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!
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. 🥰 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. 💌
Mary’s 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. 🐾
Beyond her professional and charitable endeavors, Mary finds solace in the outdoors and treasures moments of relaxation along the coast during her free time.🏖
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! 💚💛
#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. 😋🍕 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! 😊
The IL Clubhouse was filled with love and laughter during our November Birthdays Social! 🎂🎈🥳
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. 😉
Thank you to everyone who came out to help celebrate our November babies. Your support makes every birthday feel magical. 🫶
Photos courtesy of Carla McClellan. 🥰
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
‒ Maya Angelou ❤️ We are thankful to our veterans today and everyday, honoring their sacrifice and bravery. Our office is closed today, but resumes normal business hours tomorrow.
#VeteransDay
Yesterday, Youth Leadership Tallahassee (@youthleadtlh) and Leadership Tallahassee (@leadtlh) visited Independence Landing for their Human Services Day. 🏡 They got a glimpse into all the ways IL advocates and provides affordable housing to adults with IDD.
Our Executive Director, Barby Moro spent the afternoon leading sessions and sharing more about lived experiences of the residents at IL. Our culinary program provided 100 cookies specially baked by IL resident, Stanley, and the group provided a special shout out to him! We love getting the opportunity to spread the word about Independence Landing`s unique business model throughout our community, sharing how each individual journey has helped write our story. 💚
We cannot even begin to express our gratitude for the amazing people and organizations we`re surrounded by here in our Tallahassee community. 🥰☀️
Independence Landing has partnered with 2-1-1 Big Bend (@211bigbend) and Second Harvest of the Big Bend (@secondharvestbb) to fight the food insecurity many are currently facing as a result of the federal government shutdown and SNAP benefits delay. Because of the incredible community support, 50 boxes of nonperishable food items were picked up at Second Harvest by IL residents and staff. These boxes will go to the 86% of Independence Landing residents who rely on SNAP funding and don`t know where their next meal will come from during this stressful time.
Without the leadership and support from those at 2-1-1 Big Bend and Second Harvest of Big Bend, this would not have been possible. Many of our residents face challenges which prevent them from making it to distribution sites. Many of our residents lack reliable transportation and are unable to wait for hours in long lines. We`re so grateful for this partnership which allowed us to pick up these goods on their behalf.
Thank you for allowing us to continue our mission, ensuring our residents are happy, healthy, safe, and most importantly, leading independent, enriched lives. 💚
We think our residents are quite the catch! 😉
We recently enjoyed a trip out to Eastpoint Fishing Pier, where our residents reel-y had a lot of fun. 🎣 While fishing is an excellent way to pass the time and connect with nature, it is also believed to improve mental health and lower stress levels. 🧠 The act of fishing allows you to practice mindfulness, as well as learn resilience while still building your skill. We love living in a place where endless activities await us outdoors ☀️ and can`t wait for our next fin-tastic adventure. 🐠🐟🦈
We are overwhelmed by all of the support from our community. 🫶
Because of your generosity, we`re able to provide our residents with three nutritious meals a day during this difficult time. While partial payments towards SNAP have been announced, there’s still a lot of confusion and contradicting directives as to what will actually happen and if/when benefits will be received.
50 of our 58 residents rely on SNAP funding to know where their next meal will come from. No one should have to choose between meals, medicine, or other essentials. Just $35 provides one resident with healthy food and snacks from our kitchen for one week. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/residentmealsfund to make a difference today. 💚
