The Parker Foundation
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Our Mission
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Programs
Our mission is to use education, sports and the arts as avenues to enrich the lives of and bridge the gap between children, teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, special needs, their families and the community in which we live.
Thank YOU for being a part of our TEAM!
Our Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Programs
Our current programs include Speak Through Sports, Speak Through Arts, and Speak Through Education. This includes our Be a Buddy initiative, Swimming on the Spectrum, and our Hey, Mama! Retreats. All of our programs are free for families and our communities!
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Be a Buddy initiative connects students, community members, businesses and organizations with the families we serve through our free programs and events. Our Buddy Ambassador program highlights students dedicated to a leadership role in facilitating our mission!
Donate
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Your donation directly impacts families touched by autism and special needs as well as student volunteer buddies and Buddy Ambassadors in Brevard County FL and beyond by funding free, year-round programs facilitated by The Parker Foundation. We are honored to partner with you as we celebrate 10 years of service and counting!
Our programs
speak through sports
Free inclusive and adaptive sports for youth, teens and young adults of all abilities. These clinics operate year-round and in partnership with local schools, colleges, parks, teams and organizations across Brevard County.
speak through arts
Free art and dance clinics and socials for youth, teens and young adults of all abilities. These clinics and experiences operate year-round and in partnership with local artists, galleries, dance studios and other venues across Brevard County.
speak through education
speak through education
Free educational sessions and experiences for families of all abilities, schools, groups and the community at large covering a range of topics, including autism specific education, safety initiatives, bullying prevention resources, our Be a Buddy initiative and more.
2024-2025 Unity Banner
Each year at our Be a Buddy 5K race we unveil our new Unity Banner showcasing event sponsors over $500. This banner is a visual representation of our community commitment to creating a safer, kinder more inclusive world for children and families of all abilities! This banner travels to all of our free events where individuals can sign it and take the pledge to Be a Buddy. Join us as a race sponsor for our 8th annual Be a Buddy 5K to be held 10/18/25 at Space Coast Field of Dreams!
8th Annual Be a Buddy 5K & Family Health and Fitness Expo
Join us for the Be a Buddy 5K Race and Family Health and Fitness Expo 10/18/25 at Space Coast Field of Dreams in West Melbourne, FL! T-shirt and finisher medal with every registration. Awards for top 3 each age division and team awards too! Sponsor and Vendor opportunities available; visit our race website or email us at info@theparkerfoundation.com