The CIL offices will be closed on Friday, April 3rd.

This dedicated time allows our team to reflect, plan, and strengthen the programs and services that support independence and inclusion for individuals with disabilities in our community.

We will resume regular office hours the following week and look forward to continuing to serve you with renewed focus and intention.

At the Center for Independent Living, learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom—it happens in everyday moments, shared experiences, and meaningful connections.

Our Independent Living Skills (ILS) group in Citrus County has been actively engaging in activities that promote growth, confidence, and independence in ways that are both practical and enjoyable.

Recently, participants spent time creating Valentine’s Day crafts together. This activity wasn’t just about making something festive—it encouraged creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression, all while fostering a sense of community within the group.

In addition to creative projects, the group also took part in a sit-down restaurant outing. Experiences like these provide valuable opportunities to practice essential life skills, such as ordering food, managing money, communicating with others, and navigating social environments. These real-world interactions are key to building confidence and independence.

Looking ahead, the group is excited to continue their journey with a planned trip to the park, where they’ll enjoy games, outdoor activities, and time together in a relaxed setting. These moments of fun are just as important—they help build social connections, encourage physical activity, and reinforce the joy that comes with learning and growing together.

At CIL, we believe that independence is built through experiences like these—where individuals are supported, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive in their own unique way.

We’re proud of our Citrus County ILS group for their enthusiasm, participation, and commitment to learning. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next. 💙

CIL’s Got Talent is back, and we’re excited to welcome our community for an evening filled with creativity, connection, and celebration.

Join us at the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida for a fun and inspiring Talent Show featuring performances from individuals within the CIL community. From music to unique acts, this event highlights the talents, voices, and confidence of those we serve.

Event Details
Date: Friday, April 10
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida

This event is a chance to come together, support one another, and celebrate the diverse abilities that make our community so special. Whether you are attending to cheer on performers or taking the stage yourself, we invite you to be part of this memorable evening.

Interested in Performing?
We welcome performers of all kinds. If you would like to participate, please sign up using the link below or scan the QR code on the event flyer:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqA6dEo4Z68v-JMFQFfoe6It9lsUaeGSBszW6JlaOBJFRwIQ/viewform?usp=header

Sign-up deadline: April 3

Bring your friends and family, and get ready for a night of incredible talent. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the strength, creativity, and spirit of our community.

We were proud to be part of this year’s Strawberry Festival, where our team had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of community members and fellow organizations.

Lauren McKittrick, Kevin Towles, Colleen Metcalf, and our Deaf Services team were on-site sharing information about our Information & Referral (I&R) services, building partnerships, and helping individuals learn more about available resources that support independence and accessibility.

With an estimated 1,000–1,300 attendees and more than 225 vendors, the festival created a vibrant space for meaningful conversations and new connections. Events like these allow us to meet people where they are, answer questions, and ensure that individuals and families know where to turn for support.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida. We look forward to continuing to serve and support our community.

This community event is focused on helping people with disabilities prepare for emergencies before they happen. From natural disasters to unexpected situations, having a plan in place can make all the difference.

Connect with local organizations, agencies, and vendors sharing resources and information on what to do before, during, and after an emergency, with services that support safety and independence.

🗓 Tuesday, March 24th
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

🎤 Guest Speakers:
– Marion County Animal Center
– Florida Poison Control

🤝 Learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency
♿ Resources designed to support safety and independence
🧏‍♀️ ASL interpreters will be provided

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

🔗 Register here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/41f1416747a94969ba22a8e6b81f9d46

We hope to see you there! Bring a friend, caregiver, or family member and take an important step toward being prepared.

Our team recently traveled to Tallahassee for CIL Day at the Capitol, joining Centers for Independent Living from across Florida to advocate for the programs and services that support people with disabilities in our communities.

Throughout the day, we met with legislators and shared the impact that independent living services have on the individuals and families we serve across North Central Florida. These conversations help ensure that accessibility, independence, and opportunity remain priorities in our state.

We were also honored to have our Board President, Dug Jones, join us this year, helping strengthen our advocacy efforts and represent the voices of our community.

Advocacy is a key part of the independent living movement, and we are proud to stand alongside our partners across Florida to continue advancing inclusion and independence for all.

Save the date ❤️

The Amazing Give is coming up on April 30th from 8 AM to 8 PM.

This community-wide day of giving brings people together to support local nonprofits working to make a difference across North Central Florida. CIL will once again be participating to raise funds that support services for individuals with disabilities, including advocacy, independent living skills, accessibility resources, and assistive technology.

Every gift helps create more opportunities for independence and inclusion in our community.

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for ways you can get involved on April 30th.

Learn more: www.theamazinggive.org

Emergencies can happen at any time. Being prepared helps protect your safety, independence, and peace of mind.

Join the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida and community partners for the 5th Annual Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo, a free community event focused on helping people with disabilities and their families prepare for emergencies in our area.

Local organizations, agencies, and vendors will share practical resources and information on what to do before, during, and after an emergency. Learn how to build a plan, access community support, and stay safe while maintaining independence.

📅 March 12 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32653

Guest Speakers:
– Florida Poison Control
– Alachua County Animal Services

ASL interpreters will be provided to ensure accessibility for all attendees.

This event is open to community members, caregivers, and families who want to learn how to better prepare for emergencies together.

For more information:
📧 Kevin Towles: ktowles@cilncf.org
📞 (352) 368-3788

Come connect with local resources and leave with the knowledge and tools to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Emergencies can happen at any time; preparation is power. Join us for a free community event dedicated to helping people with disabilities prepare, plan, and stay safe before, during, and after an emergency.

This expo brings together local organizations, agencies, and vendors who will share valuable resources, safety tips, and support services that promote independence and peace of mind.

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

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

🗣 ASL Interpreters will be provided

Whether you are planning for hurricane season, severe weather, or unexpected emergencies, this event is designed to equip you and your loved ones with the tools and knowledge you need.

For more information:
📧 Kevin Towles at ktowles@cilncf.org
📞 (352) 368-3788

We hope to see you there as we work together to build a safer, more prepared community. 💙

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.