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.
Today, we pause to honor and remember the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience of a nation united in the face of tragedy. On this day 23 years ago, our country experienced unimaginable loss, but also witnessed incredible courage and solidarity. We are forever grateful to the first responders, the families who showed immense strength, and all those who continue to carry forward the spirit of hope and healing.
As a community, we stand together in remembrance, reflecting on the power of unity and the importance of supporting one another through the most challenging of times. Let us continue to work towards a world of inclusion, kindness, and peace.
ID: Image is of one of the two reflecting pools honoring those killed in the 9/11 terror attacks & 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The photo was taken in the evening with the pool lights lit up and a backdrop of New York City.
This year’s Give4Marion Fundraiser is just one week away, and we need your support more than ever. Your donations will directly benefit these crucial programs, ensuring that our community continues to receive the support and resources they need.
This summer, we hosted an engaging camp at our Ocala Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing middle and high school students. The campers enjoyed social activities, painting, and ocean-themed storytelling at the center, along with learning about marine life and playing engaging games. Off-site, they had fun bowling and at Sky Zone, which helped build teamwork and confidence. Thanks to generous donations, we’re able to keep offering these enriching programs that foster learning, creativity, and social connection.
Join us in making a significant impact! By donating through our Give4Marion page, you become an essential part of the positive change we’re driving. Your support fuels our mission, helping us touch hearts and transform lives every day.
Learn more at: https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/center-for-independent-living-of-north-central-florida
ID: Graphic has a blue background with a photo of four participants holding up crafts they made from the summer camp. The bottom left corner reads, “Empowering Independence: Help Us Make a Difference” and the bottom right corner has the Give4Marion logo.
We’re excited to invite you to an inspiring and thought-provoking Lunch & Learn panel discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)! This engaging session will explore how DEI is shaping our world today and how we can all foster inclusive and equitable environments in our communities and workplaces.
Our very own Dr. Tony Delisle, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living North Central Florida, will be joining the panel alongside other incredible leaders in this space: 🔹 Jillian Dinius – Leader of Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Infotech 🔹 Brett Buell – Development Director, Gainesville Opportunity Center 🔹 Zeriah Folston – Equal Opportunity Director & Small Business Director, City of Gainesville
Discussion Topics Include: ✅ The current state of DEI in different sectors ✅ Building a culture of inclusion and belonging ✅ Leadership’s role in driving DEI initiatives ✅ Practical steps to advance DEI in your personal and professional life
Whether you’re a DEI advocate, leader, or simply curious about how you can contribute to a more inclusive world, this event will provide valuable insights, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best!
Together, let’s embrace diversity and continue fostering inclusivity in every aspect of life.
Every summer, our ADA Paratransit team has the privilege of partnering with RTS bus drivers in Gainesville to enhance their Disability Awareness and Sensitivity skills. Over the course of 16 weeks, we conducted 12 engaging classes, training approximately 160 drivers. Our sessions covered the history of the disability community, the challenges faced, and essential tools for better supporting riders with disabilities.
This year, we introduced a new segment focused on transportation-related sign language, which aims to improve communication with the hard-of-hearing community. We also updated drivers on the latest laws, policies, and procedures, and emphasized ways to foster inclusivity and compassion.
But the learning goes both ways. Our Paratransit specialists gathered valuable feedback from RTS drivers and riders, allowing us to continually adapt and enhance our services. It was a fantastic experience working with our dedicated drivers, and we’re grateful for their commitment to our consumers. Thank you, RTS Road Warriors, for your incredible support and dedication!
ID: Graphic has a blue background with a photo of Paratransit team member Cammeron taking a selfie on the bus with the drivers and Destini (fourth person down on the left). The CILNCF logo (in white) is displayed in the top right corner. “Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Training” is written in white above the top left of the photo. “ADA Paratransit team” is written in white in the bottom right corner underneath the photo.
In the Gainesville and Ocala ILS groups this past month, our consumers learned some Basic Cooking Skills. They discussed how, in this heat, it is good to eat cool foods, like salads. They also discussed how to make them unique each time so they don’t get bored. Plus, how and why to use different fruits and veggies to make them healthier. They discussed various salad dressings and also watched a few salad related videos. Terri Poucher, CIL ILS Coordinator, demonstrated how to make a Strawberry Fluff Salad. Once it was done, they all got to try it and everyone said that they loved it. They were given the recipe, so that they could make it at home.
STRAWBERRY FLUFF SALAD RECIPE: Prep time: 10 mins Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS 4 cups Cool Whip, thawed ½ cup sour cream (optional) 3 oz. box strawberry jello mix 2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered 2 cups pineapple, chunks (optional) 2 cups mini marshmallows
INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, pineapple, Cool Whip, sour cream, jello mix and mini marshmallows. 2. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined. 3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to plate and serve cold. 4. Change it up-add different fruits with different color/flavors of Jell-O
ID: Graphic has a blue background with “Independent Living Skills” written in white in the top center. Beneath is 4 images. The top 2 pictures show consumers sitting around at table at The CIL Ocala office. 2 pictures directly beneath show consumers sitting around a U-shaped table configuration at The CIL Gainesville office. In the center of all 4 photos is the CILNCF logo.
