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Coalitions

Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living

The Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) is a statewide membership organization whose mission is to strengthen the capacity of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to support community living and independence for Floridians with disabilities. FACIL members and officers are the Executive Directors of the 15 CILs that serve all 67 counties in Florida.

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Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation seeks to become the first place people with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees.

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Community Services

Access Florida

Newly retooled and modernized public assistance service delivery system that is the Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency

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Calvary Baptist Church

Provides clothing - Serves Leon and Gadsden. (850) 681-6864 Call first to learn service hours and requirements 1915 Dale St Tallahassee, FL 32310

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Capital City Youth Services (CCYS)

Since 1993, CCYS has worked with homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth to alleviate issues and strengthen families. All services are free and confidential. There are no financial or insurance prerequisites to receive services. Anyone can make a referral to CCYS by calling the 24-Hour Hotline at (850)576-6000.

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Community Service Block Grant

Funded by the U.S. dept. of Health & Human Services, this program provides comprehensive support to families experiencing chronic financial crisis, and who demonstrate a commitment to overcome barriers to achieve a higher quality of life. This program can provide Food Vouchers, bus passes / gas vouchers, transportation assistance, Rental / Utility deposit assistance, mortgage assistance, and prescription assistance. Fully case managed in house.

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Florida Department of Children and Families

Services: Food Stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance - for families with children under age 18, Medicaid for Pregnant Women; Serves Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson, Liberty, Wakulla and Franklin counties

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Leon County School Board

Limited enrollment and transportation available for educational advancement for homeless youth, and their families. Serving K-12. GED program available.

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Lion’s Club of Tallahassee

Eye Care & Vision Programs; Nation Eye Care Project - free and low cost eye exams for those 65+ who haven’t had exam by ophthalmologists in 3 years: 1-800-222-3937. Vision: free eye care to uninsured low-income workers and families. Screenings only in January 1-800-766-4466. Free cataract surgery for low-income. One day each year. 1-800-343-7265.

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PAEC Migrant Education Program

Serves migrant families with children under 21 residing in Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla County. Call 850-875-3806

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Redeemed, Inc.

Provide services for ex-inmates residing in Quincy only. Call (850) 875-2269 or 627-0251

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SafeLink Wireless

Government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers without residence phones. Free cell phone with 60 minutes per month For Enrollment Support: 1-800-977-3768; For Technical Support: 1-800-378-1684

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Crisis Support and Mental Health

Crisis TextLine

Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. We spend our days (and nights!) helping texters and how we can reach people in their moments of crisis. And, we couldn’t do it without you! Use these digital assets and printable materials to get the word out about 741741.

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Mental Health America (MHA)

Mental Health America is the nation's leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Our work is informed, designed, and led by the lived experience of those most affected.

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National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

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Veterans Crisis Line

If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects you to a real person specially trained to support Veterans.  Dial 988 then press 1 or Text 838255.

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Disability Resources

ABLE United

In July 2015, the State of Florida created Florida ABLE, Inc. (d/b/a ABLE United) a registered not-for-profit and direct support organization of the Florida Prepaid College Board to administer the ABLE United Program.

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Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

In October 2004, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) became an agency separate from the Department of Children and Families, specifically tasked with serving the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities. Prior to that time, it existed as the Developmental Disabilities Program. The agency is governed by Chapter 20, Chapter 393, and Chapter 916 of the Florida Statutes. APD supports individuals with unique abilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities by creating multiple pathways to possibilities. APD identifies the service needs of people with developmental disabilities, and those individuals may receive social, medical, behavioral, residential, and/or therapeutic services.

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Disability Integration Act

The Disability Integration Act (DIA) is a civil rights, bipartisan and bicameral legislation, to address the fundamental issue that people who need Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) are forced into institutions and losing their basic civil rights. The legislation builds on the 25 years of work done to end the institutional bias and provide seniors and people with disabilities home and community-based services (HCBS) as an alternative to institutionalization. It is the next step in our national advocacy after securing the Community First Choice (CFC) option.

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FAAST

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST), Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities by increasing access to assistive technology through empowerment and collaboration. By creating a collaborative environment for individuals with disabilities, their families, educators, government officials, and other community stakeholders, we enhance the community for us all.

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Florida Association of the Deaf, Inc.

