Unite Us: A Comprehensive Guide of Services

Unite UsA Comprehensive Guide of Services

www.questinc.org

2www.questinc.org � 407.218.4300

We know the impact Quest makes!

For the past 50 years, Quest has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals,enabling them to become more independent and reach their goals.

Born out of the concerns of a group of dedicated parents who wanted to ensurebrighter futures for their children with disabilities, whose options were limited,Quest focused on services that would impact these adults at its inception. But withthe escalating rate of autism in children, the emergence of an aging population ofindividuals with special needs and society’s changing view of disability, a heavieremphasis was placed on serving people at all stages of life.

Using Quest’s core competencies of providing behavioral therapy and programming, the organization has grown.Today, Quest helps people with disabilities as young as 15 months to well over the age of 80 achieve their dreamsof going to school, having a job, living on their own and experiencing summer camp. No two people Quest servesare alike, but what they do have in common is the fact that with a little help, with a few choices and opportunities,living a better life is possible.

With nearly 166,000 individuals impacted by a disability in Central Florida alone, Quest has now reached a criticalstage in its development. We have an opportunity to give those in need sustainable sources of quality care, therapy,income and most of all, hope. Quest seeks to double the number of people we serve by expanding our programsin the coming years. The need to do so is urgent.

In order to make significant strides in meeting this goal, we present you with Unite Us. Whether you are a familyor individual in need of our services, a business or corporation who will join us in our employment efforts, a groupin search of a wonderful place to retreat, or a donor looking for a great organization to meet your financial andsocial needs, this guide will give you the knowledge and opportunities you have been seeking.

Warmest regards,

Katie PortaPresident and CEO

Unite Us

Unite Us is a comprehensive guide of the programs and services of Quest, Inc. Our vision is “to be the numberone provider of services that empower people with disabilities to shape their future.” Uniting all of ourstakeholders is the key to turning this vision into a reality!

Unite Us is divided into four main sections:

�� About Us details Quest and our impact in the Central Florida community for nearly 50 years.

�� Need Us? is a comprehensive listing of the services that we provide in the Orlando and Tampa areas to people with disabilities at every stage of life.

�� Request Us is a business solutions directory that describes our partnerships with local businesses and corporations as we work to employ individuals with disabilities.

�� Join Us! is an opportunity to let us assist you so that you can continue to assist others, sharing a unique perspective on meeting your family, financial and social desires.

The Guide to Comprehensive Services

Unite Us guides you in discovering information on:

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Quest KidsQuest Kids provides therapy services to children diagnosed with disabilities, including autism, CerebralPalsy, Down syndrome, pervasive development disorder and other learning and behavior concerns.Through the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Quest Kids develops an individualized plan foreach child to improve language, self-care, social skills and academics, while addressing and minimizingproblem behaviors such as aggression, self-injury and property destruction.

Quest Kids AcademyAs a natural extension of the Quest Kids therapy program, Quest Kids Academy is a McKay scholarship-eligible private school that offers a unique combination of a state-approved curriculum and behaviortherapy services in small student-teacher ratios - something that can’t be offered by public schools -allowing for more individualized attention.

Florida Autism Center of Excellence (FACE)FACE is a Hillsborough County public charter school managed by Quest that serves students withmoderate to severe autism in pre-K through 12th grade and beyond. FACE provides a comprehensiveacademic environment to address the unmet needs of the growing number of children in Floridawith Autism Spectrum Disorders and is available to families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk,Manatee and Sarasota counties.

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Project SEARCHProject SEARCH is a one-year, school-to-work transition program for young adults with disabilities intheir last year of high school eligibility. Project SEARCH gives students the opportunity to intern andgain hands-on, real-world experience in competitive jobs not typically given to people with disabilitiesat local businesses such as Rosen Shingle Creek resort and Florida Hospital.

Adult Day Training (ADT) ProgramAt Quest’s ADT program, individuals have the opportunity to learn and apply job skills that preparethem for the responsibilities they would face in an outside workplace. Given activities that matchtheir physical capabilities, employees perform direct mail, fulfillment, packaging, sorting, assemblyand other projects for companies like AAA and Walt Disney World.

The ADT centers in Orlando and Tampa also offer meaningful day activities for individuals with disabilitiesto improve functionality and skill development. Emphasis is placed on communication, computer skills,creative arts, domestic skills, music appreciation, vocational skills and more.

Employment ServicesQuest’s employment services provide opportunities for people to work either as part of a small groupor individually in the community at companies such as OUC and SeaWorld. The program identifiesrealistic job opportunities for career placement, while employment specialists develop plans for successand provide ongoing support as needed. The comprehensive program incorporates vocational evaluation,job development, job coaching, follow-along services and travel training.

Residential ProgramIntermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) located in Orlando and Tampa cater to the most medically fragileindividuals and provide residents with round-the-clock nursing care in the comfort of a home setting. ICFs give residents access to an extensive support system that includes physical, speech andoccupational therapy.

Group homes are houses located in typical neighborhoods throughout Orlando and Tampa and are designed to serve people with disabilities in need of continued support for daily living. Six to 12individuals live in each home with 24-hour staff, giving residents the opportunity for continued skilltraining and increased independence. Our group homes in Tampa specialize in serving children withautism as well as children and adults with significant behavioral and medical needs.

Quest also provides transitional living environments for people who are very independent but stillneed regular access to staff support for help with daily activities, such as shopping, cooking, bill payingand cleaning. Individuals in Orlando live in a one or two-bedroom apartment either alone or withone to two roommates.

Adults who live independently in the Orlando community can still receive ongoing support as oftenas they need it in the supported living program. With the aid of a supported living coach, theseindividuals can work on more complex skills such as banking, making appointments and learningpublic transportation.

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Quest’s Camp ThunderbirdAs one of Florida’s only overnight recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities, Quest’sCamp Thunderbird provides a real summer camp experience for more than 500 campers ages 8 to 80each summer. The six and 12-day sessions offer campers the opportunity to participate in activitiessuch as arts and crafts, swimming, sports and games, canoeing, fishing, and music and drama, whilealso giving parents and guardians a break from 24-hour care.

Business SolutionsQuest satisfies your organization’s need for an additional labor source. Whether on-site or off, weprovide a cost-effective solution for your business to expand its workforce. Quest offers you superiorworkmanship and timely performance at affordable rates.

Quest ShredsQuest’s newest employment program is Quest Shreds. Working with AbilityOne, a national organizationthat has established highly secure document shredding operations across the U.S., Quest Shreds willcreate jobs for people with disabilities while upholding the highest security standards in the documentdestruction industry for Orlando area businesses.

Quest’s Retreat and Conference CenterQuest’s Retreat and Conference Center is the perfect place for gatherings of almost any size. Wehost numerous retreats, reunions, trainings and team building events for youth and adults. Whetherthe occasion is a day event or a multi-night stay, we can accommodate.

Ambassador ProgramAmbassadors are engaged and invested in our mission and serve as powerful, effective voices forQuest. Proper orientation of our Ambassadors prepares them not only for success inside our organization,but also to speak knowledgeably and persuasively about our cause in the greater community.

Planned GivingWe understand that to assist others you must first meet your family and financial needs. Quest providesdetailed information on planned giving for you to create your legacy while impacting generations to come.

Ways to GiveAs people’s needs keep growing and the cost of delivering critical services keeps rising, Quest couldn’tcontinue to offer a variety of quality programs without the support of the community. Personal donations,legacy gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, Quest contract jobs, in-kind gifts, volunteer and Ambassadorhours, and participation in our events are all ways you can contribute to Quest.

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About Us

The Comprehensive Quest

Imagine a world where people of all abilities achieve their hopesand dreams. Where voices once deprived of opportunities to beheard are finally lifted and valued. Where everyone is inspired toreach his or her full potential.

At Quest, we continue to witness families experience - sometimesfor the first time - the feeling of hope for a brighter future. We’ve seenfirsthand how new dreams for their loved ones have replaced thosethat were shattered because of a diagnosis, detection or discovery.

A diagnosis of a disability means a person has a serious condition caused by a mental and/or physical impairmentthat will last throughout his or her lifetime. Though generally present at birth, developmental disabilities can beginto become evident any time before the age of 22. Developmental disabilities affect social and cognitive areassuch as language, communication, learning and interpretation of social cues.

According to the Administration of Developmental Disabilities, there are approximately 4.5 million people withdevelopmental disabilities in the United States - equivalent to about 1.5 percent of the population.

�� As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.

�� About 1 in 110 children is diagnosed with autism.

�� Between 1.5 and 2 million people have Cerebral Palsy in the U.S. There are an estimated 10,000new cases each year.

�� About 3 in 10 children with Cerebral Palsy have severe learning disabilities; 1 in 3 children cannot walk; 1 in 4 cannot feed or dress themselves.

�� Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 733 live births - approximately 5,000 births per year.

�� Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition, currently affecting more than 350,000 people in the U.S.

�� An estimated 2.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability - approximately one percent of the population.

While there are no cures for any of these disabilities, the Quest Team, through quality and innovation, buildscommunities where people with disabilities achieve their goals.

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The Quest Team, throughquality and innovation,builds communities wherepeople with disabilitiesachieve their goals.


The roots of Quest can be traced to Life Concepts and the Central Florida Sheltered Workshop. On July 1, 1994,these organizations merged to combine resources and serve a greater number of individuals with disabilities.Almost 50 years of experience has shown us that training and quality care provides self-reliance for these childrenand adults, helping them find independence and hope. Quest has touched the lives of thousands of peoplewith unique needs - our focus has always been on the person not the disability!

Since the beginning, we have refined and improvedupon our original model. We have expanded our workto strengthen communities and involve staff with onlythe highest level of professionalism in the developmentprocess. By giving families opportunities and teachingcommunities to use their resources effectively andwisely, Quest helps people lead more meaningful, productive lives.

These successes have only made our work more urgent.It is imperative now to begin to implement Quest’s missionon a new scale.

