The CIL is proud to highlight Danny, a devoted consumer over the past 12 years, who will always be part of our CIL family. Danny’s success story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of community support.

He began his journey at the CIL in 2012, seeking friendship, employment, personal growth, and independence. Overcoming challenges with support from various CIL staff, such as Mark, our CORE Services Director and Terri, our ILS Coordinator, Danny has blossomed into a remarkable individual, defying barriers and embracing life’s challenges with quiet strength. When Danny needed some extra peer support, Mark provided great life advice, and shared strategies about how Danny can move forward successfully.

Throughout the years, he participated actively in various CIL programs and groups, including Independent Living Skills, Money Management classes, Power Groups, Peer Support interactions, and the Lunch Bunch Social Group. Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Danny continued to participate in ILS groups and other activities, and still checks in virtually to this day, showcasing his adaptability, and commitment to personal growth and community engagement.

One of Danny’s significant milestones was his successful employment at Gator Landscaping in 2013, a testament to his hard work and the support he received from the CIL’s Employment team. In 2021, his life took a joyous turn as he married Bethany. Their move to Tennessee and the arrival of their beautiful daughter added new chapters of happiness and fulfillment to Danny’s story.

As for future goals, Danny states, “We built a large greenhouse in our backyard, and plan to start a plant nursery business, while I continue to take care of our daughter.” Danny’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of community organizations like the CIL, where individuals like him find not just support, but also a platform to thrive, grow, and embody our mission, empowering themselves to achieve their goals for independence. His journey reminds us that resilience, kindness, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality, making the world a brighter and more inclusive place for everyone.

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 to support vital programs for young people with disabilities!

Your donation will benefit both our High School High Tech (HSHT) Program and Youth Social Group. HSHT empowers students with career exploration and educational opportunities, while the Social Group fosters friendships and skill development.

Your donation through the Amazing Give makes a difference! It helps young people build brighter futures filled with possibilities and growth. Stay tuned for more updates! Let’s come together on this incredible journey. Every contribution counts!

We hope everyone is enjoying the spring season! Towards the end of last month, both of our offices in Gainesville and Ocala celebrated the upcoming Easter holiday, with a little Wellness Easter activity and treats!

In Gainesville, everyone enjoyed lunch snacks, Easter candy, and got into the spring spirit during a particularly rainy day. Everyone also had a chance to guess the number of eggs in an Easter basket. The eggs were filled with candy, toys and a stuffed Easter colored ground hog. Congrats to Destini, who was our lucky winner with the closest guess, so she won the basket!

In Ocala, everyone enjoyed a homemade, fresh fruit salad, some festive Easter chocolates and everyone also took a guess at how many eggs were in an Easter basket, filled with toys, some chocolates, as well as a stuffed ducky. Congrats to Peg, who was our lucky winner of the basket in Ocala!

Our goal is to raise $10,000, benefiting our High School High Tech Program and Youth Social Group for individuals with disabilities aged 14-24. The High School High Tech program offers career and education opportunities, while the Youth Social Group fosters friendships and skills development.

We asked one of our students, “What do you enjoy about HSHT and what are some things you look forward to most in the program?” They replied, “I find the little things in HSHT interesting like we meet at lunch, we talk about school or college or what trips we want to go on as a group. I’m excited about exploring new opportunities!”

Your donations through the Amazing Give will directly impact the lives of our youth, helping them build brighter futures filled with opportunities and growth. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this incredible journey together! Every contribution counts, so let’s come together and make a difference.

We would like to share a recent housing success story that changed the life of one of our consumers!

The CIL’s housing support empowers individuals with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness by connecting them with community supports to assist their transition. Jane contacted the CIL in need of safe, stable and affordable housing. CIL staff assessed her situation and connected her with St. Francis House to secure a bed temporarily, while searching for housing options.

Through this partnership, and a lot of hard work, Jane is now successfully housed! Special thanks to CIL staff Sada Ahmed and Mark Brisbane, as well as St. Francis House, Director of Housing, Eric Davis. This ongoing partnership has housed so many people with disabilities throughout the years, giving them a place to call home, and for this we are truly grateful.

Here are a few words from Eric Davis:

“Jane came to the shelter as a referral from another social service agency, the CIL. We were told that there was a woman, who is Deaf, and uses a wheelchair due to ALS. On top of this, Jane was leaving a situation that only compounded these issues. She never complained and always wears a smile on her face. Jane was also going out of her way to help others where she could. One of our employees knew how to sign his name, and this opened the door to begin dialogue between us. We built our rapport with Jane, met for case management, and were successful in finding Jane an accessible home. The air we breathe makes us all related, so take a breath and realize it takes us all to make it!”

ID: Photo #1 is (left to right) Eric with Jane with a blue background behind the photo. Photo #2 is (left to right) Sada with Jane with a turquoise background behind the photo. In both photos: the top left corner reads, “Housing Success” in white. There is a white line running vertically on the left side of the photo and a white line running horizontally on the bottom right corner of the photo. The CILNCF logo is displayed on the top right corner.

