Living In Fulfilling Environments (L.I.F.E.), Inc.
L.I.F.E.lines
Living In Fulfilling Environments (L.I.F.E.), Inc.
Visit us online at: www.lifeincri.org
Providing quality supports for people with disabilities and their families within Rhode Island for over twenty years
A Seasonal Newsletter Volume 18 || Issue 1 || June 2009
Thousands Turn Out Against Further Budget Cuts
of not allowing
those people to
be forgotten.
I am writing
this article on the day
after our June 3rd rally
at the Statehouse. Mary
Ann and I would like
to express our deepest
appreciation to everyone
who participated in
that highly successful
event that saw several
thousand people in
attendance. As one
unified voice seeking no
further cuts in funding,
supported individuals,
their families and
advocates certainly
displayed our shared
commitment to this
rightful cause.
many families were advised to place their
loved ones there due to a lack of community
based supports. The vigil was designed to
commemorate all who lived at and those
who may have eventually died at Ladd.
We are told that many
who passed away
were buried in
unmarked graves
We also would like to
very near where
thank all of those who
the permanent
participated in the letter
memorial is
writing, e-mail, phone
and the vigil
campaign aimed at
was held.
elected State Officials.
Once again we heard that Commemoration
is part of the process
this cause drew more
communication than
any other they deal with. Prior to the rally,
we were proud and moved to be part of the
Executive Director
seventy-two hour vigil held at the former
Ladd Center. As we know from history,
Lawrence D. Wiedenhofer
L.I.F.E.lines
|
Together,
we should all
be proud of the
tremendous
community
based support
system that has
been developed
due to the efforts of so many families and
advocates from the past and present. One
of the rally themes was “keep the promise”,
which addresses the maintenance of this
support system. Rhode Islanders, as a
community, have opened their collective arms
to persons with
developmental
disabilities.
Working
together we
feel collectively
empowered to
resist further
cuts in funding
so as not to
threaten this
necessary and
important
support.
Thank you
for being a
part of this
true civil rights
movement!
Vol.18 Iss. 1
1
L I V I N G
I N
F U L F I L L I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T S
( L . I . F . E . ) , I N C .
Exceptional Employee Profile
Agency Referral
Bonus
Do you have friends
looking for a rewarding
career?
Introduce them to L.I.F.E.
Inc and you will receive a
bonus! When hired, you
receive $50.00 and after
they remain employed 6
months, you will receive
an additional $100.00. For
more information, contact
HR at 401.254.2910 ex. 11
Stay Up to Date!
Providing us with your
e-mail address helps
you stay up to date on
upcoming events and
issues affecting the
L.I.F.E. community.
Please contact Diane at
[email protected] or
call 401.254.2910 with
your name and e-mail
address to enroll.
Stop by the Human
Resources Office and
see Mary Acciardo
for discount Six Flags
tickets. For only
$25.00 you can ride
their newest coaster
experience - Bizarro!
L.I.F.E. Congratulates Cindy Ouellette’s Stellar Service
During the past year, storm clouds of economic
crisis have crept their way across the landscape of Rhode
Island communities and cast darkness over supports for
individuals with disabilities. As we all recognize, light
dispels darkness and acts as a beacon for all those trying
to navigate their way safely through troubled terrain. For
over two decades, L.I.F.E.’s direct support professionals
have been beams of light, slicing through the darkness of
budget cuts and politics. Our dedicated staff drives out
the dark clouds of uncertainty through their unwavering
commitment to uncompromising supports for disabled
individuals trying to chart their way through life.
Cindy Ouellette is one of those vibrant rays of
light that brightens the daily lives of both the individuals
she supports and her fellow team members. She began
her career with L.I.F.E. in June of 1987 and for the past
twenty two years has devoted herself to helping supported
individuals increase their independence and maximize their potential. Cindy
steadfastly provides educated choices and empowers individuals to follow their
dreams at the Hancock Estate day program site. She shows great enthusiasm when
helping clients learn new skills and fosters an atmosphere of accomplishment. As
the Assistant Team Leader, Cindy demonstrates her leadership abilities on a daily
basis through positive interactions with both supported individuals and staff alike.
