Who Should Apply
FIL is for adults who are ready for a home of their own, with a caring community right beside them.
Ready for a Life of Their Own
FIL welcomes adults with diverse abilities who are ready for a community-based path to independent living. We are a co-ed community for adults 18 and older with an IQ of 70 to 90.
Our residents typically:
- Have basic self-care and apartment-living skills
- Can communicate their needs, verbally or with supported methods
- Feel comfortable in a structured, predictable environment with friendly staff
- Enjoy social connection through daily programs and outings
- 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.
What Living Your Best Life Looks Like
Here, independence means real, everyday moments. Gentle coaching and support are there whenever they are needed, and step back when they are not.
A home to care for
Choosing what to eat, caring for an apartment, planning meals and shopping, and managing a budget.
A day with purpose
Getting to work or volunteer opportunities, speaking up at appointments, and staying active and well.
Friends for life
Building friendships that last, in a community where every resident is seen for who they are.
The Questions That Keep You Up at Night
Will they be safe? Will they have friends? Will they feel at home and be seen for who they are? Since 1985, FIL has walked beside families who carry both pride and worry for the future of a loved one.
For families, the balance of independence and support brings relief and hope. For residents, it brings confidence, purpose, and a true sense of belonging.
Parent & Guardian InfoEvery time we talk to our daughter she is happy, engaged and ready to get off the phone and back to her next activity! FIL is one of the greatest blessings in our lives.
FIL Is Not the Right Fit for Everyone
We would rather tell you now than later. Our residents live and work in the community and make their own decisions, so please read this carefully before you apply.
The Foundation for Independent Living is NOT Appropriate for All Individuals
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.
Please note that FIL is private pay only. We do not accept insurance, Medicaid, etc.
Start With a Conversation
You do not have to decide alone. Every step is a chance for you, your loved one and our team to see whether FIL is a fit.
Talk with us
Your first step is a simple conversation by phone, Zoom, or in person. We learn about your loved one: their interests, strengths, routines, and any supports they may need.
Come and see
Tour FIL and Cypress Shores together. Meet staff and current residents, see our programs in action, and walk through an apartment.
Apply
The family, guardian and individual complete the application. Our Leadership and Medical Teams review it with the supporting documents.
Try it for a night or two
A Trial Stay of one or two nights in an apartment at Cypress Shores, joining the meals, activities and programs, before anyone makes a final decision.
Ready to Live Your Best Life?
See whether FIL is the right match for you or your loved one. Start with a conversation, or begin an application today.
Referring from a college or transition program? See how we work with programs.