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LIFE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
William G. McKelvey, Chairperson
JoAnn Simons,
Vice Chairperson
Peter Capernaros, Secretary
Trustees:
Jody Bellows
Peter Bowman
Pamela Dempsey
Jill Edelson
Nancy Jones
David Leary
Michael Lenehan
Karen Megathlin
Joseph Reardon
Susan Reilly
Stephen Rothenberg
Kathy Titus
Dick Weir
ABOUT LIFE...
Living Independently Forever, Inc., is a non profit organization that has served adults with learning disabilities within its condomium communities on Cape Cod, Massachusetts since 1993. Residents have joined the LIFE community from many areas of our country and beyond.
LIFE's professional staff is dedicated to the goal of encouraging each resident's aspirations, strengths and abilities.
LIFE provides support and resources in the areas of vocation, education, social/community involvement and daily living. LIFE is a thriving community, whose residents live full and productive lives.
LIFE OFFERS:
FLEXIBLE SECURE OPTIONSAt LIFE,Residents own or share a condominium within LIFE's condominium communities on lovely Cape Cod, or have the option to live in a nearby condo and receive LIFE's Supported Independent Living Services. Our communities offer recreation facilities and state of the art fitness centers. LIFE's professional staff provide support services appropriate to each individual resident. For more information about LIFE, please call Diane Enochs, Executive Director at 508-790-3600 or email Diane
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September, 2011
Volunteering is Caring... 
Diane Enochs presents citation of honor to volunteer, Mike Silvia
There have been many recent studies about the mental health benefits of volunteering. These studies have concluded that those who volunteer report feeling happier and more fulfilled in their daily lives. LIFE has a two-tiered approach to volunteering: LIFE residents volunteer their services at many local non-profits, and LIFE also welcomes Cape community members to share a special talent or interest with our LIFE residents. Last winter, LIFE received a surprising offer from Marstons Mills Eagle Scout, Michael Silvia. Mike knew that LIFE had a recycling program that was organized in the Hyannis recreation center kitchen, and offered to build a recycling shed for LIFE as his Eagle Scout project. He rallied his troop members, sought donations of building materials and his efforts resulted in a caring and most generous gift to LIFE. In August, LIFE held a ribbon cutting reception for Michael, who received a citation of honor from the Commonwealth's Senate President, Therese Murray. Coincidentally, LIFE had just been chosen by Cape Cod Volunteers to participate in its pilot program. Lisa McNeill, CCV's president, was at the reception to celebrate Mike's achievement. Lisa said that her organization chose to involve LIFE in their pilot project because " In talking with various LIFE staff members, I became aware that Volunteerism was an important value at LIFE. We are excited to be working with LIFE ", she continued. Cape Cod Volunteers has already begun to identify appropriate volunteers who will be capable of making a caring impact on the lives of LIFE's residents. Stay tuned for future e-letter updates on the development of this wonderful collaboration.
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Brain Gym at LIFE...  |
Jill is "wired" and ready for Brain Gym fun. (here with Ian)
Many of us associate computers with added stress as we rush to make that writing deadline, balance our checkbooks, or to keep up with all of our email and Facebook communications, but, amazingly, computers can be actually be used to "de-stress" the brain. Several months ago, LIFE trustee, parent and psychologist, Steven Rothenberg, introduced LIFE's Fitness Director, Ian Saarmann to the "Brain Gym" program.
"Brain Gym" is a program that uses movements, computer games and biofeedback. It utilizes computer-augmented breathing , meditation and relaxation techniques. Participants' breathing, heart rate and temperature are recorded through finger sensors to track their physical responses to the exercises.
14 residents are now participating in the program, and LIFE staffer, Jillian Bramley, has jumped on board to assist Ian with the program; they are hoping to involve more residents in its the next phases. Participant data is collected to measure improvement in relaxation response and cognitive skills used in game-playing , and residents have self-reported that they have been enjoying the program.
