We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your incredible generosity and support during our fundraiser with Give4Marion. Thanks to your contributions, we’ve come a long way and have raised $720 of our $1000 goal!

We still have 6 more hours until $Give4Marion comes to a close, and we want to make the most of this time to reach our goal and make an even bigger impact in our community.

Your donations have already made a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, and with your continued support, we can do so much more. Every dollar counts, and together, we can create positive change.

Click to donate: https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/center-for-independent-living-of-north-central-florida

VD: Tony delivers his thank you message outside of the CIL Gainesville office: “Hello everyone, Tony here from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida thanking Give4Marion and everyone that has donated to our center in Marion County who provides employment services for people with disabilities, who ensures students with disabilities get graduated from high school, that is very supportive of our wonderful deaf community within Ocala area. We are so thankful for your donations. They are going to go towards helping people with disabilities live independently and in the community; such a wonderful community. We are so grateful for your contributions. Take care.”

The graphic reads, “Thank you! Thanks to your incredible generosity! With your continued support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of even more individuals in our community.” The Give4Marion logo is displayed below the message.

Thanks to your incredible generosity and unwavering support, we’ve managed to raise a remarkable $670 for our nonprofit through our fundraiser with Give4Marion!

But, here’s the exciting news: we still have 9 hours left to go in our fundraiser, and we are determined to reach our $1000 goal. With your continued support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of even more individuals in our community.

→ DONATE: You still have time! TODAY at 12pm, we have another Matching Moment when all online gifts up to $100 will be matched dollar for dollar by The LILAC Foundation until the $10,000 runs out. Only gifts made online during the specified moments will be eligible. Every dollar counts, and your donation will make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Click the link in our bio to donate now!

→ SPREAD THE WORD: Share this post with your friends, family, and social media networks. Encourage others to join in and support our cause. The more people we reach, the closer we get to our goal! 📣

Let’s make these last 9 hours count and continue making a positive impact in the lives of those who rely on our programs and services.

Thanks to your incredible generosity and unwavering support, we’ve managed to raise a remarkable $570 for our nonprofit through our fundraiser with Give4Marion! But, we’re not done yet! We still have 25 hours left to go in our fundraiser, and we are determined to reach our $1000 goal. With your continued support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of even more individuals in our community.

Here’s how you can help:

→ DONATE: If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, you still have time! We have another Matching Moment to donate tomorrow at 12pm when all online gifts up to $100 will be matched dollar for dollar by The LILAC Foundation until the $10,000 runs out. Only gifts made online during the specified moments will be eligible.

Every dollar counts, and your donation will make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Click here to donate now: https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/center-for-independent-living-of-north-central-florida

→ SPREAD THE WORD: Share this post with your friends, family, and social media networks. Encourage others to join in and support our cause. The more people we reach, the closer we get to our goal!

We’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received thus far, and we are confident that, together, we can reach our fundraising goal. Let’s make these last 25 hours count and continue making a positive impact in the lives of those who rely on our programs and services.

For the next 33 hours, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to be a driving force for positive change in the lives of our valued consumers. Our giving event will continue until Wednesday 9/20 at 7 pm.

**Donation MATCHING opportunity** TODAY 9/19 @12:00 pm:

All online gifts up to $100 will be matched dollar for dollar by Team Cone until the $15,000 runs out. Only gifts made online during the specified moments will be eligible.

You can help us extend the reach of our mission by sharing our donation page with your friends, family, and social network. By spreading the word, you’re not only offering hope but also inspiring others to do the same.

Stay updated by checking out our donation page: https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/center-for-independent-living-of-north-central-florida

#Give4Marion is almost here! In less than 24 hours, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to be a driving force for positive change in the lives of our valued consumers. Get ready for a remarkable 33-hour giving marathon that kicks off TOMORROW September 19th at 10:00 AM and continues until 7:00 PM on September 20th.

Our FAAST Program and the events it facilitates throughout our catchment area, as seen in the photos from our August highlights, is one of many that benefit greatly from your generous donations.

Every single contribution made during #Give4Marion will go directly towards providing vital support to our consumers engaged in our Five-Core Services, Employment Program, High School High Tech, Emergency Preparedness Program, and numerous other initiatives.

Stay updated by checking out our website at: https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/center-for-independent-living-of-north-central-florida

Special shout outs to our amazing staff, Claudia Avendano, Assistive Technologies Specialist, Kevin Towles, Consumer Specialist, and Brandon Palermo, Consumer Specialist, who worked after-hours and on the weekend to attend these events! You all rock!

ID: There are 3 total graphics:

Graphic #1 has a red background, sharing all the event details provided above, written in white. “Less Than 24hrs” is written in large text with the Give4Marion logo is displayed to the right center of the graphic.

Graphic #2 has a blue background with two photos of Andrea from the CIL Ocala office along with students from Project Looking Ahead at Hernando High School. “Our Why” is written on the left with the CILNCF logo displayed on the bottom left.

Graphic #3 has a purple background with the CILNCF logo on the bottom center, and a collage of 6 photos from the FAAST events held in August:

1) Branford Elementary School, Branford, FL in Suwannee County – Showcase for families and students with disabilities.

2) Springcrest Elementary School, Live Oak, Suwannee County – Showcase for families and students with disabilities.

3) Care for the Caregiver Event (flyer attached for your info and event pics attached) at WalMart in Gainesville.

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

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!

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!

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

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.