At Independent Lifestyles, Inc. we believe in equality, inclusion and self-direction. We take these beliefs into our official service area of eleven counties in Central Minnesota which covers both suburban and urban areas.
Our team is on the road and in these communities daily, bringing independent living services to homes and communities throughout our region.
Since 1997 Independent Lifestyles, Inc. has served thousands of people with all types of disabilities and ages.
With a full range of services and support we can offer a myriad of life changing opportunities to enhance independence, gain valuable skills, become more self-directed and have access to the resources and supports necessary to live a full life.
ILICIL works on local, state and national levels to advocate for best practices, policies, and inclusion for people of all disabilities.
Our team are all advocates first, and work in a multitude of ways to build more inclusive opportunities and redefine the face of ability.
At ILICIL, we are dedicated to empowering individuals to live their best life, creating a sustainable legacy that endures, and redefining the face of ability for generations to come.
Cara’s a passionate leader who has been instrumental in directing community and statewide initiatives, opening opportunities for empowerment in numerous ways since 1997.
Some of her accomplishments include: Founding and facilitating the Disability Awareness Task Force for 20 years. This is a community wide collaborative to bring education and awareness to the disability movement. Founding and facilitating the St. Cloud Area Human Rights Commission, serving as a guest teacher at SCSU and served on the field advisory committee, Winner of the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice, MACIL President, Vice President, Secretary and Legislative Liasion. As Legislative Liasion, Cara led the effort, which brought CIL’s in Minnesota eight million dollars in 2023.
Creator and Director of the Starfish Program since 2008. This is a life coaching program to assist women in overcoming the affects of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Cara has also served on the Minnesota Brain Injury Association, the Statewide Independent Living Council, Courage Center-Community Council, United Way of Central MN Speakers Bureau, and she also won numerous other accolades.
