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!
🏅🎨 “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” - Special Olympics athlete oath 🎨🏅
Last summer, IL parent Anna Jordan was given a box of over 30 Special Olympics medals from the family of Special Olympian Denny Calhoun (1964-2023). For the last four months, our art therapy intern, Isa, has been helping our residents turn the accomplishments of Denny into works of art. The idea came to fruition last Friday night with our Independence Landing resident art show: “Brave in the Attempt”, showcasing our residents’ own bravery they have exhibited from January until now.
We sat down with Isa to talk about her experience working with the residents and how they have blossomed creatively. “It can be really intimidating to start something new. Even just putting artwork up for others to see takes a lot, so I really commend them,” Isa remarked after being asked how the residents themselves have displayed bravery. When asked what Independence Landing taught her during her time as our art therapy intern, Isa stated, “Adapting to have accessibility in materials and meeting everyone’s individual needs was a learning curve. It’s been fulfilling to find that balance and watch their independence in how they create.”
We could not be prouder of Isa and the work of our residents over the last four months, and are so grateful to Mrs. Anna for thinking of us as an opportunity to celebrate Denny’s legacy. This one-of-a-kind artwork will continue to be on display in the clubhouse — swing by for lunch at The Press Cafe for a chance to check it out!
To learn more about Denny and our Brave in the Attempt art show, visit the last slide.
Our Independence Landing residents are fin-tastic! 🐟
We had a reel-y great time soaking up the sun and making memories this weekend at the Eastpoint Fishing Pier. This wasn’t just a fun trip for everyone – it was a lesson in sustainability. Residents got to clean and keep the fish they spent the afternoon patiently catching, and now, get to turn their hard work into a delicious meal. The catch of the day was a 19’’ trout caught by IL resident Brian H. (slide 6), who said the fish was so heavy, he had to use a net so his pole didn’t snap! Sarah C. (slide 2), first time fisherwoman and IL resident had beginner’s luck, catching the most fish of the day. 🎣
We’re so grateful for opportunities like these, allowing our residents to connect with nature while learning how it can provide for them, and we can’t wait for our next trip out to shore. 🌊
🌅💐🌎 Happy Earth Day 🌎💐🌅
We`re celebrating this year by taking in all the natural beauty that is to be found around our community. 🏡 From freshly bloomed flowers to strikingly stunning skyscapes, there is so much to remind us why we should protect our environment.
What are you doing today to show your love for Mother Earth? 🫶
Such an incredible weekend with our friends from SportsAbility Alliance (@sportsabilityalliance) at the annual SportsAbility Expo. ⛵☀👩🦽➡️🌊
SportsAbility Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with disabilities for over 35 years. From water skiing to virtual reality, SportsAbility Alliance ensures that people of all abilities have the opportunity to build confidence in being active.
Our Independence Landing residents look forward to this event every year, and we can surely see why! Along with getting to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, they get to participate in activities such as rock climbing and water skiing, all in the company of good friends. Thank you to each and every person who helped create such a memorable, inclusive event. 💚
Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming Leon County Commissioner, David O’Keefe, and his Chief of Staff, Gary Zirin, to Independence Landing!
Commissioner O’Keefe and Mr. Zirin began their visit by meeting one of our very first residents, Daniel. Daniel is incredibly proud of the life he has built here at Independence Landing and excitedly offered a tour of his apartment, including his collection of over 1,000 DVDs! (1,027 to be exact 😉). Commissioner O’Keefe and Mr. Zirin met several other residents, spoke with Independence Landing parents and team members, and ended their visit with a delicious lunch from The Press Cafe, made with purpose by resident employees. 💚
We extend our most heartfelt thank you to Commissioner O’Keefe and Mr. Zirin for making the time to come out and see what makes Independence Landing so special. We are so grateful for the ongoing support we have received from such important members of our community. 🏡🫶
For the last 3 months, 10 Independence Landing residents and 7 Leon County Schools Transitions (@lcs_transition) students dedicated their time to learning new skills, stepping out of their comfort zones, and working towards their futures, and we could not be more proud of them. Their hard work ensures a certificate of completion – backed by the National Restaurant Association, a ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate, and a 37.5% post-graduation employment rate—opening doors to meaningful careers in our local community.
Today’s celebration would not have been possible without the incredible support from those who tirelessly advocate for people with disabilities. First and foremost, we would like to thank State Representative Allison Tant (@allisontantfl), our founder, who turned a dream into reality. We would also like to thank Senator Corey Simon (@simonforfl) for sponsoring our program and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) (@floridaapd) for being our amazing group of cheerleaders. This past year, our impact doubled thanks to our partnership with Leon County Schools (@leoncountyschools). Special thanks to Kristy Ward, JaDeryka “JD” Christopher, and the whole LCS Transition Program Staff for trusting us with their students the last 13 weeks.
This semester, we had Vice-President of Workforce Development from Tallahassee State College (@tallystate), Shelly Bell, as our keynote speaker. Ms. Bell reminded us, “you’re off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!” All those mentioned have dedicated their time and effort to building a better, more inclusive future.
To our Independence Landing Board of Directors, our Culinary Workforce Development team, and every parent, guardian, and supporter who has helped champion today’s graduates: we thank you endlessly. 💚
Two weeks have passed since this year’s B3 Bash: Bubbles, Bites, & Brews, and there’s still so much to celebrate! 🫧🥂🍴
Over 300 faces – some familiar and some new – gathered at Independence Landing for an evening filled with delicious food, cherished friendship, and indelible fundraising. Each ticket purchased and every bid made allows us to carry out our mission of providing a safe, affordable housing community for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Your support ensured our 58 residents felt an outpour of love, redefining what inclusion can look like when we work towards one common goal.
Thank you for making this such an unforgettable night. We’re so grateful to our Tallahassee community for making our dream a reality. 🏡💚
📸 Photos courtesy of Cara Edenfield Photography
At our home away from home, breathtaking sunsets are always a guarantee. 🌅
