Youth Social Group August Outing!

Since starting back with Youth Social Group in person July 18th, we have had so much fun! We’ve learned about plant care and potted some of our own plants, gained knowledge about the history and importance of collages and created them ourselves, played games, cooked together, discussed how to make and maintain quality friendships, created trading cards to swap with friends, and so much more. Each week, we learn something new, build community, and enjoy ourselves. A highlight from August was our trip to the Florida Museum of Natural History. While we were there, we got to explore their Spiders Alive exhibit! Everyone learned a lot about the history and evolution of Florida’s ecosystem, the lifecycle of butterflies, and the history of spiders, along with their roles and types. We’d love for you to join us as we continue to learn and grow together! We meet every Tuesday from 5:30 – 7:00, unless otherwise indicated within our calendar which can be found here (the central theme or activity of each Tuesday is listed in the descriptions of each week’s YSG): Calendar | Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (cilncf.org)

If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to reach out to Ashlyn Michael by emailing amichael@cilncf.org or calling (352) 378-7474 ext- 2056

ID: Graphic has a blue background with a total of 6 photos displayed in a collage. Top left photo: 6 youth group participants holding their collages. Top right photo: the table in the activity room with art supplies laid out for collage making. Center left photo: youth group participants sitting around tables in the activity room, putting together their collages; Youth Social Group is written under the photo. Right center photo: group picture at the Florida Museum of Natural History; August Outing is written under the photo. Bottom left photo: 8 youth group participants and Alex are posing for a picture in the activity room. Bottom right photo: a youth group participant is pushing another youth group participant in her wheelchair through the Butterfly Museum exhibit.

Give4Marion Is ONE Week Away!

Meet Brandon! In December 2022, Brandon embarked on a journey with our Employment Services, fueled by an unwavering desire to work at Publix. Fast forward to today, and Brandon’s story is nothing short of inspiring. He aced his interview, displaying not only his determination but also his remarkable potential. Along the way, Brandon faced some health challenges and needed modifications to his daily routine. Our dedicated team collaborated with the fantastic folks at our local Publix to create the perfect accommodations, ensuring Brandon’s success as a Front Service Clerk. 👏 Brandon has become an integral part of the Publix family, loved and cherished by everyone at the location. His infectious positivity and dedication make each workday a joyous occasion. Brandon’s story reminds us that with determination and the right support, we can overcome any challenge and achieve our dreams. 🌠

#Give4Marion is fast approaching, and the countdown begins now! 🗓️ In ONE WEEK you’ll have the opportunity to become a catalyst for change in the lives of our valued consumers. Get ready for the 33-hour marathon of giving, starting on September 19th at 10am until 7pm on September 20th.

All contributions made during #Give4Marion will go directly towards supporting our consumers who participate in our Five-Core Services, Employment Program, High School High Tech, Emergency Preparedness Program, and so much more.

Be sure to stay updated by visiting: https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/center-for-independent-living-of-north-central-florida

Save the date, spread the word, and let’s make #Give4Marion a remarkable success!

ID: Graphic shares the story of Brandon that is also shared in the description above. A photo of Brandon in his Publix uniform is displayed on the left. The Give4Marion logo is displayed on the top right. A banner that reads “CIL Success Story” runs across the bottom of the graphic from left to right.

Deaf Awareness Week Webinars

Please join us during Deaf Awareness Week for two virtual presentations from Deaf advocates and entertainers who will be talking about the secrets of their success. These events are hosted by Deaf Program Coordinators from Centers for Independent Living in Ocala, Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Pensacola and Fort Myers. Please attend both events for a chance to win a $20 gift card! Interpreters will be provided.

The first event will take place on Tuesday, September 19th, from 1pm to 3pm Eastern (12:00pm Central), with the following guest speakers: Tamara Taylor, Social Worker and Counselor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Harold Foxx, Writer, Comedian, Filmmaker and Actor who happens to be Deaf. He created, “The Harold Foxx Show”.

