Years ago, Sister Elizabeth Marie Stoup SSJ envisioned a ministry to magnify the abilities of those served and return to God what we receive from Him. Sister Elizabeth recognized that Churches, employers, schools, and other civic and community organizations are transformed when they are ready to welcome the gifts of individuals with disabilities. That vision established Bishop Grady Villas in 2004; a residential community where adults with intellectual disabilities could live as independently as possible while receiving support to be safe and healthy.
Since its inception, Bishop Grady Villas has worked diligently to support individuals with disabilities to live independently in their community, develop life skills, and work toward competitive and self-employment opportunities. The ministry primarily serves people with disabilities and their families, especially individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Bishop Grady Villas has now become Magnify of Central Florida with an expansion of programs. In addition to the residential program, Magnify now includes Employment, Project SEARCH youth transition, and Life Skills Development programs for individuals who reside throughout Central Florida.
Magnify’s Life Skills Program provides ongoing educational activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These activities support the individual to have a meaningful, valued role in the community.
The Employment Program assists job seekers age 15 through adulthood with disabilities who reside throughout Lake, Osceola, Orange, Polk, and Seminole Counties in gaining employment.
Project SEARCH is a one-year, school-to-work program for young people in high school with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ages 18-21). This program is a total emergence from the classroom to the workplace.
To learn more about Magnify and how you can help empower individuals to reach their full potential, please visit https://www.magnifyfl.org/donate.