Author: admin

Lynda Raglon Honored as Direct Support Professional of the Year at EITAS Annual Excellence in Service Awards

Written by admin on May 17, 2024. Posted in Life Stories, News.

Lynda Raglon Honored as Direct Support Professional of the Year at EITAS Annual Excellence in Service Awards

In a remarkable recognition of dedication and compassion, Lynda Raglon has been awarded the prestigious Direct Support Professional of the Year award at the EITAS Annual Excellence in Service ceremony. Lynda’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those she supports has set a new standard in the field of direct support services.

Lynda’s journey to this esteemed award began with her exceptional work in ensuring that individuals under her care lead full and rich lives. Lynda’s dedication goes far beyond her job description, as she consistently demonstrates extraordinary compassion and devotion.

A testament to her commitment is the story of how Lynda became a natural support for an individual during a prolonged hospital stay. When Medicaid ceased funding services due to the hospitalization, Lynda voluntarily continued to provide care and support outside of her working hours. Her selflessness extended further when she supported the individual’s roommates after his passing, providing comfort and stability during a difficult time.

Lynda’s award is not the only accolade our organization received at the EITAS ceremony. Our Training Department was honored with the Innovation and Excellence Award. This recognition reflects the department’s pioneering work in developing cutting-edge training programs that have significantly enhanced the quality of care provided by our staff.

Additionally, Yolanda Roberts, another dedicated member of our team, received an Honorable Mention Award. Yolanda’s outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence have made a profound impact on our organization and the individuals we serve.

The recognition of these awards highlights the incredible efforts of our staff in providing exceptional support and care. We are immensely proud of Lynda Raglon, our Training Department, and Yolanda Roberts for their achievements and their ongoing dedication to our mission.

These accolades serve as a testament to the hard work and compassion that define our organization. As we continue to strive for excellence, we are inspired by the remarkable stories of our team members and their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those we serve.

Life Unlimited Announces Merger with MERIL, Strengthening Support for Individuals with Disabilities in Northwest Missouri

Written by admin on April 18, 2024. Posted in News.

Contact: Emily Morgan

Life Unlimited and MERIL started working together a year ago to enhance the services provided to people with disabilities throughout Northwest Missouri. Today, we are thrilled to announce the next step in this partnership: the merger of Life Unlimited with MERIL.

This merger represents a monumental leap forward for both organizations, with the shared goal of enhancing services, providing better benefits and pay to employees, and introducing new much-needed services to our communities. Importantly, there will be no disruption to the services currently provided by MERIL.

Founded on the principle of collaboration to offer better support and services to people living with disabilities, Life Unlimited embodies this spirit through the merger with MERIL, aiming to amplify impact and extend reach in the communities served.

The organizations forming Life Unlimited include Immacolata Manor in Liberty, Mo., Concerned Care in North Kansas City, Mo., Open Options in Kansas City, Mo., and as of April 2024, MERIL in St. Joseph and Northwest Mo.

“We are incredibly excited about this merger and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved,” said Julie Edlund, CEO of Life Unlimited. “MERIL’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in bringing us to this point, and we have no doubt that together with MERIL, we will have an even greater impact on the lives of individuals living with disabilities in our communities.”

About Life Unlimited, Inc.

Life Unlimited is a leading organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in Kansas City. Committed to advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion, Life Unlimited provides a range of services to support individuals in achieving their goals and living independently.

About MERIL

MERIL (Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living) is a renowned organization serving individuals with disabilities in St. Joseph, Maryville, and Northwest Missouri. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, MERIL strives to empower individuals, enhance their quality of life, and foster inclusivity and independence.

In Memory of Holly Hampton

Written by admin on October 18, 2023. Posted in Life Stories.

Before joining Life Unlimited, Holly utilized day services through another disability service provider. However, after a life-saving surgery to treat a large intestine blockage, she was deemed too medically fragile to return to that program. Her case manager introduced her family to Life Unlimited’s My Day program as an alternative, and it ended up being a great fit for Holly and her family. Holly started attending My Day on her 28^th birthday in November of 2018.

Ginger French, Holly’s mother said, “This was a real blessing for us. Michael and I were more at ease with the staff at My Day and Holly sure took a liking to her main care provider, Kathy Cooper. Kathy was very attentive to Holly, talking to her and making her laugh often.”

Holly’s favorite activities included watching NASCAR races, Judge Judy, Thomas the Train, and Star Trek Voyager, and her favorite person to spend time with was her mother, of course! She was able to attend a few NASCAR races at the Kansas Speedway, but was more content to watch the races on TV where she could hear the commentators better.

Holly accumulated a small collection of autographs of NASCAR drivers that were proudly displayed on her bedroom wall. She met Kurt Busch and had her picture taken with Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, and Justin Allgier. Friends and family got her autographs of Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Chase Elliott. From 2018 to 2020 she almost exclusively wore only NASCAR t-shirts to the My Day program.