A Great Succe ss Story

Quest has a deep-rooted commitment to enhance the life of people with disabilities. At more than 20 locationsin Orlando and Tampa, we serve people with intense behavioral and increased medical challenges as wellas individuals with traumatic brain injuries, genetic disorders and physical impairments. Some disabilitiesoccur at birth while others are the result of an accident and therefore may impact an individual’s life at any time.

To address these unique needs, Quest’s certified behavior analysts, nurses and other qualified professionals possessthe skill, the expertise and the passion to be the best. Because of the health-related services provided by Quest,compliance with Medicaid, HIPAA and others is a constant part of daily operations for direct support staff, managers,finance personnel and even the president.

Quest holds a three-year CARF accreditation, the highest level ofaccreditation for providing health and human services. Quest advocatesfor people with disabilities and is active in community and state healthand disability-related issues, including membership in the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Quest was also honored with a Beacon Award for its efforts to promotediversity and inclusion in the Central Florida workforce. Additionally,Quest was the recipient of a Bank of America NeighborhoodExcellence Initiative Award in the Neighborhood Builders category.The Neighborhood Builder award recognizes and rewards nonprofitorganizations working to improve their local communities.

Quest helps people living on themargins of life lift themselves up toself-reliance. With proper trainingand quality care, individuals withdisabilities can accomplish theirgoals throughout all stages of life in a way that is best for themselvesand for the development of society.

Karen is Empowered

SeaWorld Orlando employee Karen celebrated a huge milestone in her professional career, a 15-year anniversarywith the Central Florida theme park. A decade and a half of employment is a monumental occasion for anyone,and for Karen, the accomplishment is also helping to shatter myths about working while living with a disability.

Karen, 47, is a restroom attendant and has been an important part of the SeaWorld team. She performs her jobwell and has great interaction with her co-workers. “Karen does a really good job,” said Steve Zima, Karen’ssupervisor. “She’s friendly, positive and very consistent. She’s definitely an asset to the group.”

In the last 15 years, Karen has grown by leaps and bounds in hercareer. Quest’s employment specialists have worked with Karen tosuccessfully increase her job speed and improve communication withher managers who are pleased with her professional development.

And Karen has grown by leaps and bounds in her personal life, too.Her longevity at work combined with saved earnings and familysupport enabled her to reach her ultimate goal - buying her firsthome, conveniently located only a short walk away from her job.

Because of Quest, Karen’s hopes and dreams were turned into reality!

Desperation Has Turned to Hope

Using Karen as an example, as you read through theremainder of this guide, we hope that you will discoveran area where we can work together.

Quest helps people who may feel trapped as victimschange their lives for the better by concentrating onthe significant opportunities that profoundly effect alarge number of people throughout the community.

Whether you are a parent, business, foundation, donor orfriend who Needs Us, Requests Us or wants to Join Us,we look forward to building a sustainable partnership.

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Quest inspires and empowers CentralFloridians with disabilities by offeringchoices and opportunities to learn,live, work and play. Through Quest’scomprehensive range of services,children and adults imagine and achievetheir full capabilities.


Need Us?

Quest Kids

Imagine what it would be like if you were four years oldand not able to say that you were hungry, sick or evenhurt. Children with disabilities often have difficulties inverbal and non-verbal communication, social interactionsand leisure or play activities and are faced with verydifficult education al and social challenges.

Recognizing the increased need for quality earlyintervention and therapy services, Quest opened theQuest Kids program in 1996. Quest Kids specializesin helping children with disabilities ranging from 15months old to 18 years of age. About 40 percent ofthe children in the program are on the autism spectrum,while the remaining 60 percent have Cerebral Palsy,Down syndrome, pervasive development disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities and otherlearning and behavior concerns.

Working hand-in-hand with speech pathologists, occupational therapists and educational professionals,Quest Kids develops and implements an appropriatepath of learning that meets each child's specific needs.Parent and teacher training also ensure that the childexperiences a consistent, positive learning environmentat home, in school and during community activities.

At Quest Kids, children are taught how to learn using Applied BehaviorAnalysis (ABA) and are given tools to communicate. Children receiveintensive instruction in language, self-care, social skills, academics anddecision making. Through early intervention, children have a higherchance of succeeding in mainstream education, obtaining a careerand fully participating in their families and communities.

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KidsKids

Quest responded to the escalatingnumber of children with autism - nowthe fastest growing developmentaldisability - and the high demandfrom parents and guardians seekingeffective programs.

Quest Kids serves 75-100 children.

More than 80 percent of children require and receive financial aid.

Quest Kids Academy serves 16 students.

Florida Autism Center of Excellence(FACE), Quest’s school in Tampa, serves85 students.


Financially, families must rely on their own resources and nonprofitagencies, like Quest, that receive funding from private foundationsand corporations. Ultimately, most families are forced to acceptfewer hours of therapy than their child needs or rely on special education programs at schools where teachers may not be equippedto properly teach children with autism. It is extremely difficult forteachers to effectively educate these children because they requireconsistent one-on-one attention and a focused, individualized educationplan - nearly impossible for the already over-loaded school system.

Quest believes that every child deserves to receive the education, support and opportunities necessary to growinto a successful, independent adult. No child should be denied the right kind of learning environment basedon a disability or low socio-economic status. Through the generosity of donors, Quest is happy to offer a scholarshipprogram to families.

Early Intervention

A great deal of research has shown that the first five yearsof a child’s life are key in their development and growth. Tointervene with behavioral therapy before age 3 allows a childto learn new communication skills at a time when he or sheis most able to grasp them. Communication, of course, isthe key to learning.

In addition to establishing a pathway through which the child can learn, early behavioral therapy can significantlyincrease IQ and language ability, decrease negative behaviors, provide the child with a way to let others knowwhat he or she needs, and decrease support services needed later in childhood.

Research has shown that without effective intervention, most peoplewith disabilities require lifelong educational, family and adult services.Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caringfor a person with autism ranges from $3.5 to $5 million and that theUnited States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism.The total lifetime cost savings of someone who receives intensive earlyintervention can be almost $2 million!

Cumulatively, Quest Kidshas a 98 percent successrate increasing positivebehaviors and a 97 percentsuccess rate decreasingnegative behaviors.

Early intervention is defined asservices delivered to childrenacross the autism spectrum frombirth to age 3.

Resources and Services

There are no cures for disabilities. However, therapy at Quest Kids has a dramatic impact on reducing the symptomsof many intellectual disorders, increasing the quality of life for children and their families and yielding a tremendousamount of progress for children to achieve their dreams and goals. Quest assists the whole family and not justthe individual. A comprehensive support system is created to give your family an avenue to compartmentalizethe diagnosis or determination so you can move on to the next step without being overwhelmed.

Quest helps you get started by outlining the situations and the steps in what otherwise would be a very paralyzingtime in your life. It gives you the courage to envision a new future for your child. The resources and services include:

EvaluationThe director of Quest Kids will interview you and observe and work with your child to examine learning strengths and challenges and willmake recommendations.

Parent Training This involves one or two hours a week of program set-up, parent (orother caregiver) training and consultation. The caregivers take whatthey learn and apply it at home.

Resource Library Quest Kids’ resource library offers a collection of books, teaching materials,workbooks, computer programs, communication devices and more, withinformation for parents related to the care and education of a child witha disability.

In-Center Behavior Analysis TherapyA Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will design a learning programfor your child that will be implemented in our center by a Board CertifiedAssistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and other behavioral therapists forfour to 40 hours a week. The program is designed by using currentassessments and information gathered in parent meetings.

In-Center Behavior Analysis Therapy Intern ProgramA BCBA will design a learning program for your child that will be implemented in our center by college interns forfour to 20 hours a week. The program is designed by using current assessments and information gathered inparent meetings.

In-Center Social Skills TherapyThis therapy is comprised of three children with one BCBA. This program focuses on equipping and teachingyour child the necessary play and social skills to thrive in the natural environment. The children are grouped according to functioning level.

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In-Home ProgramThe clinical director or a BCBA will come to your home or other setting and design a program for your child.Therapy will be delivered by our BCBA or BCaBA, focusing on specific needs and goals. The therapist will trainparents to implement the procedures.

In-Home Program Set-Up and MonitoringThe clinical director or a BCBA will come to your home or other setting and design a program for your child.The parents will provide the therapy themselves or hire an outside party to provide this therapy in their home.The therapist will train the staff and help the parents to monitor the program.

Home, Center or School ConsultationThe clinical director or a BCaBA will come to your home or other setting and provide consultation, behavioraltroubleshooting or training for people in those environments.

Home, School or Community Observation and/or Consultation for In-Center FamiliesYour child’s primary therapist will come to your home or other setting to do a focused observation and makerecommendations for your child. The primary therapist will attend IEP or other meetings with you as a programresource and advocate for your child and his or her goals.

ConsultationQuest’s senior behavior analyst will interview you and/or your child’s therapist, work with your child to determinelearning strengths and challenges and design a basic program for your child or evaluate and make recommendationson current programs.

Training in Fundamentals of Behavior AnalysisGeared towards therapists pursuing ABA certification, this training provides individual or group instruction inthe basic principles and applications of behavior analysis. The material that will be covered includes: assessments,data recording, positive reinforcement, extinction, prompting and fading, backward chaining, graphing andmore. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the certification exam.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the scientific approach tomodifying behavior, improving social interaction and facilitatinglearning. ABA is based on the concept that behavior isacquired through interactions with the environment andthat changing the events in the environment can positivelyshape or influence a behavior. ABA therapy is recommendedand supported by the U.S. Surgeon General and theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics as an effective treatmentto improve the areas of development impacted by autismand other disorders.

Many children naturally learn from their environment - without intervention - but children who have learning,developmental or behavior concerns learn less from their environment than their peers might. They often need astructured environment where they have opportunities to acquire the same fundamental skills that other childrenmay pick up naturally. ABA sets up this type of environment for them - in essence, teaching children how to learn.

