Independence Landing

At Independence Landing, we often say we were created for stories like Daniel’s.

Daniel is a joyful, engaged member of our community—and someone who takes great pride in the life he has built. He wants everyone to know that he has worked at Westminster Oaks for 16 years, and he is especially proud that he has never been late for work. That dedication and consistency speak volumes about who Daniel is.

Beyond his work, Daniel stays actively involved in Special Olympics and First Tee Tallahassee, and he completed our culinary workforce development program, gaining new valuable employment skills and strengthening his confidence along the way. Around Independence Landing, you can often find him in the clubhouse—connecting with neighbors, welcoming others into conversation, or singing during karaoke. It is a joy for Daniel to share Independence Landing with others, and his warmth helps make our community feel like home. 🏠

Daniel’s parents and family members are deeply involved in his life, cheering him on, celebrating his milestones, and remaining closely connected to the community he calls home. They see firsthand the happiness, purpose, and belonging Daniel experiences here—and it brings them profound peace. They know that this joy, connection, and support will continue for him long after they are gone.

This is the heart of Independence Landing. We are more than housing. We are a permanent community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live full, meaningful lives—and where families can rest knowing their loved one is safe, supported, and truly belongs. 🫶

Your support makes stories like Daniel’s possible. Every gift helps ensure that adults with disabilities have a place to grow, contribute, and experience belonging for a lifetime.

Will you help us continue building this future—one filled with joy, dignity, and peace of mind? Visit ➡ bit.ly/cheersto2025 to make your donation before the year comes to an end.

Thank you for believing in what is possible. 💚 ...

❄🎁 Celebrating our Winter Holiday Social 🎁❄

Board Members and members of our Family Social Network came together last Friday night to help the Independence Landing staff make this such a warm and cozy event.

All residents were provided with $30 Walmart gift cards donated by GATE and holiday gift bags donated by members of our Family Social Network - Becky & Les Freed, Beth Babcock, and Kim Dutton. Thank you so very much! Refreshments and dinnerware were provided by Independence Landing Board Members Cindi Goodson, Christie Perkins, and Mary Stafford.

We wanted to give a special shoutout to Chef Nikki (@chefnikki) and our culinary team for working with our resident employees on cooking such a delicious menu. Plates were filled with chicken etouffee, shrimp jambalaya, cajun rice, maque choux, stewed okra, beignets, and bourbon bread pudding. 😋

To make the festivities even sweeter, IL parents Irene Klay and Connie Worrill also provided holiday cookies and cupcakes to be enjoyed. The evening couldn`t have been completed without the help of our volunteers Anna Jordan, Terri and Scott Harmon, Tracy McDonald, and John Falls, who set up, served our residents, and cleaned up after.

Thank you to each and every person who has helped make Friday night look a little more special here at Independence Landing. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and happy holidays to all! 💚 ...

🎅SANTA DAY 2025🎅

We`re still thrilled over this year`s Santa Day! ❄️ The incredible team from the Hang Tough Foundation (@hangtoughorg) brought the North Pole to Independence Landing, serving nearly 300 children ages 0-21 years old with a medical or special needs diagnosis.

Each family is welcomed by cheerful volunteers to guide them through a winter wonderland. At Santa Day, each child gets to choose a book to encourage literacy, there are treats and snacks, and of course Santa Claus. Santa knows each child`s name, their special interests, and facts only Santa Claus might "know." Parents provide these talking points and a gift on their child`s Christmas wish list. Just look at those excited faces! 🥰

Where visiting Santa Claus at the mall can be loud, chaotic, busy, and germy, Hang Tough’s Santa Day curates an experience to fit the unique needs of Hang Tough participants. No child should miss a classic childhood experience, like visiting Santa, because of no immune system or too many lights and noises at the mall.

We`re amazed at this year`s turnout, and would like to thank the Hang Tough Heroes, Sidekicks, and Families, our corporate sponsors, and everyone else who made this event such a success. 🎄 ...