FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE ARC OF FLORIDA ANNOUNCES AFFILIATION WITH COMMUNITY ASSISTED & SUPPORTED LIVING INC. IN NEW YEAR
Tallahassee, FL – The Arc of Florida, working with local, state, and national stakeholders, has added a new partner focused on the core mission of advocacy and expanding high quality supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To be fully included in all aspects of their community, people with disabilities need safe, affordable, and supportive housing, and The Arc of Florida is proud to have Community Assisted & Supported Living, Inc (CASL) as a new affiliate. CASL will serve housing needs as an “at large” member by creating affordable housing for individuals with disabilities in eight counties with continued growth in future years.
According to The Arc of Florida Board President Mark A. Swain, “Florida is home to more than 4.9 million adults living with a disability and as advocates for individuals with disabilities, CASL is a perfect affiliate because their mission recognizes the need for different types of residential options for those with disabilities who would not have it available otherwise. As CASL has expanded housing options for people with disabilities in southwest Florida, it is great they are joining ranks with The Arc team to support our mission.”
Since 1997, CASL has provided affordable housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than 25 years of experience, CASL has added hundreds of units throughout Southwest Florida for low-income adults with disabilities that help reduce homelessness and institutionalization.
Scott Eller, CEO of CASL shared, “Over the years, we have seen the difference it makes in not only the lives of the people we are serving, but also their family members. It is our focus and belief that when people are afforded the American Dream, anything is possible.”
Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc of the United States said, “We are always thrilled to welcome a new chapter of The Arc to our network, ensuring we can better reach and serve the IDD community. Accessible and affordable housing is a dire need faced by this community, especially for those who are multiply marginalized. We congratulate CASL on their affiliation and look forward to partnering with them in service to a diverse IDD community in Florida.”
“We are pleased with this expansion,” said Alan Abramowitz, CEO of The Arc of Florida. “It will help us tremendously with our goal of helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities be able to thrive on their own in their communities.”
The Arc of Florida for almost 70 years has been Florida’s preeminent grass roots advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc of Florida advocates to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy full inclusion in their communities and access to supports and services that make community living possible. In addition to its advocacy work, the organization manages a network of more than 350 dental providers who have made access to dental care possible for thousands of Floridians who would otherwise go unserved.
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