Zelica Grotto Charities

The Humanitarian Foundation is the official charity of Grottoes International. Created in 1949 by the Supreme Council of the Grottoes International, the Foundation conducts the Dental Program for Special Needs Children for the Grottoes.

Prophets (Grotto Members) and their friends are encouraged to help continue the work with children who have cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, Down syndrome and organ transplant by supporting the Enchanted Lantern Society, Fairchild Society, and Legacy Society.

 The Arc Gateway Foundation is a support organization who’s sole purpose is to raise & invest funds specifically for endowing the programs & services of The Arc Gateway. 

In 1954, these parents drafted a constitution, appointed Mrs. Pearl Nelson their first president, and became members of the state and national Associations for Retarded Children. In the years that followed, these visionary founders were joined by others who shared their dreams.

Over time, the parents who began Arc saw their children’s needs change. They responded by developing new programs, including the Pollak Activity Center and the Pollak Rehabilitation Workshop. These day programs gave adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to continue to learn and grow – and even opportunities to work.

 Capstone Academy is part of Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers, Inc; a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving those with and without disabilities. Our mission is “Advancing the Independence for Children and Adults with a spectrum of abilities and disabilities.” If you would like to learn more about our nonprofit organization.

 Capstone worked with the Escambia County School district to open Capstone Academy – Pensacola Campus in 2004. It was the first, and remains the only Pre-Kindergarten, charter school in our area to incorporate therapies with specialized education for children from birth to five years old. 

 All staff working in our school setting have passed a Level 2 background clearance, a drug screening, and HR requirements at time of hire. Our ESE teachers are required to be certified as required by 1012.56 F.S. Therapists are licensed and able to work in the state of Florida. Bus drivers must meet requirements of law and State Board of Education rules related to licensure, training, qualifications, and requests for driving history records.