Founded in 1917, FAD represent Deaf and hard of hearing community in state of Florida covering from legal aspects to general community aspects.

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Video Relay Services

Sorenson Video Relay Service (SVRS) provides high-quality, professional interpreters and a broad range of products in video communication for the deaf with a high-speed Internet connection. Using a videophone, computer or mobile device, Deaf individuals place SVRS calls to hearing people on a standard phone. Interpreters fluent in American Sign Language and spoken English or Spanish relays the conversation between the two parties. If you do not have access to a Sorenson videophone, you can still use SVRS by calling 1-866-327-8877 from any videophone. The service is available 24/7 and is free of charge. For more information on the service and equipment, visit the SVRS website or call 1-801-386-8500 (Videophone) or 1-866-756-6729 (Regular Telephone).




Employment

Center for Workplace Inclusion

The Center for Workforce Inclusion is committed to bringing economic opportunity to low-income and other disadvantaged older adults.

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Discoverability

People with disabilities are the nation’s largest minority, and the only one that any person can join at any time. If you do not currently have a disability, you have about a 20% chance of becoming disabled at some point during your work life. People with disabilities cross all racial, gender, educational, socioeconomic, and organizational lines. That’s why DiscoverAbility works everyday to help these individuals access the training, resources, and services they need to succeed.

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Employ Florida

Search the full-service employment center to find and view job openings, create and post résumé, look for training, and much more.

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EmployU

employU’s adult disability employment services are designed to prepare each participant for the job-seeking process. Our team works one-on-one with customers with disabilities to find the right job for them. It is not just a job search, it is about highlighting a customer’s strengths and abilities to secure long-term employment that is fulfilling and rewarding.

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Florida Easterseals

Easterseal's Florida STRIVE (Skills Training Results in Vocational Employment) in Hospitality program is a 12-week course taught in a completely VIRTUAL learning environment.

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Job Accommodation Network

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.

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Jubilee Job-Link

A free employment resource center offering job skills seminars, interview preparation, retention workshops, coaching and mentoring, placement, and follow-up services. We assist people in putting together professional resumes, faxing applications to various employers, and we offer a customized job search service. Jubilee Job-Link can offer assistance with temporary transportation services, job specific work clothing and shoes.

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Senior Community Service Employment Program

321-956-1444. The SCSEP helps low-income, unemployed individuals older than 54 find work by matching them with community service and work-based training opportunities at local nonprofits and public agencies.

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Food/Grocery

The Shelter

Provides food & shelter to those in need. Lunch and Dinner Monday - Friday 11:30am to 12:30pm; 7:30pm Call 850-412-0016

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Health/Medical

CareNet

Healthcare options for Leon county's uninsured residents To access primary healthcare services through the CareNet collaborative, call Bond Community Health Center at 850-576-4073 or Neighborhood Health Services at 850-224-2469

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FAMU-Health Dept. Pharmacy

Prescription assistance for Bond Clinic. Monday - Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm

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Florida Discount Drug Card

For those with prescription costs, but that do not meet Medicaid requirements. designed to lower the cost of prescriptions for Florida residents

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Florida Quitline (Smoking Cessation)

The QuitLine is a toll-free telephone-based tobacco use cessation service.  Any person living in Florida who wants to try to quit smoking can use the QuitLine

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Good Neighbor Program – Utility Bill Assistance

The GOOD NEIGHBOR PROGRAM is designed to help the following City of Tallahassee Utlities customers during the peak heating and cooling months of the year when the need is greatest: 1) Low-income senior citizens age 65 and older, 2) Low-income families with children under the age of five, and 3) Disabled persons living independently.

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Leon County Health Department

Immunizations, Family Planning, Disaster Preparedness, HIV testing (confidential and anonymous), HIV/AIDS counseling, Pregnancy testing, Sexually transmitted diseases: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, Tuberculosis testing and control; The Roberts and Stevens Clinic located at 1515 Old Bainbridge Road provides nursing clinics as well as WIC, nutrition and social services

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Neighborhood Health Services (Lincoin Neighborhoold Center)

Free walk-in medical clinic. Monday - Friday. Call for office hours. Call 850-224-2469.

