BAIN Inc. Logo: A stylized yellow and white tree above the text BAIN INC. Center for Independent Living.

About BAIN Inc.

Empowering and supporting citizens with disabilities to live independently in Southwest Georgia.

Our Mission & Philosophy

BAIN Inc. is a non-profit Center for Independent Living (CIL) dedicated to serving persons of all ages and types of disabilities. Our mission is to promote independence, equal access, self-advocacy, and full inclusion of people with disabilities into the Southwest Georgia community.

We operate under the philosophy of the Independent Living Movement, which holds that people with disabilities are experts on their own needs. We believe that independence is not defined by one's physical capabilities, but rather by the freedom to make one's own choices, direct one's own life, and participate fully in the social, economic, and civic activities of the community.

What is a Center for Independent Living (CIL)?

Unlike nursing homes or residential care facilities, CILs do not provide institutionalized living. We are community-based, cross-disability, non-residential organizations run by and for people with disabilities.

The 51% Consumer-Control Rule

By federal law under the Rehabilitation Act, at least 51% of the staff and members of the Board of Directors at BAIN Inc. must be individuals with significant disabilities. This ensures that the agency is designed, operated, and directed by the community it represents.

Our Staff & Team

As a Center for Independent Living, BAIN Inc. champions independent living for everyone in our area. We are made up of a diverse group, including people with disabilities, parents of disabled individuals, and leaders from advocacy groups and public/private service agencies.

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Stancil Tootle
Executive Director
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Cynthia Green
Office Manager
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Nickie Hines
Administrative Assistant
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Linnie Tyler
IL Specialist
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Sikaya Wolfe
Executive Assistant
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Derek Wooten
IL Specialist, Valdosta
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Kent Bush
IL Specialist
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Omarion Smart
P2P Coordinator

Our Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for BAIN Inc. Center for Independent Living plays a crucial role in our success. This group provides essential guidance and financial stewardship, ensuring the Center remains consumer-controlled with a majority of board members being individuals with significant disabilities themselves.

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Ricky Coachman
Board Chair
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Ronnie Sheppard
Board Member
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Mike Lane
Board Secretary
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Terrell Brown
Board Member
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Dr. Crycynthia F. Gardner
Board Member
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Sylvia Washington
Board Member
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Albert Williams
Board Member
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Reggie Smith
Board Member

Southwest Georgia Regional Coverage

Our regional advocates provide services throughout Atkinson, Baker, Berrien, Brooks, Calhoun, Clay, Clinch, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Grady, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, and Worth Counties. We work closely with local transit, housing agencies, and resource networks in each county to maximize outreach and support.

State Plan & Accessibility Commitment

State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)

BAIN Inc. operates in accordance with the Georgia State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). We work in conjunction with the Georgia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) to monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of independent living services in our state.

📥 Download Georgia 2025–2027 SPIL (PDF) or Visit the Georgia SILC Website

Accessibility Statement

We are firmly committed to digital accessibility. We target compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA/AAA standards. This website has been built with semantic code structures, keyboard focus navigation controls, and responsive styling to ensure screen-reader accessibility for all users.

If you encounter any issues or barriers using this website, please contact our accessibility lead via our Contact Hub.