The Rising Start Foundation

06/02/2026

Today we celebrate much more than the end of a school year.

We celebrate every challenge faced with courage, every new skill learned, every goal reached, and every moment of growth along the way. Behind each smile is a story of perseverance, determination, and resilience.

Our students have worked incredibly hard this year, and we could not be prouder of everything they have accomplished. Their progress reminds us that success looks different for everyone, and every step forward deserves to be celebrated.

To our students: thank you for inspiring us every day. Keep believing in yourselves, because your potential is limitless. ❤️

05/18/2026

More stores are joining the movement 💙

We’re grateful to the local businesses that decided to support our Autism Acceptance campaign and help us spread a message of understanding, empathy, and inclusion throughout our community.

These posters are more than signs. They are opportunities to pause, learn, and see differently.

👀 If you spot one of our posters:
📸 Take a picture
📲 Share it on your social media
🏷 Tag us

Interested in being part of the campaign?
📩 Contact us to place a poster in your business or space.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive community — one store at a time.

05/14/2026

Autism Acceptance is not just for April. It’s every single day. 💙
Our Autism Acceptance Campaign continues across our community with our posters designed to help people better understand autism and neurodiversity.

If you spot one of our posters around the city, take a picture and tag us! 📸
And if you or your business would like to join the movement and help spread acceptance, inclusion, and understanding, contact us to receive campaign materials.

Together, we can create a community where every person feels welcomed, respected, and understood. 🌎✨

05/14/2026

From slicing bananas to adding toppings, scooping ice cream, practicing waiting skills, following directions, teamwork, and making choices… our students worked on so many important life and vocational skills while having FUN! 💛

At Rising Start, every activity is an opportunity to build independence, communication, confidence, and joy. And honestly… these banana splits looked AMAZING! 🍨🍓🍫

05/11/2026

🌧️ Due to weather conditions, we had to postpone our Celebration of Inclusion event originally scheduled for May 3rd… but now we are BACK and ready for an even more special day on May 31st! ☀️💙

Join us for a day full of inclusion, community, music, games, sensory-friendly activities, food, raffles, soccer games, face painting, and so much more at the Palmetto Bay Farmers Market! 🌻🎶⚽🎨

This event is all about creating a space where EVERYONE feels welcomed, included, and celebrated. Our students and young adults will also have the opportunity to participate in our inclusive market spaces and community activities throughout the day. 💛

✨ Special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:00 AM with Mayor Karyn Cunningham.

📍 Palmetto Bay Farmers Market at Coral Reef Park
📅 Sunday, May 31, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate inclusion with us!

05/03/2026

Part 2… the magic moment 🐬💙

At Island Dolphin Care, our students took the next step… interacting with the dolphins. And what you see here is so much more than a fun activity.

We focus on creating new experiences. We gently push boundaries. And most importantly, we respect each student’s time, giving them the space they need to feel safe, to connect, and to try when they are ready.

Because growth doesn’t happen by force… it happens through trust, patience, and opportunity.

And yesterday, we saw all of that come to life 💙

05/02/2026

Thank you to South Miami for welcoming our Autism Acceptance campaign into the community.

Your support helps bring understanding and inclusion into everyday spaces where it matters most.

👀 If you see one of our posters:
📸 Take a picture
📲 Share it
🏷 Tag us

Interested in being part of this movement?
📩 Contact us to place a poster in your space.

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

First moments, big emotions 💙

Yesterday we kicked off our field trip at Island Dolphin Care and from the very first minute, our students were all in. From curious touches with starfish, to brave encounters with crabs and even little sharks… every interaction was a step toward confidence, exploration, and joy.

This is what learning looks like outside the classroom. Real experiences. Real growth. Real smiles.

🎥 This is just Part 1…
Stay tuned for Part 2 👀🐬