Greetings | The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida welcomes you! If you have any questions about the center or the services we provide, please contact us at 352-378-7474. Our number again, is 3, 5, 2, 3, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7, 4.
We had a fantastic time at the Hernando County Hurricane Expo! Kevin and Andrea represented CILNCF, sharing invaluable information about our services and hurricane preparedness. The event, held at Challenger K-8 School in Spring Hill, had an incredible turnout with over 1,200 attendees and more than 70 vendors.
Here’s a snapshot of Andrea engaging with a participant, spreading awareness about how we can help our community be better prepared for hurricanes. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and to Hernando County for hosting such a vital event!
ID: Graphic has a bright purple background with a photo in the center of Andrea standing behind the CILNCF table, engaging with a consumer who is looking at brochures on the other side of the table. The table has rows of brochures available for consumers to take. Next to the table is a CILNCF vertical banner.
In May, our Gainesville and Ocala ILS groups got creative for Mother’s Day! We made beautiful Flower Cards using upcycled TP and paper towel rolls, paint, glue, and lots of love. These unique cards were left to dry and then taken home to surprise moms on Mother’s Day.
Everyone had a blast with this project, and it was wonderful to see the smiles and anticipation as they prepared to give their handmade gifts to their moms. Thanks to all who participated and made this project a success!
ID: Graphic has a blue background with a collage of 5 photos from the ILS group activity. CIL staff Colleen is pictured with a CIL consumer in one of the photos; the consumer is working on her flower card that is laid out on a table with a red tablecloth. Two additional photos from CIL Ocala are shown with consumers working on their flower cards. Two photos from CIL Gainesville are shown with consumers smiling and working on their cards in the activity room.
Today, we wanted to highlight one of our wonderful CIL Board Members, Hannah McArdle! Hannah has served proudly on our board for 2 years and we’re so appreciative of her dedication to the Center and our consumers. Additionally, she serves as the Human Services Program Consultant I at the Division of Blind Services, Florida Department of Education. We are so thankful for her volunteerism and support of the CIL. Please read below to learn a little more about Hannah!
1. Why did you choose to become a Board member for the CIL? I wanted to make a difference in the lives of individuals like myself who live with disabilities. I also wanted to give back to the community.
2. What are you most grateful for? I am most grateful for my family. 😊 I recently got married and my husband and I have an 11 month old daughter who brings us so much joy. I am also grateful for my parents, extended family and friends. Their love and support has been paramount.
3. What is your favorite treat? That would be a tie between cheese cake and chocolate moose cake! Yum! 😊
4. Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I will share an experience from when I was in middle school at Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. In honor of Ray Charles after his passing in 2004, myself along with other middle school students from FSDB were invited to sing along to America the Beautiful live on the field at Superbowl 39. We sang along-side Alicia Keys and the deaf students signed the words. Definitely a once in a life time opportunity. Ray Charles also attended FSDB and this performance was a tribute to his life after he passed away.
ID: The picture shows a selfie portrait of Hannah. Hannah appears to be a young woman with a gentle smile. She has long, wavy medium blonde hair styled to cascade over her shoulders. Her makeup is subtle, enhancing her features, which include clear skin and light blue eyes. She is wearing a black top layered with a blue cardigan, which is only partially visible. She accessorizes with a delicate necklace. The photo was taken indoors with the background softly blurred. There is a purple and green background behind Hannah’s photo.
Exciting News from the CIL at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference! 🌟
Kevin Towles, representing CILNCF & FILC, recently joined forces with other CIL’s at the 38th Governor’s Hurricane Conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work we do in our respective areas! 💪
Collaborating with CIL’s from CIL of South Florida, Disability Resource Center, DisAbility Solutions For Independent Living, Inc., and Center For Independent Living Of The Gulf Coast, we highlighted our unique contributions and connected with representatives from diverse regions.
