LIFT Florida

💙 The Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center is here to support neurodiverse individuals and families through community connections, resources, educational opportunities, and family-focused support.

We also encourage families to share the doctors, therapists, counselors, specialists, and community partners who have positively impacted your lives. Your recommendation could help another family find the support they need and strengthen our community together.

Share your impactful resources here: https://liftfrc.org/how-we-can-help/

Together, we can help families feel supported, connected, and empowered. 💙

🎓💙 Congratulations to James Wibbe on his graduation from LiFT University! 💙🎓

James shared that his time at LiFT has been a meaningful journey filled with growth, friendship, and finding peace within himself. Over the past four years, he grew tremendously in communication and independence while creating lasting memories with friends through laughter, music, and shared movie and TV quotes.

Music class became a favorite for James because of his love for rock and roll and the connection he found there with Ms. DeSimone. Today, James lives independently and works full time — accomplishments he is incredibly proud of as he continues working toward an even brighter future.

James gave heartfelt thanks to his teachers, staff, friends, and especially his mom for always supporting and believing in him along the way.

We are so proud of you, James, and excited to see all you continue to accomplish! 🌟

🎓💙 Congratulations to Matthew Wagner on his graduation from LiFT University! 💙🎓

Matthew shared that his time at LiFT has been filled with growth, laughter, and unforgettable friendships. From making memories with friends to becoming captain of the basketball team and earning a job at Bauder Elementary, Matthew grew tremendously in confidence, leadership, and independence.

During his time at LiFT, he learned valuable life skills like cooking and fixing a golf cart, all while building the foundation for his future goals of continuing to work and eventually living independently.

Matthew gave heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, teachers, Ms. Hill, and Mr. Martin for supporting and guiding him along the way.

One thing Matthew says he will always remember is how LiFT made him feel like he truly belonged.

We are so proud of you, Matthew, and excited for all that comes next! 🌟

🎓💙 Congratulations to Maddisun Reyes on her graduation from LiFT University! 💙🎓

Maddisun shared that her time at LiFT helped her find her voice, build confidence, and create meaningful friendships she will always treasure. Through experiences like working at Fat Beet Farm, participating on the basketball team, and learning important independence skills, she grew tremendously in communication and self-advocacy.

After graduation, Maddisun plans to continue working at Fat Beet Farm while building an independent future for herself.

She would like to thank her family and teammates for always supporting and believing in her along the way.

“It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap.” – Elphaba

We are so proud of you, Maddisun! 🌟

💙 Thank you to Copperhead Charities and the Valspar Championship for their generous support of LiFT through the Paint the Town Positive Charity Caravan!

We were honored to welcome the team and share how their investment helps create opportunities for students with neurodiversity to learn, grow, and thrive. The impact of the Valspar Championship extends far beyond the golf course, strengthening organizations and changing lives throughout our community.

Thank you to everyone involved for making a difference and for helping our students flourish. We are grateful to be part of the incredible work being done across Tampa Bay!

💙 At LiFT, we understand that every student learns differently, which is why we create classrooms designed to support comfort, focus, and success.

From varied seating options and fidgets to sensory foot pads and fluorescent light covers that help reduce sensory overload, our learning environments are intentionally designed with our students’ needs in mind.

These accommodations may seem small, but they can make a big difference in helping students feel regulated, supported, and ready to learn. Creating spaces where students feel comfortable and understood is part of helping them thrive every day. 💙

🎓💙 Congratulations to Jasmine McRoberts on her graduation from LiFT! 💙🎓

After 11 years at LiFT and growing through the Transition Program, Jasmine describes her journey as unforgettable and meaningful. From spending time outside laughing with friends to working with animals through hands-on experiences, LiFT gave her memories and friendships she will treasure forever.

During her time here, Jasmine grew tremendously in communication, confidence, and important life skills like baking and independence. She is excited for her future goals of getting a job, learning to drive, and continuing to grow independently.

Jasmine shared special thanks to Kaitlyn, her family, Miss P, Miss DeSimone, and her friends Savannah, Jada, Jazzy, Ashley, and Sylas for always supporting and encouraging her along the way.

In Jasmine’s words, her time at LiFT can best be described as “meaningful.”

We are so proud of you, Jasmine, and excited for everything your future holds! 🌟

💙 Together We LiFT 💙

Our Together We LiFT campaign is creating more welcoming, engaging spaces for students through playground improvements, sensory-friendly areas, shaded outdoor spaces, gardens, murals, and more.

Every gift helps provide opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive. No matter the amount, your support makes a difference.

Donate today: liftfl.org/togetherwelift/

Thank you for helping us build a brighter future together. 💙

🎓💙 Congratulations to Ryder Dudley on his graduation from LiFT! 💙🎓

Ryder shared that his time at LiFT has been filled with fun memories, especially all the exciting activities and special treats like Kona Ice with friends. Along the way, he strengthened his math skills and grew in communication, teamwork, and independence.

History was Ryder’s favorite class, and he is continuing to explore his future goals and plans. He also gave a special thank you to Mr. Benesh for being a supportive and “cool” teacher, as well as to his friends who always made him smile and helped make his time at LiFT memorable.

Ryder’s advice to new students: “Never give up.”

We are so proud of you, Ryder, and can’t wait to see what the future holds! 🌟

💙 Happy Best Friends Day from LiFT! 💙

Friendship can make all the difference. At LiFT, we believe every student deserves to feel included, accepted, and supported for exactly who they are.

Today is a reminder that kindness matters. A welcoming conversation, an encouraging word, or simply sitting next to someone can have a lasting impact. Together, we can create a community where bullying has no place and every student feels safe to be themselves.

We are proud to celebrate the friendships that help our students grow in confidence, connection, and belonging every day. 💙