News

We hosted our signature fundraising gala, The Art of Chocolate, this past Saturday, May 21st. Before revealing the success, we want to thank those who supported this event by attending, volunteering, sponsoring, and donating to this year’s event. Your time, resources, and overall support means so much to our agency, and most important, our clients. We would not have had the success (or fun!) without all of you, and we are forever thankful!

This year’s Art of Chocolate raised almost $12,000 for individuals with disabilities. Despite the challenges we faced this year with postponing the event, and the COVID-19 virus still lingering, we are very proud of our staff, donors, sponsors, and volunteers who helped contribute to the success and ensured we continued the tradition of our signature fundraiser. 

This year’s event also had a few changes! Unlike year’s past, we did not serve a plated dinner, but provided heavy Hors D’oeuvres from Garnish Catering and HUGE beautiful charcuterie board, designed by long-time LIFEDesigns supporter, Tiyet Jackson. We had 15 vendor tables that ranged from chocolate treats, wine, and personal businesses that allowed attendees to try different chocolate, wine & learn more about different businesses in our community. As usual, we had a silent auction of 16 items, which was a huge hit! Dianna Porter, owner of Porter Unlimited, painted live during the event, which auctioned off for $1,000. We also were lucky to have 2 LIFEDesigns clients sell their jewelry and artwork at the event and 2 LIFEDesigns clients perform their talents during the evening festivities. The All Abilities Choir sang and so much fun was had by all who attended. 

The funds raised during Art of Chocolate help us expand our programs and provide the necessary services our clients need to live as independently as they can. We hope to develop more events and raise increased funds for our clients to provide them with opportunities for growth and independence that Medicaid services simply don’t fund.

Thank you for supporting LIFEDesigns and the Art of Chocolate!

On Friday April 29th, LIFEDesigns hosted a ribbon cutting in conjunction with The Bloomington Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the dedication of our new neighborhood garden that was funded by a 2021 Tri-Kappa Bloomington Grant. This grant was funded to help us build a community garden for the neighborhood of Housing Options off Covey Ln. in Bloomington. Housing Options is a low-income housing neighborhood owned and operated by LIFEDesigns near the YMCA in Bloomington, IN. Area residents will be able to use the garden to work on their gardening skills and promote a sense of community.

LIFEDesigns would like to give special thanks to Garrett and Casey Mangum for helping to design and build the garden. Casey is a member of the LIFEDesigns ?sponsored ALL Abilities Choir and is a testament to not limiting people and their abilities.

Anyone in the Bloomington community is welcomed to visit the garden and plant seeds! We are thrilled to welcome this opportunity to our clients and community.

Visit the Tri Kappa Garden at 1826 S. Covey Ln., Bloomington, IN 47401

Meet LIFEDesigns Client, Ryan!

Ryan was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. He has an amazing memory, especially when it comes to dates and numbers. LIFEDesigns provides both supported living and employment services. In June 2020, with the help of LIFEDesigns, Ryan was able to move into his own apartment. Through his employment services, he has two jobs. He just celebrated six years with AMC and started a new position back in March 2021 with The Graduate Hotel. When Ryan isn’t busy working, he spends his time practicing to become a ventriloquist and has a massive VHS and DVD collection. He currently owns 10 ventriloquist dolls which he has on display in his apartment. Ryan dreams of owning a Dalmatian one day and naming him Timmy. He also dreams of finding his true love, getting married, and having a family of his own. When asked, if he could pick one place to visit where would that be, he says he would love to go to Antarctica where there is lots of snow and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

Because of the services we provide to Ryan, he has been able to achieve a great deal of independence! Having a job and living on your own takes courage and accountability, and we could not be more proud of Ryan and all that he has accomplished. If you are able give & want to help people like Ryan continue on their path of success, please consider making a donation to help us further our mission in partnering with & promoting independence for people with disabilities. 

Meet LIFEDesigns Client, Janet C!

Janet C.  has been living in Housing Options for over 20 years. With her disability, she needed a home that was able to accommodate using her wheel chair.  Janet’s apartment has a lowered mirror in the bathroom and lowered rods in the closets. Janet has nothing but good things to say about living in housing options. She is just glad that 20 years ago, the housing authority suggested she look into Housing Options. She has met many friends living there, and is looking forward to utilizing the accessible community garden this spring. 

Because of the services LIFEDesigns provides for Janet, she has been able to live comfortably in her own home and create an environment where she feels safe. We are honored to provide an accessible home for Janet and many others who need our services to achieve their independence. If you find you are able to give and would like to donate to help us continue providing services to our community, click here!