Through word and action, she exhibits the qualities necessary to successfully assist
supported individuals in reaching their goals and enjoying the quality of life they
deserve. Cindy shines in the role of supporting individuals with disabilities and her
passion for quality services acts like a beacon
that safely illuminates the path ahead.
Matt Murphy
“There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror
that reflects it” Edith Wharton
Dedicated Friends Needed!
Our Shared Living Arrangement program
has begun and we are seeking individuals
who may be interested in sharing their
homes or apartments, or become a
supported individual’s roommate. Annual
stipends and respite services are provided.
One needs to be a strong advocate and
mentor to assist individuals with medical
appointments, transportation, budgeting,
community skills and connections. Respite
work is also available, if you are interested
contact Mary Ann 401.254.2910 ext. 15.
Help is Here
Agency employees that are eligible for Health Insurance Benefits
can access a 24 hour hotline number for assistance with all medical
and mental health questions at United Healthcare.
The number is : 1-800-747-0572
Employees not eligible for benefits can ask their manager for a
list of places available for medical and mental health assistance
developed by the Human Resources Department.
Join the Savings Club Today to Ensure
Holiday Money Next Winter!
The Savings Club Plan is a benefit offered by the agency that
allows employees the opportunity to have funds removed from
their paycheck and deposited into a high-yielding savings account
that gains interest at a rate of 3% throughout the year. The Saving
Club Plan runs yearly from Novemeber to November at which
point checks are distributed to participants. Enrollment in the
Savings Plan can occur at any point during the year by submitting
a signed agreement form to the Human Resources Department.
If you wish to begin participating contact Mary Acciardo at
401.254.2910 ex. 11.
2
L.I.F.E.lines
L I V I N G
I N
F U L F I L L I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T S
( L . I . F . E . ) , I N C .
Going Green Tips
painting by Brian Novasad
From home and garden to food and health and tech and transport, there are tons of ways we can make our
lives greener. Read on for small steps to “going green in 2009.”
Switch to a corded phone:
Cordless phones are energy vampires: sitting in a recharging cradle they suck up power twenty-four hours a day. Replace a
cordless phone or two that you don’t really need, and you’ll save energy. If you just love your cordless, consider one in the room you
are in most often and put the cord type in the other rooms.
Cool it down:
Ninety percent of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating the water. The higher the temperature of the water, the
more electricity you’re running and the higher the cost of both energy use and money. Here’s one easy way to clean green: turn the
dial to cold water.
Turn off the computer:
When you are done searching the internet, turn off your workstation. It will save energy and wear and tear on your hardware. In
one year, if you shut your machine off before bed each night, you’ll save an average of $90.00 worth of electricity.
Kick the water bottle habit:
Ever wonder where most of those plastic water bottles go that we knock back from every day? Truth be told, the end up in landfills,
where they live on and on and on and on. Not only do they accumulate and stress landfills, they are made from polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), a petroleum product, and their manufacturing process uses oil, a nonrenewable energy source, and increases
CO2 emissions.
Get toasted:
If you have the option, use a toaster oven instead of a conventional oven, and you’ll consume a lot less energy. Tests have shown
that a toaster oven, with plenty of room for air to circulate around it, consumes a whopping fifty percent less energy. As an added
bonus, using a toaster oven will keep your kitchen cooler.
Paper or plastic?:
How about neither? Each year the United States uses thirty billion plastic and ten billion paper grocery bags, requiring
approximately fourteen million trees and twelve million barrels of oil. Everyone can do their part by using reusable bags for
shopping.
Keep electronics out of the trash:
Throwing out your old computer, cell phone and other gadgets can be harmful to the environment because of the chemicals they
deposit in landfills. Cellsforcash.com will take your old phone and give you cash. Best Buy will take your old computer and give you
a discount on your upgrade.
