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CEO REPORT FOR 2020-2021

While the pandemic closed other non-profits, we found ways to remotely assist almost 5,100 neighbors. And this does not count thousands who attended presentations and others we referred to trusted agencies. 


This is about a 20% increase over last year despite the virus lurking around every corner. To put this in perspective, there are 16 other centers for independent living in Florida, and together they assisted about 9,000 people with disabilities last year total. Yes, we’re over-achievers. 


Despite a virus that killed family, friends and colleagues and sickened some of our staff, this past year we:


  • Saved many families dealing with disabilities and COVID-19 from evictions and certain homelessness.


  • Rushed to get restraining orders for victims of domestic violence and then found them housing, food, clothes, pots and pans and counseling. We even installed locks and cameras.
  • Held two free events that vaccinated hundreds of people with disabilities and underlying health issues. At right, staff asked me to go play in traffic and I eagerly obliged.


  • Paid youth to attend virtual job-skills classes when school was out to keep them learning, and in many cases help them earn money for the first time. And we gave their parents and family well-deserved respite as we engaged them for 6 or more hours a day. This summer alone young people received almost 10,000 hours of instruction. And we scored a 97 out of 100 on our evaluation by the State of Florida monitors.  


  • Turned the power and water back on by paying delinquent bills for clients.
Dan holding up vaccine here now sign.
  • Utilized two vital partnerships to deliver healthy vegetables, fruit, meat, bread and canned goods to neighbors unable to go shopping, including groceries for Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. 


  • Remodeled homes and apartments so clients could safely get in and out and move around, especially in the shower and bathroom. In some cases, we bought simple window air-conditioners so seniors with breathing issues could feel comfortable in stifling summer heat for the first time. 

   

  • Stood up for children and ensured teachers, principals and administrators gave them the support laws mandate.


  • Showed special needs youth experiencing bullying how to counteract these torments. 


  • Arranged for wheelchairs, walkers and scooters for those who need them.


  • Won Social Security cases for people who were denied benefits for many years. In some cases, we obtained years of back benefits, ongoing payments and insurance for the extremely impoverished, including some families living on the streets.


  • Arranged food stamps and insurance signups and arranged home-delivered meals and grocery deliveries.



  • Provided care for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.


 Kudos to our managers (Brandy Macaluso, Darlene Williamson, Libby Snider and Laura Cusack), staff, board of directors and partners for ensuring that we lift-up so many struggling neighbors so high.


     Dan E. Shorter, proud CEO

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