All in for the win

Changing a life in just one day.

There is no better feeling than being able to give someone their independence back after it has been lost due to a disability. That’s exactly what happened In December when staff from All-In Construction Services came to the home of Ms. Nora Valles to spend the morning building a new, safe aluminum ramp.

Ms. Valles, who is 70 years old, never thought that leaving her own home would be something that she couldn’t do on her own. But after a stroke and other diseases affected her mobility and overall health, she learned that her front door would now keep her isolated in her home.

“I’ve been a prisoner in here for two years.” - Nora Valles

In record-setting time, and with all hands on deck, the All-In Construction volunteer team completed the ramp and gave a very deserving person their independence and peace of mind back.

“I’ve been a prisoner in here for two years… this has got to be the best thing that anyone has done for me in my whole life.”

A great experience for some happy campers

Winter Career Camp helps youth with disabilities get job-ready

When you think of camping what do you think of? Tents? camp fires? Maybe even s’mores? When we think of camp we think of one thing: Career Camp. In December, 18 young adults between the ages of 16-19 were given a unique experience to prepare themselves for the job world.

The highlight of the week-long experience was a visit just down the street to the Winter Park Fire Department and Police Department. Campers got hands-on with both departments and got to ask questions to professionals in both career fields. From testing the police car siren to using the fire hose, these teens learned more about what it takes to be successful in whatever career they choose.

Spring 2022 Career Camp is now accepting applications! Contact Eagosto@cilorlando.org for more information, or call (407) 623-1070.

JPPAS Program provides financial assistance to qualified floridians

The James Patrick Memorial Work Incentive Personal Attendant Services and Employment Assistance (JP-PAS) Program was created by the Florida Legislature in 2002 as a pilot project. The pilot was a success – and in 2008, JPPAS was established as a permanent, statewide program in Chapter 413.402, Florida Statutes.

JP-PAS provides monthly stipends to adult Floridians with significant disabilities who require personal assistance services to attain and maintain competitive and integrated employment.

Are you eligible?

Persons who wish to apply must meet ALL of the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident of the United States. • Must be a Florida resident. • Must be employed in Florida or in a county contiguous with the Florida border. • Must earn an annual gross income of at least the Individual Federal Poverty Level, and not more than $150,000. • Must NOT receive cash benefits from Supplemental

How to apply

Applications can be found online by visiting

https://tinyurl.com/JPPAS

Completed applications can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the addresses noted on the last page of the application.

For more information about the JP-PAS Program email jppas@floridacils.org

Volunteer Spotlight It’s that Time of year ...Again. FREE TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE FOR ASL FLUENT INDIVIDUALS

February 1, 2022- April 15, 2022

Get the refund you deserve.

Get your taxes filed for FREE!

Get your taxes filed by an IRS certified tax volunteer who is fluent in ASL.

By Appointment ONLY

Walk-ins will be given an appointment.

Schedule your appointment TODAY!

Services available February 1, 2022- April 15, 2022

VP 321-280-2625

Dhead@cilorlando.org

CIL Winter Park Office 720 N. Denning Drive Winter Park, FL 32789

Masks required for in-person appointments

Virtual appointments are available by VP but clients must have the ability to fax and email tax documents prior to appointment.

central florida organizations help four individuals rediscover their independence.

The end of each year serves as an opporunity to look back at memories, accomplishments, and things to be thankful for. As the end of 2021 approached, we had some amazing Central Florida volunteer groups to be extremely thankful for. From November until the end of the year, volunteers from AdventHealth, All-In Construction, Oviedo City Church, and Turner Construction got to work building life-changing ramps for some of our community members with disabilities in need.

A special Visit from The big Man

Annual Silent Night Event welcomes CIL Families for a holiday celebration

On December 10, CIL once again transformed their Winter Park office into a whimsical winter wonderland for their Annual Silent Night holiday event. Originally, this holiday celebration was created solely for CIL’s Deaf community, but has since grown and opened up to all of the nonprofit organization’s clients and their families; an action taken to embody CIL’s mission to remove barriers of daily life activities in the community. Volunteers from AdventHealth and Altrusa International Orlando- Winter Park welcomed and led kids and their families through a variety of outdoor activities, crafts, and games. Each child was then led inside to meet an American Sign Language (ASL) fluent Santa and receive a wrapped present. Other ASL interpreters attended the event to ensure that all attendees had a memorable and inclusive night. This year also marked the fifth year that The Mayflower Retirement Community at Winter Park donated gifts, with additional presents donated by Lake Highland Preparatory School. For many of CIL’s clients and their families, this event provides a unique holiday experience that is inclusive and welcoming; which is hard to find at other public holiday events for children and their families.