Information & Resources for Hernando County

 

Go to Social Services,  Support Groups, or Service Providers for Hernando

 

Local Advocacy & Resource Organizations

 

Arc Nature Coast

Provides training, advocacy, and support services for individuals and families faced with disability related challenges in order to promote the individual's abilities, self-determination and inclusion in community life.  ARC Nature Coast Employment Specialist: 352-544-2322

5283 Neff Lake Rd. Brooksville, FL 34601  Website:  www.thearc-naturecoast.org

 

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida

The CILNCF serves 16 counties in the North Central Florida region from (4) four locations.  Our organization provides services to individuals on a cross-disability basis and is consumer-controlled, having at least 51% people with disabilities comprising both governing board of directors as well as staff.  Our center delivers the four-core services of the Independent Living Program which includes Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Support, and Independent Living Skills Education.

Hernando County Office:  Career Central Hernando, 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606   1 (877) ADA-VAN1 

Citrus County Office:  3774 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Lecanto, FL 34461

(352) 527-8399   Toll Free (877) 232-8261

Marion County Office:  3445 NE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34470

Voice (352) 368-3788  TTY (352) 368-2969 

Headquarters:  222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607

Voice (352) 378-7474  TTY (352) 372-3443  Toll Free (800) 265-5724

Sign Language Interpreting Services Toll Free (877) 629-8840

 

Deaf Service Center of Pasco/Hernando

The Deaf Service Center of Pasco/Hernando, Inc. (DSCPH) is a non-profit organization that provides quality services and programs for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Speech Impaired, and Hearing Individuals. DSCPH provides information and referral services, consulting services, support groups, job placement, American Sign Language classes, Certified interpreters, Children and Families Services, Community Education, and FREE Hearing Screenings. Please call DSCPH for more information at 727-853-1010 v/TTY or 1 (866) 685-9477 v/TTY.  

Website: www.deafhhsfla.org   Email: info@deafhhsfla.org 

 

Family Care Council Area 13

Established in 1993 by Florida Statute, the Family Care Council (FCC) advises the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) on the needs of self-advocates and their families.  The 14 local Family Care Councils work with APD in educating, advocating, and empowering families of persons with developmental disabilities (DD).  They also assist APD with the delivery of services to persons receiving Med-Waiver funds.  Statewide Website:  www.fccflorida.org   Click on "13" on map for local contact information.

 

Families of Kids with Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Inc.

(also serves Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas counties )

Supports child and teen mental health by empowering West Central Florida families through increased community awareness and stigma reduction programs. We passionately strive to involve the whole community in education, care and support programs to reduce stigma and increase self-confidence so all youth may openly be accepted and understood for who they are.

www.familiesofkids.org

 

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)

FDLRS (pronounced Fiddlers) provides diagnostic and instructional support services to district exceptional student education programs and families of students with exceptionalities statewide. FDLRS supports the State education goals of high student achievement, safe schools, and high performing workforce. FDLRS activities reflect these goals and demonstrate outcomes toward accomplishing them. Statewide Website:  www.paec.org/fdlrsweb/index.htm

 

FDLRS Gulfcoast

(Covers Hernando, Pasco, & Pinellas Counties)

Pinellas County Schools

1960 E. Druid Road, Clearwater, FL 33764 Hernando County Phone:  (352) 797-7099 

 

H.E.A.R.T Literacy

This program provides one-on-one or small group tutoring to adults for basic skills (reading, math, language), English for those who speak other languages, or GED.

Call (352) 797-7018 for more details.

 

Step By Step Success

(Marion & Hernando counties)

5010 SE 30th Court
Ocala, FL 34480     352-425-0723   Website:  www.step-by-stepsuccess.org

Provides services to both children and adults having developmental disabilities.  Our focus is improving the lives of these individuals by providing a range of services from behavior interventions and communication training, to academic success and social skills development.  Each program is developed, trained, and implemented by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Offers respite care, parent training, and a monthly social skills group.

