Dear friends, family and supporters of LIFEDesigns,
With the holiday season currently underway we wanted to recognize the amazing things that have occurred in 2019. Most of you should be aware, in May of 2019 we were able to increase all employee wages by $3.00 per hour. This is a significant investment for us, and one our board feels is very important to improving our services for our clients. Since making this commitment, we’ve already started seeing some positive changes, such as:
- We’ve stopped using temporary staffing since September (which is a significant cost savings!)
- We’re seeing more experienced applicants for Direct Support Professional roles.
- We’re starting to be able to provide more services to our clients.
We’re very excited to see these changes and look forward to seeing more positive results in 2020.
While Kristen was talking with Jake, she asked him a very simple question: “Why is LIFEDesigns important to you?” Jake’s response touched all of us here, and we wanted to share that with you:
“I’m grateful to all my friends at LIFEDesigns. You are all family to me. All I ever wanted was a family to love me.”
Jake began using LIFEDesigns for services over 20 years ago, as a young child. He receives employment services, supported living services, and hopes to be paired with a LIFEMentor volunteer soon. Because of these services, Jake has had many opportunities that HE has made the most of! Jake works 2 jobs, volunteers at WonderLab, is a member of Kiwanis Aktion Club, plans a talent show, and started the All Abilities Choir. Jake has many friends and enjoys the independent life he created for himself. We’re proud to have been there with him to provide the supports he needed. As someone who’s supported LIFEDesigns, you should feel equally responsible for providing this opportunity along with many others to our over 420 clients. THANK YOU!