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.
The CIL invites you to attend the Bradford County Emergency Preparedness Expo, a free community event focused on helping people with disabilities prepare for emergencies in our area.
This event brings together local organizations, agencies, and vendors who will share valuable resources and information on what to do before, during, and after an emergency. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn practical steps to stay safe, maintain independence, and feel more confident in emergency situations.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Charley E. Johns Conference Center 1610 N Temple Ave Starke, FL 32091
To ensure accessibility for all, ASL interpreters will be provided.
Whether you are planning ahead or just beginning to think about emergency preparedness, this expo is a valuable opportunity to connect with community resources and gain important knowledge that can make a difference when it matters most.
Learn More
For more information about this event, please contact: Kevin Towles 📧 ktowles@cilncf.org 📞 (352) 368-3788
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to build a safer, more prepared community!
The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) extends our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the 9th Annual Marion County Emergency Preparedness Expo.
This year’s event brought together community members, local organizations, and service providers with a shared goal: to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to prepare for emergencies and maintain their independence.
From learning what steps to take before, during, and after an emergency to connecting directly with local agencies, attendees had the opportunity to engage with valuable information and build relationships that strengthen preparedness across Marion County.
Our Community Partners
We are deeply grateful to the organizations and vendors who dedicated their time and expertise to make this event possible:
Center for Independent Living
Florida Legal Services
Endeavors
HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response
Florida Poison Information Center Jacksonville/USVI
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
Florida Department of Health
Marion County Animal Services
Lalngley Health Services
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Heart of Florida Health Center Federally Qualified Health Center
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management
CAREWISE PHARMACY
University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)
Ocala Engineering & Water Resources
Marion Senior Services
Empath Health / Hospice of Marion County
Ocala Police Department
SECO Energy
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
SUNTRAN
Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services
Alzheimer’s Association
Division of Blind Services
The Salvation Army
Each organization played an important role in creating an informative and welcoming environment where attendees could ask questions, gather resources, and feel more prepared for the unexpected.
Thank You to Our Community
To everyone who attended, thank you for showing up, engaging with our partners, and taking meaningful steps toward preparedness. Emergency readiness is not something we do alone—it is built through community, collaboration, and access to the right information.
At CILNCF, we remain committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and confidently, no matter the circumstances.
We look forward to continuing this important work together and hope to see you at future events.
The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) is proud to reflect on the success of our 5th Annual Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo, a meaningful and impactful event dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities and their families have access to the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to prepare for emergencies.
Held at the Senior Recreation Center in Gainesville, this year’s expo brought together community members, caregivers, local organizations, and service providers for a shared purpose: to promote safety, independence, and preparedness for all.
Building a More Prepared Community
Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with local agencies and organizations, each offering valuable information on how to prepare for emergencies before, during, and after they occur. From healthcare resources to legal support, transportation, and emergency response services, the expo created a space where individuals could ask questions, build plans, and feel more confident about navigating unexpected situations.
Guest speakers, including representatives from the Florida Poison Information Center and Alachua County Animal Resources, provided important insights on health and safety considerations during emergencies, including how to protect both individuals and their pets.
A Collective Effort
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support and participation of our community partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following organizations for their time, expertise, and commitment to serving our community:
Endeavors Center for Independent Living Florida Legal Services HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response Three Rivers Legal Services Florida Poison Information Center Jacksonville/USVI UF HealthStreet Disability Rights Florida Alachua County Emergency Management Meridian Healthcare Department of Business and Professional Regulation University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD) American Red Cross Alachua County Animal Resources RTS Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services Alzheimer’s Association
Each organization played a vital role in equipping attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to remain safe and independent in times of crisis.
Centering Accessibility and Inclusion
At CILNCF, accessibility is at the core of everything we do. The expo included ASL interpreters to ensure that information was accessible to all attendees, reinforcing our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can participate fully.
Moving Forward Together
Events like the Emergency Preparedness Expo are a reminder that preparedness is not just an individual effort. It is a community-wide commitment. By coming together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies with confidence and resilience.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to making this event a success. Your engagement helps build a safer, more connected, and more prepared Alachua County.
Emergencies can happen when we least expect them. For individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, having the right plan and resources in place is not just helpful—it’s essential.
That’s why we’re inviting you to join us this Saturday for the 2nd Annual Putnam County Emergency Preparedness Expo, a community-centered event focused on safety, preparedness, and independence.
📅 April 11, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Putnam County Fairgrounds 🤟 ASL Interpreters will be provided
We encourage you to bring your friends, family, and caregivers and spend a few hours gaining valuable insights that could make a lasting difference.
For more information, please contact: 📧 ktowles@cilncf.org 📞 (352) 368-3788
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.
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
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.