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Wakulla County Health Department

Provides various services to Wakulla County Residents: clinical, dental, community Call 850.926.1938

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Housing

Chelsea House

Provides a safe, stable Christian home for ladies experiencing homelessness or difficult times. Houses single women only

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Florida Housing Finance Program

Florida Housing believes that an adequate supply of affordable housing is the foundation of healthy communities. Living in decent housing provides a safe environment and an opportunity for people to hold jobs, succeed in school and contribute to their communities. To find housing opportunities, people with special housing needs or their service providers have several resources available to them within Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Local Government Assistance – State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Depending on your income, you could be eligible for home repair or replacement, down payment assistance, rental housing assistance and other affordable housing assistance.  To find out if you qualify, contact the local SHIP administrator in your county.

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Good Neighbor Program – Weatherization and Efficiency Measures

The GOOD NEIGHBOR PROGRAM is designed to help the following groups of City of Tallahassee Utilities customers during the peak heating and cooling months of the year when the need is greatest: 1) Low-income senior citizens age 65 and older, 2) Low-income families with children under the age of five, and 3) Disabled persons living independently.

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Homeless Helpline

Are You Or Somebody You Know Homeless?
Call 855-92-HELP-1
The Homeless Helpline is the gateway to homeless services in both South Florida & Central Florida, the first step in finding shelter, support services, or programs that help an individual or family who are homeless or on the verge of being homeless.
  • Call Local 954-924-3571
  • Toll Free 855-924-3571
If you do not have access to a phone or cannot call during normal business hours; please fill out the Housing Request Form. We will ask a few questions to help us to assist you.

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Refuge House

Emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. Call 850-681-2111or 1-888-956-7273

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Salvation Army

Lodging & Meals (first night free, $10 per night after) 5:00pm until 7:30am Call 850-576-4352 or 850-222-0304

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Transportation

Florida Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

  • Medicaid Transportation (Medicaid # required)
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • $1 copay
  • Call Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, need at least 3 days notice.

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Go for 5

Cover all of Brevard County, FL. Concierge services, do several other services.

    • 844-463-6756
    • More efficient to sign into website: GoFor5.net (locate:Initiative/Request Services Tab)
    • No wheelchair/walker. Must be able to get out of vehicle unassisted. No CPAP’s or oxygen tanks or equipment. Must have assistance if cognitive issues.
    • Doctor Apts. (Pick-ups between 10am-2pm | Hours: 6am-6pm).
    • Also: airport, grocery and grocery pickup.
    • No insurance, pay cash or card (5% processing fee).
    • Per vehicle not per person.
    • 15 mins or less = $10 | 25 mins or less = $14 | 30-40 mins = $18 | 45 mins + $26
    • $3 surcharge for gas.

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Seniors Helping Seniors

  • We provide in-home care such as companionship, light housekeeping, and transportation for seniors, BY seniors. As little as 2 hours, as much as 24/7.
  • No wheelchair accessibility

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StarMetro Community Transportation Service

Provider of single use, 7-day and 30-day bus passes to those with financial need. Phone: 850-891-5199 Fax: 850-891-5143

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Stellar Transport

321-222-6222 | wheelchair accessible | contact for most accuracy pricing ($75 round trip) | after 10 miles +3 per mile

    • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
    • Stretcher Transportation
    • Elderly Transportation
    • Offer door-through-door service. All of our drivers are certified in elderly patient sensitivity, and will safely assist getting you in and out of your home, as well as into your appointment on time.
    • Handicap Transportation

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Uber

Uber's technology and the transportation provided by drivers has transformed mobility for many people with disabilities, and we’re committed to continuing to develop technologies that support everyone’s ability to easily move around their communities.

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Who Is Ability1st?

In short, we are a community-based organization offering support services, advocacy, and information to empower people with disabilities to live independently. Ability1st is operated and governed by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.

The goal of all Centers for Independent Living is to empower people with disabilities to take charge of their lives and guide their own destinies. We are a community-based non profit organization that provides services to people with varying disabilities in Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties.

Our Mission

Ability1st, the Center for Independent Living of North Florida, is a community-based nonprofit organization that provides services to persons with varying disabilities. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live independently and enhance their quality of life.

Contact Us

Address:
1823 Buford Court
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Phone: (850) 575-9621
Fax: (850) 575-5740
E-mail: contact@ability1st.info

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