ABA is used to develop basic skillslike listening and imitating, as wellas more complex skills such asreading and having conversations.ABA also decreases behaviors thatinterfere with learning.

ABA programs have successfully worked for a variety of learnersand ages, with and without disabilities, and in a multitude ofsettings. By the early 1960s, behavior analysts were workingwith young children with autism, behavior and learning concerns,and related disorders.

ABA therapy at Quest is individualized for each child. Eachprogram element is customized to the child’s specific skills,needs, interests, preferences, goals and family’s desires. Thatis why an ABA program for one child will look different than

a program for another. The rates of change and acquisition will vary from one child to another, too, as will theoverall rate of progress.

Complex skills are often broken down into small steps. Dividing each skill into a series of smaller steps allows thechild to learn a skill in stages. The steps are then individually taught using prompts, which are gradually eliminatedas the steps are mastered. Every time the child achieves the desired result, he or she receives positive reinforcementto keep him or her motivated to continually improve. Upon mastery, the child can then integrate the skill intohis or her everyday life. During this process, our qualified behavior analysts systematically track and evaluateprogress throughout the entire process.

Another core element of ABA therapy is reducing and replacingproblem behaviors, such as self-injury or aggression, with other moreappropriate behavior. Behavior analysts work with parents andguardians to identify problem behaviors and why they are occurring.Once the motive is determined, the behavior analyst will develop a plan to teach new skills, such as communication, to replace theinappropriate behavior.

The ABA therapy procedures used at Quest have been thoroughly researched and found to be effective, and they are strongly supportedby the scientific community. Thousands of published and peer-reviewedstudies have demonstrated the value of this therapy in treating peoplewith Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning and behavior concerns,and related disorders.

A number of the children who participated in early intensive ABAacquired skills that allowed them, within a few years of the therapy,to participate in mainstream classrooms with little or no ongoinghelp. Moreover, many children who have received ABA have improvedtheir quality of life - and that of their families - learned to functionin the community, held jobs later in life and developed lastingpersonal relationships.

Research shows that when a child receives ABA intervention therapy by the age of three, the need for supportservices later in life is greatly reduced (U.S. News). Eighty percent of the children Quest Kids serves are under theage of 10 because doctors and parents realize the urgency for intervention while the child is still developing.

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ABA therapy is the scientificapproach to improving humanbehavior and has been shownto produce many importantand socially significant changes.


Quest Kids Academy

Quest Kids specializes in helping children with autism, pervasive development disorder, and other learning andbehavior concerns. To allow these children access to a much-needed classroom setting in incremental steps andbetter transition into a mainstream class, Quest opened Quest Kids Academy!

Quest Kids Academy is one of the few accredited McKay providers in Central Florida with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Education Specialist, occupational therapy, speech therapy and playground facilities allunder one roof.

As a natural extension of the Quest Kids therapy program,Quest Kids Academy delivers quality education using the ABLLSand VB-MAPP combined with a state-approved curriculum,while also providing individualized one-on-one and group ABAtherapy. The teaching tools used at Quest Kids Academy includeLanguage for Learning, Reading Mastery, HandwritingWithout Tears, TouchPoint Math and Connecting Math Concepts.

Centrally located at 514 E. Colonial Drive, Quest Kids Academy offers classrooms with two-way observationwindows, allowing parents to discreetly view their child’s development. An open-door policy coupled withweekly parent-teacher meetings are also designed to review educational goals and progress in the program.

Parent Perspective

Jonathan’s story as written by Robyn, mother

My story began almost six years ago, when Jonathan was born. He was my first child. He was cute and laugheda lot. The shift from marketing professional to stay-at-home mom was quite swift. As time went by, my friends’kids were crawling. Jonathan wasn’t, but he was really chubby so it didn’t worry me. Then, they started walking.Some of my friends kept asking me about it - but our doctor said let’s wait until 18 months. I was okay withthat. With being patient.

At 18 months, Jonathan still wasn’t walking, so we sought out help from a federally funded program called EarlySteps. It turned out Jonathan was speech delayed and physically delayed. We had no idea. No one mentionedany specific disability, and we didn’t have the courage to ask. The only label they gave him was “delayed.”

I remember leaving that office upset and in shock. It hurt. It felt like someone wringing my heart out. It neveroccurred to me in all my family planning that someone with a master’s degree and my husband, a PhD, couldhave a developmentally delayed child.

Our objective at Quest KidsAcademy is to help every child,regardless of ability, meet hisor her individual goals andachieve a productive life.

He ended up having speech, physical, occupational and oral motor therapies. I never thought we would do thesetherapies for more than a year. Then two years. During that time, my friends were having play dates, and we weredoing therapy at home. It was very isolating.

By age 3, Jonathan was tested by the school system, and we continued on this very emotional journey. The testingteam said he had a foot in both worlds, meaning the autism world and I guess the regular or typical world. Hehad some social skills with adults but not with peers. His cognition was much higher than his expressive language.They wanted to put him into an autism class for six months and then place him in an exceptional education class.We were completely against this because my son was not what you would think of as “classically autistic.” Hehad many social and personable qualities.

After many tears, meetings, frustration and class viewings, he was placed in the exceptional education class ina neighborhood school. He attended for six weeks and did awesome! His first week of school, he even said“mama” for the first time. It was so amazing. Although I believed his progress was great, the teacher complainedabout Jonathan’s differences. He bit a few kids out of frustration and required one-on-one assistance so hewouldn’t play with the faucet and the doors.

At that time, I was taking a speech class hosted by the county. I met other parents that had challenges. AlthoughJonathan exhibited repetitive behaviors, like opening and closing doors, switching lights on and off and pressingbuttons on musical toys over and over again, I still believed there were other parents dealing with situationsharder than mine. But I also learned that other teachers embraced the differences of these children; that wasn’tthe case with Jonathan, which made me more unsettled about his placement.

As Jonathan got older, the differences between him and histypical peers became more apparent. That summer we sawa doctor who gave him the label of PDD, a diagnosis on theautism spectrum. Although we weren’t happy that Jonathanwas different, we expected this diagnosis, which quite franklywas better than other things I could imagine.

The thing is - there is no manual for autism. Every child hasdifferent issues. Some sensory. Some verbal. Some behavior.Combinations of them. There is a saying: “When you havemet one child with autism, you have met one child with autism.”That pretty much sums it up.

The next year, we moved Jonathan from our neighborhoodschool to a charter school that serves children with autism.The level of service was unprecedented. Yet, for as much as hewas improving, he still needed help. I was still struggling withthe thought of Jonathan biting and not playing appropriately.

While his typical peers would drive a toy car or build blocks, Jonathan would only watch a video or play with amusical toy. This is when I started realizing that Jonathan’s delays weren’t temporary and that autism was goingto be a life-long disability. It’s not that he couldn’t catch up, but he would have to learn how to overcomecertain situations.

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So at the recommendation of a friend, I called Quest. They specialize inABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis. This therapy helps children on theautism spectrum improve in all kinds of developmental milestones - notjust negative behaviors. Why Quest? It was my opinion that they WEREand ARE the market leader in ABA. Ansley, the director of Quest Kids,and Nona, a lead therapist, came to our house to do an intake. Theyquickly saw how Jonathan needed assistance with basic skills, like playing.We started with just two hours of therapy a week.

Last February, Jonathan's former school told us he wasn't yet reachinghis full potential and needed more one-to-one therapy, which made meshocked and angry. But, we got Ansley on board and increased his ABAto nine hours. He immediately began making progress. We increased hishours again over the summer; every time we increased them his rate ofimprovement increased. He learned to draw lines and eat with utensils,and he began saying the “b” and “p” sounds - 18-month-old skills thathe finally learned at 4 years old.

This past summer, we started verbal ABA… WOW! This made Jonathan start talking, not just saying sounds,for the first time. He was trying before but no one could understand him but me. A mom even texted me fromthe hallway at Quest saying, “I heard Jonathan say ‘eat banana,’ and I understood what he said!” Other peopleunderstanding him is a big deal. That’s the start of his independence; on him not relying on me so much foreverything. Now, we are up to 24 hours of ABA (not including speech) and Jonathan has four therapists: Nona,Hunter, Danielle and Natalie. He loves them all and will say their names.

Every small accomplishment is BIG at our house. Toleratinga haircut. Talking to his sister. Talking to other little boys.Saying two and three-word sentences. New vocabularywords - this week he said “highway” and pointed to I-4and said “gas” as we passed the gas station. They are allbeautiful. Each new thing helps erase the difficulty of the day.

We relish every little accomplishment. And, Jonathan’s four therapists do too! They love him. They tell me storiesabout things he does and how much they savor his accomplishments too. Yesterday, one of his therapistsshared that he kissed the boy next to him in circle time and she almost cried. So you can see they are part ofour family in a sense.

Quest is SO important in our life. The people. Its services. The support. I can’t imagine where he would bewithout these services. I am thankful for the things they help give us - the normal things like washing handsand saying hello. Every day when I walk away from this building I feel good. I KNOW Jonathan is in a safeplace. I KNOW that everybody he is with is committed to making him progress. And I am comforted by thecommunity of parents inside that building that provide support and laughter. Thank you.

Jonathan is now attending QuestKids Academy and doing excellentin his new learning environment!

Florida Autism Center of Excellence (FACE)

In July 2009, Quest partnered with the Florida Autism Center of Excellence (FACE) in Tampa. FACE offers successfuleducational programs for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. As a free public charterschool that serves students in pre-K through 12th grade and beyond, FACE provides a comprehensive academicenvironment to address the unmet needs of the growing number of children in Florida with developmental disabilities. The center’s collaboration with the public school district is bringing new choices for the families ofchildren with autism.

With the rate of autism diagnoses on the rise - current numbers estimate that one in every 110 U.S. children ison the autism spectrum - FACE is now one of four public schools in Florida that exclusively serves children withAutism Spectrum Disorders.

