Tag: independent living
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
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
You Gotta Meet Daniele
“You gotta meet Daniele, Ivo. She is quite amazing!” It was more than nine years ago, when Austin encouraged me to meet his newneighbor. The man is not known for dishing out compliments lightly, so I had nochoice but to take his words seriously. Austin, one of the first residents of the Neighborhood Network was clearlyimpressed: “Daniele is so cool!… read more
Beyond Senior Living: The Modern Alternative to Assisted Living
When you begin exploring care options for your aging parent or loved one, assisted living often comes up first. While traditional facilities can offer structure and security, they aren’t always the right fit. Many older adults want to remain in their homes, keep their routines, and stay connected to the communities they love. They want independence, dignity, and flexibility in… read more
Aging in Place, Together: Neighborhood Network Expands to Older Adults
Aging in place has become the goal for many older adults and their families. People want to stay in the homes and communities they know, surrounded by familiar routines and relationships. But for many, the traditional options for aging support do not match the kind of life they want to live. Moving into a facility can feel like a loss… 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
One Long Journey
One of GoodLife’s most dedicated and loyal employees never leaves the office on Delaware street, has 29 siblings, is exactly 5 feet tall, and has been with the organization for over twenty-two years. Yes, it’s been that long since our beloved Jayhawk statue first arrived at its permanent location in Lawrence. It all started in 2003 when the Lawrence Convention… read more
“Happiness Without Walls”
A few years ago, Dr. Robert Waldinger delivered a speech titled “The Good Life: Lessons from The Longest Study on Happiness”. The speech has been viewed over 50 million times on the Internet. Dr. Waldinger’s talk focused on the longest academic study in the United States, which started in 1938 and continues to this day. Ultimately, the goal of Harvard’s… 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
