Jacksonville, FL (June 30, 2016) --- The Independent Living Foundation has kicked off its first statewide fundraising campaign, 500 Founders, with a $50,000 grant from the law firm of Farah & Farah. The announcement was made by Tyler Morris, Executive Director of the Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast Florida (ILRC).
The nonprofit Independent Living Foundation, which was started in 2001 to assist the ILRC of Northeast Florida, is now setting its sights on assisting all 17 statewide Centers for Independent Living (CIL). The first 500 Founders Campaign hopes to add 500 donors of $100 each to match the grant from Farah & Farah. With those donations $1,000 Empowerment Awards will be given to each Center for Independent Living in the State of Florida. The remainder of the funds will be used to support the ILRC of Northeast Florida.
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) support the independence and empowerment of people with disabilities. The organization serves people where they live helping them chart their own path to independence - whether it is assistance with finding employment, getting needed equipment such as a walker and a shower lift to help with home care or finding reliable transportation.
“Our focus is to serve every person who walks in the door,” said Morris. “We are embarking on a dramatic effort to broaden our financial base so that we will be able to help all. Our programs have been very successful. We now must take the next step and ensure that we have solid financial footing to continue our work.”
“We are excited about being able to make a difference for all those served by the Centers for Independent Living,” said attorney Eddie Farah. “Disability doesn’t matter until it affects you. We want those who have challenges to know that we care.”
“Everyone wants to be able to pursue their own life,” added attorney Chuck Farah. “We know that the Centers for Independent Living make it possible for those with disabilities to achieve their life goals.”
For more information about the Independent Living Movement, visit http://www.ilmovement.org
