The People Behind the GoodLife: Why Direct Support Is a Career Worth Choosing
With Labor Day behind us and DSP Recognition Week (September 13–19) just ahead, it’s a good moment to slow down and talk about the people who make GoodLife’s work possible in the first place: Direct Support Professionals and Professional Neighbors across Kansas and Arkansas. What is a Direct Support Professional? A Direct Support Professional, or DSP, is the person who… read more
A Poem for Family Fun Day
When Elena Ivanov, GoodLife’s RISE/STEP Coordinator, learned that Tyler Cobb has a real gift for words, she had an idea: what if Tyler wrote the invitation to this year’s Family Fun Day Carnival himself? Tyler said yes — and it took him just 20 minutes to put the verses to paper. The poem was so well loved by everyone at… read more
What AI Can’t Replicate
Artificial intelligence can now compose music, generate artwork, write speeches, and even invent convincing life stories. It can simulate emotion so effectively that we sometimes forget there’s no human behind the curtain. But there is something AI still can’t do. Crochet. Crochet requires instinct. A feel for tension. A decision about whether the next stitch belongs in the front loop,… read more
What is a Professional Neighbor? 24/7 Care for Independent Living
When aging family members or loved ones with disabilities need daily assistance yet desire independent living, families face an impossible dilemma. You can’t always be there to help, but you need to know they’re safe, supported, and thriving in a community that truly sees them. Traditional care models often mean choosing between independence and safety. GoodLife’s Professional Neighbors offer a… read more
Supporting Caregivers: How the Senior Neighborhood Network Reduces Stress for Families
For many adult children, supporting an aging parent doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with small worries:Did they remember their medication? Did they lock the door? What happens if they fall when no one is there? Balancing a career, a family of their own, and concern for a parent’s safety can quickly become overwhelming. Even when seniors are living… read more
Go With the Flow: Rachel’s Story of Strength and Spirit
“Water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient.Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember, you are half water.If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”— Margaret Atwood I’ve had the privilege of seeing some of the world’s greatest swimmers in action — Michael Phelps… read more
Adapting to Change: How GoodLife’s Neighborhood Network Evolves with the People It Serves
A Smarter Way to Support Aging in Place Change is a natural part of life. As we grow older, our needs, routines, and priorities shift. For many aging adults, those changes bring new challenges — maintaining independence, staying socially connected, and ensuring safety at home. GoodLife’s Neighborhood Network was designed with those realities in mind. The Neighborhood Network is a… read more
What Makes a Neighborhood Network Different? Support Built In, Not Bolted On
For many aging adults, the desire to remain at home is strong. Home represents independence, community, and familiarity. Yet as health and support needs grow, many families are faced with a difficult choice: whether to bring in piecemeal services, rely heavily on family caregivers, or consider costly long-term care facilities. GoodLife’s Neighborhood Network offers a different approach. By designing communities… read more
Cheyenne in One Sentence
Do you remember The King and I? Have you ever wondered about King Mongkut’s peculiar affection for the words “et cetera, et cetera, et cetera”? For whatever reason, the old ruler of Siam was obsessed with ending his every sentence with this particular phrase. Was it just an eccentricity, or was the wise king onto something? I think the man… read more
Honoring the Legacy of Sandra K. Lucy
At GoodLife, we believe every person we serve leaves a lasting mark on our community. Few embodied that truth more than Sandra K. Lucy, who passed away on May 29, 2024. Sandra was known for her infectious laughter, joyful spirit, and the light she brought to her home and everyone around her. Recently, Sandra’s family chose to honor her memory… read more
