Last week, we had a lot of fun “shopping” for and collecting toys for all our CIL families! The CIL has partnered with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program for several years now, and we cannot thank them enough, year after year, for helping so many of our families have a wonderful Christmas with a visit from Santa!

This year we helped 33 families with disabilities and a total of 74 children! We were thrilled to see the CIL kitchen completely packed with bags and bikes that are bound to bring so many smiles and feelings of joy to the children who will be unwrapping them! At pick up time, there were a lot of thank yous and smiles from our grateful families.

We were thankful to have several of Santa’s helpers assist with picking out specific toys from children’s wish lists, and that made things go much faster and smoother. It was so appreciated that staff took the time out of their very busy day to help bring some holiday cheer to our families in need! Special thanks go to all of our wonderful CIL elves: Terri, Myrtle, her husband Eli, Holly, Stephanie, Lindsey, Clara, Claudia, Destini and Medjina. We even had a retired staff member Don take time out of retirement life to help pick out gifts. You are all awesome, thank you infinity!

Ho Ho Ho and Happy Holiday Season! Our CIL staff elves got into the holiday spirit earlier this month and festively decorated our Christmas tree, activity room, lobby and hallways in both the Gainesville and Ocala office! Special thanks to everyone who was able to help make the CIL sparkle during this festive season! Everything looks fantastic, and the addition of holiday music playing in the lobby, makes it even more perfect for this time of year!

Additionally, CIL staff were able to enjoy a Health and Wellness Activity amidst their busy days at work. We had our very first pop-up surprise event for staff, sharing just a day and time to be ready for a fun activity, but with no additional information. Staff were pleasantly surprised to discover that we would be creating our very own personal name ornaments using scrabble-like tiles for names, as well as other fun embellishments to add. Staff had a blast putting their own finishing touches to their ornaments, and once they were ready, we placed them on our tree! We will be able to enjoy them for years to come, and look forward to the next pop-up surprise in the new year!

ID: There are 2 graphics. Both graphics have 6 polaroid pictures assembled in a circle to resemble the look of a wreath. In the center is CILNCF’s logo with a santa hat on the left side of the logo. Golden stars are displayed throughout both graphics. The first graphic displays 6 pictures of CIL staff with their holiday decor around the office. The second graphic displays pictures of the decoration around CILNCF’s office.

We are thrilled to share a glimpse into the incredible journey of guiding interns through their first rotation in the Project Search program. As the Employment Consultant Supervisor and Skills Trainer, Ammal had the honor of guiding a group of talented interns through this transformative experience and has this to say about for the students in their first rotation:

“In my role as a skills trainer at Shands Hospital, I had the privilege of guiding interns through their first rotation in the Project Search program. It was a transformative journey, witnessing these individuals engage themselves in the unique challenges of a hospital setting. Nurturing their professional growth, I observed a remarkable blend of resilience and skill development. The collaborative spirit within our team, coupled with the interns’ commitment, resulted in the successful completion of their first rotation, leaving a positive impression on their professional journey at Shands Hospital.”

The collaborative spirit within the team, coupled with the interns’ commitment, led to the successful completion of their first rotation, leaving a positive mark on their professional journey at Shands Hospital.

They are now in their 2nd rotation—stay tuned for more updates!

ID: Video consists of a slideshow of images of the students throughout their internship at Shands Hospital for their first rotations.

December at ILS is all about the spirit of giving! 🎁 Throughout the month, we embrace the traditional theme of “Giving of Ourselves.” Throughout the month, we’ve been busy crafting heartfelt gifts to share with others. Last week, we celebrated with a “wrap” party where we wrapped up these handmade treasures to gift to family and friends. 🌟 The festivities continued with pizza, games, and a little treat for each of us from the CIL. It’s the season of giving, and we’re making it memorable at ILS!

Recently, CILNCF had the privilege to assist a consumer in their transition out of experiencing homelessness. This journey began with the referral for a Section 8 housing voucher, providing the individual with the opportunity to secure a newfound residence. 🏠 With the voucher in hand, our consumer took the crucial step toward a brighter future. However, after covering the hefty move-in costs, they found themselves with no funds to transform their new space into a true home.

This is where the incredible power of community came into play. Through the relentless advocacy of our CIL staff, we connected with the amazing charity organization, Mitzvah Makers. Together, we secured funds to ensure a comfortable and smooth transition for our consumer. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Mitzvah Makers, we have successfully transformed a house into a home for this consumer.

The funds were stretched to cover all the consumer’s requests for necessary personal items, and we’re thrilled to share the incredible list of contributions made possible by the generosity of various CIL staff and an anonymous donor:

◽️New queen mattress and bed frame
◽️Microwave and toaster oven
◽️Round table and chairs
◽️TV and stand
◽️Pots and pans
◽️Bed frame
◽️Curtains and rods
◽️Area rugs
◽️Bed sheets
◽️Cleaning supplies
◽️Toiletries

This transformation, made possible by the collaboration of many hands, showcases the impact we can create when we come together as a community.

Special thanks to our staff: Claudia for donating 4 chairs and coordinating 2 large furniture deliveries, CIL for donating the table and a TV stand, Kim for donating a TV, Sada for donating a Toaster Oven and Microwave and assisting with the final large delivery!