This collaboration is opening doors in new areas, allowing us to expand our impact and support for individuals with disabilities. Together, we’re making strides toward a more inclusive and resilient community!
ID: There are 4 graphics, each with a blue background with a photo in the center. Above the top left of the photo reads, “Governor’s Hurricane Conference” and below the photo on the bottom right reads, “CILNCF & FILC”. The CILNCF logo in white is displayed on the top right of each graphic. Photo #1: Kevin with FILC members in front of the FILC booth Photo #2: Kevin and Lindsey representing CILNCF and AgrAbility at the conference from their booth Photo #3: a group photo of CIL and FILC enjoying lunch out at a restaurant Photo #4: A group photo of CILNCF and FILC at the conference
🌀 Get ready for hurricane season with Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday! Starting June 1 through June 14, stock up on essentials like generators, batteries, and pet supplies without the added sales tax. A second round is set for August 24 to September 6.
Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website for a full list of suggested items: https://www.floridadisaster.org/kit
Stay prepared and stay safe, Florida!
ID: Graphic is a photo of emergency supplies with a blue overlay that includes all the information shared above.
Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication ensure our freedom and safety, and we are forever grateful for their sacrifice.
As we commemorate this special day, we also recognize the strength and resilience of veterans with disabilities who continue to inspire us with their unwavering spirit. At The CIL, we are committed to supporting these heroes and providing resources and programs that empower them to live fulfilling, independent lives.
Join us in paying tribute to our fallen heroes and supporting those who have returned home with disabilities. Let’s come together to ensure they receive the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve.
How You Can Help:
💙 Donate: Your contributions enable us to offer essential services and support to veterans with disabilities.
💙 Volunteer: Join our community of dedicated volunteers making a difference in the lives of our heroes.
💙 Spread Awareness: Share this post and help us reach more people who can join our mission.
Thank you for honoring those who have given so much for our freedom. Wishing you all a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!
ID: Graphic had a navy blue background. On the right is a watercolor drawing of a flower with red petals and a green stem. A watercolor American Flag is displayed on the bottom left corner; underneath the flag reads, “Memorial Day” in bold white text. Directly under this text reads, “Remember & Honor”. A thin red line runs directly under the text.
The CIL was invited to participate in the Annual Emergency Drill that Langley Health Services puts together in Sumterville. This year, the CEO & Safety Officer asked us to be part of it. CIL staff Brandon attended and here are his thoughts about the drill.
I, Brandon, was given a briefing of the schedule in the conference room of Langley; which was integral for the results of the drill. After that, we were placed in the “Code Blue” area of the drill where people at the scene would be acting out their characters. Mine of which was a character with my own disability (legally blind) as well as Dementia. I came up with plenty of ideas to throw at health care constituents but was well watched over and was not allowed to wonder, as I hoped. It was still fun. After the paramedics got the injured and fallen out of the “Code Blue” area, the supervisor categorized those who were remaining by color “designation” on their character cards. We were then brought outside for the paramedics to review. There was a hot wash to review how everything went during the drill, and there were many compliments on how the staff managed through this emergency response. Several additional comments were made and the drill was concluded.
Having the CIL and CIL staff involved in these types of drills is so important for local health care facilities and businesses that work with people with disabilities. The community gets to learn more about what an emergency would look like in real time, and CIL staff can give a real take on what it would be like for people with disabilities to react to a disaster when it arises.
ID: Graphic has an abstract design with dark blue on the top half and light blue on the bottom half. “Annual Emergency Drill Langley Health Services” is written in white on the top center of the graphic. Directly below is a group photo of all those who participated in the Annual Emergency Drill. Underneath the group photo is 3 photos spaced evenly and horizontally across the graphic, showing participants involved in various drills.
