Sen. Brodeur ‘most excited’ for project in state budget providing services for Central Florida special needs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, said he is “most excited” about a portion he sponsored in this year’s state budget, which provides educational, vocational, residential, and transportation services to adults with special needs in Central Florida.

The project is titled “Operation G.R.O.W.” with state funds earmarked at $496,688 for the program from this year’s budget, which totals $116.5 billion and results in a $17 billion surplus.

Through Inspire of Central Florida, the program provides real-world work experiences and job readiness education to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the goal of obtaining competitive, integrated employment, according to the project’s description.

“They’re really one of a kind in the state and do a tremendous job for an underserved population,” Brodeur said.

G.R.O.W stands for “Giving Real Opportunities for Work,” and is a volunteer internship initiative, blending classroom learning with hands-on professional experience.

Inspire of Central Florida’s website states that the program serves as a conduit connecting high-functioning adults with special needs to suitable career pathways within the community. Their mission is to empower team members to reach their utmost potential in both personal and professional realms. 

Operation G.R.O.W’s Employment Coaches offer ongoing education, career guidance, and travel training via. supported and tailored employment prospects.

Through a partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation, Inspire is able to facilitate supported employment, job coaching and on-the-job training, according to the budget description.

“Their Adult Day Programs provide a safe environment for adults of differing abilities, as they pursue independence and success in their lives and careers,” Brodeur said.

The budget description said the state expects to enroll a minimum of 25 participants throughout the fiscal year. More than 85% of the program participants are Seminole County residents and currently there are around 900 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Seminole County and over 3,000 in Orange County.

The state funds of $496,688 will be expended in the following ways, according to the budget item description:

• $35,252 for executive director/project head salary and benefits.
• $37,172 for other salaries and benefits.
• $45,114 for expense, equipment, travel, supplies, and other.
• $203,152 for consultants/contracted services/study.
• $155,101 for upgrades including software, transportation to and from job sites, and staff training, 30% of facility insurance, utilities, program supplies, maintenance and equipment leases. Also, establish inventory and equipment for two locations of Inspire Your Day Cafe.
• $20,897 for dance, health and wellness, and art programs for participants. Behavioral analysts, medical and financial professionals as required.

This project previously received $495,046 in state funding through last year’s budget.