🌟 STAY SAFE. STAY UP TO DATE. 🌟

🗓️ December 18th

🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (no appointment needed)

📍 CIL Gainesville Office
(222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 33625)

Your health matters, and so does the health of the people you love. We believe in the power of prevention and protection, especially for those who are more vulnerable. If you’re 65+ or have a compromised immune system, getting vaccinated is a crucial step in safeguarding yourself and your community.

Why Vaccinate?
Vaccines are safe, effective, and play a crucial role in saving millions of lives. For those aged 65 and older or individuals with compromised immune systems, getting vaccinated is an essential step in preventing and protecting against certain diseases. In the face of the flu and COVID-19, these vaccines are particularly important for older adults and people with disabilities.

Spread the Word!
Help us create a shield of protection around our community! Spread the word about our upcoming Vaccine Clinic and encourage your friends and family to join us.

What to Expect:
– Free vaccines
– Accessibility with ASL interpreters
– The first 25 people vaccinated receive a $10 gift card

Together, let’s empower each other to make informed decisions for our health and the well-being of those we care about. Your participation in our Vaccine Clinic can make a significant impact, and we look forward to seeing you there!

For more information:
Phone: (352) 378-7474
VP: (352) 240-3079
Email: eberndt@cilncf.org

Today, let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique abilities of individuals with disabilities. 💙

This day is a reminder that inclusivity knows no bounds, and together, we can create a world where everyone is valued and embraced for who they are. Let’s break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and champion the rights of every person to live a life of dignity and opportunity.

#IDPD2023 is a call to action for a more accessible, inclusive world. Let’s commit to fostering environments where everyone can thrive, irrespective of abilities. Share your stories, amplify diverse voices, and let the world know that differences make us stronger. 🤲

As we continue embracing the spirit of gratitude, let’s take a moment to relive the incredible moments we shared during our Community Wellness Wednesdays last month. It was a celebration of growth, well-being, and the bonds that make our community truly special.

Activities held included:

🌱 Seeds of Growth: We got our hands dirty and our hearts full as we planted seeds in pots, symbolizing the growth and resilience within each of us.

🥦 Fueling Our Bodies with Knowledge: A huge shoutout to the nutritionist who joined us for an insightful session on healthy eating! Interactive activities made learning about nutrition a fun and engaging experience for everyone.

🎲 Interactive Games: From friendly competitions to collaborative challenges, we celebrated the power of play.

🐾 Mindfulness Moments with Furry Friends: The therapy dogs’ visit brought smiles and calmness to our space. Mindfulness practices allowed us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the present moment.

🍁 Nature’s Canvas: We explored the outdoors during our walk, collecting items for crafts. Painting leaves and stamping them on paper, and crafting turkeys from pinecones, turned nature into a vibrant masterpiece.

🌟 Healthy Relationships with FOSTER at UF: A heartfelt thank you to the FOSTER team from UF for sharing insights on healthy relationships! Interactive activities empowered us to navigate the journey of connection and understanding.

Every activity was a step towards building a healthier, happier, and more connected community. 🤝💚 Our consumer’s participation, energy, and enthusiasm make The CIL a space where wellness thrives! Here’s to more moments of growth, learning, and community love in the months to come.

Celebrating a Fall season filled with joy, creativity, and connection at The CIL’s Youth Social Group! 🍁🍂 From circus thrills to culinary skills, our incredible community came together for a series of unforgettable activities. The memorable activities we shared included: Gainesville Circus Center visits the CIL, Clay Creations, Cooking Class, Mini Pumpkin Painting, Costume Party Game Night, and Sustainable Craft Night.

These moments wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support and enthusiasm of our Youth Social Group members. 🤗💙 Thank you for making this Fall season so special! Stay tuned for more adventures and heartwarming experiences as we continue to build an inclusive and vibrant community at The CIL.

ID: This post contains a total of 3 graphic collages, each with a search bar in the middle that reads, “CIL Youth Social Group” and a magnifying glass next to it (imitating an internet search bar).

Graphic 1 displays three photos from the Costume Party Game Night. The top photo is a group photo of 9 members. The bottom left photo shows 5 members sitting around a table playing games. The bottom right photo shows a member playing a party; they are blind folded and are attempting to place a sticker on a skeleton placed on the wall.

Graphic 2 has three photos from when the Gainesville Circus Center visited the CIL. The top photo is a group photo of the members along with the Gainesville Circus Center. The bottom left photo shows two girls showcasing their balancing skills. The bottom right photo is a member of the Gainesville Circus Center dressed as a clown.

Graphic 3 has four photos from the Clay Creations, Cooking Class, Mini Pumpkin Painting, and Sustainable Craft Night. The top left photo is a member holding a clay creation of a green guitar. The top right photo shows plates of food from Cooking Class. The bottom left photo shows a member holding pine cone crafted into a bat. The bottom right photo shows a painted mini pumpkin.

Join us for a festive celebration at the CIL Holiday Party! 🎄❄️

Friends and family, you’re all invited to indulge in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, a cozy hot chocolate bar, ornament making, and delightful holiday crafts. 🍪☕🎨 Let’s come together to create special memories and spread the joy of the season! Save the date, bring your loved ones, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable! 🎁

WHEN: Monday, December 4th | 6 pm – 8 pm
WHERE: CIL Gainesville | 222 SW 36th Ter, Gainesville, FL 32607