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REVEL Nation Newsletter/June

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NEWSLETTERREVEL IS GROWING!To accommodate our growing programs, we have expanded toadditional space across the hall from our current location. This new areawill allow us to increase our capacity, offer more comprehensiveservices, and enhance our ability to provide individualized support.With this expansion, we can create a more inclusive and supportiveenvironment for individuals with autism and IDDs, furthering ourmission to empower and enrich the lives of those we serve.THE REVEL NATION DID YOU KNOW?REVEL stands for Real Experiences Vital for Enhancing Lives. AtREVEL, we believe that real-world experiences are essential forpersonal growth and fulfillment. That's why we call our clients"REVELers" - because they actively participate in and benefit from avariety of enriching experiences that enhance their lives inmeaningful ways. Our mission is to empower REVELers to embracetheir unique abilities, cultivate valuable skills, and lead fulfilling liveswithin their communitiesJune, 2024

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We are excited to announce that REVEL has been awarded a $200,000 grant over twoyears by the Caring for Denver Foundation for our Mental Wellness Initiative. Thisinitiative focuses on providing support for individuals with dual diagnoses of mentalhealth, autism, and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DDs). The grant is part ofa broader effort to address the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals with co-occurring diagnoses that are often complex or overlooked in Denver.With this funding, REVEL will expand ability to support the mental health needs ofteens and adults with autism and I/DDs, ensuring they are receiving the care and all thetools they need to live a meaningful and enriched lives. We extend our heartfeltgratitude to Caring for Denver for supporting healing and recovery in our community!Dr. Bernard is a pre-licensed clinicalpsychologist who received his Doctor ofPsychology (PsyD) degree from The ChicagoSchool of Professional Psychology in 2022.He has worked with individuals with autismand IDDs of all ages and in a variety ofcapacities, including as a psychotherapist,paraprofessional, and counselor. From theseexperiences, he has seen firsthand that suchindividuals can thrive in distinctive and oftenunexpected ways given the rightopportunities, along with the understandingof those around them. In his free time, heenjoys exploring Denver. NEW MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVEDR. FRED BERNARDREVEL SECURES $200,000 GRANT FOR MENTAL WELLNESS INITIATIVE SUPPORTING NEURODIVERSE INDIVIDUALS

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Our new initiative for 2025, in partnership with Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, willrevolutionize our employment program. Through internships, jobs, and training, participantswill gain hands-on experience. Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, a social enterprise, hires neurodiverse individuals who facechallenges related to equity and unemployment due to societal misconceptions andinadequate support systems. This often leads to financial strain, social isolation, reducedself-esteem, and increased mental health risks.More than 66% of young adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed and arenot engaged in higher education 2 years after exiting high school.Nearly 42% of young adults who experience autism never worked for pay duringtheir early 20s.The unemployment rate for persons with a disability was about twice as high asthe rate for persons without a disability, ranging from 85%-90% percent.WE NEED YOU! Help launch this transformational program! Your investment willcreate tailored, impactful opportunities for neurodiverse individuals,empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency, professional success,and a meaningful future. Your contribution will make a lastingdifference in their lives and our community.REVEL... IN ICE CREAM$20,000 GOALDONATE NOW

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The REVEL Fun Run was an outstanding successin raising funds and awareness. Over 140enthusiastic participants came out torepresent REVEL for this 1640ft “race” it’s soshort it’s too short to fail! We created community Raised awarenessExceeded our fundraising goals (Over $20,000!!!)No hammy‘s or knees were injured in themaking of this runWe came, we ran, we drankWe are training now for next yearIt was an amazing afternoon filled withlaughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense ofaccomplishment! We can’t wait to see you nextYear!INAGURAL HALF K FUN RUN EVENT VIDEO -RELIVE THE FUN!!

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REVELJOIN US FOR REVEL’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA, A NIGHT OF ART,MUSIC, AND GOURMET CUISINE DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING TEENSAND ADULTS WITH AUTISM AND IDDS. ENJOY AND PURCHASESTUNNING ART FROM LOCAL ARTISTS, WITH PROCEEDSSUPPORTING REVEL’S PROGRAMS. BID ON EXCLUSIVE ITEMS ANDEXPERIENCES IN OUR SILENT AND LIVE AUCTIONS.5:30 PM -6:30 PM 6:30 PM-7:00 PM7:00 PM -9:30 PMSATURDAY19OCTOBERARTGALA VIP RECEPTIONGENERAL GUEST CHECK-INART, SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION ANDPROGRAMThe Hub3601 Walnut St, Denver, CO, 80205SAVE THE DATESPONSORSHIPS ARTISTS

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We believe learning happens through doing! Our Gear Upprogram caters to individuals 14+. Our new semester hasbegun! We have a world of new activities to challenge themind and spirit and inspire growth and independence! Dungeons & Dragons Club- they are all in!Series Fest- a mobile cinema lab teaching aboutmovie making with professionalsSocial Influencer AcademyGiving Back- VolunteeringTransportation SkillsGrocery Shopping SkillsBocce Ball and Pickleball TournamentsGEAR UP- DAILY ENRICHMENTPROGRAMS Our Teen Program is for ages 14-17. We understand the criticalimportance of maintaining connection, engagement, andempowerment for teens with autism and IDDs, especiallywhen school is out. Offers a safe, fun, and supportive environmentTeens continue to grow and be challengedContinue learning life skillsBuild connections TEEN

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMPSWe empower individuals with autism and IDDs through tailored jobopportunities, specialized training and DEIA training for employers. 4 new staff membersIncreased Clientele: Added 25 new job coaching clientsExpanded to over 20 community partnerships, with 5 more inprogressAchieved 2 job placements last year and 2 YTD, with allplacements still active1 DEIA Employer Training - 3 in planning stageThere is growing demand for our services and we are rising to thechallenge to break barriers.REVEL's Outdoor Adventure Camps emphasizing skill development, quality experiences, andindependence. We ensure high-quality instruction and support, and growth.Grown from 2 to 10 camps Operated 5 successful winter campsThis summer, we have 6 Camps plannedMost programming is now in-houseOur staff, now certified to teach portions of our program, include Certified TherapeuticRecreation Specialists (CTRS), USA Archery Level 2 Instructors, Climbing Wall Instructors, andWhitewater Guide Trainers.,REV UP EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM PROGRAMS

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Exciting news! REVEL Supports is growing!Launched sex education workshops to address a crucial issuefaced by parents of children with autism or IDDs. 3 new school partnerships1:1 behavioral therapyLife coachingPost-secondary & transition education consulting18-21 transition education servicesGroup curriculum utilizing Learn4LlifeEmotional regulationSexual health and relationship workshops Independent livingBoth In-district and out of District 18-21 transitionprogram supportA vibrant hub for individuals aged 14+, with or withoutautism or IDDs, to make friends, learn, and explore in bothcommunity and adventurous settings. We have addedsessions to meet growing demand.We offer 3 afternoons a weekSaturdays 10-3Adding Mondays, and Fridays (in October)Explore the communityBuild connections and friendshipsAvoid isolationEngage in new adventuresPROGRAMSSOCIAL LOUNGEINDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORTS

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