Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living

Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living Empowering people with all disabilities by providing: Resources,
Options, And Disability related Services needed
To Obtain individual Freedom in their lives.

💡🌍 World Creativity & Innovation Day – April 21This year’s theme, “Step Out and Innovate,” is all about turning ideas in...
04/21/2026

💡🌍 World Creativity & Innovation Day – April 21

This year’s theme, “Step Out and Innovate,” is all about turning ideas into action—and creating real change in our communities.

Innovation is powerful—but inclusive innovation is transformative.

In the disability community, 2026 is highlighting “Inclusive by Design”—where solutions are created with people with disabilities, not just for them.

Think about the impact:

➡️ PillPack (now Amazon Pharmacy) simplified medication management with pre-sorted packets instead of multiple bottles
➡️ Accessible tools make everyday activities like gardening possible for more people
➡️ Assistive technology supports independence, communication, and daily living

Want to explore innovation firsthand?

📍 Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives' Lending Library lets you try out assistive devices before you buy—making technology more accessible and personalized.
📍 CreATe Together offers FREE 3D-printed and fabricated assistive technology for people in Pennsylvania, creating custom solutions that meet real needs.

Across the world, efforts are growing to:

✅ Design accessible spaces and technology from the start
✅ Follow the principle “Nothing about us, without us”
✅ Support innovation led by people with lived experience
✅ Remove barriers to full community participation

Today, we challenge you:
How can you step out and innovate to make your community more inclusive?

🌍🌱 What are your plans for Earth Day 2026?Planting a tree? Starting a garden? 🌼🌿 Before you dig in, check out tools from...
04/17/2026

🌍🌱 What are your plans for Earth Day 2026?

Planting a tree? Starting a garden? 🌼🌿 Before you dig in, check out tools from Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives' Lending Library to make gardening easier and more accessible!

Featured Tools:
🌱 Long-Handled Gardening Tools – Includes spades, cultivator, and weeder with extended handles (great for reducing bending!)
✂️ Hedge Trimmer Kit – Lopper + pruner with PowerGear2 tech for easier cutting (perfect for those with limited strength or arthritis)
🧤 Gripeeze Gardening Glove – Provides extra grip and finger support
🌼 Ergonomic Tool Set (5 pc) – Lightweight tools designed for comfort and ease
🌿 Easy Grip Garden Set – Upright handles help reduce wrist strain and improve control

🌟 Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, adaptive tools can make all the difference in staying active and independent.

🌎 Let’s make Earth Day inclusive for everyone!

Check out the LENDING LIBRARY here ➡️ https://techowlpa.org/library/

🌟 Artist of the Month: Michael McJunkinThis April, we are proud to celebrate Michael McJunkin as Artist of the Month at ...
04/16/2026

🌟 Artist of the Month: Michael McJunkin

This April, we are proud to celebrate Michael McJunkin as Artist of the Month at Otto Bookstore — a talented Muncy-based artist whose creativity, determination, and unique perspective shine through every piece he creates. 💙

Michael, an artist on the autism spectrum, has been connected to art for as long as he can remember. In fact, he was drawing his favorite logos before he was even talking, and has continued exploring different art forms throughout his life. Inspired by nature and the world around him, Michael began by mimicking photographs and images from TV—developing skills that would grow into a distinctive artistic style.

🎨 A Passion for Creativity

Michael creates artwork using watercolor, pencil, and acrylic, often capturing landscapes, trees, and wildlife with thoughtful attention to light and detail. His work is not only displayed as original pieces, but also shared through notecards, magnets, and t-shirts, allowing others to bring his art into their everyday lives.

He has also contributed illustrations to his father Kevin’s book, Raven Run: The Evolution of a Fly Fisherman, including pieces like Fish with Bubbles.

Some of Michael’s favorite works—“Salmon", “Beach Road”, “Red House on Lake”, and “Canada”—are currently featured at Otto Bookstore. These pieces highlight his growing skill in capturing lighting, shadow, and reflection, especially in water and natural scenes.

🌱 A Journey of Growth

Like many artists, Michael has faced challenges—particularly in learning how to master shading and watercolor techniques. Through practice and persistence, he has developed greater depth and detail in his work.

Art is more than a creative outlet for Michael—it is a source of calm, confidence, and accomplishment. It helps him manage anxiety and provides a sense of pride with each finished piece.

💙 Independence Through Art

Michael’s art plays an important role in his independence. By selling his work, he is able to earn income to purchase supplies and enjoy activities he loves.

Through arts and crafts shows, he has built connections with customers and fellow artists, sharing his work and engaging with the community. Michael also studied Studio Arts, earning an Associate degree and continuing to pursue his goal of becoming a cartoonist or illustrator.

With support from the Center for Independent Living, Michael has strengthened important skills like staying on track and communicating with new people, while also showcasing and selling his artwork through the CIL Thrift Shop.

🌍 Community & Looking Ahead

Michael believes inclusion in the arts means having opportunities to share your work, your style, and your voice with others.

Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his creations into new products like mugs and puzzles, illustrate more books, and begin painting animals like dogs, cats, and birds.

✨ Words of Advice

Michael shares simple but powerful advice for other artists:
“See something you like and make a picture out of it.”

