Westonwood Ranch Lands $400K for New Training Center

In Brief:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who: Westonwood Ranch, Rep. Shane Abbott, Sen. Jay Trumbull, CEO Lindy Wood
🏗️ What: Receiving $400,000 in state appropriations to build a new life skills and job training facility
📅 When: Funding awarded in November 2025
📍 Where: Freeport, Florida
🎯 Why: To expand vocational training, strengthen independence, and support a larger initiative to develop affordable, supportive housing for young adults with developmental disabilities

FREEPORT, Fla. (November 18, 2025) — Westonwood Ranch has been awarded $400,000 in State of Florida Appropriations through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities — a transformative investment that will fund the construction of a new life skills and job training building on its Freeport campus. The expansion represents a significant milestone in Westonwood Ranch’s long-term mission to equip individuals with developmental differences with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

The new facility will significantly enhance Westonwood Ranch’s ability to deliver specialized training programs tailored to young adults with developmental disabilities. The building will include dedicated classrooms, hands-on vocational training spaces, independent living skill labs, and multipurpose areas designed to simulate real-world work and daily-life environments. These spaces will allow staff to expand curriculum options, introduce new employment pathways, and serve additional participants from across Northwest Florida.

Beyond its immediate impact on program expansion, the project plays a key role in a broader, multi-year initiative to address one of the region’s most pressing and underserved needs: safe, affordable, supportive housing for young adults with developmental disabilities. Westonwood Ranch leaders say the new training center will act as a foundation for a future campus model that integrates education, life skills development, and accessible housing — creating a full continuum of care that supports residents as they move toward greater independence.

Westonwood Ranch expressed deep gratitude to state leaders who championed the proposal. Representative Shane Abbott (R–District 5) and Senator Jay Trumbull (R–District 2) played vital roles in securing the funding during the state budget process.

“I am proud to support Westonwood Ranch and their mission to empower individuals with developmental differences through education, training, and workforce development,” said Rep. Shane Abbott. “Investments like this not only strengthen our communities but also create pathways for independence and meaningful employment. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this new facility will bring to District 5 and beyond.”

Lindy Wood, Founder and CEO of Westonwood Ranch, said the funding will have a generational impact on the families they serve.
“This funding is a game-changer for our organization and, most importantly, for the individuals and families we serve,” Wood said. “We are especially thankful for Representative Abbott and Senator Trumbull’s advocacy and belief in our mission. With this new building, we will be able to expand our training programs, foster greater independence, and create a pipeline of opportunities that help bridge the gap between education and employment.”

Wood added that the expansion will allow Westonwood Ranch to launch new workforce partnerships with local businesses, broaden internship and job-placement opportunities, and strengthen collaboration with community organizations focused on inclusive employment.

The $400,000 appropriation underscores the State of Florida’s commitment to inclusive workforce development and innovative support programs. As the training center becomes operational, Westonwood Ranch expects to serve more participants annually, offer a wider range of vocational tracks, and establish stronger connections between training and long-term employment.

This comprehensive expansion project will create a true continuum of care — supporting young adults with developmental disabilities as they build life, job, and social skills; develop greater self-sufficiency; and access supportive housing options that enable them to participate more fully within their communities.

About Westonwood Ranch
Westonwood Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Freeport, Florida, dedicated to providing unique learning, skill-building, and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental differences. Through agricultural programs, vocational training, and life skills instruction, Westonwood Ranch empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential and become contributing members of the community.