In 2002, Dr. Jayne Greenberg, District Director of Physical Education and Health Literacy for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, established a Marine Academy for over 1,000 physically and intellectually disabled students. All she needed to start with was one specially-equipped access sailboat built in Australia. She approached her long-time friends at the Aventura Marketing Council (AMC), and af
ter their phone call to Aventura Commissioner Billy Joel, a marine enthusiast and philanthropist, the Anchors Away program was born. To date, the AMC Anchors Away Foundation has purchased 37 special-access sailboats, beach access wheelchairs, and motorized equipment for children who can’t use their arms. There have been five successful launches to inaugurate the newly- sponsored boats. The Foundation also pays for the necessary maintenance as these boats are continuously used. Under the leadership of Aventura Commissioner Billy Joel, children from Miami-Dade County Public Schools enjoy over 2,500 sailings each year. Participating sites include Oleta River State Park, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Miami Yacht Club, and soon, Biscayne National Park. The students not only learn how to sail on their own, but experience freedom on the water that they may not have on land, expand their horizons, increase their self-confidence, socialization and life skills. Nationally-recognized Miami-Dade County Public Schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho has participated in all Anchors Away Foundation launches and fully supports this amazing program. Core Values:
The Anchors Away Foundation program fosters learning, growth, and experience in the following areas:
Education
• Science, Math and Life Skills
• Career preparation in the marine environment
Swimming Skills
• All students must pass a “Learn to Swim” Class provided by Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Socialization Skills
• Appreciation: experiencing pleasure in the natural environment and enjoying the art of sailing
• The joys of friendship
• Triumph of self-discovery
• Self-confidence
• Teamwork: cooperation camaraderie, and a sense of community
• Peace: sense of tranquility
• Responsibility
• Success: brings freedom to live life more fully
