Tag: developmental disabilities
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
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
What Is GoodLife University? A Smarter Way to Stabilize Your DSP Workforce
Across the nation, I/DD provider agencies are facing a painful reality: the direct support workforce is in crisis. Agencies are short-staffed, leadership teams are stretched thin, and the professionals who are meant to be delivering care are burned out or walking away. The traditional methods of recruiting, hiring, and retaining Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are no longer working. But that… read more
“We All Love Terry”
Gosh, time really flies by. It seems like yesterday when Terry asked me “Can I hold her?” My daughter was just a few days old but I didn’t hesitate. I had known Terry for about a year which was long enough for me to recognize that behind his gruff, tough-guy demeanor lived a gentle, caring soul. He carefully took my… read more
“Santa Has A Name”
“Excuse me, I think you dropped something,” said Ted Horn pretending to pick up a twenty-dollar bill from the floor and handing it to his customer. The young man appeared startled and confused. Desperate, cold and starving he had walked into the Dixie Diner in Tupelo, Mississippi knowing perfectly well he didn’t have a single penny in his pocket. “What…sorry…I… read more
It’s Back! Midnight Farm Family Fun Day
So far 2024 has been eventful in many ways but we are about to make it even more memorable. On Saturday, September 7th GoodLife will bring back a beloved tradition – the Annual Family Fun Day at Midnight Farm! Originally, the event was conceived as an opportunity to bring families and community members together at the farm in celebration of… read more
“A Durable Dance Partner”
Dear friends, This July, we bid farewell to one of the most important members of our GoodLife family – Dr. James Sherman. It is impossible to adequately describe the impact and influence of his contributions not only to our organization but to the entire field of Applied Behavioral Science. In 1977, while working at the University of Kansas Dr. Sherman… read more
The Lucky Apartment
“Hey Ivo, are you coming? The game is about to start. We need you at the “lucky” apartment.” Austin’s default expression is a friendly smile but, in this case, even over the phone I can easily sense a very different emotion. He sounds worried and there is a reason for that. He has been my good friend and neighbor for… read more
Disability Doesn’t Define You: Cheyenne’s Incredible Story of Kindness and Strength
Defined By Kindness Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Cheyenne tirelessly navigates Midnight Farm with grace and dexterity, readily offering high-fives and introducing each animal by name. She proudly presents Bandit the donkey; Kallie the adorable pony; Pixie the mischievous goat; Batman the protective rooster; and Petunia the lazy, yet amiable pig. The animals on the farm flock toward Cheyenne,… read more
