Web Designer/Manager: .

Margaret Watkins
e-mail: Hummels4ever@yahoo.com

Richard and Elsa Sunderlin
727-536-7360
e-mail: richard17728@msn.com

Virginia Ruf
e-mail: Virginiaruf@knology.net

Theresa Mirto
e-mail: MirtoTheresa@netscape.net

Julie Byars
e-mail: julieb@disabilityachievementcenter.org

Dave Evans
e-mail: devans2391@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

A.F.I.R.E. is a Non-Profit advocacy organization that serves and supports Persons with Developmental Disabilities in Pinellas County, Florida.

A.F.I.R.E. created this web site to provide information and assistance to Families and Individuals in search of information and services for persons with developmental disabilities.

A.F.I.R.E., for over 20 years, has provided volunteering help and over $100,000 in financial support to the Adult Education LifeSkill's classes and other day-activity programs serving the mentally disabled in Pinellas County.

A.F.I.R.E.'s major activities and accomplishments last year included:

• Provided monies for five (5) Scholarships to individuals having lost funding to attend Medicaid Waiver day programs.
• Provided an 8-week Summer Camp program for 22 individuals.
• Organized a lobbying trip to Tallahassee for Parents to present to the Legislators, the value and important need for continuing State funding for services to people with mental disabilities.
• Conducted several successful fundraising events.

Despite being one of the richest per capita income States, Florida ranks at the bottom in its financial support for the disabled adults.This is a disgrace and we urge all visitors of this web site to contact their State Representative and express their feelings about this situation. 

A.F.I.R.E. has been in existence since 1984 and has helped and served thousands of persons with intellectual disabilities. As funds become available the organization provides scholarships to organizations to serve persons who have lost or are not on the Medical Waiver program. How do we get these funds? All of our support depends on donations, membership fees and income from our fundraising events such as yard sales, etc.

A.F.I.R.E. does not receive government funding for its activities and services. All A.F.I.R.E. Officers and Directors are parents, friends and family members. They are all volunteers and recieve no compensation.

In 1986 "LIFESKILLS" an Adult Training program was created by A.F.I.R.E. to grant any person with a Developmental Disability over the age of 21, the means to enhance their educational, social and living skills, which lead to self sufficiency, community acceptance and independent living and employment. The teachers for these classes are now provided by the Pinellas County School System and A.F.I.R.E. supplies the money for materials and other expenses needed for these programs. Classes are free to attend for those who are not yet suitable for work in the community or are on the Medicare Waiver List.

A.F.I.R.E. advocates and networks with others whose priority is also to support People with disabilities, for example, Provider Fairs, Family Cafe, Family Care Council, ARC of Florida, Florida Unites and the Agency for persons with Disabilities.

A.F.I.R.E. lobbies state and local legislators for budgeting of sufficient funding to assist the developmental disabled with adult education, day programs, supported living, supported employment and other specific needs.

Help us continue this valuable and rewarding effort by becoming a member of AFIRE and its cause, then become a more valuable asset by joining our Board of Directors.

 

 

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e-mail: caculbertson@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

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