The academic program at FACE focuses on developing the appropriate paths of learning to meet the specificindividual needs of each of its students in all areas. At FACE, students gain the academic, social and behavioralskills they need to help them become more independent later in life. FACE uses the principles of Applied BehaviorAnalysis (ABA) - an effective, research-based strategy that has been proven to be effective for teaching studentswith autism.

All teachers at FACE are certified by Hillsborough CountyPublic Schools and are required to have their ExceptionalStudent Education (ESE) certification. FACE teachers haveearned a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a teachingcertificate. Presently, all of the FACE instructors are also workingon completing the Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement.

Additionally, FACE has behavior analysts on staff with theBoard Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentials. The BCBAcertification is an internationally recognized credential thatindicates professional competence in behavior analysis. Tobecome a BCBA, individuals must complete a master's degree,complete specific coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis,meet a supervised experience requirement and pass theBehavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam.

FACE uses high-quality, research-based teaching techniques driven by each student’s annual academic, social,behavioral, vocational and communication benchmarks in addition to those outlined in the Next GenerationSunshine State Standards.

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Based on the student’s assessment, a teaching plan is created for each of his or her IEP goals. These teachingplans are then further broken down into individual outcomes. Data is collected at least three times per week toevaluate the student’s progress and is reviewed monthly by a behavior analyst. This information is also sharedwith parents in a daily communication log sent home with the students.

Physical, occupational and speech therapy is also provided on-site at FACE in addition to the following curricula:

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)Designed especially for children with autism who have delays in speech development, PECS is an alternative tovocal communication that uses pictures instead of words to help children communicate. PECS is usually taughtin six progressive phases where the pictures and icons are phased out as language develops. For children whoare non-verbal, PECS can also be a first step towards using an electronic communication device.

ACCESS Social Skills CurriculumAdolescent Curriculum for Communication and Effective Social Skills (ACCESS) is a complete curriculum thatteaches effective social skills to middle and high school-level students. The program teaches peer-to-peer skills,skills for relating to adults and self-management skills.

SRA Snapshots Simply ScienceSRA Snapshots Simply Science is a multimedia program designed to introduce science to students in first and secondgrades. Using picture books, science facts and simple technology, this program makes learning science fun andmore accessible to children by stimulating their imaginations and creativity.

Edmark Reading ProgramThe Edmark Reading Program teaches basic reading skills tostruggling and non-readers using short, instructional steps.Students are taught recognition and comprehension through acarefully planned introduction of words and sentence structureto promote language development. As a result, students improveself-confidence while developing vocabulary.

MEville to WEvilleAs the first research-based literacy curriculum developed forstudents with learning challenges in the moderate to severe range,MEville to WEville is designed to build a classroom communitythat promotes a sense of belonging. Each unit offers studentsa new and different perspective on themselves, their families,and their school.

Saxon MathThe Saxon Math method of instruction teaches students mathematics in incremental steps by teaching a newmath concept every day while constantly reviewing old concepts. For students who struggle in mathematics, thisapproach allows them to retain and practice the material they previously learned before diving into a new lesson.

AMP ReadingAMP Reading is a complete reading intervention system developed for striving middle and high school students whoread at a third to sixth-grade level. This program focuses oncomprehension strategies, vocabulary, and building fluencythrough the use of explicit instruction and highly engagingstudent materials.

The Hidden CurriculumThe Hidden Curriculum refers to unwritten rules that are taughtto students but are not part of the primary and open curriculum.Through a variety of quiet communications, The Hidden Curriculumfocuses on what behaviors are appropriate, what students valueand other social and behavioral rules. Students who are properlytaught The Hidden Curriculum improve their self-esteem andindependence and are better able to navigate the barriers tosocial acceptability.

Social Skills BuilderSocial Skills Builder is a series of innovative software programs that use interactive videos to teach the key socialthinking, language and behavior critical to everyday living. By using real-life scenarios that immediately engagethe user to answer questions, make judgments and estab lish outcomes, this type of interaction produces a higherlevel of understanding and retention than passively watching video stories.

Discrete Trial TrainerThe Discreet Trial Trainer is a computer software programbased on the Discrete Trial method which uses a singlecycle of a behaviorally based instruction routine. Studentslearn a variety of subjects and acquire new skills throughthe program’s various modules using basic learning exercisesand a wide variety of rewards or reinforcers.

Functional Independence Skills Handbook (FISH)The goal of the FISH program is to teach functional livingskills for greater independence. The curriculum containslessons covering the targeted functional skill areas such aseating with a fork, making a sandwich, telling time byhours, using a clothes dryer, dialing a phone, not hurtingothers, using money at a store, opening a door, sharingnews, unfolding boxes, using a time clock and many more.

Located at 6400 E. Chelsea St. in Tampa, the school is available to families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk,Manatee and Sarasota counties. Enrollment is open August through February.

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Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a one-year training program that provides competitive employment opportunities to high schoolstudents with disabilities. Project SEARCH is modeled after a high school transition program in Cincinnati thatplaces these students in internships at local businesses. They obtain work skills and training with the goal ofeventually securing employment in non-traditional jobs for people with disabilities.

The program is different from traditional on-the-job-training programsbecause of the concentrated work experience students receive inone specific area. Students spend their last year of high school eligibility completely immersed at a work site in a business settingand receive intense employment training and hands-on experienceunder the guidance of teachers and job coaches. This on-sitepresence helps students understand the employer's needs and efficiently trains them for specific jobs - ultimately giving employersaccess to a talented underutilized workforce while allowing studentsto develop job skills for long-term success.

Quest’s Project SEARCH is a collaborative, strategic partnership betweenprivate employers, the Orange County Public School system, VocationalRehabilitation and Quest. Our business partners, Rosen ShingleCreek resort and Florida Hospital, provide classroom space and internship opportunities to participating students. Orange CountyPublic Schools donates one teacher who provides daily employmentskills training for the entire school year. Vocational Rehabilitation(VR) provides funding to Quest upon placing a person from ProjectSEARCH in a community employment situation. Quest implements the program, provides a Project SEARCH programdirector, coordinates collaborators, assists with participant recruitment efforts, provides job coaches to trainparticipants, assists with job placement and implements and evaluates the program.

Quest’s Project SEARCH program is the first one in Orlando and the only one in the country to open more thanone work site at the same time. Each site has eight to 12 carefully screened and selected recruits with varying abilities.

EligibilityProject SEARCH serves students with significant disabilities who are in the last year of their educational program.Specifically, these are students with developmental or intellectual disabilities who are on an Individual EducationProgram (IEP). The most important eligibility criterion is a desire to achieve competitive employment. Most studentsare also eligible for VR and the local or state developmental disability agency. These two agencies are critical forinitial training and retention services during the program and once the Project SEARCH graduate is employed.

People with disabilities sufferan estimated unemploymentrate of close to 75 percent,and they tend to get stuck invery menial jobs. This programreally tries to diversify thejobs and gives them skillsin fields that are growing.Orlando hospitality is avery vibrant field. This opensup a whole new realm ofpossibilities for students andattacks the nation’s biggestproblem - unemployment.

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Program OverviewStudents attend the program for a full school year at the host site. Thebusiness provides access to an on-site classroom that can accommodateup to 12 students. The site is staffed by a teacher and three job coacheswho will meet the educational and training needs of the students.

Once the school year begins, the first few weeks of the program are focusedon new employee orientation, student assessment and familiarizationwithin the business environment. Students undergo a hands-on assessmentand develop a career plan. This plan guides the internship selection processand the individualized job search.

Employment Skills CurriculumThroughout the school year, the students work on employability andfunctional skills for a minimum of one hour of their day. Classroomactivities are designed around these focus areas: self-esteem and advocacy,communication, career exploration and job search, interviewing skills,job retention, functional academics related to their internships, moneymanagement and independent living.

Worksite RotationsThrough a series of three or four targeted internships, the studentsacquire competitive, marketable and transferable skills to enable themto apply for a related position. Students also build communication,teamwork and problem-solving skills which is important to theiroverall development as a young worker. These are unpaid studentinternships - analogous to the clinical rotations that are part ofevery medical school or business internship program. Potentialstudent worksites are identified through a continuous collaborativeprocess involving the teacher, job coaches and business liaison.

These internship rotations begin a few weeks after the start of theprogram. Students are required to interact with their supervisorsvia telephone and written communication to arrange a job interviewto secure each internship. A department mentor is identified ateach site. The mentor interacts with the instructor, job coachesand the student as a consistent source of guidance and feedback.Students spend approximately five hours each day at the internshipsincluding a 30-minute lunch.

Working from a task list, they acquire the core skills necessary foran open position at the host business site or in the community. Job coaches and department staff collaborate toprovide support for students. The Project SEARCH staff delivers the training as well as develop job accommodationsand standard work procedures. Once the students master the core skills, additional skills can be layered to improvetheir marketability.

“Being in this program isnot like being in school,”said Mark, Project SEARCHintern. “There is no bell totell you when class is over.You have to learn timemanagement. I have learnedskills that will help me inthe future. I work in theimaging department atWinter Park MemorialHospital and do a varietyof tasks every day. I am really getting a lot out ofbeing here.”


Job Placement and Community ConnectionDuring the last few months of the program, the emphasis is on refining skills, achieving career goals and carryingout individualized job placement. Job development and placement occurs based on the student's experiences,strengths and skills. Linkages to appropriate services in the community are critical as students prepare to graduatefrom the program to ensure a successful transition to employment and adult life. Services are identified in thecommunity that provide assistance with necessary adaptations required to perform a specific job. Job coachingand long-term follow along are then arranged. Upon satisfactory completion of the program (95 percent or betterattendance, good attitude and successful skill acquisition at each rotation), students receive a "career passport.”The contents of the packet will vary among program sites, but generally the packets contain a resume, letters ofrecommendation, a competency profile and any awards or special recognition received while in the program.

Student SelectionStudents are referred to the program through their schools and/or Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and applyin the winter and spring in the year prior to entering the program. The Project SEARCH teacher, host businessliaison, VR counselor, and community rehabilitation provider staff carries out the selection process.

Talented WorkforceProject SEARCH gives employers access to a new, diverse talent stream with skills that match their labor needs.Job rotations at the host site are non-paid internships with on-site support from Project SEARCH staff, meaningthere is low cost and low risk for participating businesses. When the program is complete and if a Project SEARCHgraduate is hired, employers may also find that performance and retention in some high-turnover, entry-levelpositions will increase dramatically. Additionally, Project SEARCH is changing corporate culture and helping toadd diversity to the workforce.

Adult Day Training (ADT) Program

Quest’s Adult Day Training (ADT) centers located in Orlandoprovide jobs and opportunities to adults with disabilities.Individuals learn job skills that can prepare them for theresponsibilities they would face in an outside workplace.While training on the job, each individual earns a paycheckthat provides them with needed income as they reachtheir full potential. Carefully supervised and thoroughlytrained, these employees participate in activities that matchtheir physical capabilities. While many of our employeesremain at the employment centers to work, many othersuse this opportunity as a stepping stone to working inthe community.

Quest’s ADT program in Tampa and Orlando also offers meaningful day activities and projects for a variety ofpeople, including individuals from the community and private homes. The different theme-oriented groups focuson improving functionality and skill development of the people served. Each group allows for individualized attention and has a unique focus and specialized activities.

Quest’s ADT centers provide theopportunity for more than 300people with disabilities to earn apaycheck. Quest also offers businesssolutions to companies who seekto outsource assembly, packaging,sorting, collating, direct mail andshredding projects.

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Social Interaction and Environmental AwarenessActivities are centered on arts and crafts, adaptive cooking, music exposureand pet therapy. Individuals become aware of choice-making indicators,develop multi-sensory awareness, and improve their functional living skills,including self-care and personal hygiene.

Receptive CommunicationGroups involve interactive games, multimedia visual stimulation and evenhorticulture therapy. Group members learn how to explore choice makingwhile also focusing on developing listening and auditory skills.

Expressive Communication and Computer SkillsGroups focus on methods of communication through projects, stories,computer games and presentations. In addition to enhancing computerskills, group members gain vocabulary development and increased verbalization and communication.

Creative ArtsThrough the use of multimedia materials to create art projects, these groups emphasize pre-vocational skillssuch as following instructions, on-task focus and initiation and completion of projects.

Vocational and ProductionAiming to develop a foundation of vocational skills in service and production areas, the projects include recycling,document shredding, assembly and packaging. These activities help teach task completion and functional moneymanagement while emphasizing community integration.

Music Performance AppreciationFocusing on music exploration through instrument use, song and dance, groups provide a hands-on approachto skill development. The music positively affects behavioral issues, while also reinforcing functional skills andthe idea of sharing.

Domestic SkillsGroups help individuals develop domestic skills, such as cooking and housekeeping. This group increases functionalactivities of daily living skills and provides education on personal hygiene and nutrition.

Physical ManagementPeople need to be able to move around to maintain good health. This group is for individuals who have limitedmobility and can’t move independently, as they require assistance to prevent potential problems. People in thisgroup have the opportunity to be repositioned out of their wheelchair during the day. Performing frequent physicalmanagement techniques delivers the movements needed to relieve pressure on the body, avoid stress on theskin and reach the healthiest rest environment possible.

On-Site Work TeamsQuest also offers opportunities to individuals who work best in a group setting. Being part of these on-site teamsallows people to work on a variety of projects out in the community while developing social and workplace skillsand increasing their financial independence and self-esteem. In addition to the skills needed for grounds keepingand custodial duties, they learn safe work practices and teamwork.


Employment Services

Quest’s employment services help people with disabilities explore promising career options and find gainful employment in the community. With a comprehensive program including vocational evaluation, job development,job coaching, follow-along services and travel training, people can learn about vocational options, explore andidentify realistic job opportunities and develop plans for success.

Understanding a job seeker's skills, abilities and interests is often the first step in helping them get ready to work.By using different methods and tools, a vocational evaluation helps identify the individual's strengths, aptitudesand functional needs relative to employment goals.

Whether an individual is changing jobs, seeking opportunities for advancement, uncertain of vocational direction or wanting to identifybarriers to training or placement, vocational evaluation offers a variety of individualized services to meet each person's needs.

Once a goal has been established, employment specialists providejob development services such as conducting assessments, assistingwith resumes and applications, developing job leads and assisting withthe interview process. They also provide advocacy and education to theemployer and employee as needed.

Quest is proud of the relationships we have with major Central Floridacompanies. Our staff has placed individuals at a wide range of businessesincluding: SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World,Nike, Darden Restaurants, Orange County Convention Center, Orange County Public Schools, Publix Super Markets, Winn-Dixie,Ross Stores, Inc., Host Marriott, Stein Mart and Pizza Hut... just toname a few.

After landing a suitable job, a Quest employment specialist is available for people who need one-on-one trainingat the workplace. During the initial phase of employment, the specialist provides the individual with support toensure success. To help maintain employment, regular visits by a Quest follow-along specialist are available ifany additional support is needed.

For people with disabilities, using public transportation opens the door to additional independent living skills,greater opportunities for employment and more access to community activities. Quest’s travel training programteaches individuals how to confidently and comfortably ride on LYNX fixed-route buses and take advantage ofthe independence and flexibility that come from using the bus system.

The program offers up to 12 hours of free one-on-one personalized training of the LYNX bus system by a Questtravel trainer. Individuals learn the available area bus routes, how to read a bus schedule and recognize bus numbers,how to get to and from the bus stop safely, important riding procedures, what to do if they miss the bus, getlost or board the wrong bus, how to plan a trip and important contact numbers.

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Residential Program

Home is much more than just "where you live." It’s a place where youshould like to be, a place where you should feel comfortable and a placewhere you should feel safe. Our homes also root us in the communityand add to our identity.

The mission of Quest has been inspired by people with special needs.There may come a time when the parents or siblings of those individualscan no longer provide their care. Family members may reach a pointwhen they must entrust their loved ones’ nurturing to someone else...to someone who will walk alongside them on life's journey... to someonewho will be as committed to their best interests as their family.

Quest was established to provide families with just such a trusted partner.Our residential program is designed to fulfill the wishes of caring parents,grandparents and other caregivers by offering a quality choice for thecontinued support of youth and adults with disabilities. At Quest, everyoneliving in one of our locations enjoys a life rich in experiences and opportunities,in an environment shaped by our core values.

Every situation is different. All of Quest’s residential options in the Orlando and Tampa areas provide servicesappropriate to the needs and abilities of residents. Quest offers all the amenities of home, plus companionship,transportation, fun activities and the support services needed for residents to reach their full potential with safetyand security in mind.

Quest’s Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) cater to the most medically fragile individuals and provide residentswith round-the-clock nursing care in the comfort of a home setting. ICFs give residents access to an extensivesupport system that includes physical, speech and occupational therapy.

In Quest’s group homes, individuals live in small groups of six to 12 people, where increasing independencethrough continued skill training is emphasized. Each person has the opportunity to be employed outside of thehome at one of Quest’s vocational training centers or in the community. Our group homes in Tampa specializein serving children with autism as well as children and adults with significant behavioral and medical needs.

Transitional living is another option where adults live with roommates in apartments but still have access tosupport staff to assist with daily tasks such as shopping, cooking, bill paying and cleaning. Individuals havedemonstrated a high level of independence but are still working on mastering the skills needed to live independentlyin the community.

Being a part of Quest’s supported living program means that individuals live and work independently in thecommunity and are assisted as needed with more complex skills such as banking, making appointments andlearning public transportation.


All people, regardless of age, race or abilities are treated with dignity and respect. People with disabilities have a rightto be involved in all aspects of community life. They have the right to choose where and with whom they will live,work and socialize. Our society has a responsibility to accept and include all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

At Quest, residents have the option to participate not only in fun activities, but also in ones that promote lifelongeducation, maintain a healthy lifestyle and allow them to assume personal and community responsibility. A personaldevelopment plan is prepared for every individual who is in the residential program. Those plans identify each person’sunique abilities, goals and interests.

The staff-to-resident ratio at Quest means our residents have the support system they need to lead lives filled withnew opportunities. Whether residents are learning how to use computers, having a picnic, going on outings tothe zoo or a concert, or participating in other available activities, they are continually encouraged to expand theirboundaries. Activities are organized under five support programs: education, vocational, enrichment, leisureand recreation, and health and safety.

EducationAs part of their development plans, some individuals focus on maximizing independent life skills such as personalgrooming, hygiene, handling money and safety. For others, their development plans emphasize more academictraining (reading, math and computer usage), those oriented towards the arts (music and crafts) and/or onesinvolving health and wellness (fitness and exercise).

Vocational Being part of the workforce is a meaningful experience for most people - our residents included. Quest ensuresthat all residents have the opportunity to find suitable employment if they desire. Job skills training and placementassistance are offered to help residents secure work in the surrounding community or at one of Quest’s AdultDay Training centers. For those residents already employed when they come to live with us, Quest partners withemployers to assure needed support is available.

EnrichmentResidents are involved with activities that interest them: work, church, gardening, going to the movies, visits tothe park, family outings, etc. We assist them in getting to the places they normally go. For some people, comingto Quest will be an opportunity for more socializing than they have previously experienced.

Leisure and RecreationEvery season is filled with leisure activities. Residents enjoy summer and winter camp, trips to the theme parks,get-togethers with families and friends, birthday parties, sing-alongs, campfires, comedy skits, local sportingevents and much more. Whether residents are involved as participants or spectators, the goals of their recreationaland leisure activities are to relax and have fun.

Health and SafetyGood health and safety are pivotal to a happy life, and Quest strives to ensure its residents enjoy plenty ofboth. To encourage them to maintain healthy diets, a dietician designs the residents’ menus based on propernutrition and their food preferences.

We also work in tandem with residents, their families and medical providers to coordinate needed health services.A nurse visits residents on-site and monitors their health, and all staff members are trained in First Aid andCPR. Residents and staff also hold emergency drills on a regular basis.

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My New Home

Kerri Anne is a smart and outgoing young lady. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, loves animalsand is great with children. Growing up in her parents’ house, Kerri Anne was surrounded by the warm, caringenvironment that shaped who she became. Still, she always felt that something was missing.

Born with a disability, Kerri Anne often relied on her parents as her support system, having lived with them herentire life, but she yearned to be independent in her adulthood. She began to question why she could not dothe things she saw her friends do, like live on her own - her greatest wish. She questioned why she was different.

Kerri Anne’s parents, Stan and Norma, became discouraged as their daughter grew older and their options becamelimited. “We had no answers,” Stan said. “We had to be positive to her face and weep behind closed doorswith sheer frustration.”

Stan and Norma longed to give Kerri Anne a normal, fulfilling life, butfeared she would not be able to live alone because of her disability. Theywondered where would their daughter go, and what would happen toher without them? They soon learned there were services out there forKerri Anne and that she could live independently - as long as she hadthe right support.

With the help of Quest’s transitional living program, Kerri Anne movedout of her parents’ house and into her own apartment with a roommate.She has access to Quest’s support staff who check in with her regularlyto assist with daily tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning andpaying bills. They work with Kerri Anne on mastering the skills she needsto be self-sufficient. She has now learned to take care of many thingsby herself.

Thanks to Quest, Kerri Anne has been living on her own for several years.She still visits her parents once a month, but it’s obvious to them that sheenjoys her new sense of independence. She exudes a visible glow and beamswith happiness. “It's been amazing, the change in her,” her mother Normasaid. “She found a comfort level there, and she just started blossoming.”

For Stan, seeing Kerri Anne flourish has reassured him that Quest was the right decision for his daughter, aswell as for him and Norma, too. “We can walk away from wherever Kerri might be and know without a shadowof a doubt that not only is she happy, but she’s with people we can trust,” he said.


Quest’s Camp Thunderbird

Sending a loved one to camp for the first time is a major milestonethat brings a lot of excitement, but it can also be daunting for parentsif their child has a disability. This is a common feeling to have, and it’simportant to find the right match.

Many parents and guardians naturally have questions and concernsabout their children being away from home, and at Quest’s CampThunderbird, we do our best to ease your worries and foster a safeand smooth transition for your camper - and you. After more than 40years of summer successes, we’re positive that your camper will havethe greatest adventure possible at Quest!

Since 1969, Camp Thunderbird has been dedicated to providinga real summer camp experience for people with special needs.Because of the physical and behavioral challenges associated withDown syndrome, autism, Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities, thesechildren and adults aren't typically eligible to attend traditionalcamps. Camp Thunderbird is their chance to learn new skills andfocus on the remarkable things they can do, while making newfriends and unforgettable memories.

Camp Thunderbird’s six and 12-day overnight sessions also giveparents and guardians a much-needed break from the demandsof 24-hour caregiving. For many families, this respite is their firstchance to relax, spend time with friends or even take a vacationknowing that their loved one is receiving quality care and attention.

Each summer, more than 500 campers of all ages have the timeof their lives participating in Camp Thunderbird’s variety of funactivities. From camping, swimming, nature studies and arts andcrafts, to canoeing, fishing, evening socials and sports and games,Camp Thunderbird offers the same adventures available at othercamp programs - but in a fully-accessible environment tailored tomeet the diverse needs of the campers. Separated from their parents,many for the first time, campers begin to take on challenges thatbuild their self-confidence and sense of independence.

Camp ThunderbirdCamp Thunderbird

“My son Bobby has beenattending Camp Thunderbirdfor many years and lovesevery minute of his timeaway from home. He hasmade wonderful friendsand adores all the fabulouscounselors that CampThunderbird tirelesslyinterviews. They make surethey find the very bestpeople to care for our special children. Bobbylooks forward to his campexperience each year, as Ido, knowing he is wellcared for and loved by allthe staff.”

- Wendy, mother

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Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools, andthey also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed by an expert,independent organization. Camp Thunderbird is ACA accredited,which means that we have submitted to a thorough review ofour operation by the American Camp Association (ACA).

ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewingcamp operations in the country and collaborates with expertsfrom the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American RedCross and other youth-serving agencies to assure that currentpractices at camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-basedstandards in camp operation.

ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and governmentregulators as the standards of the camp community. They gobeyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness and foodservice into specific areas of programming, including emergencymanagement plans, health care, management and camp stafffrom director to counselors.

Camp Thunderbird’s counselors are international college students and professionals specializing in the medical,special education, recreation and related fields. Prior to the campers’ arrival, staff complete a week-long trainingwhere they learn about daily living at camp, emergency procedures, behavior management, child abuse prevention,program activities and characteristics of specific disabilities. All are trained in American Red Cross First Aid andCPR. Camp Thunderbird provides one counselor for every four campers.

Camp is always more fun with a family member or friend! CampThunderbird welcomes children with and without special needswho will have the opportunity to play, learn and grow togetherat our inclusive sessions. By focusing on what each person cando, this program helps raise awareness, teach understandingand develop acceptance, while also providing a much-neededbreak for parents with sibling campers.

ACA helps camps provide:

Healthy, developmentallyappropriate activities andlearning experiences.

Discovery through experiential education.

Caring, competent role models.

Service to the community and environment.

Opportunities for leadershipand personal growth.


Request Us

Business Solutions

Quest offers a variety of employment opportunities that help people with disabilities increase their self-esteem,develop social and workplace skills, receive a paycheck and obtain the independence they desire.

As a solutions provider for your labor-intensive challenges, Quest also offers you the most efficient and cost-effective answers to your need for additional workforce. Whether your company is large or small, partneringwith Quest delivers high-quality work, superior customer service and diligent employees.

In these challenging economic times, we have all found the need for change in our businesses. The pressure tocut corners internally can end up costing more in terms of quality. Quest will better manage your critical businessoperations by allowing your projects to go to market quickly at reduced costs and with greater efficiency. Ourcompetitive rates help you save money without sacrificing performance or time, offering you the greatest returnon your investment. Our quality control inspection ensures that projects are always completed at the highestlevels of accuracy and are on par with your standards.

As a key component of our principal business values, we have concentrated on making superior customer servicea necessary foundation for our daily operations. We have earned a prominent reputation among our customersby constantly meeting our goal of exceeding defined expectations.

The Quest team is filled with highly dedicated, motivated and dependable employees ready to meet your operationalneeds. Our talented staff of trainers, supervisors and support personnel coordinate the work of more than 300hard-working employees that are helping businesses like yours get the job done right and on time.

By choosing Quest, you receive the service you desire while contributing to a vital cause in your community.

Off-Site Workforce

Increase your project production by utilizing our more than 20,000 squarefeet of available space. We have two sites for your convenience, one insouth Orlando and the second just north of Orlando in Apopka, Florida.At both of these locations, off-site contracts include, but are not limitedto, assembly, disassembly, packaging, sorting, direct mail, collating,shredding and document scanning. We may even be able to train workersto meet other specific demands of your business.

Outsourcing your fulfillment jobs, such as assembly, packaging and directmail, to us allows you to concentrate on core business functions, bringingyour focus back to improving sales and increasing revenue while wehandle the details.

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Services Include:

AssemblyDisassemblyPackagingSortingDirect MailCollatingShreddingDocument Scanning


Assembly and Packaging Services

From new product development to display fulfillment, Quest’s assemblyand packaging services deliver timely, customized solutions for your uniqueneeds. Whether you are launching a new product, repositioning a brandor looking to achieve greater productivity, we can help.

From the most delicate packaging jobs, such as wine glasses, to the complexconference packets, Quest ensures accurate assembly while meeting yourschedule. An important reason customers use us is that we are able toguarantee 100 percent productivity, assuring you meet your on-time delivery and customer satisfaction objectives. Other benefits of our servicesinclude per piece pricing, which eliminates the unpredictable costs sometimesassociated with outsourcing.

Direct Mail Services

From pre-mail services to fulfillment, our qualified team and our automated, high-speed system enable us totake on even the most complex jobs. Our knowledge of postal rules and regulations ensures that your job willbe handled in the most efficient and cost-effective way. From promotional materials and newsletters to catalogsand more, we meet your needs through:

�� Insertion �� Folding �� U.S.P.S. CASS certification�� Tabbing �� Collating �� Storage, pick-up and delivery�� Labeling �� Permit imprinting �� High-speed automated mailing�� First-class mailing �� Standard bulk mailing �� Delivery point verification

Quest can also provide data management solutions.Using up-to-date equipment and software, we canincrease accuracy and maximize your postal discountsusing address standardization, address correction,and database merge and purge.

With so much sophistication in technology, manyemail campaigns end up as spam. As a result, manycompanies are coming back to probably one of themost effective ways to promote a business - direct mail.If you are interested in a large-scale mailing, Questoffers the best rates in the industry, helping companieslike yours get the maximum savings on postage.

Gilbert and Manjura Marketing cameto Quest for a brochure mailing thatthey had been doing in-house. In onemonth alone, we saved them nearly$1,100 in postage and labeling costs!Over the course of a year, Quest mailedmore than 12,270 pieces for a totalsavings of approximately $6,015.

On-Site Work force

Quest satisfies your organization’s need for an additional labor source through an on-site team of up to fiveemployees who are contracted for ongoing and short-term projects. This cost-effective solution for your businessallows you to expand your workforce without all the normal costs involved with hiring permanent staff. We offeryou superior workmanship and timely performance at affordable rates.

Quest provides a number of area businesses with a variety of services includingassembly, disassembly, packaging, custodial, grounds keeping and lawn care.Hours and frequency are variable and tailored to best fit the needs of ourcustomers. By working to create and maintain a clean and comfortableenvironment, Quest allows you to focus on running your functional day-to-dayoperations and save costs without compromising any of the quality, no matterthe size of your facility or space.

Being part of an on-site workforce allows people to perform a variety of projectsout in the community while developing social and workplace skills and increasingtheir financial independence and self-esteem. In addition to the skills neededfor completing their job duties, employees also learn safe practices and teamwork.

One of our most popular on-site services is lawn care. Living in Florida means year-round maintenance is a necessity. Quest’s trained field staff help make your lawn lush and green by first conducting a detailed analysis.It gives us a valuable picture of your lawn's strengths and challenges, covering issues like grass and soil types,shade and sun exposure, mowing and watering, problem weeds and lawn insects.

The information we collect helps us formulate a customized program foryour lawn. As your lawn improves, we'll monitor its progress throughoutthe season and adjust our program as needed.

You're not the only one who benefits from having a beautiful lawn. Whenyour lawn is healthy, it helps cool the environment, convert carbon dioxideinto oxygen, improve air quality and prevent soil erosion to stabilize theground beneath our feet. Quest can arrange to come on a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly basis. Our services include, but are not limited to:

Lawn Maintenance Plant Bed Maintenance�� Mowing �� Weeding�� Edging �� Shrub pruning

�� TrimmingFertilization �� Irrigation �� Grass �� Monitoring �� Shrubs �� Adjusting�� Trees

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Services Include:

AssemblyDisassemblyPackagingCustodialGrounds KeepingLawn Care


Staffing Services

Economic theory provides a framework for analyzing job-searchbehavior. Individuals vary in their abilities, education and workexperiences, and jobs vary in their skill and knowledge requirements.Economists often describe the labor market as a matching processin which workers with varying characteristics are matched withappropriate jobs.

Quest’s staffing services he lp area businesses find reliable, skilledemployees for their internal staffing needs. Whether you are lookingto fill full-time or part-time positions, Quest has the right solutionfor you.

Career Placement ServicesRather than spend the countless efforts needed to find job applicants, Quest’s staffing solutions offer you theeffective opportunity to minimize the stress of the job fulfillment process. We tailor our placement suggestionsto the customer’s specifications to result in a mutually beneficial match.

Pre-qualified ApplicantsQuest’s employment specialists use a meticulous screeningprocess to assess the personality, vocational interests andskills of each applicant to match them to ideal positions andcompanies like yours. For employers, this ultimately translatesinto better productivity, lower turnover rates and reduced costs.

Professional TrainingWe work with applicants from the initial screening throughfollow up. By working as an extension of your team, Quest savesyou time and money by reducing your involvement in thetraining process. We also assist you with questions you may haveabout government regulations or job accommodations. Oncetheir initial training is complete, Quest continues to offer themongoing support as needed to maintain employment, creatingan even higher probability of successful vocational outcomes.

Individuals with disabilities who are not in the labor force are often faced with the misperception that they areunable or unwilling to work. Yet the truth is that most all adults, regardless of ability level, can work and wantto find meaningful employment - and, as a benefit for employers, they are often very effective in their jobs whengiven the opportunity and support they need. Unfortunately, it is because of such surrounding myths that barriersto employment exist for adults who would otherwise thrive and bring success to your business.

Quest’s staffing serviceshelp area businesses findreliable, skilled employeesfor their internal staffingneeds - matching the rightcandidate with the mostappropriate job.

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Some other common myths about people with disabilities includethat they are unreliable and will have poor attendance rates orwill leave their jobs soon after starting; that they are unable tomeet performance standards; and that they can only do simple,repetitive jobs or light work.

In reality, employees with disabilities have established themselvesas long-term reliable workers, even in traditionally high-turnoverareas. Studies have found that their retention rate is around 85percent - notably higher than their non-disabled peers. One surveyfound that 90 percent rated average or better in job performance,which is comparable to the 95 percent of employees withoutdisabilities who rated in this way. And people with disabilities aretrained to work in all kinds of professions and have a variety of skillsto offer that differ from individual to individual, just as is true witheveryone else. Quest discovers the proficiencies and talents withineach person that would be most beneficial for your company.

Here are additional key economic reasons to include people with disabilities in your workforce:

�� Nearly 30 percent of homes have at least one person with a disability �� The disability network is a trillion dollar market nationally - a multi-million

dollar market in Florida alone�� People with disabilities are the third largest market, after the aging

segment and baby boomers�� People with disabilities are more likely to return as customers and bring

their families to businesses that make accommodations for access �� Family, friends and other supporters of people with disabilities often

prefer to “shop” at those businesses that are known and visibly promoteinclusion and diversity

“…All participants responded positively towards companies that are sociallyresponsible, including 92 percent of consumers who felt more favorabletoward those that hire individuals with disabilities. The participants alsohad strong positive beliefs about the value and benefits of hiring peoplewith disabilities, with 87 percent specifically agreeing that they would preferto give their business to companies that hire individuals with disabilities.”(University of Mass. Research with N=803, national study, participantsrandomly selected. 2006)


Quest Shreds

Quest Shreds is our newest employment program and is perhaps the easiest way for Central Florida businessesto help Quest create jobs for people with disabilities. Local businesses should ask themselves three questions:

1. Why Shred?

It's the law. Keeping customer and employee information secure is more than just good business. Legislationconcerning privacy is becoming more rigorous and strictly enforced. Organizations that fail to comply will incursevere penalties. Privacy legislation includes the ultimate destruction of confidential information, and shredding is thepreferred method of document destruction. Information contained in documents must be destroyed so that it cannotbe recreated.

Multiple federal laws like HIPAA, FACTA, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act mandate the secure destruction ofconfidential information. Nearly every individual and business in the U.S. is subject to one or more of these laws.Negligent non-compliance could result in enforcement actions including financial penalties and other federalcourt rulings.

It’s green. Choosing the right company to handle your shredding will assure you that your documents will beproperly recycled, while eliminating the possibility of identity theft, consumer fraud, privacy intrusion and otherunauthorized access to confidential data.

2. Why Quest Shreds?

It’s efficient. It is about 17 percent cheaper to outsource your paper shredding than to do it yourself in house.It takes an employee five hours to shred 50 pounds of paper. Outsourcing means there’s no equipment to buy,and it frees up your staff to work on more profitable tasks.

It’s ultra secure! Quest Shreds has been awarded a sub-contract with a federal agency that requires the highestlevel of security measures in the industry. These measures include “chain of custody” procedures that secure yourdocuments from your business location to the Quest Shreds facility, which is protected with security fencing, 24/7video surveillance and motion detection.

We provide our customers with lockable bins which will be picked up by our professional staff with a truck thatis secured by an ignition lock system and GPS tracking. Once the materials are received, a record of the arrivalweight and time is documented. The bins will then be placed in a secure area at our off-site location where theywill be shredded within 48 hours.

ShredsShreds

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Your documents are only taken out of the bins either in your presence or when being shredded (while videotaped).The materials are destroyed by trained individuals using equipment with twice as many blades per inch thanstandard commercial shredders. Customers are also provided a Certificate of Destruction for compliance purposes.

Quest Shreds is owned and operated by Quest but is supported by two strong organizations that are sharingtheir expertise with us:

�� NISH, through their AbiltyOne program, has helped 59 agencies throughout the U.S. create shredding jobs for people with disabilities.

�� FileSolve, a division of Patterson Pope, offers a broad range of document management servicesincluding scanning, file moves and conversions, tracking, active file management, consulting, filing supplies, off-site records storage and document management software. The Quest Shreds and FileSolveteams are committed to working together to integrate secure document destruction with your business’s broader document management needs.

3. Why Wouldn’t You Use Quest Shreds?

Choosing Quest Shreds is a decision you can feel good about. Employment opportunities for people with disabilitiesdiminish during tough times, so partnering with Quest Shreds will enable them to receive a paycheck and increasetheir independence. By using Quest Shreds, you will also help raise awareness about this available service in ourcommunity to your employees, customers and surrounding businesses.

Shredding Examples:Customer listsSales statisticsFinancial recordsPersonnel filesLegal documentsCancelled checksAccount recordsComputer printoutsMedical records

Advertising misprintsCorrespondenceTax recordsInvoicesPrice listsInventory listsOutdated recordsNew products proposalsCredit card receiptsCompetitive information


Quest’s Retreat and Conference Center

Quest’s Camp Thunderbird is more than just a summer camp! In additionto providing an exceptional experience to more than 500 campers eachsummer, the camp becomes Quest’s Retreat and Conference Centerduring the off season. Whether you are interested in an entire week orjust a day, Quest’s Retreat and Conference Center is the ideal setting forteam-building activities, reunions, family picnics, workshops, corporatemeetings and other gatherings.

Located on the grounds of the Wekiwa Springs State Park, it is the perfectblend of nature and conveniences. With a variety of facilities, excitingactivities, experienced staff and endless fun, Quest’s Retreat and ConferenceCenter can provide comfortable accommodations for up to 145 peopleand is available from early September to mid-May.

Within one hour from most Central Florida attractions, Quest’s Retreat and Conference Center is convenient todowntown Orlando, the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Orlando International Airport, area themeparks and more!

Quest’s Retreat and Conference Center offers:

�� A spacious activity center for group gatherings with a projector, screen and computer

�� A large air-conditioned dining hall with an industrial kitchen and walk-in cooler

�� A secluded, quiet resort surrounded by woods with lake access�� Air-conditioned cabins with easy access to the lodge and dining hall�� A game room with leather sofas, TV and game tables�� Screened and open-air gazebos throughout the property �� A picnic area, basketball court and outdoor field, volleyball court,

playgrounds, grill, lakefront deck and swimming pool�� An outdoor amphitheater and fire pit

From arts and crafts to canoeing and everything in between, Quest’s Retreat and Conference Center offers morethan 30 programs and activities for all ages! Challenge yourself on our exciting high ropes course or watch thesunset at a traditional campfire celebration… the choice is yours!

With more than 25 years of combined camp experience, Quest staff hold lifeguard, high and low ropes, pooloperations, food service, CPR and First Aid certifications to ensure both a safe and fun group event.

The Quest Retreat and Conference Center provides a variety of rental packages, whether the focus is teambuilding, planning, brainstorming or just having fun! Highly experienced staff can also provide programs suchas the following for your enjoyment:

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Low Ropes ElementsExperience all our low ropes course has to offer with the extensive rangeof apparatus. Choose from the Triangle Traverse, Team Wall, MohawkTraverse, Swinging Log, Nitro Crossing, Criss Cross, Mohawk Walk,Track Walk, TP Shuffle and Portable Islands.

High RopesChallenge yourself and achieve more than you ever thought possiblewith our high ropes course. Pick and choose from the Giant’s Ladder,Cargo Net, Rock Wall, Catwalk and Berma Bridge, and leave knowingthat you can accomplish anything!

Night with the WildReally get back to nature with our overnight camping experience. Enjoyworking with others to build your tent, then gaze up at the stars, singtraditional camp songs and tell camp stories before snuggling up in yoursleeping bags for the night. Sleep tight!

Packages

Team Building Day

�� Full day of team building & lowropes activities

�� Lunch �� Picnic area �� Basketball court & outdoor field�� Volleyball court

Team Building Retreat

�� Full day of team building & low ropes activities

�� Half day of high ropes activities �� 2 continental breakfasts�� Lunch�� 2 overnight stays�� Picnic area�� Basketball court & outdoor field�� Volleyball court�� Amphitheater & fire pit�� Game room


Group Retreat

�� 2 overnight stays�� 5 activities�� 2 evening activities�� Dining hall & kitchen use�� Game room�� Picnic area�� Playground�� Basketball court�� Volleyball court�� Amphitheater & fire pit

Company Picnic

�� Gazebo�� Dining hall & kitchen use�� Picnic area�� Playground�� Basketball court�� Volleyball court�� Grill�� Dock

Family Retreat

�� 2 overnight stays�� 5 activities�� 1 evening activity�� Family campfire program�� Dining hall & kitchen use�� Game room�� Picnic area�� Playground�� Basketball court�� Volleyball court�� Sporting equipment�� Amphitheater & fire pit

Corporate Meeting

�� Coffee/refreshments�� Activity center�� AV equipment

Overnight Retreat

�� 2 overnight stays�� Dining hall & kitchen use�� Game room�� Picnic area�� Playground�� Basketball court�� Volleyball court�� Amphitheater & fire pit

Additional meals, amenities and overnight stays maybe added to all packages. Discounted pricing is alsoavailable for non-profit groups and organizations.

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Join Us!

The Crossroads

Each day, the need for Quest is becoming greater, and it is imperative that we begin to implement our missionon a new scale. Throughout our history, we have been fortunate to receive exceptional support from generouslocal individuals, corporations, churches, organizations and foundations.

Today, we are at a crossroads. We have learned that to effect real change, our efforts must be sustainable. Weknow that it is possible to build a society where people of all abilities feel empowered. We know how to enable people, wherever they live, to enjoy an improved quality of life. But this knowledge must be fueled with the resolveand cooperation of many others, and so we know that to make it a reality, we must all band together.

We need your support.

Your assistance has the power to make a profound impact. We request that you consider every opportunity tochange the course of a life by partnering with this important and dynamic organization.

An annual gift can make a difference in a community. A major gift can transform a region. Added partnerships withbusinesses and corporations can provide sustainability and stable sources of care and income for the people we serve.

Quest is dedicated to transforming lives community by community, and we want you to join us inthis vital effort.

Ambassador Program

Quest is pleased to offer you an opportunity to join us as an Ambassador. Ambassadors are engaged and investedin our mission and serve as powerful, effective voices for Quest. Proper orientation of our Ambassadors preparesthem not only for success inside our organization, but also to speak knowledgeably and persuasively about ourcause in the greater community. Their primary focus is on informing and educating others about the services andopportunities available at Quest through mentorship and involvement which includes:

�� Networking and relationship-building opportunities�� Opening doors to potential investors, whether it be individuals, businesses,

corporations or decision-makers�� Peer-to-peer interactions�� Event promotion and attendee cultivation and solicitation �� Speaking at a variety of civic groups, churches, schools and other venues�� Identified committee work�� Hosting events �� Giving testimonials �� Leading tours in selected and pre-defined Quest locations and programs�� Visibility through photos on Quest’s website and in publications


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Ambassadors will be matched by their interest and abilities which may include:

�� Speaker Delegates�� Exhibitor Delegates�� Event Delegates�� Advocate Delegates�� Asker Delegates�� Marketing Delegates�� Communication Delegates

Planned Giving

The philanthropic spirit always finds an appropriate form of expression. We see this clearly each time we witnessthe desire of a child determined to give a gift to a parent or teacher. That determination will always find theperfect way to express itself. And regardless of the form it takes, the value of the gift is beyond measure.

Many often lament the fact that as we get older, our child-like characteristics seem to fade. Thankfully, however,the philanthropic spirit that seems to reside somewhere in the heart of each of us does not dissipate with age.

We all want to leave a lasting and significant impression on those people that are most dear to us. Planning forthe future and considering the legacy you will leave is one of the most effective ways to ensure a lasting impacton the world.

For many people, ensuring that their family members will be sufficiently cared for is of paramount importance.The search for significance and the desire to plan for your family’s future may lead you to consider a charitablegift, bequest or trust. Making these types of gifts is one of the easiest ways to guarantee that your legacy enduresand that your loved ones will be well cared for in the future.

Our neighborhoods and cities thrive in part because of a pervading generosity. Our mission is to build communitieswhere people with disabilities achieve their goals and indeed, the work of Quest depends on private individualexpressions of support that come our way in countless forms.

We are so grateful that you are a part of this urgent and important movement! Each year, hundreds express theirsupport through gifts to our annual fund and program-designated campaigns, as well as other specific opportunitiesto offer financial partnership.

The professionals that work in the development department of Quest have been trained to help you determinethe type of charitable gift or bequest that suits your objectives. They will provide you with confidential informationthat will ensure you get the maximum tax benefits as you shape your legacy for future generations.


Ways to Give

Help us bring hope to families in need. Your support today makes it possible for us to reach out to peoplein our community who long for a better future. When you give any type of gift to Quest, whether immediateor through your estate or long-term financial plans, you are forging your life legacy and ensuring that futuregenerations of children and adults with disabilities can achieve their dreams. Thank you for joining us as we unite!

Donate NowAn outright gift can help fund our immediate needs or an upcoming project. The financial benefits include anincome tax deduction, but the benefits of the lives changed through the work of Quest are immeasurable.

Gift CatalogQuest's gift catalog offers dozens of ideas that provide hope, opportunities and encouragement to childrenand adults with disabilities.

Monthly GivingOur monthly giving program is a great way to show your support all year long. Through monthly donations, wehave a reliable source of funding that allows us to plan ahead and provide hope of a better life for the peoplewe serve.

Katie Porta Legacy FundWhen you make a gift to the Katie Porta Legacy Fund, only a small portion of your gift will be spent, allowingthe remaining amount to continue growing. That portion of your gift will supplement our programs forever.You can give cash, securities or other assets to provide lasting support for generations to come.

Gift AnnuitiesIf you'd like to support our mission and receive steady payments during your retirement years, a charitable giftannuity may be right for you.Through a simple contract, you agree to make a donation of cash, stocks or otherassets to Quest. In return, we agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year forthe rest of your life.

Charitable TrustWith a charitable remainder trust, you can receive income each year for the rest of your life from assets you giveto the trust you create. Your income can be either variable or a fixed amount. After your lifetime, the balancein the trust goes to the charities of your choice.

Through Your WillCalled a charitable bequest, this type of gift offers these main benefits:

�� Simplicity. All that you need is a few sentences in your will or trust. The official legal bequestlanguage for Quest is: "I, [name], of [city, state, zip], give, devise and bequeath to Life Concepts, Inc.d/b/a Quest, Inc. [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

�� Flexibility. Because you are not actually making a gift until after your lifetime, you can change your mind at any time.

�� Versatility. You can structure the bequest to leave a specific item or amount of money, make the giftcontingent on certain events or leave a percentage of your estate to us.

�� Tax Relief. If your estate is subject to estate tax, your gift is entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction for the gift's full value.

Honor and Memorial GiftsIf you, a family member or friend have been touched by Quest, we hope you'll consider making a gift to us inhonor of that person. Providing a gift establishes a living tribute that allows you to:

�� Honor a loved one or yourself�� Support our continuing efforts�� Receive personal financial benefits from your contribution

You may feel reluctant to condition your gift upon personal recognition. Yet allowing us to use your name orthe name of a loved one can inspire philanthropy in others and further a cause that's important to you. Anycharitable gift you arrange can be made in honor of someone. Consider these two basic methods of establishingan honorary gift:

A gift today - An outright gift can help fund our immediate needs or an upcoming project. The financialbenefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax.

A gift through your will or living trust - You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount or - more commonly - a percentage of your estate will pass to us at your death in honor of your loved one.

Gifts In-KindWith more than 20 locations, Quest is always in need of various items, supplies and equipment. Your donateditems will go to good use and make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Consider helping fulfillour needs by donating items from our wish list.

VolunteerDonating your time and talents is one of the most rewarding ways to give. Every volunteer's contribution is criticalto our success. There are many different ways you can become involved with us that will match your interests,skills and abilities.

For more information about any of these giving options, please call 407.218.4365 or 888.807.8378 ext. 4365(toll-free).

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Corporate Office500 E. Colonial DriveOrlando, FL 32803ph 407.218.4300 | fax 407.218.4301

P.O. Box 531125Orlando, FL 32853

Regional Office1404 Tech Blvd.Tampa, FL 33619ph 813.630.4710 | fax 813.635.9614

www.questinc.org

Contact Us

Documents

Unite Us: A Comprehensive Guide of Services