Holly had a black cat that she nicknamed Nonnie that she loved. He would lay on Holly’s bed next to her while she watched TV and slept, and would occasionally scratch her if she pet him too much. From Christmas of 2020 on, Holly wore almost exclusively cat shirts to the My Day program. Her favorites were the ones that had pictures of Nonnie on them.

Because Holly also loved Thomas the Train, she had numerous train layouts she played with over the years. Holly would page through her Thomas storybook collection until she found just the story she wanted to hear, and loved to watch her mother act out the Thomas the Train stories on her railroad while she read the stories.

Holly passed away in March, 2022, but her family remains in touch with Life Unlimited and we feel honored to have known her and helped care for her. Holly made a lasting impact on our My Day program and we are proud to share her story.

Emily Morgan

Written by admin on August 28, 2023. Posted in Executive Team.

Emily Morgan serves as the Vice President of External Relations at Life Unlimited, where she leads fundraising, legislative advocacy, and public relations efforts to advance the organization’s mission. Previously, she was the Director of Advancement at the Liberty Hospital Foundation, where she successfully led a multimillion-dollar capital campaign for the Hospital’s Hospitality House and campus renovations.

Since 2007, Emily has provided strategic fundraising and development consulting for various nonprofit organizations, helping them maximize funding opportunities and build impactful programs that strengthen their communities. She is actively involved in her community, volunteering with the FIRE Foundation and her local parish.

Outside of work, Emily and her husband, Sam, stay busy keeping up with their three children—Jack, Pauly, and Cecelia. She enjoys staying active and teaching fitness classes at the local YMCA—if you’re ever up for a 5 a.m. workout, she’ll save you a spot!

Laura Hale

Written by admin on August 28, 2023. Posted in Executive Team.

Laura Hale joined Life Unlimited in February of 2023, assuming the role of Vice President of Quality Assurance. Before joining LU, she worked at Cerner Corporation as the Vice President of Client Success, where she oversaw the management of the company’s Top 25 clients, focusing on enhancing client satisfaction and retention. With over 28 years of experience in the IT industry, Laura’s expertise spans from hands-on operations and support to IT operations and client success. Throughout her career, she has held various executive positions, excelling in developing and leading high-performing teams to achieve shared goals. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Laura is a devoted wellness enthusiast. She has pursued further education and holds certifications as a Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner, Reiki Master, and Yoga teacher. Outside of work, Laura cherishes spending time with her two children, Ava and Chuck, on their small farm. She actively supports her children’s interests in dance and sports, nurturing their passions along the way.

Mallorie Crane

Written by admin on August 28, 2023. Posted in Executive Team.

Mallorie Crane, Vice President of Health Services, is a decade long Registered Nurse who has not only been driven to make an impact in the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department but has also extended her influence and knowledge through teaching and leadership roles. Most recently she came from University Health Truman Medical Center but has worked at eight area hospitals. She has a passion for delivering exceptional patient care and strives to inspire those around her to do the same by providing the tools and support necessary. She is dedicated to continuous learning and is nearly finished with her master’s degree in nursing. At home she is busy with her husband, Eddie, and four step kids: Wyatt (16), Chloe (14), Wynfield (12), and Elias (8). The Crane’s also have four lively pets including two Maine Coon cats. She enjoys traveling to Scotland (second home), running half marathons, and maintaining her photography business on the side.

Christy McGuire

Written by admin on July 21, 2023. Posted in Executive Team.

Christy McGuire began her journey with Life Unlimited in 2020, initially taking on the role of Director of Employment Services. Christy was promoted to the position of Vice President of Community Programs in 2022. Starting in September 2023 she will continue in that role where she oversees our employment programs but will also begin to work with our partner organization, MERIL, to expand programs in the St. Joe community. Dedicating nearly two decades of experience in providing support to individuals with disabilities, Christy’s commitment to this field began at the age of 17 when she started her career as a Direct Support Professional. It was during this time that she realized her true calling lay in serving the disability community. As her career evolved, Christy played a pivotal role in the expansion and enhancement of programs focusing on Employment and residential services with a few different agencies in the Kansas City and St. Joseph area. Christy is not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but also is a wife and mother. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, Erik, and their two children, Jackson and Maggie. Their furry family member, Henry the dog, adds an extra layer of joy to their lives. Deeply intertwined with the St. Joseph community, Christy finds fulfillment in her involvement by volunteering with several local organizations. She is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to introduce Life Unlimited’s innovative approach to disability services to her community, striving to make a meaningful difference.

Andrea Black

Written by admin on July 21, 2023. Posted in Executive Team.

