Who is eligible to live at FIL?
FIL welcomes adults with diverse abilities who are ready for a community-based path to independent living. Residents typically have basic self-care and apartment-living skills, can communicate their needs verbally or with supported methods, and feel comfortable in a structured, predictable environment with friendly staff. They enjoy social connection through daily programs and outings and are motivated to pursue vocational training or specialized volunteer roles. Mild to moderate health needs can be coordinated through our on-site Med Room and pharmacy partner.
Admission begins with a conversation and tour, followed by a fit assessment with our admissions team. Together with each family, we confirm the best placement and create a personalized support plan, in either our Cypress Shores residential community or our non-residential day program.
What kind of support does FIL provide?
Person-centered support for adults who are ready for community-based independence, including one-on-one independent living coaching and life-skills training; vocational exploration, job coaching and specialized volunteer placements; health and wellness through our Med Room, medication coordination with Parkshore, and the Fitness Center with adaptive classes; an à la carte Healthy Café meal option; social and enrichment programming through the Rec L.A.B.; transportation to FIL activities and, when available, to work; and budgeting and financial coaching.
We offer 24/7 on-call support with staff on site at Cypress Shores. Every plan is created with the resident and family to honor communication preferences, goals and the best fit.
What types of activities and programs are available?
A full calendar of enrichment built to grow skills, friendships and confidence: vocational discovery and job coaching; adaptive fitness and wellness; life-skills classes such as cooking, budgeting and community navigation; creative arts and music in the Rec L.A.B.; educational workshops; and clubs, movie nights and game nights. We also host outings to parks, museums and Butterfly World, plus seasonal events and service projects. Residents and day-program participants may opt into the Healthy Café meal plan, and transportation is provided to FIL activities.
How does FIL help residents find employment?
Everyone has both the ability and the right to work. Work looks different for each person: a full-time job, a few hours a week, or a meaningful volunteer role. If you have never worked before but want to try, we will help you take the first step.
Working with our Employment Specialist, residents build practical skills: dressing for success, résumé writing, interview preparation, completing job applications (paper and online), exploring jobs that match their interests, and job coaching with on-the-job support. Roles are in integrated, inclusive community settings, such as restaurants and cafés, car washes, distribution centers, animal shelters, grocery stores and retail shops, and community nonprofits. Placements are matched to each person’s interests, skills and readiness, with on-site coaching as needed.
What housing options are available at FIL?
Residents live at Cypress Shores Apartments in Coconut Creek, a community designed for adults with diverse abilities to live independently with on-site support. Housing is modern one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with a private patio or balcony, plus a remodeled pool, fitness center, tennis courts, picnic areas and lush grounds. Our main campus is a short walk away for programs, coaching and wellness services. Three FIL team members live on site, and 24/7 on-call support is available.
How can families stay involved with their loved ones at FIL?
Families are active partners in every step. From the first intake conversation, parents and caregivers are invited to goal-setting meetings, care conferences, and regular check-ins by phone, email or Zoom. Families are welcome on campus for visits, open houses and seasonal celebrations, and may join select workshops, volunteer days and community outings. A designated point of contact on the care team keeps you updated on progress, upcoming activities and ways to participate.
What does it cost?
Please note that FIL is private pay only. We do not accept insurance, Medicaid, etc.
Who is FIL not right for?
FIL is not appropriate for individuals who have a psychiatric or serious emotional disturbance that impacts behavior and/or have serious medical conditions that require daily or weekly monitoring or intervention. FIL is an integrated community-based program, and while we do have staff who live on site, we do not offer 24-hour supervision. Individual safety and dignity are FIL’s priorities, but residents will be working and living in the community. Our residents are allowed to make decisions that affect all aspects of their lives, all of which creates a level of risk inherent to this philosophy and approach.
Still Have a Question?
Call (954) 968-6472 or send us a message.
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