- Caroline Glenn
AdventHealth is investing $350,000 in The Able Trust youth programs focused on providing students with disabilities with education and career discovery opportunities. This gift will be used to expand the High School High Tech and Futures in Focus programs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
High School High Tech is a statewide program that improves the high school graduation rate and postsecondary enrollment rate of high school students with disabilities. For 30 years, High School High Tech has given students the opportunity to explore their interests and learn how they connect to career options, understand postsecondary education and training needs, and participate in college and university visits and industry tours.
“The gift from AdventHealth comes at a pivotal time,” said The Able Trust President and CEO Allison Chase. “We are expanding our programs to help more students with disabilities learn about education and career opportunities that can change their lives. Having AdventHeath support us in Central Florida will significantly move us toward this goal.”
For more than 115 years, AdventHealth has called Central Florida home, and as a not-for-profit organization, has the privileged duty to invest financial resources into the community. In 2023 alone, AdventHealth contributed nearly $1.3 billion in community investments in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties, including support for local nonprofit organizations. This partnership with The Able Trust will help support education and career preparation for high school students with disabilities, providing them with a stronger path toward employment success that will lead to stronger Central Florida communities.
“Access to well-paying jobs and housing goes hand in hand with good health, and creating employment and job training opportunities for those with special needs is especially important,” said Doug Hilliard, chief financial officer of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division and a board member for The Able Trust. “Providing compassionate, whole-person care extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals, and we are proud to unite with this incredible organization to tackle projects that will not only help our most vulnerable neighbors but help our entire community feel whole.”
The funds will help establish four new High School High Tech sites and nine new Futures in Focus sites by providing grants to community partners for program administration.
The funding will also support community outreach, program materials, training, research and data analysis, and technical assistance to ensure program effectiveness. In addition, a portion of the funds will contribute to student leadership development and outreach events through the High School High Tech Student Ambassador program.
About The Able Trust
Established in 1990, The Able Trust, in support of the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, works with local school districts, education foundations and community nonprofits to prepare students for life after high school. The Able Trust youth programs are located in communities across Florida and serve 1,200 students each year. With an average high school graduation rate of 99% and postsecondary enrollment rate of 54%, The Able Trust youth programs are helping students envision and begin to work towards a future they might not have thought possible. To learn more, visit www.abletrust.org.
Recent News
AdventHealth purchases 17 acres in DeLand
AdventHealth purchases 17 acres in DeLand
Dr. Phillips Center launches free Frontyard Holiday Festival supported by AdventHealth
The Dr. Phillips Center is launching its first-ever Frontyard Holiday Festival supported by AdventHealth.
AdventHealth expands access to primary care in the heart of DeLand
AdventHealth has opened a new Primary Care+ location in the heart of downtown DeLand, giving residents a simple way to get everyday care close to where life happens. The primary care practice offers...
AdventHealth Rome Turkey Trot brings community together
Over 700 people gathered on Thanksgiving morning for the AdventHealth Rome Turkey Trot, raising $15,000 for Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries.
Fueling healthy futures for Flagler’s student athletes
Early practices, full class schedules, and evening games can push student athletes to their limits, and proper nutrition is essential to keeping them strong and focused. AdventHealth has introduced...
When seconds count: How a community of heroes saved one little girl
It was a day like any other — until the phone rang. For Ellison’s mom, that call froze time: “You need to get here right away.”
AdventHealth expands neurology services in West Volusia
Board-certified neurologist Dr. Zarmina Mufti has joined AdventHealth Medical Group and is now caring for patients at AdventHealth, expanding access to expert, whole-person neurological care for...
Central Florida organizations unite to ensure children and families facing food insecurity are fed over holiday break
AdventHealth, Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank team up to support children across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
Community-wide food drive launches to benefit kids in Central Florida
AdventHealth and Central Florida organizations unite to ensure children and families facing food insecurity are fed over holiday break.
‘Definitely a miracle’: Puerto Rican woman receives rare heart-lung transplant in Florida
After only a month of waiting, Ivelese Nieves found herself among fewer than 70 patients nationwide each year who receive a rare, lifesaving operation.
Community generosity brings new cancer center to life
AdventHealth Castle Rock is honored to share that the Schrader Family has finalized their $8 million charitable commitment to support the hospital’s new cancer center. Their generosity has played a...
How two AdventHealth Avista physical therapists are transforming care for new moms
For many new moms, the first few days after giving birth are filled with joy, exhaustion and countless physical changes.