FREE Presentation on Vehicle Navigation for Individuals with Wheelchairs and Limited Mobility

Join us for a FREE Presentation brought to you by Triple S Mobility and the FAAST Program.

Date: Friday, January 19th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Center for Independent Living
2760 SE 17th Street, Suite 300, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 368-3788

🔍 What to expect:
✅ Insights into vehicle navigation technology
✅ Tips for enhanced mobility
✅ Learn about modified vehicles

Whether you’re seeking independence or supporting a loved one, this event is a must-attend!

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

ID: event graphic includes all the event details shared above.

Celebrating Martin Luther King Day!

On this powerful day, let’s reflect on Dr. King’s timeless words. As a center for disability, we stand united in the fight against injustice. Inclusion, accessibility, and equality are not just words for us; they are our guiding principles.

Let’s continue working together to create a world where justice prevails, where every voice is heard, and where inclusivity knows no bounds. Today, we honor a legacy of courage and determination, and we pledge to keep the flame of equality burning bright.

ID: Graphic has vibrant purple background that reads, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

FREE Accessible Vaccine Clinic January 18th

Protect yourself and your family with seasonal vaccines.

There will be an accessible vaccine clinic on January 18th. Flu shots will be available and FREE! 
Even better, the first 20 people who get a vaccine will get a $10 gift card! 

Interpreters will be on-site. For any other accommodation requests, email eberndt@cilncf.org or call (352) 378 – 7474; Video Phone (352) 240-3079.

See you there!

ID: Flyer for vaccine clinic. Text reads: “Accessible vaccine clinic. COVID-19 and flu shots. January 18th. 10501 Hampton Avenue, Starke, FL. No Appointment needed. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM”, and includes the information in the text above. There is clip art of a vaccine and ASL interpreting logo, as well as the CILNCF logo, Disability Rights FL logo, and ACL logo.


Celebrating December Birthdays!

The year got away from us before we could send these wishes! Please join us in saying a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to CIL staff members who celebrated birthdays in December! We hope you all had festive and fun birthdays celebrating YOU during the holiday season!

Holly – December 17th
Ashlyn – December 18th

ID: Ashlyn and Holly are pictured in the activity room at CILNCF. They are both getting cake in celebration of their birthdays. A blue gradient overlays on top of the picture. On the bottom 1/3 of the photo reads, “Happy Birthday” with a white divider beneath it, then “Ashlyn & Holly” written directly underneath.

Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon!

Last month our awesome CIL staff gathered together to celebrate the holiday season during our Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon! Everyone had a blast participating in a variety of holiday activities as well as playing a very festive game of White Elephant. This year, we went back to having a potluck lunch, where everyone contributed and cooked (or bought, lol!) their own savory side dishes and delectable desserts for all to enjoy! Staff also supported their fellow team members who achieved their milestone awards this year, and we were happy to see a few of our CIL board members join us for lunch and share in the holiday cheer. It was a wonderful day of celebrating each other and taking a much-deserved break from work to just relax and have fun! We are proud of all that we accomplished this past year, and look forward to all that is to come in 2024!

ID: Video collage of pictures taken of CIL staff and atmosphere during White Elephant, holiday activities, enjoying the buffet lunch and presentations.

Celebrating Staff Milestones!

During our Staff Appreciation Luncheon last month, we had a wonderful time honoring our team members who achieved specific work anniversary milestones of 5, 10 and 15 years! This past year, we had four staff members to celebrate and they are listed below.

Please join us in saying a huge congratulations to all!

Sophia Kitchen, Sign Language Interpreter – 15 years!
Christie King, Gainesville Office Receptionist and Data Entry Specialist – 10 years!
Patty McElroy, Bookkeeping Assistant – 10 years!
Kim Moffitt, Sign Language Interpreting Assistant – 5 years!

Thank you all so much for your dedication and commitment throughout the years. You have made a huge difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and we are so grateful that you continue to be valued members of our CIL family. We appreciate all that you do for the CIL, our community and our consumers!

ID: First picture is Kim holding up her award (left) and her supervisor Colette (right). Second picture is supervisor Alex (left) and Christie holding up her award (right). Third picture is of Colette speaking about Sophia and Patty, who were unable to attend the luncheon, and the amazing work that they do.

Cheers to 2024!

As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the possibilities of a brand new year, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of our incredible journey in advocating for people with disabilities. This past year we achieved remarkable milestones in our pursuit of equality, inclusion, and unity. From breaking down barriers to fostering understanding, your support has been the driving force behind every positive change we’ve witnessed.

As we step into 2024, we are filled with excitement and hope for what lies ahead. This year holds the promise of continued progress, advocacy, and transformative strides towards a more accessible and inclusive world for all. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Your support is the catalyst for change, and together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those with disabilities.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with love, joy, and opportunities for growth!

ID: Graphic has a blue background with a photo of CILNCF staff in front of CIL Gainesville office. “Happy New Year!” is written above the photo on the top left. The top right corner has golden sparkles of different sizes displayed. Below the photo is a quote that reads, “In order to be great, you just have to care. You have to care about your world, community, and equality. – Katori Hall”

Disability Awareness Presentation ay CFCAA

Bridging awareness and inclusivity at CFCAA! ✨ Sada, Kevin, and Stephanie recently had the honor of presenting for the incredible staff at Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA) on disability awareness and CIL programs. The engagement and enthusiasm from their team were truly inspiring as we explored ways to enhance CFCAA’s accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

To add a touch of holiday spirit, the staff luncheon was Grinch-themed, and we couldn’t resist capturing the festive moment with a snapshot alongside one of their fantastic staff members who donned the Grinch attire! 🎁📷 Embracing the season of inclusivity and joy. 🎄

ID: Graphic has a vibrant purple background and includes a picture of Stephanie, Kevin, and Sada with a CFCAA staff member dressed as the Grinch. The top left reads, “Disability Awareness”, the bottom right reads, “CFCAA”, and The CILNCF logo is displayed in the top right corner.

Consumer Holiday Party

What a magical time we had at our Consumer Holiday Party! 🎉✨ The CIL transformed into a winter wonderland filled with joy, laughter, and creativity. Our consumers and staff came together to celebrate the holiday season in the most heartwarming way possible.

Our gathering was a whirlwind of creativity and joy, from crafting candy cane reindeers, decorated cookies, colored festive coloring pages, enjoyed a hot chocolate bar, and painted ornaments. Thanks to everyone who made this event unforgettable, and happy holidays from The CIL family!

ID: Graphic is a collage of 7 photos from the Consumer Holiday Party. The photos show our consumers with their arts and crafts, including those listed above. The collage has a red and green border. In the middle is a green rectangle that reads, “Consumer Holiday Party”

🎄Happy Holidays from The CIL Family! 🌟

As we wrap up another incredible year of progress, empowerment, and community, The CIL extends warm wishes to our amazing community, supporters, and advocates! We are immensely grateful for the strength and resilience you bring to our community every day.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to creating an inclusive world where everyone can thrive. Together, we’ve made strides towards accessibility, equality, and empowerment, and we’re excited for what the future holds!

As we celebrate the holiday season, let’s reflect on the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together. May your holiday season be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. 🎁

ID: Graphic is an illustration of a two homes, surrounded by Christmas trees. “Happy Holidays” is written above the homes. Below the homes reads, “From all of us here at the CIL.” A Santa sleigh being being pulled by 3 reindeers, flies over a large Christmas tree.