Alliance for Independence

Feature of the Month:

AFI launches Membership Drive for 2009!

Since 1954, Alliance for Independence (AFI), formerly the Polk County Association for Handicapped Citizens, has been providing opportunities for adults with disabilities. Whether academic, social or vocational, all of AFI skills training programs lead to a higher quality of life giving each individual a stronger purpose and the ability to become an integral part of their community. The individuals we serve overcome challenges every day through hard work and sheer determination. Now they are facing even greater challenges - drastic cuts in funding for the services they desperately need. After working so hard they are now being told they will have to sit home several days a week or give up services altogether because there isn’t enough dollars. Their hard-earned successes, health and safety are being jeopardized. Closing that funding gap can make the difference between falling backward or moving forward. Support from members of our community has made the difference between a few successes and the over 400 successes achieved by clients of Alliance for Independence during the past year. We are kindly asking for your continued financial support again this year.

Leila is a 41-year-old woman with a developmental disability. For years prior to entering AFI, Leila sat home while her family members went to work. She had few skills and low self-esteem. Through AFI Leila has learned to run a commercial sewing machine, drive a golf cart to transport clients between buildings and work as the cashier at the AFI snack bar. She has learned sign language, is a speaker for our Dream Team and has opened her own business of making and selling wreaths. Her earnings from AFI and her business have allowed her to move in to her own apartment, live independently and socialize regularly. AFI opened the doors and Leila is using them all.

Your support will keep many doors of opportunity open. Imagine the feeling you will get helping make a difference in the life of an individual with disabilities, knowing you gave that person a reason to get out of bed each morning and the will to become more independent every day.

The individuals served by Alliance for Independence greatly appreciate your confidence in their abilities. Thank you for your generous support of this very important program.
Warm Regards,

Shirley A. Balogh
President/CEO

Interested in a Membership with AFI? Click here --> Donate Now

Shopping for the Holidays

The Token store shopping at Alliance for Independence has become a much anticipated event for the individuals served by AFI each Monday. Each day of attendance, every goal achieved results in a token that is exchanged for goods in the store. For many, this is the only way they can afford to purchase birthday or holiday gifts for their family. Some even use the layaway plan. The token store is 100% supported by donations.

If you have any new or barely used items, such as purses, wallets, costume jewelry, picture frames, diaries, books, hats, and/or personal care items, please bring them to our store at the AFI Administrative Office located at 1038 Sunshine Drive E in Lakeland, Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Ashley Hall or Joan Eby at 863.665.3846.