September 19th Event
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85431635787?pwd=THF0N1ZJRCtXN2Jjdlo2cTBxbWxpUT09
Webinar ID: 854 3163 5787
Passcode: 069523

The second event will take place on Thursday, September 21st, from 1pm – 3pm Eastern (12:00pm Central) with the following guest speakers: Amy Ryals, Deaf Advocator and Deaf Interpreter and Stephanie Nogueras, Deaf Actress and teaches American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.

September 21st Event
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87009282298?pwd=M1NvTDhBVzZNd3NRZVI0L0ZOTTRQdz09
Webinar ID: 870 0928 2298
Passcode: 559783

For technical assistance or to practice using zoom, please contact Monique Roussell at 904-508-0077.

Please contact Colleen Metcalf at 352-414-1833 with any questions about the event.

We hope to see you there!

ID: Event flier includes all the event information provided above. It also includes photos of each speaker: Tamara Taylor, Harold Foxx, Amy Ryals, and Stephanie Nogueras.

Remembering 9/11

Today, we join the world in remembering the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We honor the heroes who selflessly rushed to aid those in need, and we remember the lives lost on that fateful day.

9/11 taught us that in the face of adversity, the human spirit can shine even brighter. It reminds us that unity knows no boundaries and that every person, regardless of ability, deserves to be a part of an inclusive and supportive community. Let us channel the spirit of unity and resilience that emerged from this tragedy into our mission of creating a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is valued and included.

Today, as we remember 9/11, let us renew our commitment to breaking down barriers, advocating for equality, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live a life filled with independence and dignity.

Together, we can build a world that values every person’s unique abilities and contributions. 🇺🇸💙 #Remember911 #UnitedWeStand

ID: Image is a picture of the New York City skyline, with the One World Trade Center in focus. An image of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center are faintly visible to the right of the image. The American flag waves proudly in the center of the graphic. The text “We will never forget, September 11, 2001” is displayed at the top center of the graphic.

Team Employment Social!

The CIL Employment Team got together towards the end of August for an adventurous team social at an escape room! They enjoyed lunch at CAVA and then headed over to Just Escaped to work on a haunted cold case. It took them a little over an hour, but they cracked it and made it out alive! The team had a great day spending time together and having a little fun outside of the office.

ID: graphic includes 3 photos and “Employment Team Social” written in the center right. Left picture: Employment Team selfie in the escape room (Ffrom left to right: Brandon, Clara, Holly and Lauren is taking the selfie). Top right picture: Cold case cracked! (from left to right: Clara, Lauren, Brandon and Holly). They are all holding up fun signs in the waiting area of Just Escaped. Third picture: Lauren is taking a selfie with Clara, Holly and Brandon behind her. A Just Escaped staff member is the furthest behind, holding up a Cold Case team sign.

FAAST Presentation: Exceptional Costumes for Exceptional Kids!

In collaboration with Walkin&Rollin and the FAAST Program, CIL invites you to a FREE presentation on Exceptional Costumes for Exceptional Kids! Walkin&Rollin Costumes is a non-profit organization dedicated to building costumes for kids in walkers and wheelchairs, free of charge to the families.

We welcome you to join via Zoom. Anyone who would like to use their video phone for interpreters, the Zoom information has a phone number which the interpreter can use to connect to the call.

WHEN: Thursday, September 14, 2023 @ 3:00 PM
WHERE: via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82167387770?pwd=VVovdnVwNyt4cUFjRjFsODNQR1haUT09

Meeting ID: 821 6738 7770
Passcode: 577039

One tap mobile
+13052241968,,82167387770#,,,,*577039# US
+13017158592,,82167387770#,,,,*577039# US

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

ID: Graphic reads all the information shared above. The FAAST and Walkin&Rollin logos are displayed at the top center. The CIL logo is displayed on the bottom left. The graphic is bordered with CIL colors: turquoise in the bottom right, green in the bottom left, blue in the top left, and purple in the top right.

Assistive Technology Presentation For The Deaf and Hard of Hearing

In collaboration with Diglo and the FAAST Program, CIL invites you to a FREE presentation on Assistive Technology for the deaf and hard of hearing. Diglo has a variety of electronic devices that glow to replace a notification sound.

We welcome you to join via Zoom. Anyone who would like to use their video phone for interpreters, the Zoom information has a phone number which the interpreter can use to connect to the call.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 @ 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
WHERE: via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85808811711?pwd=Rkg2VkZOaGJSYXhrSlJpa3BWdU1jdz09

Meeting ID: 858 0881 1711
Passcode: 554282

One tap mobile
+13052241968,,85808811711#,,,,*554282# US
+16469313860,,85808811711#,,,,*554282# US

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

ID: Graphic reads all the information shared above. The FAAST and Diglo logos are displayed at the top center. The CIL logo is displayed on the bottom left. The graphic is bordered with CIL colors: turquoise in the top right, green in the bottom right, blue in the bottom left, and purple in the top left.

Give4Marion starts in just 2 weeks!

#Give4Marion is just 2 weeks away!

On September 19th at 10am through September 20th at 7pm, you will have the chance to give and make a difference in our consumer’s lives! All funds raised through #Give4Marion will benefit our Marion County consumers who participate in our Five-Core Services, Employment Program, High School High Tech, Emergency Preparedness Program and more. Check out give4marion.org to stay updated and be ready to give!

ID: Graphic has a light blue background, sharing all the event details shared above, written in white. “2 Weeks Out!” is written in large text with the Give4Marion logo is displayed to the right center of the graphic.

Points of Distribution and Feeding Sites (Storm & Emergency Preparation)

POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION are opened in impacted areas to distribute MRE’s, water and tarps to impacted residents at:

HAMILTON COUNTY:

  • 1291 Florida Street Jennings, Florida 32053
  • 1129 4th Street Northwest Jasper, Florida 32052

JEFFERSON COUNTY

  • 325 S Water Street Monticello, Florida 32344

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

  • 160 NE Hornet Drive Mayo, Florida 32066

MADISON COUNTY

  • 2649 US 90 Madison, FL 32340

SUWANNEE COUNTY

  • 1302 SW 11th Street Live Oak, Florida 32064
  • 1625 Walker Avenue SW Live Oak, Florida 32064
  • 405 North Reynolds Street Branford, Florida 32008

TAYLOR COUNTY

  • 1509 S Byron Street Parkway Perry, Florida 32348

FEEDING SITES

MERCY CHEFS

  • Suwannee Middle School, 1730 Walker Ave SW, Live Oak FL 32064

OPERATION BBQ RELIEF

  • Madison County High School, 2649 E US Highway 90, Madison, FL 32340
  • 831 Pinewood Dr SW, Live Oak, FL 32064

FL BAPTISTS

  • Taylor County Kitchen location at First Baptist Church of Perry, 102 N Center St. Perry, FL 32347
  • Dixie County Kitchen location at First Baptist Church of Cross City, 6024 SE Highway 19, Cross City, FL 32628

SALVATION ARMY

  • Dixie County: Old Town Elementary-221 SE 136 AVE Old Town FL 32680
  • Roy Ward Sports Complex, NE 241 St Cross City, FL 32628

Jefferson County (alternating at -):

  • 8781 Old Lloyd Rd Monticello, Florida 32344
  • Waukeenah Methodist Church, 81 Methodist Church Rd.

TAYLOR COUNTY

  • 2057 S Byron Butler Pkwy Ste 1, Perry, FL 32348

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

  • 2750 S Byron Butler Pkwy, Perry, FL 32348

CILNCF Offices Are Open!

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) are reopened today (Thursday 8/30). Please call 352-378-7474 if you need to contact the CILNCF for any reason.

ID: Graphic has a purple background with a door sign that says, “We’re Open”. The CILNCF logo is displayed in the top right corner.

Additional resources contacts below:

After the storm for FEMA assistance, please call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov

State and county contact information: https://www.cilncf.org/emergency-preparedness/