Category: Services
Small changes, big impact: What day services look like during COVID-19
GoodLife’s day-services programs and activities adapt to COVID-19 to keep residents connected, well-cared-for, and safe. Learn how we’re doing it.
The Quest for the Good Life: Episode 2
We are constantly on the hunt for a better way of delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time, and with the right touch. In the second episode of the Quest for the GoodLife, our CEO Dr. Mike Strouse walks us through how the seed of the Neighborhood Network was planted, and how it has grown… watch now
How a well-established model of care helped GoodLife adapt to COVID-19
GoodLife Innovation’s history is rooted in putting people first. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who support them. We aim to do this by transforming lives through deep relationships, learning, respect, innovation, exceeding expectations, and achieving results. In order for any of this to happen, we must… read more
Inside the GoodLife with Nicole Kanaman
There’s no better way to learn about the GoodLife than to hear from the people living it. Today we visit with Nicole Kanaman. Nicole is a behavior analyst and is currently earning her Ph.D. at the University of Kansas (KU). Nicole and her husband Ky, cofounder of GoodLife work program KC Pop Co., also share their life with two GoodLife… read more
The Quest for the Good Life: Episode 1
GoodLife knows that providers need a better way to affordably, effectively, and safely deliver care at the exact moment and place of need – and we also believe that care should be delivered by people who are known and trusted. Our mission is inspired by meeting this need, but to do so providers must chart a new course within the… watch now
Johnson County Montessori School & North Star Academy: A special place of inclusion and learning
GoodLife’s 40-year partnership with the University of Kansas (KU) has developed a number of nationally regarded service models including North Star Academy (NSA), a school for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Today we visit with Kristen Kunze, Executive Director of Children’s Services for GoodLife, and Pam Neidert, Assistant Professor for KU’s Applied Behavioral Science department, to learn about… read more
From reimagining to reality: replacing traditional care models with next generation services
Goodlife’s most valuable outcomes are the result of listening to and understanding our most vulnerable residents. We’ve learned they want, and require, something different than what providers have traditionally offered them. Here’s what we know for sure, especially now in the midst of COVID-19: It is impossible to prevent or contain cross contamination in congregate settings (like nursing homes, group… read more
Together, we can weather the storm
As we face an unprecedented national health crisis we have no doubt that service providers (like us) are necessarily shining a huge spotlight on their systems, policies, and infrastructure. We are asking challenging questions like: Just how equipped are we to weather this storm? Are we as nimble as we hoped? As stable? Where do we face the greatest threats… read more
Beyond turnover: how GoodLife measures workforce stability
We’ve talked about the Perfect Storm and you’re probably already aware that the Direct Support Provider (DSP) workforce has been one of the most unstable workforces nationally for over three decades.1 While the national turnover rate for all workforces averages about 3%, annual DSP turnover rates now exceed 50%.2 There is no single answer or solution, but it starts with… read more
A 40-year partnership leads to a lifetime of impact
GoodLife’s history is filled with passionate people demanding better care for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Two of our co-founders, James Sherman and Jan Sheldon, also held faculty positions at the University of Kansas (KU). Together they recognized and understood the importance of evaluating and applying best practices to service settings and addressing societal concerns. This… read more