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Read more about the article The Villages Newcomers Series

The Villages Newcomers Series

  • Post published:September 7, 2024
  • Post category:Newcomers

Welcome to The Villages, Moving can be stressful for anyone but even more so for someone with special needs and their family. This web series is an expansion of our…

Continue ReadingThe Villages Newcomers Series
Read more about the article Florida Identification

Florida Identification

  • Post published:September 4, 2024
  • Post category:Newcomers

Drivers License & ID Card Many special needs assistance programs and services you will be applying for require the applicant and caregiver to have a current Florida drivers license or…

Continue ReadingFlorida Identification
Read more about the article Federal & State Special Needs Assistance Programs

Federal & State Special Needs Assistance Programs

  • Post published:September 4, 2024
  • Post category:Medicaid/APD/Newcomers/Medicare/Social Security

MedicareMedicaid/Florida Department of Children & FamiliesLake CountyMarion CountySumter CountySocial Security AdministrationLake & Sumter CountyMarion CountyAgency for Persons with Disabilities There are many special needs programs available in Florida. We cannot…

Continue ReadingFederal & State Special Needs Assistance Programs
Read more about the article The Villages Special Needs Community

The Villages Special Needs Community

  • Post published:August 13, 2024
  • Post category:Socialization/Workshops/Newcomers

Welcome to The Villages Special Needs Community. Here you will find support groups, socialization groups, and activities for special needs residents, and their caregivers, of The Villages and surrounding area.…

Continue ReadingThe Villages Special Needs Community

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    November 5, 2024
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    October 1, 2024
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    September 1, 2024
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Copyright 2025 - Advancing Families & Individuals Needing Assistance (AFINS) | OceanWP Theme by OceanWP

We actively:

  • Engage with elected officials to voice community concerns and influence legislation and budget decisions.
  • Share timely, helpful resources with families to guide them through available support systems.
  • Guiding individuals and caregivers through the application process for essential programs and agencies, using our firsthand experience.

We provide vital guidance, advocacy, and access to life-changing resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in The Villages, Florida. As parents of loved ones with IDD, we understand firsthand the challenges families face in navigating complex systems and securing the support they deserve.

That’s why AFINS is dedicated to offering clear direction, personalized assistance, and strong connections to trusted local resources. Whether you’re seeking help with disability services, advocacy opportunities, or educational programs, our team is here for you every step of the way.

By partnering with AFINS, families gain a trusted ally and compassionate community focused on helping each person build independence and improve their quality of life.

Get Started Today: Contact us to learn how AFINS can support your family, connect you with resources, or welcome you to one of our workshops. Together, we’ll make sure every individual and family has access to the services and advocacy they deserve.

Contact AFINS Today

🗓️ Wednesday, September 10, 2025

🕙 10:00 AM – NOON

🧑🏻‍💻 GoToMeeting

You may also attend:

  • 📍 FCC Wildwood Office: 901 Industrial Drive, Suite 100, Wildwood, FL 34785 or
  • 📞 Access Code: 332-704-773 |Toll Free: 1 (866) 899-4679 | United States: +1 (571) 317-3116

Agenda:

  • Roll Call and Welcome: Paula Whetro, FCC Area 13 Chair 
  • Budget Awaiting Approval                                                                                                                  
  • APD Update
  • Forum Update
    • Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025 – 
    • Location: Lake Deaton United Methodist Church, 6500 Wesleyan Way, Wildwood, FL 34785
    • Time: 09:00 AM – NOON 
    • Vendors needed: Contact Kristin Schuttz
  • Old/New Business                                             
    • Ordered meeting info flyers, Forum flyers and postcards to mail to persons on the 
    • Pre-enrollment list. 
    • New Requirements from HB1103
  • Moving Forward: Reorganizing Area 13 Council

Safety Planning Considerations for Survivors with Disabilities

🗓️ Tuesday, August 26, 2025

🕑 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

🧑🏻‍💻 Webinar

Safety planning is an important tool for survivors of domestic violence, used to ensure that the survivor has a plan in place under a variety of circumstances when an abuser may become dangerous. Survivors with disabilities experience a number of unique factors that advocates must take into consideration while safety planning to be effective. For instance, abusers use unique tactics that are often not accounted for when planning for safety within the relationship. Additionally, survivors with disabilities who escape the relationship experience limited community resources – such as transportation options and accessible shelter – which need to be accounted for in their safety plan.

In this webinar, we will explore the unique dynamics experienced by survivors with disabilities and how they factor into their safety plan. We will review strategies for supporting survivors with disabilities to create safety plans that respond to these dynamics.

The webinar will be presented by Sandra Harrell, Senior Managing Director of Survivor Advocacy Initiatives at Activating Change.

Register Today

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