To empower, educate and connect those living without both arms or more |
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Meet Kristin Fox
in our December Spotlight
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Faces of ESFL
This month, we are spotlighting Kristin Fox. Her story was recently shared by Fox News and People magazine and we are jumping in to share her powerful message about fighting to show children (the ones at her school and her own), what she is made of!
If you attended Skills for Life 6 you may remember spending time with Kristin in the general or breakout sessions. Kristin said "SFL 6 opened my eyes to so many things! Getting back my independence for activities of daily living is one of my biggest goals and I am learning so many things here on how to do that." Click here to read more about her experience at SFL 6.
People Article
Fox News Article
*Each month, we will highlight people in our community. Email and tell us whose story we should share!
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Message from the Executive Director | |
“Celebrate endings–for they precede new beginnings.”
—Jonathan Huie
This quote captures how I feel this time of year. It is a gift to note all the incredible happenings of 2023 as well as to look forward to all that is to come. ESFL has changed dramatically over the past few years, but the most important thing -- all of you -- is the same. I celebrate your compassion, your care, and your dedication to defining your own beginnings.
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Please Welcome...
Victoria Powell has joined our Board of Directors and her commitment to the community makes her a wonderful fit to help us grow, to offer more resources, and to share the news of what is available.
In Victoria's own words... "Within two hours of having attended my first ever Skills For Life event, I knew I would never miss a future conference. As a nurse case manager with years and years of experience, I learned more in that conference than in all my years before combined as it relates to amputation and limb loss. The amount of real life, usable information was beyond anything I had experienced at any previous educational event. Skills for Life is full of knowledgeable people who work with this population in a variety of roles. Couple this with the gracious attendees who are always giving of their time and experiences to help others. It is impactful."
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Year End Giving, Sponsorships, Partnerships
Our giving ask is quite simple. Please share ESFL with the people you know. We want to be sure EVERYONE who is interested in what we can offer knows about us. A great way to start is to invite people to subscribe to our newsletter.
Financial donations are welcome, too. We are grateful for every gift!
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Although "Happy Holidays" is an obvious message at this time of year, it is truly heartfelt. This community is incredible in so many ways, and I am grateful to celebrate another year with all of you!
Please keep reading below for important information and updates.
Warm regards,
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Ronnie Hindsman's 5th Annual Bowling Tournament | |
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Ronnie Hindsman's 6th Annual Bowling Tournament!
We are excited to watch this event grow every year and we would love to have you come join Ronnie for his sixth annual bowling tournament taking place February 17-18, 2024 in Livingston, TX!
About Ronnie
Ronnie lost both his arms in a work accident on June 29, 2004. He attended his first Skills for Life Bilateral Upper Limb Loss workshop in 2008. He described this workshop as life changing because he learned so much from meeting with others like him. He was inspired to give back and wanted to ensure that these workshops would continue, so Ronnie and his friends began hosting a bowling tournament fundraiser shortly after the Skills for Life Workshop in 2018.
Since February 2019, Ronnie has been partnering with Triple J Lanes to host a USBC sanctioned bowling tournament. To date Ronnie has raised over $83,000 benefitting Enhancing Skills for Life. The first fundraiser was such a success that it is now an annual event and Ronnie hopes more people living with bilateral upper limb loss will join him at future events. It has even spun off into an additional ESFL fundraiser bowling tournament hosted by Andy Mattox in Ohio.
Scholarships!
We offer financial assistance to attend Ronnie's bowling tournament? Visit our website to fill out your application today.
Bowling Shift Start Times:
Saturday, 10am and 2pm
Sunday, 11am
See Ronnie's website for more information including registration, rules and how to donate items for the raffle.
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Victoria Powell: Disability Benefits 101
Watch the recording of Victoria's presentation from November. Victoria discussed the basics of Disability Benefits and answered attendees questions. If you have questions, please reach out to her by email.
Watch the recording and view the ESFL tipsheet.
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Steps of Faith - Not Just Lower Limb Requests
Did you know that Steps of Faith also takes applications for upper limb prostheses? Steps of Faith is a nonprofit dedicated to providing prosthetic care, hope, and comfort to amputees needing financial support. They help uninsured and underinsured amputees get the prosthetic limbs they need.
Check out their website to see if you meet their criteria and fill out an application today!
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Guest Contributor
Sandy Crisp, LPC-A, CRC, LCDC
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Mental Health Matters: Letter from Sandy
Dear friends,
As we embrace the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to wish each of you a happy and joy-filled celebration. Amidst the festivities, it's crucial to remember the significance of self-care and mental well-being.
This time of year can bring both joy and stress, so let's prioritize our mental health. Whether it's spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in activities that bring you peace, or simply taking a moment to breathe, self-care is key.
Remember, your well-being is a gift to yourself and those around you. As we welcome the new year, let's continue to cultivate a space of positivity, resilience, and growth.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, fulfilling year ahead!
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January and February Zooms
We are planning on picking up after the holidays. If you have a topic you want covered, drop us a message. Bathing, dressing, cooking, advocacy, working out, technology, anything goes... we want to hear from you!
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Upcoming Events & Programs |
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Ronnie Hindsman's 6th Annual Bowling Tournament
Join us in Livingston, TX!
See Ronnie's website for more information.
Volunteer opportunities will be made available closer to the event.
Contact us with any questions.
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Get Involved!
Thank you to those who contacted us over the past few months! We are still looking for help, so let us know if you have time, experience, resources, or referrals/connections with any of the below.
- Grant Writing/Development
- SFL 7 Planning Committee
- Event Planning
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Change a Life, