Family Initiative

Nonprofit serving families across Florida supporting children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum or engaged by the child welfare system.

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Thank you so much to Congressman Byron Donalds, Congressman Greg Steube, Senator Rick Scott, Senator Ashley Moody, and their teams for taking the opportunity to meet with our Cofounders Anjali Van Drie and David Brown! We deeply appreciate the opportunity to discuss several topics impacting the autism community across Florida. We look forward to continuing the conversation and collaborating to increase access to high quality education and clinical services for children, adolescents, and young adults on the autism spectrum.

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Summer Camp Water Day! 💙☀️

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

We wish Florida's First Lady, @CaseyDeSantis, a very happy birthday! We deeply appreciate her continued support of Family Initiative and the families we serve. 💙

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

It’s back and bigger than ever! 💥 Come celebrate July 4th and America’s 🇺🇸 250th Birthday with us for the 7th Annual City Tavern Chili Dog Eating Competition in Downtown Fort Myers! Hosted by Chef Brian Duffy, the block party kicks off at 4PM and the contest starts at 6PM. We’re incredibly grateful to @CityTavern for hosting this amazing event, with proceeds benefiting Family Initiative. Come cheer on FI’s own Jake Bonanno as he takes the stage again—it’s going to be an unforgettable night. Bring your crew, enjoy the fun, and celebrate America’s 250th with us!” ❤️🤍💙

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Thank you so much Meteorologist Andrew Shipley with @winknews, Emergency Management Chief, John Schultz, Shelter Coordinator, Melanie Hicks with Lee County Public Safety, and FI Emergency Management Coordinator, Ruth Rodrigues for providing valuable information to attendees and participants online.

We encourage all of our families to remain vigilant as we move through hurricane season. FI will continue to provide preparedness tips and updates for ASD families.

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Happy Father’s Day to all the extraordinary fathers of all kinds! Your unshakeable strength and love are an inspiration-we are honored to work alongside you every day! Thank you for all you do!

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

CONGRATULATIONS CJ & Charlie! We are so blessed to partner with Lee County Government and Thrive Academy for our Project SEARCH program!

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Fun highlights from last week at our ASD Summer Camp! 💙☀️

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

The American flag is one of our country's most important symbols. On Flag Day, we recognize and reflect on all that it represents for our nation. 🇺🇸💙

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Great afternoon of learning about how to plan and prepare for this hurricane season! A huge thank you to our fantastic speakers and to all the families who attended. Congratulations to our raffle prize winners! 💙

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

FI was thrilled to connect with some incredible community leaders and champions of our organization! Thank you FineMark Bank, @scifla, and Representative @MikeGiallombar3 for your continued support of our mission!

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

We are so excited about the incredible progress being made on our campus!

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Family Initiative is proud to stand with @AHCA_FL to support high ethical standards and ensure families receive the highest level of quality care from the applied behavior analysis network of providers. By standing together to combat fraud and abuse we maintain trust with the families we serve and our community, which is central to our collective success.

[Florida AHCA @AHCA_FL]

The Agency’s role in monitoring and overseeing the field of applied behavior analysis is crucial to ensuring ethical practices and that each child's needs are met.
@AHCA_FL is proud to have a partner in @FI_Inc, who share our commitment to maintaining trust. Organizations committing fraud jeopardize services for families who need them most.
Your role as a parent and partner in care is crucial—stay informed, ask questions, and build strong relationships with your providers.
➡️Together, we can protect the services that matter most. Report concerns to the Medicaid Fraud Tip Line at 1-888-419-3456 or email [email protected]

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

@MHDFirm @Twins It was such an amazing experience for all of us! 💙⚾️🇺🇸

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Thrilled to welcome the Minnesota @Twins to Family Initiative for an unforgettable day with our students and families across the Cape! Dreams made possible through our incredible partnership with the Twins and the shared passion for giving back to our community. Pitching like pros, sliding into home, and hitting homeruns – a day filled with excitement, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime! Thank you to the Minnesota Twins for helping to create such meaningful experiences for our kids and their families! And a special thank you for the autographed baseballs—small keepsakes that display big moments!” #Minnesotatwins #Thrive Academy #baseball #homerun #gametime

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

It is officially Hurricane Season! 🌀🌊🌨️

Join Family Initiative for our next Parent Group Speaker Series focused on Hurricane & Emergency Preparedness on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 1:30–3:00 PM at the Family Initiative Golisano Autism Community Hub in Cape Coral.

Hear from local experts including WINK News Meteorologist Andrew Shipotofsky, Lee County Emergency Management Chief John Schultz, Ph.D., CPM, and Emergency Management Specialist Ruth Rodrigues as they share important resources and guidance to help families prepare ahead of hurricane season.

Childcare will be provided onsite by skilled clinicians. Guests can attend in person or watch live on our Facebook page.

For more information: 239-910-0712 or [email protected] 💙

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Jumping, laughing, and making memories! 🤸‍♂️💙

Our team had so much fun celebrating Foster Family Fun Day with Manatee County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association and Sky Zone Bradenton. From bounce time to bonding time, we loved every minute spent with these inspiring families and kids.

What an amazing way to close out Foster Care Awareness Month! 🙌

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Each Saturday morning FI offers FREE Yoga Classes for our families and team members to support our community mind, body, and soul! Thank you you too Wild Hearts Yoga for partnering with us to take care of our village. 💙

[Family Initiative @FI_Inc]

Our Cofounders David Brown & Anjali Van Drie attending the ribbon cutting of the Curry Commerce Center at @babcockranchfl. Thank you so much to Syd Kitson for his incredible support of our organization and mission. #AutismAcceptance #BabcockRanch