Light up your life:
Compact Florescent bulbs may cost a little more than a regular bulb but they can last up to nine years and save lots of money in the
long run. It only uses one-third the electricity of a regular bulb.
Small papers help too:
If everyone in the United States said “no thanks” to ATM receipts, it would save a roll of paper so long it could circle the equator
15 times.
Most of us understand that we need to do something, some of us understand what to do but few of us are
actually doing anything . . . Won’t you join us in 2009 and Go Green?!
Diane Rodrigues
Vol. 18 Iss. 1 3
Up With L.I.F.E.
L I V I N G
I N
F U L F I L L I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T S
( L . I . F . E . ) , I N C .
The Past, Present and Future Events of L.I.F.E. Inc.
Monday Night Bowling:
This weekly social activity has continued
throughout the winter and spring seasons. It
became such a popular activity, that there are
now two bowling groups. One group bowls at
Dudek’s in Warren, RI, while the second group
bowls at Bowling Academy in East Providence,
RI.
January 9th, 2009
L.I.F.E., Inc. held a Holiday Dance at Franklin
Court in Bristol from 11:00am to 1:30pm.
Everyone who attended enjoyed socializing
during lunch and celebrating the New Year
with music provided by DJ Trouble.
January 24th, 2009
The Little Compton Community Center’s
Circle of Friends social group held its monthly activity, Be My Valentine
from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Dinner was also provided by St. Andrew’s by the
Sea Episcopal Church of Little Compton.
February 23rd, 2009
karaoke services!
L.I.F.E., Inc. hosted a karaoke night for L.I.F.E.
supported individuals, as well as individuals from the
Tuesday Night Adult Continuing Special Education
Class. Those who attended had a great time with
friends, choosing favorite songs to sing, and dancing.
Thank you to Cal Raye for once again providing his
February 28th, 2009
The Little Compton Community Center’s Circle of Friends social group
held its monthly activity, Bingo Night at the Center from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Everyone enjoyed playing the game and winning donated prizes.
March 28th, 2009
The Little Compton Community Center’s Circle of Friends social
group hosted a Showcase of Talent Night as their monthly social event.
Participants enjoyed sharing their musical, dance, and theatrical talents for
their friends and family members, followed by a generous meal provided by
St. Catherine’s of Siena Church of Little Compton.
April 18th, 2009
The Little Compton Community Center’s Circle of Friends social group
participated in an Improv Night with Diane Postoian at the Center for its
monthly event. Dinner was also provided by the Amicable Congregational
Church of Tiverton.
May 16th, 2009
The Little Compton Community Center’s Circle of Friends social group
held its monthly event at the Newport Art Museum in order to participate
in Community Arts Connect Day. The Community Center teamed up with
the Newport Art Museum and VSA Arts of Rhode Island to make this day
happen. The day included a variety of art workshops in the Museum’s
Coleman Center and on the Griswold House porch and grounds from
1:00pm to 4:00pm, as well as free admission to the Museum from 10:00am to
4:00pm. This annual special event was sponsored by the Newport County
Fund of the Rhode Island Foundation, VSA Arts Rhode Island, and the Little
Compton Community Center.
Tuesday Night Adult Continuing Special Education
Classes:
Since October, select individuals from L.I.F.E., Inc. have been attending
special education classes based out of Mt.
Hope High School in Bristol from 6:00pm
to 8:00pm with supported individuals
from other agencies from across Rhode
Island. The curriculum focuses on life
skills, money skills, healthy nutrition, safety
skills, writing skills, computer skills, and
discussing current events. In addition to
in-class curriculum, the class also participates in field trips outside of the
classroom to places like local fire stations, the Audubon Society, Coggeshall
Farm, and Blithewald Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. This class is taught
weekly by Tony DaPonte, Pat Raposa, Rosemarie Dion, and Bethany Gale.
The night school ended for summer break on May 26th. It will most likely
be starting again in October.
Wednesday Afternoon Yoga
Around eight supported individuals
continue to participate in the
weekly yoga class held in the L.I.F.E.