Our fundraising target is $10,000, directly benefiting our High School High Tech Program and Youth Social Group for youth with disabilities. High School High Tech provides career and education opportunities, while the Youth Social Group fosters friendships and skills development for individuals aged 14-24 with disabilities.

Your donations through the Amazing Give platform are crucial in supporting these initiatives and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our youth with disabilities. Stay tuned for updates and join us in creating a brighter and more inclusive future. Thank you for your support!

Are you curious about the latest innovations in assistive technology? OrCam revolutionizes the way we navigate and perceive the world around us. In this FREE presentation, we’ll demonstrate how this technology is custom-designed to assist in labeling and reading objects that were once challenging for those with low vision.

Join us for a firsthand look at how OrCam is revolutionizing the way people with low vision interact with the world around them. This is a game-changer for accessibility and independence!

Date: Thursday, March 28th
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87675998643?pwd=MldLOFFKYkc3eGU1RnJkb0tqS2lrQT09

Meeting ID: 876 7599 8643
Passcode: 199185

One tap mobile
+13052241968,,87675998643#,,,,*199185# US
+13126266799,,87675998643#,,,,*199185# US (Chicago)

Who is it for?
✅ Those who are blind or visually impaired
✅ Anyone with reading challenges or learning differences

For questions, contact Brandon Palermo: (352) 368-3788 ext. 1012 ; bpalermo@cilncf.org

ID: Graphic includes all the information provided above. The FAAST and OrCam logos are displayed in the top center. The CIL logo is displayed on the bottom right corner. The background consists of blue in the top left corner, purple in the top right corner, green in the bottom left corner, and turquoise in the bottom right corner.

The 3rd Annual Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo for people with disabilities received positive feedback from attendees and vendors alike. Participants gained valuable insights from speakers and vendors, learning about Special Need Shelters (SNS) locations, emergency protocols, and post-emergency actions. Information on local hospital procedures during emergencies and access to updated vaccinations from UF groups were also provided. Attendees could sign up for Alachua alerts if needed. The event featured refreshments and lunch subs donated by Publix, and special thanks to our dedicated CIL staff for their support in organizing the expo.

DONORS:
Publix
Sam’s Club
Dunkin Donuts
Herr’s

VENDORS:
Center for Independent Living; Alachua County Emergency Management
Disability Rights Florida; Gainesville Fire Rescue Community Resource Paramedicine program
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office
City of Gainesvile RTS; UF Health
American Red Cross; Congresswoman Kat Cammack
MV Transportation, Inc.; United Way of North Central Florida
FAAST Program; Community Hospice & Palliative Care
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.; Elder Options

SPEAKERS:
Welcome: Congresswoman Kat Cammack (rep.)
Speaker 1: American Red Cross & United Way of North Central Florida
Speaker 2: Alachua County Emergency Management
Speaker 3: UF Health

ID: There are a total of 3 graphics. Graphic #1 is a photo of CIL staff at the registration table at the expo. Several other vendor tables can be seen in the background with folks waiting to share information with attendees. “Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo” is written at the top, “3rd Annual” is written on the bottom right, and the CILNCF logo is displayed on the top right. Graphic #2 is a collage of 4 photos of CIL staff at various tables during the expo and with an attendee. Graphic #3 is also a collage of 4 photos, showing both vendors and attendees at the expo throughout the day. The background on all 3 graphics is blue.

Be one of the first 45 people vaccinated and win a grocery gift card and a hurricane supply kit backpack! We will be hosting our clinic March 26th from 8am to 1pm in the Ewers Century Center at 3001 SW College Rd., Ocala, FL 34474.

ASL Interpreters will be available and free for any interested attendees.

ID: Graphic 1: Advertisement for accessible vaccine clinic hosted by the CIL and Disability Rights Florida using grants from the ACL. The graphic lists the date, March 26th, in which the clinic will be held from 8am to 1pm. There is also marketing for grocery gift cards and hurricane supply kit backpacks that will be given out to the first 45 people vaccinated.

Graphic 2: This is a photo of the hurricane supply kit backpack that will be given to the first 45 people vaccinated at the event. It is a medium sized backpack with a Disability Rights Florida logo.

🌟 Save the date and spread the word! 🌟

This AMAZING event will take place on April 25th from 8am to 8pm and marks our 9th year participating with fellow nonprofit organizations in the Alachua County community!

Our fundraising goal this year continues to be $10,000, and every donation will directly benefit our youth with disabilities in our High School High Tech Program and Youth Social Group! High School High Tech opens doors for high school students with all types of disabilities, giving them opportunities to explore jobs or postsecondary education that lead to in-demand careers. Our Youth Social Group provides a welcoming space for individuals with disabilities aged 14-24, where they can make new friends, learn new skills, and engage in fun activities.

Your support matters more than ever! Please consider donating through our Amazing Give platform and help us make a real difference in the lives of our youth with disabilities as they pursue their dreams and goals for the future.

Stay tuned for more information about High School High Tech and Youth Social Group, and discover how your generosity will empower and inspire leading up to the event! Together, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey!