Today, we honor the leadership and history that have helped shape our nation, and we reflect on the freedoms and rights that continue to guide our work every day.

At the CIL, we remain committed to empowering people with disabilities to live independently, advocate for their rights, and thrive in their communities. The progress we celebrate today reminds us that meaningful change happens when voices are heard and communities come together.

Please note: Our offices in Gainesville and Ocala will be closed today, February 16th in observance of Presidents’ Day. We will reopen during regular business hours tomorrow, February 17th.

If you need assistance, please feel free to leave us a message, and a member of our team will follow up as soon as we return.

Access shouldn’t depend on where you live. That’s why our team meets people where they are.

Each month, CIL staff member Kevin travels to CareerSource in Levy and Citrus Counties, ensuring individuals with disabilities can connect with support even if they’re unable to come to Gainesville or Ocala.

We also host monthly outreach in Putnam County at Goodwill in Palatka, creating consistent, accessible opportunities to meet with our team, ask questions, and get connected to resources.

If you or someone you know would like to meet with CIL staff in Levy, Citrus, or Putnam County, you can call our Gainesville or Ocala offices to find out when staff will be available in your area.

Because support should be accessible, local, and built around community. 💙

Through an opportunity with the Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL), we were able to submit a grant alongside Simply Healthcare and receive $10,000 toward direct services for individuals with disabilities in our community.

One wheelchair ramp has already been built in Bradford County, and the remaining funds will be used to purchase Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to support individuals who need essential assistive technology to live safely and independently.

We are incredibly thankful to Simply Healthcare for this meaningful opportunity and for helping make a tangible impact in the lives of the people we serve. 💪♿

Pictured left to right: Sada, Cammeron, Kevin, Sherie Jane (Simply Healthcare), Jacee, and Mika.

Join us for a community-wide event focused on emergency readiness for situations that may impact our area.

Local organizations, agencies, and vendors will be on site sharing resources and guidance on what to do before, during, and after an emergency, with a focus on services that support safety, accessibility, and independence for everyone.

🗓 February 21, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Columbia County Senior Service
628 SE Allison Ct, Lake City, FL 32025

🤟 ASL interpreters will be provided

This is a free, family-friendly event and all are welcome.

📩 For more information, email Kevin Towles at ktowles@cilncf.org
📞 Or call (352) 368-3788

Prepared communities are stronger communities. We hope to see you there. 💙

Dr. King’s vision reminds us that justice, equity, and dignity are not privileges. They are rights that belong to everyone.

At the CIL, we carry this message forward by advocating for access and the right for people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

MLK Day is not just a day of remembrance. It is a call to action. A reminder that progress happens when we show up for one another, speak up for equality, and continue the work toward a more accessible world.

And on this day, we share with you the following words of encouragement from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means keep moving forward.”

In recognition of Dr. King’s lasting impact and his commitment to equality, our offices will be closed today.

Confidence grows when students are given the chance to lead, collaborate, and try.

On January 9th, students from Citrus Transition Academy at Withlacoochee Technical College and Project Looking Ahead at Hernando High School came together for a hands-on lesson in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

As part of our Soft Skills to Pay the Bills activities facilitated by Andrea, students were challenged to build the tallest freestanding structure possible using only dry spaghetti and marshmallows, with just 15 minutes on the clock.

What stood out most wasn’t just the creativity, it was how well students from both schools worked together, communicated clearly, and supported one another throughout the challenge. The competition was tight, too, with the winning height at Project Looking Ahead coming down to just ½ an inch.

These moments show how practicing soft skills in real time helps students build confidence for what comes next. We’re proud of the teamwork, effort, and energy these students brought to the challenge.

The Citrus winning team consisted of (top left photo L to R): Jayla, Rahmah, and Sarah

The Hernando winning team consisted of (top left photo L to R): Logan, Austin, Omar, and William

As we step into a new year, all of us at the CIL want to take a moment to thank you — our consumers, partners, supporters, and community — for walking alongside us.

The year behind us was one of growth, resilience, and connection. Together, we continued advancing independence, access, and opportunity for people with disabilities across the communities we serve. Your trust, collaboration, and belief in this work make everything we do possible.

As we look ahead, we do so with renewed hope and commitment. In the year to come, CIL remains dedicated to building stronger, more accessible communities where people with disabilities have the resources, support, and freedom to live with dignity and self-determination.

Thank you for being part of our community and for helping shape a more accessible and equitable future.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and hopeful New Year!

We are proud to recognize three incredible team members whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida and the consumers we serve.

👏 Ammal — 5 Years of Service (Employment Consultant)

👏 Lauren — 10 Years of Service (Employment Service Manager)

👏 Debbie — 20 Years of Service (Sign Language Interpreter)

Each of you brings compassion, expertise, and heart to your work every day. Your commitment helps advance independence, access, and opportunity for people with disabilities across our community.

Thank you for the meaningful ways you show up for our consumers, our mission, and one another. We are grateful to celebrate you and your contributions.

As we head into the Christmas and New Year holidays, we’d like to share our office schedule and a few important community notices to help you plan ahead.

📅 CIL Office Closures & Hours
Closed: December 23, 24, 25
Open (Regular Hours, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM): December 29 & 30
Closed: December 31, January 1 & 2

🚍 City of Gainesville Holiday Closures & Service Impacts.
City offices will be closed on:
Thursday, December 25
Friday, December 26
Thursday, January 1

These closures will affect city services:
🗑️ Trash & Recycling:
No residential curbside collection on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1
Pickups will be delayed by one day for the remainder of each holiday week

🚌 RTS Bus Service:
Reduced service: Dec. 13–23, Dec. 26–31, and Jan. 2–11 (marked with an “R” on schedules)
No service: Dec. 24, Dec. 25, or Jan. 1

Please plan accordingly, especially if you rely on transportation or city services.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe, warm, and restful holiday season. Thank you for being part of our community. 🤍

Our Wellness Team recently created a welcome pause in the middle of a busy workday, bringing staff together for a shared lunch and a chance to get creative.

Team members enjoyed time connecting with one another while crafting festive ornaments that will soon decorate holiday trees throughout our CIL offices. It was a simple reminder of the importance of slowing down, fostering connection, and making space for creativity and joy in the workplace.

Thank you to our Wellness Team for prioritizing moments that support well-being, community, and a little holiday cheer! 🎄