Brenda Dickinson's story is one of unwavering passion and dedication to empowering families through home education. It all began in the early 1980s, when Brenda, alongside her husband Craig, envisioned a future where parents held the reins of their children's education. However, at that time, homeschooling wasn't recognized in Florida.

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Undeterred by the legal obstacles, Brenda became a champion for parental freedoms in the early 1980s. She lobbied tirelessly, educating legislators and the public about the benefits of homeschooling. Her unwavering commitment and clear arguments chipped away at resistance, securing essential freedoms for countless Florida families. Later, in the 1990s, she and Craig co-founded the Home Education Foundation (HEF) to solidify these gains and continue advocating for homeschooling rights.

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Brenda's journey with home education wasn't a solitary one. Partnering with Craig, they became a formidable force. Their vision extended far beyond legal recognition. Brenda and Craig passionately believed that homeschooled students deserved the same opportunities as their public-schooled counterparts. Craig played a pivotal role in securing passage of a bill guaranteeing access to extracurricular activities for homeschooled students. This act, later named the Craig Dickinson Act in his honor, stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to student success.

Even after Craig's passing in the 90s, Brenda's spirit remained unbroken. Her commitment to fostering a strong home education community only intensified. Recognizing the evolving needs of homeschooling families, Brenda embarked on a new chapter.

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Brenda went on to found HEF Connect, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization. HEF Connect (HEFx) builds upon Brenda's legacy, fostering a supportive community of freedom-minded parents who want to educate their children as they see fit. HEFx works closely with HEF's lobbyists to provide accurate information to parents and students, advocates for students and parents' rights, and most notably, connects students with opportunities for success beyond K-12 education. 

HEF Connect empowers families to explore alternative paths, ensuring homeschooled students have the tools and resources they need to thrive in the ever-changing world.

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Brenda Dickinson's story is more than a fight for legal recognition; it's a testament to the power of community and building bridges. Her unwavering dedication continues to shape the landscape of home education in Florida, ensuring countless families have the freedom and support to educate their children according to their values and aspirations.