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.
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. Let’s 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!
🍁 Sharing gratitude all month long 🍁
This November, we’ve asked our residents, staff, volunteers, and biggest supporters to share what makes them grateful for Independence Landing. Whether it be gaining independence or building lasting connections, we have so many reasons to give thanks for what we’ve built together.
For Torie, gratitude stems from that special feeling of being welcomed by a new community. Since its official opening to the public in February, The Press Cafe has served Torie nearly every week. If you’re lucky, you may have even been greeted by her on your way in for lunch! 🍽️
We’re so grateful for the love and support Torie pours into The Press Cafe at Independence Landing. Help us spread thanks all month long by following along to see why we’re grateful. 💚✨
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#gratitude #inclusionmatters #disabilityinclusion #communitylove
We have someone extra special to celebrate today! 🤩
Help us wish our empowering Executive Director, Barby Moro, a very happy birthday! 🥳🙌💚
Before joining the Independence Landing team, Barby was blazing trails throughout Tallahassee as the Owner and CEO of RedEye Coffee— the region’s first Latina-owned coffee roasting company.
Her years of community experience and deep passion for our mission made her the perfect candidate for Independence Landing’s Director of Operations in May of 2024. She has served in various leadership roles throughout her career, including as the Interim President/CEO of the Southern Scholarship Foundation and as Program Director at The Oasis Center for Women & Girls.
Since stepping into the role of Executive Director in February of 2025, she has poured her passion, care, and grace into everything she does, always ensuring our residents are at the forefront. 🏡
We are so lucky to witness your magic firsthand. 🔮
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#birthday #executivedirector #tallahassee
🍂 Sharing gratitude all month long 🍂
This November, we’ve asked our residents, staff, volunteers, and biggest supporters to share what makes them grateful for Independence Landing.
For Shanda, an IL resident of almost 3 years, it’s the ability to soak up the sun and treat herself to something sweet after a shift at The Press Cafe. 🍪
Whether it be gaining independence, finding community, or building lasting connections, we have so many reasons to give thanks for what we’ve built together. 🏡
Don’t forget to follow along to help share the gratitude all month long. 💚✨
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#gratitude #thankful #iddcommunity #inclusionmatters #disabilityinclusion
We have expanded our impact and we are thrilled to welcome Kristie Teal to the Independence Landing team as our new Director of Development & Communications! 💛
Kristie has spent more than 15 years in professional fundraising, but her connection to this work began long before that. While attending college in California, she paid her way by working at a residential facility serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. After college, she began her career as a case manager through the Medicaid Waiver program and continued that work after moving to Tallahassee in 2004.
Most recently, Kristie served as Donor Engagement Manager at Second Harvest of the Big Bend, where she focused on building and nurturing relationships with both longtime and new donors and growing their signature fundraising event. Throughout her career, she has believed that strong, lasting relationships are at the heart of telling an organization’s story and inspiring others to support its mission.
“Kristie brings an incredible combination of talent, experience in fund development and stewardship, positivity, and a genuine passion for adults with disabilities. Her knowledge of our local community and the partnerships that make our work possible is such a valuable asset,” said Barby Moro, IL Executive Director, about Kristie joining the team.
Just as importantly, her heart for this mission makes her a natural fit for our team of rock stars. As we prepare for Phase 2 and the addition of 40 new units to our community, Kristie will certainly hit the ground running! We feel fortunate to have her on board and look forward to all we will accomplish together.
For Kristie, joining Independence Landing feels like the perfect coming together of her professional experience and her lifelong passion for working with individuals with disabilities and their families. “I’m excited to bring those experiences together, build meaningful relationships, and help share the story of Independence Landing. I look forward to working alongside such an incredible team!” Kristie beamed about beginning this new chapter of her life.
We can’t wait for her to assume her new position on November 30th, 2026! 💚
💛🎊 Three Cheers for Three Years 🎊💛
This October marks three years since our first resident called Independence Landing home, and we’re so proud of all we’ve built together since then.
Last Friday, our IL residents, families, and staff came together to reflect on the last year. We’ve seen two successful fundraiser 5K events, a thriving Culinary Workforce Development program through The Press Cafe, and countless outings and activities that enrich the lives of our residents daily.
Celebrations were in order with pizza from MAAD Goat Food Truck (@maadgoat) and dessert crafted by our very own Press Cafe (@thepresscafetlh)! We danced the night away surrounded by the supporters who continually remind us how special we are.
3 years. 58 Residents. One vibrant community where we believe everyone has the right to live independently. We can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for us. 💚🏡
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#anniversary #3years #iddcommunity #inclusionmatters
It’s always a fin-tastic time fishing with friends. 🐠😆
Our first trip of the season was an absolute blast! Thank you to Forest Park Church (@forestparkchurch.pc) for donating this gear for our residents to make new memories with. 🎣
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#fishingtrip #floridafishing #inclusionmatters #disabilityinclusion #tallahasse
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, our Executive Director Barby and The Press Cafe crew were invited to be recognized at the 20th Annual Exceptional Employment Awards hosted by APD Florida (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) at the Florida Capitol.
The Exceptional Employment Awards were created to celebrate the employers who go the extra mile to ensure meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, as well as the dedicated employees who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact in the workplace.
It is such a privilege for Independence Landing to be recognized for making a positive difference in the lives of adults with disabilities here in the State of Florida. We absolutely could not have accomplished this without Karlyn Pedersen, The Press Cafe Manager with the mostest, Barby Moro, our inspirational IL Executive Director, our hardworking Resident Employees, and our incredible Board Members who guide us every step of the way.
Super special shoutout to APD Director Bob Asztalos for being the 1st place winner at our Beyond Limits: Adventure 5K & Fun Run last Saturday! We cannot thank you enough for your support of Independence Landing. 🥳💚
(@floridaapd @respectofflorida @faastinc @thepresscafetlh)
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#ndeam #ndeam2026 #apdfl #disabilityinclusion
Help us in wishing a very happy birthday to Independence Landing Board Member, Christie Perkins! 🍰🤩🎁
We’re so incredibly grateful for all the expertise, guidance, and love she pours into our community, and are so honored to have her on our team. 💚
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#birthday #boardmember #tallahassee