Conference Room. This class has been
running since April 2008 with yoga
instructor, Judith Medeiros, who began
teaching chair yoga, slowly adding
adapted standing yoga positions and
stretches on floor mats. Everyone continues to excel,
therefore prompting Judith to add slightly more challenging movements
each week.
Wednesday Evening Money Skills Class
Around eight individuals continue to participate in
the Money Skills Class which began last September
at Snacks ‘n Stuff headquarters after business hours.
Those participating enjoy learning about money in
a familiar setting and in fun and interactive ways
– playing money games, simulating a gift shop, as
well as practicing the skill out in the community.
The class recently went to a local Dunkin Donuts
to utilize what they have learned. Thank you to
Bethany Gale for her hard work and dedication to
teaching this class!
Upcoming Events Featured on Page 6
4
L.I.F.E.lines
L I V I N G
I N
F U L F I L L I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T S
( L . I . F . E . ) , I N C .
News
Broadview Industries, Recycled Treasures, Top Drawer Art Center & Snacks n’ Stuff
B.R.A.S.S. Broadens Its Horizons with Green Thumbs Productions
We are happy to announce that there is a new vocational opportunity set to launch this summer! Cleverly named Green
Thumbs Productions by George Garabedian, this endeavor will allow about twenty supported individuals to take the lead on
creating two vegetable gardens, one in Tiverton and one in Warren. The produce will be available to our supported individuals
and staff, in an effort to make available fresh, locally produced food at an inexpensive cost.
As with all of our vocational endeavors, community
participation and providing opportunities to give back to
society in a meaningful way is always our goal. With that
in mind, Green Thumbs’ ultimate goal will be to sell the
produce at local farmer’s markets or local grocery stores
such as the Green Grocer in Portsmouth.
The garden in Tiverton will be purely organic, as
we are lucky to be partnering with Greenlion Design, a
local gardening business that is dedicated to providing
all organic, ecologically responsible gardens for their
customers. Greenlion will work directly with our supported individuals to design, install and
oversee the progress of the garden. Kim Lamothe, proprietor of Greenlion Design and a
former employee of our agency, was very excited when approached about this collaboration.
“I know from experience the amazing services that L.I.F.E. provides and I am very excited to be a part
of L.I.F.E. again with my organic garden company. I can’t wait to see the first cherry tomato ripened
and popped into the mouth of a hard working gardener and the smile it will leave on their face!”
As for the garden in Warren, this will be a collaboration with
Ronnie Rodrigues, who has generously donated a portion of
his land to this effort. He will also be working alongside our
supported individuals and will provide his expertise as he has
over fifty-five years experience in farming and community
gardening.
Green Thumbs Productions has been made possible through a generous grant provided by The
Fogarty Foundation. For more information on Greenlion Design please visit their website at www.
greenlionri.com.
Green T
h
tion�
oduc
umb� Pr
Liz Wiedenhofer
Vol. 18 Iss. 1 5
L I V I N G
I N
F U L F I L L I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T S
( L . I . F . E . ) , I N C .
What’s In The Top Drawer?
The Recent Events of the Top Drawer Art Center
Things are rolling along smoothly this year as the artists of Top Drawer continue to change people’s conceptions of what art
and disability truly are through innovative exhibitions and new and exciting guest artist workshops.
The year started off with CONVERSATIONS, our new visiting artist program, with Resurrecting and Recycling: The Art Of
Mosaic with Cindy Kelly. Cindy was able to teach the complicated and ancient art of mosaic in a short space of time, and all who
attended were able to create their own unique mosaic piece to bring home or leave at Top Drawer for future exhibitions.
Soon after was our first show of the year: Blueprint: A Special Exhibition of the Art of Paul Martland, in which Top Drawer highlighted
the intriguing and unique work of one of L.I.F.E. Inc.’s original artists. All who came left with a T-shirt featuring one of Paul’s drawnover blueprints, signed by the artist himself!
