Ability1st

03/13/2026

Our community is stronger because of you.

Through our AmeriCorps Seniors programs, more than 100 volunteers dedicated 100,000+ hours of service, supporting frail seniors, mentoring children, and strengthening communities across Leon, Gadsden, and Jefferson counties. From companionship and mentoring to service in volunteer stations throughout the region, your impact is felt every single day.

Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and commitment to serving others. We are grateful for each of you!

03/13/2026

Tomorrow is THE day...Big Bend Bites food distribution! 💚

During Spring Break, many families lose access to school meals. Together, we can help make sure children in our community stay nourished. We're honored to host in partnership with Second Harvest of the Big Bend.

🍎 Big Bend Bites Food Distribution
🗓 Saturday, March 14 | 7 AM
📍 Former Sears Parking Lot at Governors Square Mall

Free meal boxes will include meat, dairy, fresh produce, and pantry staples. Each box provides enough food to help feed a family of four throughout Spring Break.

Supplies are first-come, first-served, so please arrive early!

Help us spread the word so families who need this resource know it is available. Share this post and tell a neighbor. Together, we can help make sure no child goes hungry this Spring Break.

03/09/2026

Motivation Monday 🔨🔨🔨 Our volunteers are making a real difference in our community! 🛠️

With compassion, teamwork, and a lot of hard work, they help build mobility ramps for individuals with disabilities—giving them safe and independent access to their homes.

Each ramp represents more than wood and nails. It represents dignity, independence, and a community that cares.

We are incredibly grateful for the volunteers who give their time and energy to make life more accessible for others. Thank you for helping us build not just ramps, but opportunity and freedom. 💙

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

🏠 DEMP HOUSE Transitional Housing is Now Accepting New Residents.

DEMP HOUSE provides a safe, structured, and supportive living environment for men (18+) who are committed to recovery from addiction and ready to live more independently while continuing their sobriety journey.

Featured Amenities Include:

• Fully furnished private and semi-private rooms

• Two spacious kitchens (upstairs & downstairs)

• Outdoor patio and large privacy-fenced backyard

• laundry room w/ Washer & Dryer

• Comfortable living rooms on both levels

• 24/7 resident support

• Unity House recovery meetings

Your monthly cost covers rent and utilities (including electricity and internet)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Free from dangerous withdrawal symptoms, or

• Completion of alcohol or drug treatment, or

• Completion of a medical detox program

• Stable employment or consistent source of income

If you or someone you know is ready for the next step in recovery, we’re here to help.

📞 Call: 850.590.6300

📧 Email: Demphousetlh@gmail.com

03/06/2026

We recently had the privilege of welcoming the Tallahassee Senior Center's () Tallahassee Active Lifelong Leaders (TALL) program to Independence Landing in honor of TALL's Human Services Day -- a day dedicated to exploring organizations in the community that support and uplift community members.

TALL is an 8-week community leadership program developed in partnership with Leadership Tallahassee () for active adults age 50+. The goals for the program are for participants to explore creative and productive volunteer opportunities for their retirement years, pursue leadership and civic engagement, and to gain a better understanding of the community’s operations. Here is a link to to website for more information: 🔗 https://www.tallahasseeseniorfoundation.org/tallahassee-active-lifelong-leaders/

Thank you to the members of the TALL program for thinking of Independence Landing as a way to explore the Tallahassee community. It was truly a pleasure to give this tour of our Independence Landing, sharing how TALL participants can get involved and support our mission. 💚

03/06/2026

Updated version of all our support groups! 🌱

Click here to sign up: https://www.namisupportgroups.org/

03/06/2026

*Posting on behalf of the Organization for Autism Research*

New year, new resources! ✨ This interactive virtual reality experience helps autistic individuals build the confidence and skills they need to navigate medical appointments.

Check out this free resource created by NonPareil Institute - Plano and funded by OAR's Community Grant! https://f.mtr.cool/lzostjvbho

03/06/2026

When families speak, we listen.

ICMC offers more than services, it offers support that feels personal. With a dedicated case manager and benefits that meet your family’s needs, we are here to help.

03/05/2026

📢 **We're Hiring in the Big Bend!**

Do you want to help improve accessibility for people living with disabilities in our community?

Ability1st is seeking a **compassionate and organized individual** to join our team as a **Part-Time Accessibility & Community Engagement Assistant**. This role supports individuals living with disabilities in applying for our ramp-building program while also helping share the impact of our work through photos, videos, and community outreach.

**This role is ideal for someone who believes accessibility matters and wants to help people with disabilities live more safely and independently in their homes.**

🕒 **Approximately 15 hours per week**
This position reports **in person to our headquarters and in the community when assigned**, and additional administrative duties in the office may be required.

This role requires **patience, courtesy, persistence, and strong organizational skills**. The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with clients, documenting meaningful moments, and helping grow awareness and support for our mission.

The position will work closely with the **Accessibility and Mobility Coordinator**, assisting with program administration, client communication, application support, documentation, and occasional billing-related tasks.

**In this role you will:**
• Assist individuals living with disabilities in completing applications for the ramp-building program
• Communicate with applicants via phone, email, and in person with patience and courtesy
• Help gather required documentation and maintain organized application records
• Follow up with applicants as needed to ensure applications are complete
• Provide updates and communicate program expectations clearly to clients
• Assist the Accessibility and Mobility Coordinator with program tasks
• Attend occasional ramp builds to capture photos and videos and help document the impact of the program

**Qualifications**
✔ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
✔ Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
✔ Ability to attend occasional ramp build events
✔ Basic photography/video skills (smartphone photography is acceptable)

💙 **Why Join Ability1st?**
This position offers the opportunity to make a **direct and visible impact** in the lives of people living with disabilities while helping expand a mission-driven program that improves **accessibility, independence, and safety in our community.**

📩 **Interested?**
Please send your **resume and cover letter** to:
**Mandy Bianchi**
[mandybianchi@ability1st.info](mailto:mandybianchi@ability1st.info)

Please feel free to **share this post** to help us find the right candidate!

Ability1st is an **Equal Opportunity Employer.** More than **51% of our staff and Board of Directors are persons with disabilities**, and we strongly encourage individuals with disabilities to apply.

03/04/2026

Join Our Volunteer Community! Garden Volunteers Needed!

Do you love being outdoors and giving back? Elder Care Services is looking for garden volunteers to help support our community garden and stock the food pantry with fresh, healthy veggies!

How You Can Help:
• Water and w**d the garden
• Harvest fresh produce
• Assist with general planter upkeep
• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of local seniors

Time Commitment:
• Approximately 4 hours/month during the off season
• 10–15 hours/month during planting and harvesting season

Volunteer Opportunities:
• Lead Volunteer (Age 55+) needed
• All ages welcome for non-lead roles

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, enjoy the outdoors, and help nourish our community. 💚

Interested? Contact:
Ronda Parrish
(850) 245-5918
parrishr@ecsbigbend.org

Come grow with us! 🌿