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.
This Valentine’s Day, we’re embracing the power of love in all its forms – a love that sees beyond limitations and celebrates the unique abilities of every person.
At the CIL, we believe that love, kindness, and respect should be extended to everyone, no matter their ability. Let’s continue to build a world where everyone is seen, valued, and accepted.
Today, we honor the beautiful differences within our communities and the incredible individuals who inspire us every day. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or just sharing a moment of self-love, know that YOU are an important part of a loving and united world.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Let’s spread kindness, love, and respect – today and every day.
ID: image descriptions provided for in the Alt Text for each respective image
The CIL will be attending the upcoming Citrus County School District’s Transition Fair and presenting about the important services we offer to the Citrus County community!
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, February 22nd ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Location: Christ Community Church 1690 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, FL 34461
Other amazing organizations, including Special Olympics and Family Care Council, will also share valuable information on how we can support individuals with disabilities.
💡 Don’t miss the chance to connect with multiple vendors and learn more about available resources in Citrus County!
We’re excited to invite you to the following Spring Transition Fairs, where the CIL will be tabling, specially designed for families of students with disabilities. These events are a fantastic opportunity to learn about resources and services that support the transition from school to adulthood, helping students become successful learners, wage earners, and engaged members of the community.
CLERMONT EVENT DETAILS: 🗓 Date: Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Cooper Memorial Library Room 108 A & B, Lake-Sumter State College 1250 N. Hancock Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
Register for Clermont Spring 2025 Transition Fair Leesburg: https://bit.ly/ClermontSpring2025TransitionFair
LEESBURG EVENT DETAILS: 🗓 Date: Thursday, February 6th, 2025 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Magnolia Room, Lake-Sumter State College 9501 US Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL 34788
Register for Leesburg Spring 2025 Transition Fair: https://bit.ly/LeesburgSpring2025TransitionFair
These fairs are hosted by Student Accessibility Services at Lake-Sumter State College in collaboration with the Lake County Interagency Transition Council. They will provide valuable information on adult independent living, education, job training opportunities, finances, guardianship, health services, rights and responsibilities, and social security support services.
This event is designed for students, parents, and caregivers who are looking for guidance and resources to help support independence and success for individuals with disabilities in adult roles. Don’t miss the chance to connect with experts, gather important resources, and take the next step in the transition journey.
We look forward to seeing you there and helping to create a positive impact on the future of students with disabilities!
Our staff, Sada, Kevin, and Claudia had an amazing time at The Arc of Alachua County’s 3rd Annual Arts and Crafts Expo, where they had the opportunity to connect with the community and raise awareness about the resources available for people with disabilities.
Our team had a great time tabling at the event, spreading the word about the invaluable services we offer while supporting local artists. One of our consumers showcased and sold her beautiful hand-knitted scarves and beanies, and we’re proud to share that she made some fantastic sales! Sada was even able to grab a cozy beanie herself! Sada is also pictured holding a bearded dragon pet of one of the event attendees.
Events like this are so important in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and showcasing the incredible talents of individuals with disabilities. Throughout the day, we connected with many community members, answered questions, and shared the resources we offer. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and to the organizers for such a wonderful event!
Are you facing housing challenges or need legal guidance about your living situation? Don’t miss our upcoming Free Legal Clinic! In collaboration with Florida Legal Services and Alachua County Community Support Services, we’re offering a chance to speak directly with an attorney and learn more about the free home legal services available in your community.
📅 When: January 28th | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 📍 Where: Center for Independent Living, 222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to receive valuable information and personalized advice on any housing-related legal issues you may be facing.
👉 Got questions? Call us at 352-378-7474 for more details!
We’re here to help you navigate any housing challenges and connect you with the services that can make a real difference. See you there! 🏡💙
From 7 PM Tuesday through 1 PM Wednesday, Alachua County is under a Winter Storm Watch. There is a possibility of slick and hazardous road conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses, and rural roads. 🚗💨
📍 Local Impacts:
⚠️ There is a 15% chance of freezing rain causing ice accumulation of over 0.10″ in Gainesville (moderate impact).
⚠️ A 28% chance of minor ice accumulation (over 0.01″).
⚠️ Wind chill values are expected to be in the 20s°F each morning this week. ❄️
⚠️ Northern areas, including High Springs, may see more significant impacts with up to a 40% chance of freezing rain causing ice accumulation of over 0.10″.
Freezing rain could affect roadways and powerlines, leading to driving hazards and possible localized power outages. Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep an eye on weather updates.
Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and inclusion continues to inspire us every day. As we reflect on his work, we are reminded of the importance of breaking down barriers and creating communities where everyone, regardless of ability, is respected and given the opportunity to thrive.
At the CIL, we are committed to promoting inclusivity and empowerment for people with disabilities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld. Together, we can build a future where everyone is valued equally.
Let us honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing to work toward a world that celebrates diversity, champions accessibility, and provides opportunities for all. 💙
This year, our very own Kevin Towles had the privilege of attending the National Healthcare Coalition Preparedness Conference in Orlando! Over the course of three days, Kevin had the chance to connect with healthcare leaders, including representatives from the Department of Health, hospitals, and health care coalitions. 🏥🤝
The conference featured a variety of speakers and sessions, offering valuable insights into the future of healthcare. Kevin had the opportunity to engage with different groups and learn about upcoming advancements that will impact the healthcare landscape. 🌍💡
We’re excited to bring this knowledge back to help strengthen our community and continue improving care for all.
ID: Image description is provided in the alt text for the image
A big thank you to Claudia and Cammeron for braving the cold and making a difference at the World AIDS Day Community Resource Fair at GRACE Marketplace!
Claudia led demonstrations of two amazing assistive devices, helping participants with low vision and low hearing learn about new ways to enhance their daily lives. She also shared helpful apps and offered guidance to those who needed it.
Cammeron provided valuable information about our Center for Independent Living (CIL) resources, ensuring over 100 people received the assistance they needed.
Together, Claudia and Cammeron made a lasting impact, empowering our community with tools, information, and support! 💙
ID: There are two images. Image descriptions provided in the Alt Text for each image respectively.
Facilitating Independent Living Skills (ILS) events is a key part of fostering this growth, helping our consumers gain the confidence and tools they need to live more independently while also building lasting connections with their community.
At the CIL, we believe that “Empowerment is not just about independence—it’s about creating moments of connection, joy, and growth.”
CIL Gainesville and Ocala hosted festive ILS Holiday Parties, where consumers wrapped handmade crafts, added colorful tags, and prepared thoughtful gifts. 🎁 We enjoyed pizza, decorated holiday cookies, and shared the excitement of the season together.
These events go beyond the fun and creativity—they play a vital role in teaching independence while also building lasting memories and connections. We’re so proud of our ILS participants and the skills they are developing!