Our next CONVERSATIONS workshop, Direct Draw Movie Collaboration with Leif Goldberg, will go down as one of the
classic moments in Top Drawer history. Leif stretched blank 16 mm film around the gallery and studio while participants covered
it with markers and paint in any way they could, and watched it all flash brilliantly by at the close of the workshop set to perfect
background music by Top Drawer artists.
Following that success it was time for Top Drawer to host My Inspiration: New Paintings by Wendy LeBeau. Wendy displayed her
very personal and energetic paintings to an audience eager for more, and set a new record for Top Drawer art show sales in the middle
of a recession! Not an easy thing to accomplish during any time.
Shortly thereafter it was another CONVERSATIONS workshop, as filmmaker and YES Gallery + Studio owner Leigh
Medeiros led a special screenwriting session, Writing For Film. Those who came teamed up with Top Drawer’s artists, picked their
brains for ideas, and collaborated on short scenes from imaginary movies that could only have been imagined at Top Drawer. Those
who attended will surely never forget the way the artists acted out the scenes they’d just wrote, and the words “Alpha Centauri” will
forever have a special meaning.
April showers soon brought another exhibition, as Top Drawer hosted Windows: The Art Of Jaclyn Parkos, and exhibited
Jackie’s wonderfully simple paintings of layered squares and color patterns. Jackie’s innate talent for beautiful color schemes made
the show an easy one to curate, and all who came were amazed by an ability that painters and designers everywhere struggle to
accomplish.
Our next CONVERSATIONS workshop Drawing In The Air, hosted by C.W. Roelle, introduced Top Drawer’s artists and fans
to an amazing talent that certainly has gotten the recognition he deserves. “Sonny” was generous enough to illustrate his process and
offer it to the attendees to make their own work in the same way, and all who came learned a lot about dedication to craft, persistence,
hard work, how those things all pay off.
Following that, Top Drawer hosted its next CONVERSATIONS installment, MAKE/SHIFTS: Raiding The Lumberyard with
Jon Laustsen. The studio filled with artists and the public, who all gathered around and built out of Jon’s own miniature construction
materials their own unique creations. That same night, Jon arranged all the work done that day in a special exhibition, which proved
to be one of the most abstract and fascinating shows Top Drawer has ever offered.
Stay tuned at www.topdrawer.squarespace.com for all the great opportunities Top Drawer offers its artists and the public,
and be sure to visit the gallery soon! You will be amazed by what you see!
See you soon at Top Drawer,
Seamus Hames
Save the Date
Studio Coordinator
Upcoming Events
6/26/09: 4th of July Cookout (Colt State Park Gazebo : 11:00am to 1:30pm)
This event costs $5.00 per individual upon admission and includes lunch.
6/27/09: Sailing in Newport Harbor (Fort Adams State Park : 11:00am to 2:00pm)
Box lunches will be provided by the United Congregational Church. Please RSVP for
this event before June 25th at (401) 635-2400.
7/31/09: Nature Reading (The Audubon Society in Bristol : 10:00am)
This activity is free of charge. Individuals should bring a bagged lunch for a picnic.
8/21/09: Bristol Boat Museum Outing
Museum admission is $7.00. Bring a bagged lunch for a picnic at Wally Beach.
9/18/09: End of the Summer Cookout (Colt State Gazebo : 11:00am to 1:30pm)
This event costs $5.00 per individual upon admission and includes lunch.
6
L.I.F.E.lines
L I V I N G
I N
F U L F I L L I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T S
( L . I . F . E . ) , I N C .
B.R.A.S.S. Enterprises Rolls Out New Wave of Advertising
Sorry We Missed You!
A crew with the Broadview Recycling Program
stopped by today to tell you about a great way
to dispose of your aluminum cans and help
individuals with disabilities at the same time!
Broadview Recycling has been in operation since
1999. Featuring a crew of highly motivated
individuals with developmental disabilities, we
provide aluminum recycling services in your area.
Supported in partnership by Living In Fulfilling
Environments (L.I.F.E.), Inc. we collect and crush
aluminum to earn money for recreational and other
special activities.
