Greetings | The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida welcomes you! If you have any questions about the center or the services we provide, please contact us at 352-378-7474. Our number again, is 3, 5, 2, 3, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7, 4.
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.
ID: graphic has a photo of a HSHT students on a field trip as the background. There are two text boxes to share the question and answer from the student, as shared above. The question is written in a blue box with purple outline and the answer is written in a green box with purple outline. The Amazing Give logo is displated on the bottom right corner.
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!
ID: Graphic reads, “Benefits of Giving Donations to our Youth Programs” in bright red at the top. Directly beneath to the left is charcoal colored box with white text the reads, “Skills Development. Your donations will be used to create programs that empower our youth by providing them with life skills.” Directly beneath is white colored box with black text the reads, “Access to Career Resources. Students have access to explore job opportunities or pursue postsecondary education that leads to highly sought-after careers.” Directly beneath is The Amazing Give logo with the event date of April 25, 2024.” On the right side of the graphic is a photo of a female student wearing glasses and reading from an open booklet in her hand.
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!
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.
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!
ID: Graphic has an abstract background comprised of two shades of grey. The Amazing Give logo is displayed in the center, along with the fundraising date and time of April 25, 2024, 8am – 8pm. The fundraising website address “www.The Amazing Give.org” is displayed beneath the logo, along with the logo for Junior League of Gainesville.
As the birds chirp and the flowers bloom, we’re welcoming the first day of spring with open arms and joyful hearts here at The CIL 🌼
Today marks a time of renewal, growth, and endless possibilities. Just like the vibrant flowers in a spring garden, our community continues to bloom with resilience, creativity, and strength. 🌻
Let’s celebrate this beautiful season by spreading kindness, embracing diversity, and cherishing every moment together. Whether you’re planting seeds of hope, blooming in new opportunities, or simply enjoying the sunshine, we’re here to support and uplift each other every step of the way. 🌱
ID: Graphic is yellow with spring flowers in the bottom left corner and top right corner. A darker yellow circle is displayed on in the top corner and bottom right corner. “Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit. – Toni Sorenson” is written in the center of the graphic.
Mark your calendars for the Marion County Emergency PreParedness EXPO happening TUESDAY, March 26th!
This FREE event is designed to equip everyone in our community, especially those with disabilities, with the knowledge and resources needed to tackle any emergency situation.
Date: TUESDAY, March 26, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: College of Central Florida, Ewers Century Center
Hey there, lucky leprechauns! 🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the whole gang at CIL! May your day be a treasure trove of laughter, luck, and the cozy vibes of community! As we deck ourselves out in shamrocks and paint the town green, our hearts overflow with gratitude for getting to share this special day with all of you. While we’re out there celebrating, let’s not forget the real magic of St. Paddy’s – the power of togetherness and the joy of inclusivity. Let’s be each other’s lucky charms, lifting spirits and spreading kindness wherever we roam! 🌈
ID: Graphic displays an illustration of a green Irish lucky shamrock. There is green text circling the shamrock that reads, “gratitude • community • generosity • luck • resilience”
