Our very own Kevin Towles represented the CIL at the Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference (GHC)—the nation’s largest event focused on hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery.

With hundreds of hours of expert-led workshops, the GHC is a hub for the latest tools, strategies, and real-life lessons to help communities stay ready before disaster strikes.

Kevin attended several insightful sessions and brought back actionable knowledge and resources that will help enhance how we support people with disabilities and older adults across our region. From updated response strategies to best practices in recovery planning, we’re committed to turning this knowledge into impact for our community.

As we’re now officially in hurricane season here in Florida, this kind of preparedness is more important than ever. Taking steps to plan ahead—especially for individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs—can make all the difference in staying safe during an emergency. If you or someone you know needs guidance or support with emergency planning, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Center—we’re here to help.

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The 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness & Community Resource Expo at the Suwannee River Fairgrounds brought together 30+ organizations from Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties to help our rural communities get storm-ready.

Brent represented the CIL, sharing vital resources for people with disabilities, while Claudia offered assistive technology solutions through the FAAST Program. Attendees connected with FEMA, the Red Cross, local sheriff’s offices, and more to gather free emergency tips, resources, and giveaways.

The message was clear: we can’t control the storm, but we can control how prepared we are. CILNCF is proud to support our communities in staying safe and independent—before, during, and after the storm.

On May 21st, the CIL Employment Program proudly celebrated the 2nd annual Project SEARCH Graduation! 🎉 This incredible milestone marks the achievements of nine dedicated interns who spent the year rotating through various departments at UF Shands—including EVS, Dietary, Linens, Pharmacy, and more—all in pursuit of hands-on experience and meaningful employment opportunities.

Several interns impressed so much that they were offered jobs before graduation, while others began working immediately after completing the program. Their determination, hard work, and growth have truly inspired us.

We are honored to collaborate with Alachua County Public Schools, UF Shands, Project SEARCH, APD, and Vocational Rehabilitation to create pathways to employment and independence for students with disabilities. 💙

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This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our country and our freedoms. Their courage, sacrifice, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

At the CIL, we honor not only those who served—but also the families, caregivers, and communities forever changed by their loss. Many of our veterans live with visible and invisible disabilities, and we are committed to ensuring they have access to the resources, dignity, and independence they deserve.

ID: A close-up of the American flag, with white stars on a blue field in focus and red and white stripes fading into the background. Centered on the image are the words:
“Gone, but not forgotten.
REMEMBERING OUR BRAVE HEROES
MEMORIAL DAY”
The design is clean and respectful, with white text overlaying the flag to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day.

Learning money skills has never been so sweet! Our Independent Living Skills (ILS) group in Ocala had a blast working with students from MTI on real-life money management skills.

We practiced recognizing coins and bills, counting, adding, and even making change — all with mini (but very realistic!) play money. 🪙💸

To make it extra fun, we “bought” paper cookies and cupcakes as part of our activity. Because who doesn’t love a little dessert with their dollars?

These hands-on lessons help build confidence and independence — and we’re so proud of all the students who participated!

ID: A two-photo collage with a purple background and white text that reads “ILS CLASSES” at the top and “OCALA” at the bottom. The logo for the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida is also in the top right corner.

The top photo shows a group of students from MTI seated around a table, smiling and engaging in a money skills activity. Fake money, worksheets, and paper items are spread across the table as they practice counting and making change. The bottom photo shows two students smiling and waving at a table with more play money in front of them, while a CIL staff member stands nearby smiling and engaging with the group. A green screen is visible in the background.

Today, we’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible board members, Jonathan Pruden! For the past two years, Jonathan has generously served on our Board of Directors, bringing heart, insight, and unwavering dedication to the mission of the Center for Independent Living.

Jonathan also serves as Senior Advisor with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, where he champions policies and programs that support wounded servicemembers, veterans, and their caregivers. His advocacy and leadership have made a meaningful impact both nationally and right here in our local community.

When asked why he chose to serve on the CIL board, Jonathan shared:

“Serving on the Board of Directors for the Center for Independent Living is a tremendous honor. The Center’s mission is a natural extension of my 20 years of work as a healthcare and policy advocate. It aligns with my personal commitment to lighten the burden for others and help empower our disabled neighbors to live independently and fully.”

💬 A few fun facts about Jonathan:
– He is most grateful for his amazing wife, Amy, and their two wonderful teenagers who bring him joy every day.
– His favorite treat? Anything homemade by Amy—from gourmet meals to healthy, delicious desserts!
– And for a jaw-dropping fact: Jonathan has been bitten by a shark, a snake, a bat, a Galapagos penguin, a sea lion, and even an alligator—but ultimately lost his right leg to insurgents in Iraq. Talk about courage, resilience, and a sense of humor!

We are honored to have Jonathan’s voice, passion, and perspective on our board. Thank you, Jonathan, for everything you do to support our mission and community! 💙

Are you ready for hurricane season? Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm. Even if you feel ready, there may be additional things you could do or learn.

Learn more: noaa.gov/take-action-today

ID: A graphic titled “Hurricane Prep” with a bold blue and green headline: “Take Action Today.” The background shows severe storm damage to a residential area, with debris from destroyed mobile homes scattered across lawns and streets. Below the headline, a black transparent overlay lists four action steps in white text with teal icons:

1. Determine your risk from water & wind
2. Begin preparing now, before a storm
3. Learn how to understand hurricane forecasts and alerts
4. Learn what to do before, during, and after a storm

A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.

Learn more: noaa.gov/use-caution-after-storms

ID: A graphic titled “Hurricane Preparedness” with a blue and black headline: “Use Caution After Storms.” On the right, there’s a photo of a suburban neighborhood street heavily flooded, with a stop sign and red fire hydrant partially submerged in water. On the left, a dark transparent overlay lists six safety tips in white text with teal icons:

1. If you evacuated, only return home when directed it’s safe to do so
2. Remain vigilant, as hazards remain: heat, downed powerlines, floodwaters, & more
3. Clean up safely: don’t push yourself, and check on neighbors
4. Only use generators outdoors, 20+ feet from your home
5. Prepare for the likelihood that help and communications may not be available

A NOAA logo and the URL “weather.gov/hurricane” appear in the top right corner.

Be prepared for hurricane season by knowing what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.

Learn more: noaa.gov/stay-protected-during-storms

ID: A graphic titled “Hurricane Prep” with a bold blue and green header: “Stay Protected During Storms.” The background shows intense wind and rain with palm trees swaying violently during a storm. Below the header, a black transparent overlay lists four safety tips in white text with teal icons:

1) Listen to local officials & avoid travel unless ordered to evacuate
2) Stay in your safe places from water & wind
3) Have a way to get weather alerts and forecast updates
4) Keep in mind that impacts can be felt far from the coast

Members of the CILNCF staff had a blast at UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities’ Stomp the Swamp for Autism event at the end of March at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium! It was heartwarming to see so many community members and resource organizations come together for such a great cause: promoting health and wellness while raising funds to provide child safety materials and information, employment training for young adults, and social skills groups for children and teens with autism and related disabilities.

This annual event brings together UF students, faculty, staff, and local families to walk the stadium concourse or take on the stairs—all in support of CARD-UF. Dozens of vendors set up booths to share helpful resources, and families enjoyed a wide range of activities for children. While open to everyone, the event holds special meaning for families with loved ones who have special needs—it’s a chance to connect, share, and feel supported by the community.

Stomp the Swamp takes place every year, so be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s event. We’d love to see you there!