We are honored to celebrate Michael McJunkin as April’s Artist of the Month. His story is a powerful example of how talent, passion, and opportunity come together to support independence and self-expression. 🌟

Be sure to stop by Otto Bookstore to see his work and support a local artist making a meaningful impact in our community!

Double the Celebration: Welcome Home, Thomas & Deborah! ✨🏡Today, we’re celebrating not one but two incredible journeys b...
04/06/2026

Double the Celebration: Welcome Home, Thomas & Deborah! ✨🏡

Today, we’re celebrating not one but two incredible journeys back to independence.

Thomas has overcome serious health challenges since entering a nursing facility in November 2024. Through surgery, rehab, and determination, he regained his strength and is now walking again with support. Today, he’s living in his own apartment, building friendships, and thriving in his community.

Deborah entered a nursing facility after a fall in June 2025. Having always lived independently, she knew she wanted that life back. The moment she walked into her fully set-up apartment, she knew she was home—and back to living life on her own terms.

Their stories are different, but their goal was the same: to return home and regain their independence.

This is what independent living looks like.

Welcome home, Thomas and Deborah!

After spending time in a nursing facility since 2022, Michael is finally back where he belongs - HOME!Michael and his fa...
04/02/2026

After spending time in a nursing facility since 2022, Michael is finally back where he belongs - HOME!

Michael and his family connected with Roads to Freedom in July 2025, already working hard to find accessible housing. Like many, they faced long waitlists for accessible units - but they never gave up.

Michael is kind, funny, and full of heart - and his determination, along with his family’s, made this moment possible. When they found a accessible home, they didn’t hesitate. After months of cleaning, painting, and preparing, everything was finally ready.

Through our Nursing Home Transition Program, we were proud to support Michael’s return home by providing essential items, including a recliner that quickly became everyone’s favorite seat in the house! 😊

This is what independence looks like.
This is what community looks like.

Welcome home, Michael!

🌍💙 World Autism Awareness Day 💙🌍Today, we recognize and celebrate the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of auti...
04/02/2026

🌍💙 World Autism Awareness Day 💙🌍

Today, we recognize and celebrate the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of autistic individuals.

This day shines a light on the need for improved support, education, and acceptance in schools, workplaces, and communities. The goal is to move beyond awareness and toward true acceptance - creating a world where autistic individuals are fully supported to contribute and thrive.

Let’s take action:
💙 LISTEN to autistic voices
💙 CHALLENGE stereotypes
💙 SUPPORT inclusive opportunities
💙 CELEBRATE neurodiversity

✨ Tip: Try the “6-Second Rule”
After asking a question or giving instructions, pause for at least 6 seconds before speaking again. This allows time for processing, reduces anxiety, and supports more meaningful communication.

Together, we can build a world where differences are not just accepted, but valued. 🌟

 After two years in a nursing facility following a stroke, Norma’s story took a powerful turn—one led by love, determina...
04/01/2026



After two years in a nursing facility following a stroke, Norma’s story took a powerful turn—one led by love, determination, and the belief that she deserved more.

Her daughter, Crystal, never stopped showing up. Visiting daily, advocating fiercely, and making sure her mom received the care she deserved, she knew in her heart that there was a better path forward. So she went searching—and found the perfect apartment in a place Norma once called home.

The journey wasn’t easy. There were delays, unexpected setbacks, and even a last-minute cancellation from a care agency. But Crystal didn’t hesitate—she and her family stepped up without question, choosing to care for Norma themselves rather than let her stay another day where she didn’t belong.

Together, they poured their time, energy, and resources into creating a space that felt truly like home. Every detail was chosen with love. And when Norma walked through the door, she was greeted with a beautifully decorated apartment and the warmth of a family who never gave up on her.

Her smile said everything.

What she didn’t know? The celebration was just beginning. That evening, her family gathered again—this time for a surprise welcome home dinner, marking not just her return, but her freedom.

This is what advocacy looks like. This is what love looks like. And this is what happens when family refuses to settle for anything less than dignity, comfort, and home. ❤️

Address

24 E. 3rd Street
Williamsport, PA
17701

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15703279070

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Our History

On October 1, 1995, CILNCP began as a satellite office of the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania, located in Camp Hill, PA. The Satellite office opened at 210 Market Street, Williamsport, PA under the direction of CILCP Executive Director Theotis Braddy, and CILNCP Project Director George J. Morton. Three years later, CILNCP became an independent Center for Independent Living in Pennsylvania. As of October 1, 1998, CILNCP was granted independent status and was incorporated as CILNCP, Inc. under the 501 © (3) of the IRS Code. As part of our celebration, CILNCP hosted a CILebration banquet on October 1, 1998 at the Genetti Convention Center, in Williamsport, PA. Participants present included CILNCP Advisory Council Members, CILCP Board of Directors’ Members, and several staff members from both CILNCP and CILCP. Also, at this time the CILNCP Advisory Council became the Board of Directors of the newly independent CILNCP, and George J. Morton was appointed as the CILNCP Executive Director.

Communities that take pride in their accessibility for all, understand the importance of including and consulting the disabled community on matters that impact them. Disability advocacy is a non-partisan subject. Our elected leaders, especially on the local level, need to be cognizant of the disability community they serve. We are not invisible citizens within our community.