OCA- A Special Place for Special Needs

10/16/2026

🎃 Monster Dash is TOMORROW! 👻

Haven’t registered yet? It’s not too late! Join OCA at Blue Jacket Park tomorrow for a morning of fun, costumes and community.

🏃 Register for the 5K, Kids’ Fun Run, or ¼-mile Family Stroll.

There’s still time to grab your spot and support OCA’s programs for people with special needs. Register today at https://bit.ly/4rzzIpR

💙 See you at the starting line!

OCA's Monster Dash Blue Jacket Park, General Rees Avenue, Orlando, FL, USA - ‘Tis the witching hour to break in your favorite costume… - October 17, 2026

10/14/2026

💙 A BIG thank you to our OCA’s Monster Dash sponsors! 🎃

Monster Dash is about more than crossing the finish line. It’s about coming together as a community to support OCA’s programs and the opportunities they create for our participants to learn, grow and shine.

To our incredible sponsors, thank you for believing in our mission and helping make this event possible. Your generosity makes a meaningful difference, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of our OCA family! 💙👻

10/13/2026

🍂 Thanksgiving Camp registration is now OPEN for current OCA families!

Our Thanksgiving Break Camp will take place on November 23–25 and is open for existing families to register now.

Three days of camp means more time for your participant to enjoy seasonal activities, connect with familiar faces and make the most of their Thanksgiving break. 🧡

Spots are limited, so register today by emailing [email protected]. Registration for new families opens Oct. 19.

10/09/2026

📢 Heads up, OCA families!

OCA will be closed for programs on Monday, October 12 for staff training.

Programs will resume as normal on Tuesday, October 13. Thank you for your understanding as our team takes time to learn, grow and prepare to continue providing the best support to our OCA community!

10/07/2026

🎃 Only 10 days until OCA’s Monster Dash 5K!

Grab your family, friends and favorite costume and join us Saturday, October 17 at Blue Jacket Park. Whether you’re running the 5K, joining the kids’ fun run or taking a stroll, there’s a way for everyone to get moving and make a difference.

👟 Register today and get ready to dash!
🧡 Every registration helps OCA provide empowering programs and services

OCA's Monster Dash Blue Jacket Park, General Rees Avenue, Orlando, FL, USA - ‘Tis the witching hour to break in your favorite costume… - October 17, 2026

10/05/2026

🛒 A trip to the grocery store turned into a hands-on learning experience for our Adult Program!

Participants picked out their own ingredients, then brought them back to OCA to make a recipe together. From shopping and making choices to preparing a meal, these everyday experiences help build confidence and important life skills. 💚

Want to learn more about OCA’s Adult Programs? Visit gooca.org to explore programs and register.

10/02/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Julie Gargotta of Spectrum News 13 as the host of this year’s OCA Monster Dash! 🎃👟

Julie is an award-winning journalist and longtime Central Florida storyteller who knows the power of sharing stories that make a difference. We’re excited to have her join us as we lace up, have some fun and come together to support OCA programs.

Join Julie and and the OCA team the OCA Monster Dash on October 17 at Blue Jacket Park! Whether you’re ready to run, walk, roll, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines, there’s a place for you.

🎃 Learn more and get involved: gooca.org/monster-dash

09/30/2026

Sammy has been part of the OCA family for just two months, and we are already seeing so much growth! He continues to work through challenges while finding new activities and skills that he enjoys.

From participating in Run Club and tennis to proudly showing off his typing skills, Sammy is always discovering new ways to shine. He has even started working on vocational skills by learning how to complete a job application!

We’re excited to continue helping Sammy build confidence, develop new skills, and celebrate his successes along the way!

Interested in registering for adult programs? Visit gooca.org to learn more.

09/28/2026

Every step, every volunteer hour and every sponsorship helps make more possible at OCA. 💙🎃

There are four ways you can make an impact through this year’s Monster Dash:

🏃 Register for the 5K, fun run, or family stroll and help raise funds for OCA’s programs.
🤝 Sponsor the event and put your name or business behind a cause that makes a difference in our community.
🙌 Volunteer your time and help bring race day to life.
🎁 Donate goods or services to help provide prizes, runner bag items, refreshments, entertainment, photography and more.

Whether you run, give, volunteer or lend your resources, we’d love to have you with us on race day. Learn how you can get involved at gooca.org/monster-dash/.

09/25/2026

Since joining our Longwood campus, Stephanie has truly come out of her shell! She arrives ready to work and is always willing to jump into a task, whether she’s practicing skills in our Functional Living Space, working in the Apartment, or out in the community.

Stephanie continues to show confidence, independence, and a strong work ethic wherever she goes. During a recent pasta-making class at Turci Pasta, she did an amazing job following directions and completing each step of the process.

We are so proud to see Stephanie continuing to grow, try new things, and show everyone just how capable she is! 💙 Help us create more opportunities for participants like Stephanie. Learn how you can support OCA at gooca.org/get-involved.