 FDOA Founder's Message: Fodder from the Founder
David C. Jones
Nov 4th is National Stress Awareness day. We all have had much stress from many different sources and it is taking its toll on our health, happiness and productivity. There are things that we can do to better cope and to heal ourselves from the negative health effects that we are experiencing.
I’ll give you three very effective actions that you can take to help yourself and others to improve wellbeing.
First is simple, just get outside. Time spent in nature settings help. In the woods, on a trail, or a park, on the water, or just in your backyard. Even short intervals outdoors really can make a difference. Secondly is exercise, even a simple short walk can help. More formal and regular exercise is certainly better, but any and all movement helps. Third proven stress coping activity is even simpler and it works. Laughter! That’s right just Laugh, lighten up, joke, have fun.
 I got my dose of those therapies this past weekend when I had the pleasure of participating in a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission youth hunt in west Florida with six young hunters, two of which had disabilities that I had invited at the request of the FWC hunt coordinator. Spending time with my new buddy, twelve-year-old “Charley “was a blast. We provided him with an all-terrain tracked mobility device that gave him the thrill and the independent mobilization that he has not had as he was born with cerebral palsy and is non ambulatory. It lit him up to trek around camp, socialize with the other kids and to explore on his own the many familiar outdoor things that we so often take for granted. His new found freedom was a life changer for him but also for all of us that witnessed his thrill and joy. I shared a blind with him and his dad where we set him up with a mechanical gun rest to help hold up his brand new 243 rifle that he was so proud of and was bought just for this special occasion. He also has limited hand use and control. This off the shelf assistive technology was just the ticket for him.
His first shot at a deer, on his first hunt was perfectly placed and it closed the deal for this new hunter. Many thanks to the FWC Youth Hunt program, the gracious land owner, and all the volunteers that made this all happen. Also a great big thank you to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida for awarding us the grant that enabled us to purchase the equipment and that helps us to Recruit, Retain, and Reactivate hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation participants (R3). It truly made a difference in life for “Charlie”, his dad, and all of us involved. Active Leisure for Life!
 Executive Director's Message: Coping During a Pandemic
Laurie LoRe-Gussak, MBA, IOM, CAE
I don’t know about you, but at times the pandemic has made me feel overwhelmed. We started working from home and we had to decide how we could still hold programs safely. The CEO of Airbnb, BrianChesky, said "I did not know that I would make 10 years' worth of decisions in 10 weeks," according to an October 12, 2020 article in The Wall Street Journal. This is exactly how I felt and sometimes still feel.
According to the CDC, “The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.”
Luckily, we have technology that keeps the FDOA team in touch with each other almost every day. That has helped us to plan and expand in areas that we didn’t think possible. We are finding friends across the country and beyond.
Recently we were put in touch with an organization called Spirit Club and it has turned into an awesome partnership that can benefit each of you. They offer virtual fitness classes that have three options (standard, seated and advanced) to ensure that everyone is able to participate. While I have never met the folks at Spirit Club in person, I feel that I know them. Starting November 13, Fridays at 11:00 am on our Facebook page, you will be able to take a fitness class. The class will be available all week if you missed the original airing or if you want to take it again.
I know that these are unprecedented times, but physical activity can help to cope with the stress. We are trying our best to be here for people and help people connect through our socials.
If you feel you would benefit from support, NAMI is a great resource at https://www.nami.org/findsupport.
If you want to brighten your day, sign up for one of our virtual fitness classes, attending an FDOA social, call a friend or get out into nature.
Have a beautiful day!
Mark Your Calendar!
FDOA Fall Auction
The FDOA Fall Auction is officially underway! We have just released two brand new items that are up for grabs. Make sure you head to our auction website to make your bid on these amazing items!
From now until Nov 30, you will be able to bid on dozens of great items, gift cards, and tickets to amazing socially-distanced experiences. As a non-profit organization, the FDOA enhances the lives of people with disabilities by promoting active living and providing first-hand access to resources and activities designed to encourage participation regardless of age or ability level. Participants of all abilities learn about the value of recreation and active leisure for everyone, and we cannot do what we do without your help fundraising. By participating in our auction, you lead the way for making our organization better than ever before.
Come check out our auction website here: https://app.galabid.com/sa2020/items
Information for People with a Spinal Cord Injury:
English / Spanish
Information for People with a Brain Injury:
English / Spanish
Donate to Support Inclusive Recreation
Suggested Donation:
Give $30 for our 30 years of supporting inclusive recreation for all ages and abilities.
Any donation amount accepted.
Donations may also be mailed to:
Florida Disabled Outdoors Association
3035 Eliza Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
FDOA gratefully accepts tax deductible donations and in-kind gifts as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. (Federal ID# 59-3051552)
Donations may also be mailed to:
Florida Disabled Outdoors Association
3035 Eliza Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
FDOA gratefully accepts tax deductible donations and in-kind gifts as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. (Federal ID# 59-3051552)
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