ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Michael’s ‘Ohana presents Halloween Cards of Kindness for The Arc Jacksonville. Lead by International Junior Miss Italy Jr. Preteen Gianna Capri and her fourth-grade class at St. Brendan’s Catholic School in Ormond Beach, Fl. Gianna is the niece of Michael Alberico who the organization is named after.
Miss Goeke, fourth grade teacher at St. Brendan’s School, graciously accepted the invitation by Michael’s ‘Ohana to create cards of kindness with her class for those adult individuals at The Arc Jacksonville.
The Arc Jacksonville Mission serves and advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences to achieve their full potential and participate in community life.
Gianna Capri enjoyed speaking to her class about The Arc Jacksonville and how the organization helps so many within the IDD community. Some of the programs offered by The Arc Jacksonville programs include Day, Residential, Educational, Experiential, and Recreational. The Arc Jacksonville has had a wonderful impact on Gianna Capri’s family as well.
Her brother Anthony, a ninth grader at Morning Star School, had the opportunity to participate in a two-week ICareer Camp over the summer aimed at preparing students for community employment. Anthony had the opportunity to learn interview skills, resume writing, and job specific skills, along with many more key employment strategies for success in the workplace, including meeting with area businesses i.e., Publix, local banks, the Jacksonville Zoo, and MOSH.
Gianna Capri’s fourth grade class made cards this past Wednesday 10/25 and delivered some fun Halloween treats to those individuals who participate in the day program.
“Through an activity-based approach, Adult Day Training Services focus on employment skills, recreation and community engagement to provide the skills and support to achieve their personal goals,” according to The Arc Jacksonville website.
Gianna Capri hopes by involving her class, she will bring awareness to those individuals living with IDD. Her Uncle Mike taught her that being different is just that different. At Michael’s ‘Ohana we live by, “Be Someone’s Michael”: kind, loving, respectful, funny, caring, sweet, full of joy and happiness. Always looking out for those who may need a helping hand or just a friend.
Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic School was founded in 1964 and celebrates 59 years of education excellence in Ormond Beach, Florida. The beautiful spacious campus is located on Ocean Shore Boulevard just two miles north of Granada Boulevard. We are a Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth grade Catholic elementary school that resides in the Diocese of Orlando.
The International Junior Miss program awards scholarships to individuals on the basis of achievement throughout the week of competition and service throughout the year as an International Junior Miss titleholder. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of scholarships, cash and prizes are awarded on the national and international level each year. Awards are provided for academic achievement, volunteer service and spirit of participation. Additional scholarships are provided for excellence in talent, modeling, public speaking, and other optional categories.
Gianna will also be joining other delegates across the world this November in Orlando, FL to compete on the International Level. Pageants are held for girls ages four to twenty-four, in six different age divisions. The International Junior Miss Scholarship Program is a program under the corporate umbrella of The iam Pageant Powerhouse which was organized to encourage positive achievement by helping to build self-awareness in our youth and young women of today.
Michael’s ‘Ohana was founded in June of 2021 in memory of Michael Alberico. The organization partners with non-profits raising funds and gift donations for those specifically in the IDD and other special needs community. Those who we have partnered in the past include Wolfson Childrens Hospital, Jacksonville. Morning Star Catholic School, Jacksonville. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Deland. The Arc Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL.
