The mission of Independence Landing is to build, own, and operate an affordable and safe residential community for adults with varying intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, allowing residents to successfully lead independent and fulfilled lives. β¨
People with all abilities have access to the services and support they need, and the opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Every contribution helps us provide independence to those who need it most. Letβs continue to create a world where everyone has the chance to live, grow, and succeed.
Stay up to date with community news,opportunities to get involved, and #ResidentLife fun!
Ready to join the team at IL? π€ We are hiring for a Kitchen Assistant! π½οΈ
Location: Onsite CafΓ© at Independence Landing
Schedule: Monday β Friday | 9 AM β 4 PM
Starting at $15/hour
Independence Landing (IL) is a local nonprofit providing affordable housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As part of our mission, we operate an onsite cafΓ© and resident meal program focused on nutrition, inclusion, and community connection.
Weβre looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our team! In this role, youβll:
- Assist with food prep and service in a cafΓ©-style commercial kitchen
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment
- Handle pressure well in a busy kitchen
- Provide friendly service to residents, families & guests
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in a commercial kitchen, cafΓ©, or food service environment.
- Food Handlers ServSafe certification or willingness to acquire.
- Experience supporting or working alongside adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Knowledge of basic inventory management and portion control practices.
If youβre reliable, compassionate, and ready to make a difference through food, weβd love to meet you!
π To Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to:
[email protected] by September 17th
Our workforce development program here at Independence Landing is in full swing and we couldnβt be more grateful for how this opportunity came together. After months of hard work and dedication from our residents and culinary team, The Press Cafe is now open to IL residents and families! Not only does it provide fresh, made to order meals, but it also employs our residents -- all right here at Independence Landing. Special shout-out to Chef Nikki Pettineo (@chefnikki) for their mentorship, talent, energy, and expertise!
We got a chance to talk to Chef Nikki about working at the cafΓ© with IL residents on their triumphant opening day. "...we had 4 volunteers help us succeed with our first mock restaurant run through. Orders were rung into the POS, tickets printed, and all employees did a great job preparing the ticket items... Iβm very proud of everyone! We all cheered when the first ticket printed and the first order was filled. Pic of our happy faces attached."
We`re so excited about this new amenity for our residents and their families to enjoy, and want to again thank Chef Nikki for their dedication to us here at Independence Landing. ππ
I think we can all agree that losing your keys throws off your morning and puts a damper on your whole day. ππ
Luckily, our residents have created a solution to this conundrum. During our last arts and crafts session, they crafted their own picture frames that double as key holders! πΌπ
We love how unique each of their designs are, and how nice is it to be able to hang your keys in style?! π
If you`ve always wanted a chance to show your support for Independence Landing, then the Beyond Limits: Adventure 5k & Fun Run is the perfect event for you. ππ
Join us on Saturday, October 25th for a day of fun, fitness, and community -- all in support of Independence Landing! π Our residents would love to see your smiling faces cheering them on. Costumes are not required, but are encouraged. ππ΄
Scan the QR code, or visit bit.ly/beyondlimitsvolunteer to sign up today. π«Ά
We`re still thrilled over that Noles victory from Saturday! πΉβ€οΈπ
Our residents kicked off Game Day by getting a sweet treat from @bigeasysnowballs in their FSU gear before gathering in the IL Clubhouse to watch the action. ππ
We look forward to a fun-filled football season here in Tallahassee! βοΈ
As August has come to a close and we step into September, we wanted to take a moment to recognize our August Birthday Bash! We celebrated ten amazing residents with cake, friendship, and a delicious dinner cooked by the talented @chefnikki and our culinary crew. π₯³πππ
Birthday celebrations here at Independence Landing are nothing short of extraordinary. Our residents defy boundaries and overcome obstacles to live successful, independent, and fulfilled lives. π₯°ππ
We wanted to take this moment to thank the FSU Center for Leadership & Service for hosting their Service Leadership Seminar here at Independence Landing! π
Over 50 students from @thecenterfsu spent the afternoon with us last Friday, assisting in a variety of maintenance projects around our community. Our residents thoroughly enjoyed meeting this hardworking group of scholars, and are grateful for their care towards IL. π«§π₯°
To thank them for their hard work and time spent with us, our incredible culinary program leaders treated them to a cookout in our IL Clubhouse. π
Our involvement in the community means the world to us, and makes the lives of our residents exponentially better. We want to again thank The Center and its students for being a part of that. ππ
The greatest progress is made when we practice inclusivity and respect for those around us. ππ Everyone`s path in life is different, and we never know what others are going through. Here at Independence Landing, ensuring that individuals of all abilities feel welcomed and accepted is what we strive to do. Paving the way towards accessibility for people with disabilities makes life a little easier for us all. π₯°
Comic strip created by Michael F. Giangreco, Professor of Special Education at the University of Vermont, based on his experiences in the field.