Originally from Manhattan, KS, Andrea Black, our Vice President of Day Services, is a proud member of a military family, roots that have deeply influenced and shaped her values. She attended Washburn University in Topeka, KS, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Service, with a focused emphasis on Developmental Disabilities. Spending 15 years with the Big Lakes Developmental Center, Andrea’s commitment to her profession was unwavering. She then took the role of Executive Director at Rescare in Parsons, KS, a position she held for 4 years. Throughout her career, her expertise has spanned across multiple states like Oklahoma, Ohio, and Texas. Her most recent role brought her to Kansas as the Regional Director for GoodLife Innovation, where she served Johnson, Douglas, and Wyandotte counties. A year ago, Andrea embarked on a new chapter, relocating to the Northland with her husband and three sons, the youngest being 6 years old. Thrilled to join LU, Andrea, armed with over two decades of experience, steps into Julie Turley’s shoes with enthusiasm. She is steadfast in her goals: to empower individuals, foster their pursuit of dignity and respect while helping them achieve their aspirations.

Carolyn: Celebrating Pride

Written by admin on June 15, 2022. Posted in Featured Life Stories, Life Stories, Uncategorized.

As Life Unlimited celebrates the month of Pride, we are taking the time to highlight our LGBTQIA+ team members and individuals. Here is a writing piece from one of our team members, Carolyn, on what pride means to her.

“As a queer woman who grew up in an environment where it was expected for each person to be straight, having Pride was not always easy for me. It wasn’t even an option at times. For the longest time I was terrified to come out, scared of judgment, hate, anger, and any other negative reaction. Eventually, I had to learn that no matter what anyone thought, I had to love myself for who I am. Having Pride means more than just loving who you love, but genuinely being proud of who you are, with all of your differences. Understanding and knowing that what makes you different is what makes you the beautifully unique person that you are.

When I came out officially and publicly, I ended up getting excommunicated by the church I grew up in, which at the time was my worst nightmare. I was scared I wasn’t good enough for anyone. It was then when I realized that no matter what, I would always have a family within the LGBTQ community. I quickly met other people who were apart of the community, and they helped me realize that there is absolutely nothing wrong with me or any of us. In this community I have met some of the most loving and accepting people I will ever know.

If there is one thing I wish for others to know about having Pride, it is that the journey to self-love and acceptance is not always an easy one. There will be down falls and heart aches and hard truths to overcome, but knowing that there are people in this world who love you for who you are makes it all worth it in the end. No one is unworthy of love, no one deserves to feel guilty or ashamed for loving who they love. Having Pride means loving who you are, no matter what.”

Monte Summers

Written by admin on March 15, 2022. Posted in Life Stories.

Fund Development Committee Member: Monte Summers

At Life Unlimited we have multiple committees that are vital to our success and growth. One of them is The Life Unlimited Fund Development Committee. This committee is comprised of dedicated community volunteers who provide counsel to the organization about fundraising activities, including special events, mailings and grant writing.

We’d like to introduce you to one of our Fund Development Committee members, Monte Summers. Monte has been involved in philanthropic efforts her entire life, working with the state of Kansas American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, and more. She has been a supporter and advocate for our organization for decades, originally volunteering her time on the development committee for Open Options (previously United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Kansas City). She served as president of the Open Options Board of Directors for two terms and was on the transition committee when Options Option merged into Life Unlimited in 2018.

In 2003, with the support of fellow board members Dr. Michael Frost and Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Roswitha Schaffer, Monte spearheaded the planning for a new fundraising event called Hats Off To Mothers. Community Volunteer Barbara Spilker served as the first chairperson. Almost 20 years later, Life Unlimited still hosts the annual luncheon and it has raised over 1.7 million dollars to support adults with disabilities. We can contribute this success to Monte and her remarkable dedication to the event and it’s mission.

When asked about why she became so passionate for disability causes, she tells a story about a man she met almost 40 years ago. Her friend in Fort Worth was planning a dance for Special Olympics so she drove down to help her for a weekend. “We were at the dance and there was a young man who was so engaged and outgoing and he was in a wheelchair. And I decided, everyone needs to dance so I asked him if he would dance and we went out on the dance floor together. We just had the best time dancing, it was wonderful. I remember the look on his face the whole time, I still remember to this day.”

Monte’s favorite part of serving on the Fund Development Committee is thinking outside the box for new fundraising events and projects. She also enjoys meeting new benefactors and community partners to discuss how they can best support Life Unlimited’s mission.

The Fund Development Committee is led by Chairperson of the Board Sayard Parrish and coordinated by Chief External Relations Officer Mark Bertrand and Director of Development Andrea Adams. Members are Ms. Brenda Lowe, Ms. Monte Summers, Dr. Tom Thomas, and Ms. Susie Whitfield. Welcome aboard, Dr. Thomas! If you would like to join the committee, contact Andrea Adams at 913-787-7190 or aadams@luinc.org.