LIFE resident, Jill Connell, has been using the program since its introduction at LIFE. She reports that she has really seen a change in her life. "I'm much more relaxed and less impatient", said Jill. "Also, my mind seems to work quicker and my memory seems to be better." According to Ian, these are some of the positive changes that have been documented through this type of program. "I'm very excited about this", he said, "I think it's going to make a big impact on the quality of our residents' lives at LIFE.
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We Love Harvest of Barnstable....
- and we know that you will too :)
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Harvest of Barnstable is a uniquely  beautiful shop in West Yarmouth Port
that is brimming with every kind of
dried flower arrangement and decoration
that you can imagine. We at LIFE give
them an A+ for their creativity, for
being among the nicest and friendliest
people we have ever met, *and* because
they have integrated a team of LIFE
residents to perfectly nestle paperwhite
bulbs in the lovely Nantucket-style
baskets that are one of their most popular
items. "Our Nantucket baskets are holiday
best-sellers", said Wendi Smith, the shop's
proprietor, "and we love working with the
LIFE crew because they have
great attitudes and do such a great job
for us."
Are you curious? You can browse
Wendi's beautiful website here, place your
order online and get a jump on your holiday
shopping.
We thank you for supporting
Harvest of Barnstable and their LIFE resident employees. |
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"Team Employment"
Jan Viall, Employment Counselor/Mashpee; Josie L'Etoile, Director of Employment Services; Jacqueline Lee, Job Coach; Corinne Wickel, Employment Counselor/Mashpee & Polly Burns, Employment Counselor/Hyannis (left to right)
LIFE's "Team Employment" is a group of energetic professionals who search the Cape business landscape for appropriate and fulfilling jobs for LIFE residents. They are not only skilled in identifying employment opportunities, but also in coaching each resident in interview skills, worksite appropriateness, job stress management and positive work ethics. Cape Cod has a thriving seasonal economy and many wonderful summer businesses have hired LIFE residents for the tourist season. Josie L'Etoile, Director of Employment Services, and the team are particularly on the watch for year-round positions for residents. As Josie states it: "Despite the seasonal nature of Cape Cod, we aspire to procure year-round positions for our residents: jobs that are dependable and that offer our residents opportunities to grow". Josie recently announced that several new employers have "joined us in our efforts to establish integrated employment" through offering job positions to our residents. Please join us in welcoming Macy's Department Store, Panera Bread, Serenity Cafe, TJ Maxx, Optimist Cafe, Sandwich Archives, Community Health Center of Cape Cod, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Seaview Real Estate and The Mills Restaurant.
Way to go, "Team Employment"!
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Welcome Dan !
Dan in his new backyard at LIFE in Hyannis
The LIFE Community extends a warm welcome to new resident, Dan Barrett, who has moved to Cape Cod from western Massachusetts and is now making his home at LIFE in Hyannis. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dan for "Connect to LIFE."
How do you like it here at LIFE?
"I really like it here. Everyone is united. There is no bullying here. And the staff is really awesome".
What is your favorite thing about the LIFE program?
"The fact that I get to be independent here and to make choices about what I do".
What goals would you like to accomplish here?
"Right now I'm going to school at Cape Cod Community College and studying horticulture, landscaping and agriculture. I would love to work in landscaping, and I'm now hoping to get an internship that is related to what I am studying".
Do you have a favorite kind of music?
"I love all kinds of music: Lady Gaga, Reggae and Rap. But if I had to pick a favorite group, it would be Enigma, and also the group called Gregorian. They sing Gregorian chants and also sing some pop songs. My favorite song by them is called "Gregorian Sadness"- it makes you feel like you are in a big cathedral. It's so beautiful. You can hear it on YouTube".
So, what are your favorite activities at LIFE?
"I have a very busy schedule with school, but I am enjoying socializing with the people here. They are really nice and awesome to hang out with. Everyone at LIFE seems just really happy and peaceful."
All rights reserved, LIFE, Inc., 2011
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