top of page

Our Mission

The mission of Gulf Coast ABLE is to increase the overall quality of life for individuals of all abilities and their families through respite, community engagement, and equitable access to fun and meaningful activities. 

Our Story

Brock.jpg

Julia Taylor began working with the Santa Rosa County School System in 2017 after leaving a career in social work to care for her son. She earned her alternate teaching certificate in Special Education and began teaching in a Communication, Behavior, Social, and Academic (CBSA) Classroom. She was challenged by the work and quickly fell in love with her students and families. Throughout her tenure in the classroom, Julia earned her Autism Certification and became an advocate in the community for her students and their families. It was during her time as a teacher that Julia identified the need for additional services in the community including after-school care, respite for families, parent support, and holiday care. Together, with her co-teacher, Lizzie Hill, she began to brainstorm ways to increase the quality of life for families of children with disabilities. This is how Gulf Coast ABLE Academy, Incorporated (GCAA) was founded.

In 2022, Julia left the school system to start GCAA's first full-time program, an in-home daycare for children with different abilities. She quickly moved to a facility to increase operations. To date, GCAA has provided over 10,000 hours of care for 100+ kids with special needs and their families by offering daily and after-school care, a summer program, and respite nights. 

babies.jpg

Vision

Create a community where individuals of all abilities are ABLE (have the power, skill, means, freedom, and opportunity) to do anything.

Values

Autonomy: freedom from external control or influence; independence

Employees and participants of ABLE feel that their voice is heard while being respected and given opportunities to grow.

 

Belonging: an affinity for a place or situation

Employees and participants of ABLE always feel safe, wanted, and valued.

​

Love: a great interest and pleasure in something; deep affection

Employees and participants are loved where they are and for who they are. Everything we do is with love for one another.

 

Experience: an event or occurrence that leaves an impression on someone

ABLE creates opportunities for employees and participants that are fun and meaningful.

20230126_105639.jpg

Contact Us

Address

7552 Navarre Parkway

Unit 12

Harvest Village

Navarre, FL 32566

Contact

850-614-0224

  • Facebook

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

CLOSED

​Sunday

CLOSED

bottom of page