 

Social Services

 

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hernando County

Children ages 5-12 from (primarily) single parent households are matched with adult volunteers from the community who have been carefully screened by our agency. The one-on-one relationship which develops provides the child with an adult role model as well as support and encouragement. There are many children on the waiting list who eagerly await a Big Brother or Big Sister. These children need a role model and companionship. If you would like to participate or obtain more information please call Big Brothers/Big Sisters. 

Phone:  352-684-7904

15120 County Line Road, Spring Hill, FL 34610
E-mail:  jenniferd@bbbspc.org  Website:  http://www.bbbspc.org

 

CARE Line

A program established for the security and well being of those living alone who would like daily contact with someone who cares. To participate in this program, request an application from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, (352) 754-6830, ext. 300.

 

Catholic Charities- Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services

This program offers confidential, comprehensive services to women and their families who are facing the challenges of pregnancy and/or early parenthood. Services include free pregnancy testing, information on adoption, para-professional counseling, pre-natal and childbirth education, post-natal and parenting information, maternal and emergency infant supplies, community resource referrals, support groups and emergency food items. All of these services are provided at no cost to the client. Call (352) 683-5533 for more information.

 

Children's Medical Services (CMS)

The Children's Medical Services (CMS) program provides children with special health care needs with a family centered, managed system of care. Children with special health care needs are those children under age 21 whose serious or chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions require extensive preventive and maintenance care beyond that required by typically healthy children.  Website:  http://www.cms-kids.com/default.htm  The website provides contact information by Region of the State.

 

    CMS-Ocala

    (Covers Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion & Sumter Counties)
    1515 E. Silver Springs Blvd., STE  215, Ocala, FL  34470
    (352) 369-2100 or 1-888-326-7485
    Regional Medical Director: Rick Buciarelli, M.D.
    Regional Nursing Director: Sharon Surrency, R.N.
    Regional Program Administrator: Cathy Keathley

 

The Dawn Center

The Dawn Center offers free counseling and protection for women (and their children) who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault at an undisclosed shelter location. Please contact the center at (352) 686-8759 or the 24 hour hotline at (352) 799-0657 for help. Website: http://www.dawncenter.org/

 

Early Steps

Early Steps is administered by Children's Medical Services (CMS) in accordance with IDEA, Part C.  Early Steps offers early intervention services for families with infants and toddlers (birth to thirty-six months) who have developmental delays or an established condition likely to result in a developmental delay.  Sixteen contracted local Early Steps across the state coordinate with community agencies and other contracted providers for the delivery of needed supports and services. Toll Free Phone:  888-654-440  Website:  http://www.cms-kids.com/Earlystepshome.htm

 

    All Children’s Hospital / Center for Child Development

    Early Steps

    (Covers Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas & Sumter Counties)

    500 7^th Avenue South, Department 7470, St. Petersburg, FL 33701                         

    727-767-4403 / 800-374-4334 / Fax: 727-727-6727 or 6721

    Louise Boothby-Llorente – Director, e-mail: LLorenteL@allkids.org

 

Habitat for Humanity

This program builds homes for poverty level residents to help eliminate substandard housing. Habitat for Humanity also rehabilitates substandard homes for needy, frail or elderly people. Call (352) 754-1159 for more details.  Web Site: www.habitat.org

 

Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition  (HCCADC)

A networking organization committed to the prevention and effective management of alcohol and other drug problems within Hernando County. 

Phone: 352-596-8000     Website:www.hernandoantidrug.org

 

Hernando County Health Department / Nature Coast Community

Health Center

Promotes personal, family and community health and provides primary care services to anyone regardless of ability to pay. The immunization program provides free immunizations to children through age 18. The family planning program provides yearly exams and birth control to women of all ages. The teen clinic is free for all teenagers with concerns. The WIC (Women Infant and Children) program provides vouchers based on income, for the purchase of nutritious foods, to pregnant women, and families with children ages five and under. Call 352-540-6800 for additional information or visit the website: www.hernandohealth.org.

