patsy L. Maclean Rhonda Mahaz Frieda Marhee

Amanda Marquez Celma Mastry Jeannie Mathis Helen and Paul Maxson DJ McElroy Colin McGee

Loraine and Frank McKay Erin McKenney Aaron McMurray

Michael Merritt

Linda Metzkow

Maria Miaoulis, Esq. Sarah Michaud

David Mickley

Elaine and Mike Mikuriak

Jeffrey and Jodie Miller Qoomars Mollanazar Mike Mondello

Morgan Mondello Caitlin Moore

Danielle and Kyle Moore Jackie and Bill Muir Melissa and Jim Myers Christopher Nardi Roni Nelson

Kristen Niblett Kathleen Noonan John Norsworthy Diego Novaes

Matthew Oliver Charlie Osterholt

Michael Parsons Carlene Pehanich Rachel Perez Yvette Perez

Commissioner Kathleen Peters & Jack Kuntz

Allison Peters Sarah Peters

Dave Pherdehirt

Leslie Poplon

Prida, Guida & Perez, P.A. Maribeth and John Putzel

PWC

Jenine and Dru Rabin Michael Ragan Yvonne Rask

Summer Rawlins

Kristine Retetagos Ron Ripple

Diane and Jeffrey Roberts Sherri Robles

Deborah and Thomas Rogowski Susan Rona

Betty Rosier

Douglas Rothschild Bekah Rush and Wade Milligan

Richard Saladino

Steven Sanfilippo

Mimi Sayles-Cole

Lisa and Gary Schick

Ellen and John Schultz Linda and Chris Seibert

Michael Seligsohn

Marlene Sherman Dawn Shields Adam Smith

Charyn Smith

Karen Smreker

Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Gail and Gregg Stallwood Sylvia Stanley

Janice and Jeff Steinhoff Elaine Stewart and John Dargan Sydney Stratton and Brandon Meyers Alise Stricklett

Tracey Strube Michelle Swank Swenson Medical PLLC Casey Taylor Kyle Taylor Julie and George Tharin Danna and Brian Theriault Tina and John Thomas Kate and John Thomas Megan and Thomas Tirone Hannah Torop Belleair Pool Service & Supply Debbie and Wolly Ullrich

Vault Retirement Investments Carol and Leonard Venckus Sarah and David Wallace Jason Walters Robin White Ted Williamson Debbie and Doug Williamson Jane and Herbert Wollowick David Zillig Dr. Dave and Holly Swenson Casey Taylor George Tharin Brian Theriault John and Kate Thomas Thrill The Burg Thomas and Megan Tirone Joseph Tobias Rabbis Michael and Betsy Torop Hannah Torop Alison Turain Linda Turner Wally and Debbie Ullrich Vault Retirement Investments Joseph and Mary Villeneuve Annette Vogt Ronald Wacker David and Sarah Wallace Ramey Wallen Jason Walters Jacqueline Watkins Ted Williamson Harold and Jacquelyn Winner Woman’s Service League David Zillig