We’re just 2 weeks away from our annual Give4Marion Fundraiser, happening on September 17-18! The CIL is excited to participate in our 5th year of Give4Marion, a crucial event that supports our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independence.
🗓 When: September 17-18 🌐 Where to Donate: www.give4marion.org
The CIL has been a cornerstone in Marion County, and this past year alone, we served nearly 3,000 individuals. Through our Five Core Services—Advocacy, Information & Referral, Independent Living Skills Education, Peer Support, and Transition—as well as specialized programs like ADA Paratransit, Employment Services, Deaf Services, and High School High Tech, we remain committed to enhancing the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities. Donations will directly benefit these vital programs, ensuring that our community continues to receive the support and resources they need.
But we can’t do it without you! Your donation, big or small, will directly impact the consumers and programs that rely on the CIL. Every contribution helps ensure that individuals with disabilities in our community have access to essential resources, services, and the support they need to live independently.
Please mark your calendar and join us in making a difference by donating through the Give4Marion platform. Together, we can continue to champion community inclusion, equal access, and civil rights for all.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your unwavering support. Let’s create lasting change together! 💙
ID: Graphic reads, “Give Marion. Love Marion. Give4Marion!” in red on the top left corner. Underneath reads, “Mark your calendars! In just 2 weeks, support The CIL by donating to Give4Marion during a 33-hour giving campaign that makes a difference!” The CILNCF logo is displayed on the bottom left corner. There is a red design on the right corner with the Give4Marion logo displayed above it.
Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of all workers, including those in our community who are breaking barriers and showing the world that everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive.
At The CIL, we’re committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to achieve their career goals. Whether it’s through job training, advocacy, or workplace accommodations, we’re here to help you succeed.
Let’s honor the resilience, strength, and achievements of all workers today and every day. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable workforce for everyone.
ID: Image shows 3 women in an office setting, interacting with each other. One on the far left woman is leaning against a table, the woman in the middle is sitting in her chair, and the woman on the far right is sitting in her wheelchair holding a clip board. There is a purple line running vertically on the left side of the image with “Happy Labor Day” written in white beneath the line.
From now until Friday, September 6, you can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies *tax-free*. This is a great opportunity to stock up on essentials and ensure your home is ready for any emergency.
Whether you’re preparing for hurricanes, storms, or other natural disasters, now is the time to get what you need without the added cost of sales tax.
For a full list of qualifying items and more information, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s webpage: https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep
Stay safe and prepared!
Graphic shows a picture of storm waves crashing into a pier and includes a full list of qualifying disaster preparedness supplies that can be found at https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep
In July, our Gainesville and Ocala teams came together for a day of learning, connection, and relaxation as part of our monthly health and wellness activities. We had the privilege of participating in the Community Wellbeing Mentor Training, led by the amazing Dr. Carol Lewis, PhD, MPH, from the UF Mobile Outreach Clinic. This training is designed to empower community members, organizations, and churches by equipping them to become Community Wellbeing Mentors (CWMs). Our staff found it incredibly valuable, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
After the insightful training, we indulged in a delicious picnic-style lunch with burgers, hot dogs, potato salads, watermelon, chips, and a variety of pies for dessert. Shoutout to our grill master team members who made it all possible!
But the fun didn’t stop there! We enjoyed a “Fascinating Florida Facts” trivia game, played various games, and simply took some time to unwind and connect with each other. It was a fantastic day of low-key, low-stress fun—just what we all needed!
We’re grateful for opportunities like these to learn, grow, and enjoy each other’s company. Looking forward to what next month’s wellness activity will bring! 🌞
ID: There are two graphics, both with a blue background. The first graphic is photo of 5 members of the CIL staff sitting at a table in the CIL activity room, smiling at the camera while playing games together. “Wellness Training & Picnic” is written in white above the top left corner of the photo, with a vertical line drawn down the left side. The CILNCF logo is displayed in the top right corner. A horizontal white line is drawn below the bottom right corner of the photo with CILNCF written in white. The second graphic is a compilation of 4 photos showing staff participating in various the activities that took place during the Wellness Training & Picnic event. The CILNCF logo is displayed in the center.
🚀 Our Youth Social Group recently had an absolute blast exploring the Cade Museum! From building zany Rube Goldberg machines to diving into wild chemical reactions, we were hands-on with all things science and creativity. We even got our names printed on newspapers from an old-school press and crafted some amazing ocean collages!
But that’s not all—we also learned about Dr. Robert Cade’s creation of Gatorade and rocked out to the history of Gainesville’s own Tom Petty! 🎸🔬
If you’re a youth or young adult with disabilities (ages 14-24) looking to make new friends, get ready for adulthood, and discover cool new experiences like this, we’d love to have you join us! Reach out to Ashlyn at (352) 378-7474 ext. 2056 or email amichael@cilncf.org to learn more.
ID: There are 2 graphics, both with a light blue background. The first graphic consists of a photo collage of 5 pictures. These pictures include YSG consumers and staff standing for a picture together, looking and participating in exhibits, swinging at Depot Park, and playing musical instruments outside. The second graphic consists of another photo collage of 4 pictures. These include more YSG consumers participating in the hands-on exhibits as well!
