Banyan Odyssey Inc

The Banyan Odyssey is a not-for-profit organization that sponsors CAMP BANYAN each summer and special events throughout the year for handicapable young adults.  Targeting 16 to 29-year-olds with special needs who are working towards independence, we provide educational opportunities to assist with employment skills, life skills, social skills and self-expression through the Arts.  Find out about the Big Picture on our website at https://OurBanyan.com  Why is assisting in independence for those with disabilities a passion for us?

Problem: All parents of special needs children wonder what will happen to their child after high school graduation (will they be able to take care of themselves? hold a job? have friends? live independent of the family?) Older adults face a critical issue: What will happen to my child after I'm no longer able to care for him/her?

Our Solution: The Banyan Odyssey will one day operate a hotel on the beach that serves as a social enterprise with a two-fold purpose:  1) Train and employ handicapable young people in the many aspects of the hotel's daily workings, and 2) provide destination vacations for special needs travelers.

A Reciprocal Relationship: The social enterprise (hotel) supplements a living facility (much like a college dorm with Resident Assistants) that houses our handicapable employees.  The Banyan Odyssey provides on-going education, job training and social activities for the handicapable community of Tampa Bay.