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The Florida Grantor, Summer 2002

Message From the Chair

By Eladio Amores
I am proud to announce that The Able Trust recently completed another successful season of grant activity and special events.

In July, which marked the end of fiscal year 2002, The Able Trust grant awards amounted to over $2 million for the year, a record achievement. Noteworthy are the types of grants that were awarded, including the High School/High Tech grants to expand the project to more than 17 sites statewide. Additionally, several Requests for Proposals were initiated, which targeted African and Native Americans with disabilities, underserved rural areas, as well as expanded our grant recipient base to as far south as Monroe County.

Grant activity is expected to continue its momentum with the development of our online "Knowledge Center", which will provide a forum for agencies to gather more information about developing their grant proposal and include live, online discussions with The Able Trust staff.

The Youth Leadership Forum was also held this summer. It, too, was a tremendous success. Over 65 students with disabilities came together for four-days of resource gathering, networking and learning about the support services that are available to them once they go beyond high school.

Currently, the Foundation is gearing up for a busy fall, which will include an orientation for the High School/High Tech projects, the annual Ability Awards program and the 5th annual Moulin Rouge Gala at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach.

All of these activities throughout the year have helped to mark the occasion of the Foundation's 10-year anniversary of its grant program, and none could have been such a success without the continued support from our many friends in the disability community.

It is on that note that I wish to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to everyone who has contributed to The Able Trust, whether it be through financial or personal support. The fall board meeting will be my last as chair of The Able Trust, during which time I will pass the gavel on to one of my fellow board members.

Although I will no longer reside as chair, I am proud and pleased that I will still have the opportunity to continue as a member of the board. I look forward to being a part of future Foundation achievements in the years to come as we continue to help Floridians with disabilities gain independence through employment.