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!
Our residents had an un-fair-gettable time visiting the annual North Florida Fair (@northfloridafair) last week! π‘πͺπ’
They got a chance to ride rides, win prizes, enjoy some delicious food, and make some memories with great friends along the way. π«π
We are back with another installment of Meet the Team Mondays and would like to introduce our Independence Landing Board Treasurer, Cindi Goodson! π
Cindi is the President and CFO of the Flightline Group until her upcoming retirement in November 2025. Flightline is a regional aviation sales and service company providing aircraft sales, parts, avionics and aircraft maintenance services to the southeast region of the U.S. Cindi graduated from Florida State University in 1985 with a BS Degree in Accounting and received her CPA certification. She is married to Bart Goodson, and they have one son, Brantley, who is a resident of Independence Landing. π‘
When asked why the work she does at Independence Landing is important to her, Cindi shared, "there is a tremendous and growing need in Tallahassee and beyond for safe and supportive housing for people with IDD. I wanted a place for people like my son to live independently and thrive. And for families to know their loved ones will be safe and loved after they are gone." π«
We`re grateful to have Cindi as a part of our team, not only as a Board Member, but as an Independence Family member who understands the value of our mission. Thank you for all you do! ππ
#meettheteam
The last few weeks, our residents have been utilizing arts and crafts to connect their feelings to what they see in nature. π³πΈ
One activity involved comparing flowers to positive affirmations we can tell ourselves during hard times. Petals are bright and unique, just like each of our residents, and represent positive things we can tell ourselves. We may have rainy days, but rain helps flowers grow, representing the things that help us feel better. Roots keep us strong like the people who get us through tough days. π We`re grateful for the people and things who keep our gardens flourishing!
Volunteer Carla McLellan brought her pug to visit us and Cannonball became her best friend! πΎ Impromptu pet therapy sessions make for some un-fur-gettable fun. π₯°
Interested in becoming a volunteer yourself? Reach out to terri@independencelanding today to learn more. π©
Thank you for your donations! π«Ά
We are deeply grateful for every person who shared our message or contributed to our resident meals fund. Your generosity ensured that no resident Independence Landing went without food or essential needs during a time of uncertainty.
Because of your support we were able to provide 2,250 free meals to our residents in less than three weeks. Your kindness didnβt just meet immediate needs, leftover funds have also allowed us to establish emergency food reserve funds, ensuring we are better prepared to support our residents in future times of need.
Thanks to each of you, we can continue fulfilling our mission of helping our residents live happy, healthy, safe and - most importantly - independent and enriched lives.
Welcome to our first post in a new series called Meet the Team Mondays, where we will be highlighting the amazing faces working behind the scenes at Independence Landing. π₯° To kick things off, meet Mary Stafford, Independence Landing Board Member!
Mary Stafford serves as the Vice President/Senior Business Development Officer with Prime Meridian Bank, bringing over two decades of invaluable banking expertise to the Tallahassee community. Her commitment to community service is evident through her active involvement in various non-profit organizations including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Independence Landing, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Joy Squad, United Prayer Summit and Killearn Methodist Church events. Mary has also dedicated numerous years to supporting causes such as March of Dimes, Downtown Business Association and Choose Tallahassee. π
Maryβs philanthropic spirit extends to her love for animals, as she ardently supports local rescues and the Leon County Humane Society. Family is at the core of her inspiration, with a devoted husband, Parke, three children- Aislyn, Parke and Mason, plus our two pups: Chief and Chewy. πΎ
Beyond her professional and charitable endeavors, Mary finds solace in the outdoors and treasures moments of relaxation along the coast during her free time.π
We asked Mary, if there was one thing about Independence Landing she could share with our community in order for them to understand its importance, what would that be? Her response? "Come out to meet some of the residents and see the way they are flourishing. When people feel valued and supported, they return the efforts by being valuable community members. I promise, it will leave you wanting to support in any way you can."
We commend Mary for her unwavering support and dedication to not only Independence Landing, but the Tallahassee Community as a whole. Thank you for all you do! ππ
#meettheteam
If you`re in search of a way to brighten up your Thursday night, look no further! Ketcham Realty Group, Inc (@ketchamrealty) is hosting their special needs guys group meeting tonight, November 13th at 6PM at Ketcham Realty. This group meets the 2nd Thursday of every month and consist of dads, male caregivers, siblings, and friends -- but anyone is welcome! The meeting is very informal and relaxed, and pizza dinner is included. ππ Group members are asked to bring their own beverages and come hang out for an evening of fun, friendship, and fraternity.
We hope to see you tonight! π
The IL Clubhouse was filled with love and laughter during our November Birthdays Social! πππ₯³
Thanks to our November Birthdays Social sponsors, Board Member Anna Casillas, her husband Chris Hill, Board Member Mary Stafford, and Prime Meridian Bank (@primemeridianbank), our residents were treated to a delicious Italian dinner! Our guests from Springtime Tallahassee (@springtimetallahassee), Alisha`s Flower CINsations (@alishasflowercinsations), and FSU Center for Leadership & Service @thecenterfsu made the night even more special. Our residents got to make their very own bouquets, which make the perfect birthday gift. π
Thank you to everyone who came out to help celebrate our November babies. Your support makes every birthday feel magical. π«Ά
Photos courtesy of Carla McClellan. π₯°