 

The Hernando Express

Hernando County's public transportation service provides transportation to all Hernando County residents at reasonable rates. Reduced rates are available for the elderly, disabled, and students. (Eligibility form with supporting documents must be completed in order for client to receive reduced fee) http://www.hernandobus.com  Please call 754-4444 for more details.

 

Holy Ground

Holy Ground provides shelter for homeless men 18 and older. This program also helps to find housing for families and women with children. The shelter for men provides three meals a day, clothing, assistance in obtaining employment and needed services, and transportation to social service appointments. Clients must attend religious services on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Call (727) 863-9123 for more details.

 

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind

The mission of the Lighthouse is to provide blind and visually impaired persons with the skills needed to achieve their maximum independence.
6492 California Street, Brooksville, Florida 34609
Phone: 352-754-1132
Website: http://www.lighthouse-hernando.org/  Email: cpaquin@lighthouse-pasco.org

 

Mid-Florida Community Services 

This agency provides a variety of services for the community:  Community Care for the Elderly provides homemaking, personal care, respite, emergency alert and home delivered meals.  The Department of Children’s Services includes the Head Start Program and is primarily for children between the ages of 3 and 5 from low income families and provides educational, health, nutritional, social and other services.  Support Services provides limited assistance to eligible households and the elderly with utilities, food pantries, gas vouchers and rent. 

Web site: www.mfcs.us.com  Call  to register for Children’s Services:  (352) 796-4952 or (352) 796-1425 for general information.

 

Trans-Hernando Transportation

Trans-Hernando provides transportation services to seniors over 60 years of age, Medicaid recipients, physically and mentally challenged and the general public who cannot drive themselves. Call (352) 799-1510 to get help with transportation.

 

Support Groups

 

Karin Capehart

 

Special Students of Hernando Support Group

A support group for parents with children that have, or are suspected of having any learning disability, developmental disability, or other medical/ learning impairment that interferes with their educational experience. Our goal is to share resources, understand the laws that protect our children in school, and to keep on top of the best tools to help our children succeed in their education!    All parents, caregivers, and professionals are welcome!  New Lending Library!

Meetings are held at the ARC Nature Coast Community Cafe on US 19 in Spring Hill. 

Contact:  SpecialStudents@tampabay.rr.com  or call (352) 584-5512.

Website:  www.specialstudentsofhernando.com

 

Service Providers

 

Karin Capehart

I am a Parent Volunteer with knowledge and expertise of the Special Education Process and Section 504.  My services are free of charge. I am not an attorney and do not give legal Advice.  I do provide support, information, and resources to help create positive outcomes for children with disabilities. You may contact me at: kcapehart@tampabay.rr.com

 

Granny Nannies

Affordable home care services.  A home care agency committed to providing the highest quality of compassionate care to its clients who are seeking independent living in the comfort of their own homes.  Assistance is also available for those in the hospital, assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Hernando:  352-684-8791  Citrus:  352-560-4229 

Website:  www.grannynannies.com

 

Maxim Healthcare Services

Bryan M. Eldredge, Account Manager

We provide hourly care in the home for families who are overwhelmed and/or cannot work due to the continual needs of their child who has developmental and/or physical disabilities. Care can be for as much as 24 hours per day 7 days per week.  We accept most private insurance, Medipass, and Medicaid. Maxim Healthcare Services does provide free in home consultations to determine if the perspective child will qualify for care.

3245 Commercial Way

Spring Hill, Florida 34606

breldred@maxhealth.com  PH: 352.683.2885  FAX: 352.683.8602

 

 

 

 

Parent Training & Information Center:

Central Florida Parent Center / AWARE Project

Milagros Pou, Diane Joslin, or Eileen Gilley

Home Office - (888) 612-9273

or (727) 789-2400

 

 

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