Our Communications Department focuses on internal and external exposure of Alliance for Independence. There are several objectives to be met through this department:

• Conducting and coordinating on-site tours
• Public speaking engagements
• Enhancing community awareness through community events on and off site
• Agency web site administration
• Be talked about on the radio positively. Be seen on the television for doing something great.  Be read about in the newspaper and in magazines and newsletters for accomplishing our mission.

Tours and Special Engagements

On-site tours are available by appointment. Each tour is customized to the individual or group attending.

Individuals, family and friends would enjoy a tour with our Support Services department to encounter a more vocational understanding of the individualized services available to choose from.

Community Groups will experience an interactive tour with Alliance for Independence's Dream Team Representatives. The Dream Team will meet and greet with the group, socialize one-on-one or conduct a small introductory speech depending on the groups' given tour schedule.

Business Contracts tours are aimed towards business relationship awareness and capabilities of our Contracts Department. Local businesses and people who know people can get a better understanding of all the various vocational training and production capabilities this department offers.

Speaking Engagements

For over 30 years President/CEO, Shirley Balogh, has traveled throughout Polk County and the state of Florida to several businesses, associations and organizations to familiarize the community with Alliance for Independence. She speaks of diversity in training programs for the developmentally disabled, local and state funding challenges that shape our community's dependencies and has an understanding of the dreams and abilities of the people we serve and strive to continue to serve.

The Director of Development, Joan Eby, has over 15 years experience in Marketing and Development. Joan focuses on grant writing, special events, sponsorships, fundraising and planned giving. On site tours can be scheduled with Joan or The United Way of Central Florida. For more information on how you can support Alliance for Independence or to schedule a tour, please contact Joan at 665.3846 ext. 222.

Communications Coordinator, Ashley Hall, works with the Dream Team and the AKtion club to promote Alliance for Independence and to give back to the community. Ashley has lived and worked in Polk County all of her life, is a graduate of Florida Southern College and knows the community very well.  She is currently working to spread the word about Alliance for Independence by maintaining up to date information on the AFI web site and creating long-lasting partnerships with local service groups, businesses and individuals. If you are a member of the media, if your company is interested in hearing a presentation by our Dream Team or you have a suggestion for a service project for the AKtion Club, please contact Ashley at 665.3846 ext. 241.