Author Archives: CIL Marketing

Meet Melisa!

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Meet Melisa, an alumni of our High School High Tech (HSHT) program who has gone on to do amazing things!

Melisa was a member of HSHT for all four years of her high school career, and she says that HSHT played a “major role in my life and helped me become the person I am today.” Because she grew up with a hearing and learning disability, she knew that her interests would be best served in the support of others.

In pursuance of this goal, Melisa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University Of Central Florida College Of Nursing in Daytona Beach in 2017, after earning her Associate of Arts Degree in Health Science at Santa Fe College. She completed clinical rotations at Halifax Health and Florida Hospital while pursuing her RN degree. In 2018, Melisa was named Neuroscience Floor Rookie of the Year for her outstanding work at Halifax Health Medical Center.

 “I know my internships [with HSHT] were invaluable in helping me achieve my career goals,” she said. She now works as a registered nurse at Halifax Health Medical Center in its Intensive Surgical Care Unit in Daytona Beach, Florida. Way to go, Melisa!

Emergency Preparedness Conference to be held Feb. 26

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On Feb. 26, the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida will be hosting an Emergency Preparedness Conference for people with disabilities, senior adults and members of the community. The event will be held in the Ed Croskey Center in Ocala from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please see the flyer below for more details as well as information about registering for this free event.

Attorney Nancy Wright to speak on Guardian Advocacy

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Next Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7p.m., the CILNCF will host guest speaker Nancy Wright.

Wright is a local, experienced, special needs attorney, who will be sharing free information with young adults with special needs and/or their families regarding guardianship issues. Nancy will explain the purpose of guardian advocacy and other alternatives families might utilize to assist or make important life decisions for their loved one with special needs.

See the flyer below for further information.

CILNCF to host Diversity and Inclusion Forum

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Join us at the CIL Wednesday, February 27th for a Diversity and Inclusion Forum. The forum will feature guest speaker P.J. Jones, Assistant Director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs at the University of Florida.

Jones will be discussing a variety of topics that include realizing the benefits of fostering a culture of diversity, considering diversity within the disability community itself, and examining issues related to intersectionality.

By holding this forum, organizer Morgan Fusco, a full-time intern at the Center For Independent Living, says she hopes to “engage current consumers, reach future consumers, and raise community awareness about the issues and topics that impact the independence and lives of people with disabilities.”

This event is free of charge. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in this discussion as well as enjoy light refreshments.

See the flyer below for further information!

Sarah’s Story: A Gift to Give

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In September of 2016, Sarah came to us, very discouraged. She was working, however, she felt she was going nowhere. She wanted something more for her life. We spent many months looking for janitorial work because she felt that was all she could do. Along the way, we learned that Sarah loved people and had an outgoing personality. When a server position became available at The Village, she applied, with some convincing. She went to the interview and learned about the positive working environment where employees are shown appreciation, along with being able to help others. She left the interview feeling amazed that she had been offered the job. All along, we knew what she was about to learn about herself, over time — that she had a gift to give to others.

Over the year or so that she has been working for The Village, she has been nominated twice for the Wall of Fame and earned Associate of the Month. Cheryl Huntington, Sarah’s Manager, says that Sarah is willing to work hard to change her life and make things better for everyone. Her outgoing personality and hard work ethic prove to be a great combination. She has made a noticeable difference in the lives of those individuals that she has touched.

Sarah has been complimented by others, as well, noting that she always takes extra time with some of the more challenging residents to make sure their needs are met. Ms. Huntington wrote to Sarah, “For your hard work and your honesty, I thank you; for being brave enough to come forward and make a difference, I applaud you; mostly, I am glad that you decided to stay and try something new.”

Kudos, Sarah! It has only been a year. Just think of all that you can accomplish for your future!

2018 CIL Social

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Last week, we held our first annual CIL Social in order to give thanks to all of our donors, volunteers, community members and anyone else who has helped us on our mission to empower individuals with disabilities. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without these amazing people, and this social was our way of giving back to our community. We also took this time to reveal our exciting new logo, and we can’t wait to share it with you all! Thank you to everyone who came out! We hope you had as great of a time as we did.

CILNCF Emergency Preparedness Conference

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The CIL is hosting a conference on February 26th, 2019 to prepare people with disabilities, senior adults and the community for emergencies. Speakers will present on various issues and will be available for questions. This event is free so we hope to see everyone there!

Click here to register for the event.

For any questions, please call: 352-368-3788.

UF Focus Group!

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The University of Florida will be holding a focus group at the CIL next week on October 8th! Through this focus group, they will be leading a discussion about affordable and accessible home modifications, and everyone who participates will receive a $25 Publix gift card.

Please see the attached flyer for contact information.

Make Your Vote Count!

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Election day is right around the corner and we are trying to get our community as prepared as possible. On October 2nd, we will be holding a CIL Consumer Forum to raise voter education, help with registration and explain how to use an accessible voting machine.

Registering to vote is the first step to having your voice be heard. Make sure you register on time so you don’t miss Election Day because every vote matters!

Always remember, Disability Rights ARE Civil Rights!