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!
We had such a fun time ringing in the new year at Independence Landing! ππΎ
Hereβs to making memories together in 2026. π
Happy New Year from us here at Independence Landing! ππ
We would like to start 2026 by thanking each and every one of you who has been a part of our journey. Whether you`ve been here since the beginning or just recently heard about us, your support helps fulfill lifelong dreams of community and independence. Thank you for believing in our mission to create a better life for adults living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. We hope this year is full of generosity, acceptance, and gratitude. β¨
At Independence Landing, we often say we were created for stories like Danielβs.
Daniel is a joyful, engaged member of our communityβand 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 clubhouseβconnecting 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. π
Danielβs 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 hereβand 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 livesβand where families can rest knowing their loved one is safe, supported, and truly belongs. π«Ά
Your support makes stories like Danielβs 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 futureβone filled with joy, dignity, and peace of mind? Visit β‘ bit.ly/cheersto2025 to make your donation before the year comes to an end.
Thank you for believing in what is possible. π
"Thank you" is not enough to express our gratitude for all the support we have received in 2025. π«Ά Because of your generosity, we are able to carry out our mission of providing adults with varying intellectual and/or developmental disabilities a safe, affordable place to call their home. Together, you help us build independence while fulfilling lifelong dreams. π
To help us end 2025 strong and start 2026 stronger, please consider making a donation or sharing this post before 12/31!
Head to: β‘ bit.ly/cheersto2025 to show your support today. π
Every dollar helps make dreams come true in Tallahassee. β¨
π Thank you for your support in 2025! π
Your support directly strengthens the programs that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live, work, and thrive in our community, opening doors to meaningful careers in the hospitality industry and beyond:
π‘ Permanent Supportive Affordable Housing
You help sustain our trailblazing housing program, providing 58 adults with IDD a safe, stable, and truly independent place to call home.
π©βπ³ Culinary Workforce Development Program
Your donations fuel our nationally accredited training program, where 21 graduates (11 of which are residents) to date have earned a ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate and have a 37.5% post-graduation employment rateβopening doors to meaningful careers in the culinary industry.
π€ Community-Based Engagement Program
Your support helps build crucial relationships between residents and our local community through inclusive events, activities, and partnerships that foster belonging.
π± Life Skills Training Workshops
You make it possible for residents to engage in hands-on learning and practice in key areas of independent living, including housekeeping, budgeting, money management, self-care, hygiene, and the safe and effective use of public transportation.
2025 was full of moments that showed our residents what independence, inclusion, and community really look like. From monthly birthday celebrations, to the B3 Bash, to our first ever Beyond Limits 5k, to our first Culinary Workforce Development Program cohort, to the countless community events we had the honor of participating in -- we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It truly wouldn`t be possible without you by our side.
β¨ Help us make 2026 our most impactful year yet. Show your support for Independence Landing before 2025 ends by visiting β‘ bit.ly/cheersto2025 β¨
Whatever you celebrate this season, may you be surrounded by light and love. Happy holidays to you and yours from us here at Independence Landing. ππ
Our office will be closing tomorrow (12/24) at noon and will reopen Monday, December 29th. Offices will close again at noon on New Year`s Eve (12/31) and reopen on Monday, January 5th.
βπ Celebrating our Winter Holiday Social πβ
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. π
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! π
While the holiday season may be the happiest time of year for some, it can often be an overwhelming, stressful, or even lonely time for others. You never know what someone else is going through; the greatest give we can give one another is kindness. π