We Do the Work - So You Don’t Have To!
•
•
•
•
•
We provide a covered trash barrel for holding the
empty cans
We come either every week or every other week
(depending on your usage) to empty the barrel
We replace the trash bag each time we visit to ensure
cleanliness of the barrel
Just place your empty, clean aluminum cans in the
provided barrel throughout the week
Place the barrel outside your house on your
designated day for pickup by us
Thanks
- The Recycling Crew
Broadview Industries
To learn more about Broadview
Industries or to set up an account
call:
401-254-2910
If you haven’t seen it already, our
new website is up and running
This doorknob hanger
was created to help
alert the community
about Broadview
Recycling’s services and
is left on the doors of
perspective customers
who are not home when
the individuals visit.
Containing information
on all the aspects of
B.R.A.S.S. Enterprises and
how they have grown
over the years. The
employees of B.R.A.S.S.
Enterprises are very proud
of the development of
the businesses and where
they are going. These
informational cards help
to spread the word about
the businesses and obtain
new accounts.
So be on the lookout for
these doorknob hangers in
a neighborhood near you!
Introducing B.R.A.S.S. Enterprises
Utilizing a highly innovative approach, L.I.F.E., Inc
provides vocational supports to individuals with developmental
disabilities through partnerships in a number of small business
ventures. BRASS Enterprises consists of several businesses that
are co-owned by supported individuals who share in all of
the net profit generated by these ventures. The partnerships
entrepreneurial endeavors are entirely community based,
therefore aligned with the Agency’s mission and philosophical
vision. Included in the BRASS pursuits are: an “honors” snack
box business, an arts center, jewelry and other craft items, a flea
market space, cleaning services, aluminum recycling, and the
operation of a small café and a line of beauty products.
Thank you for considering participation and
support of B.R.A.S.S. Enterprises.
Please call (401) 254-2910 for more information
Business ventures owned by individuals with
developmental disabilities in partnership with
Living In Fulfilling Environments (L.I.F.E.), Inc.
Special Thanks to All of Our Recent Sponsors
Check it out at
www.lifeincri.org
Donate your empty ink jet printer
cartridges today and help
L.I.F.E. Inc. in their fund raising
efforts
With the help of the ink jet recycling company,
Empties4Cash, we are now collecting used ink jet printer
cartridges to raise money for the Special Needs Account.
L.I.F.E. will receive $4.00 for every recyclable cartridge, which
will be refilled and sold at a lower price.
Return your used cartridges to either Anne
or Diane in the original box or in a zipper
sandwich bag in order to prevent it from
leaking. For more information contact
Diane Rodrigues (401.254.2910) today!
Vol. 18 Iss. 1 7
Our Mission
L.I.F.E. Inc. works to provide individualized supportive environments thereby empowering individuals
with developmental disabilities to achieve their personal goals. Our approach focuses on education
and learning through self-advocacy and informed choices while celebrating peoples’ unique abilities
and preserving equality and human dignity.
Our Vision
Our Board of Trustees
Lawrence Wiedenhofer
Mary Ann Wiedenhofer
We are committed to being an innovative and creative leader in supported resources:
• To continue educating ourselves, our community, and those we support
• To ensure satisfaction of supported individuals by listening and participating in open, honest
communication
• To promote equality as well as quality of life through freedom of choice and self-advocacy
• To encourage growth and accept change, not only in the individuals we support, but also within
ourselves and our ideas
President
Vice President & Secretary
Wendy Lebeau
Trustee
Brian Novasad
Trustee
Carolyn Pellegrino
Trustee
Barbara Valente
Visit Us Online
www.lifeincri.org
Trustee
Gen. Richard Valente, Sr. (Ret.)
Copyright © 2007-2009 | Living In Fulfilling Environments (L.I.F.E.), Inc.
Trustee
Design and Layout by Total Eclipse Design Studio
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Permit 490
Bristol, RI
Living In Fulfilling Environments (L.I.F.E.), Inc.
L.I.F.E.lines
||
Vol. 18 Iss. 1