Last month, the CIL team had a great time at our Annual Staff Retreat in Ocala at the beautiful Silver Springs State Park! We were able to participate in a fun glass bottom boat tour with our funny and joke-filled tour guide on the Silver River, which was such a perfect way to start off our day. Afterwards, the team gathered at Bear Hill Pavilion, and we enjoyed several games and activities such as Silver Springs Trivia, Staff Bingo, a group Scavenger Hunt and various Minute to Win It games. Everyone also appreciated the yummy lunch, a taco bar with all the fixings, catered by Mojo’s. It was a day filled with adventure, comradery, laughter and much needed relaxation. Our CIL team had a wonderful time being away from the office for a day, enjoying the gorgeous weather, and taking a well-deserved break from all of our hard work!
ID: Graphic is a collage of 9 photos taken from the Annual Staff Retreat event. The background of the collage is a bright green. The photos shows staff partaking in various retreat activities under a wooden pavilion. Staff are also shown taken selfies with each other from the event.
The 7th Annual Marion County Emergency Preparedness Expo for people with disabilities was a huge success! Over 150 participants gained valuable insights from various presentations and 27 different vendors throughout the day. Everyone had the opportunity to learn about home safety, special needs shelters, how to build a go bag for your home or vehicle, how to create an emergency preparedness plan, emergency protocols before, during and after a storm, and a new program from MCFD, Paramedic Program, where teams come to your home, cutting down trips to the hospital. UF groups were also in attendance, providing participants access to update their vaccinations if needed. Refreshments and lunch subs donated by Publix were provided. Attendees and vendors were thrilled with this event, and some were already asking about attending next year!
Thanks so much to our dedicated CIL team for attending and providing their support, and special thanks to CIL staff Kevin Towles for all of his hard work in organizing, planning and implementing such a valuable community event for people with disabilities in Marion County. Kevin was instrumental with bringing this expo to the community 7 years ago. He knew the need was there, but did not realize how big it would become over time. He is very proud to provide his community up-to-date, relevant, emergency preparedness resources for people with disabilities, and his number one goal is to make sure everyone is safe and informed.
DONORS: Publix Herr’s Sam’s Club Culligan Dunkin Donuts
VENDORS: Center for Independent Living; Disability Rights Florida Ocala Electric Utility; Kat Cammack US congresswoman MCSO; Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Heart of Florida Health Center; College of Central Florida Marion4care LLC; Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST); Encompass Health & Rehabilitation Marion County Medical Reserve Corps Ocala Police Department; SunTran; Agency for Persons with Disabilities American Red Cross; Langley health Services; Human Potential Healthcare The Arc of Marion County Florida; Marion County Fire Rescue Community Paramedicine; Champions for Champions Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Elder Options; Marion Senior Services; AdventHealth Ocala
SPEAKERS: Welcome from Congresswoman Kat Cammack (Rep) American Red Cross & United Way of Marion County Marion County Fire Department City of Ocala Utilities
ID: There are two graphics, one with a light purple background and the other with a light blue background. Each graphic contains 12 hexagonal images in a variety of different sizes and configurations. Each hexagon is a photo of the various vendors tabling at the 7th Annual Marion County Emergency Preparedness Expo.
The CIL would like to give a big THANK YOU to @Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille for being a champion for our youth!
We all know that positive change takes a village, and Spurrier’s stepping up as a community partner made a world of difference for our young people. Thanks to their generosity, they helped raise an additional $500 for our High School High Tech program and Youth Social Group. Our youth programs are all about empowering young people with disabilities by showing them amazing career paths, giving them top-notch education, and helping them build awesome friendships in a supportive environment.
We’re truly grateful to Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille for believing in our mission and for being part of the journey to create real opportunities and impact for our youth. Together, we’re making a difference, one bright future at a time!
ID: Image is the front facade of Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille from Celebration Pointe’s promenade. There are individuals seated around around a fire pit, with string lights are hung above the promenade. “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You” is written in white, one stacked on top of the other in the center top of the photo. “For Your Support’ is written in white cursive directly underneath. The CIL and Amazing Give logo is displayed on the bottom left corner.
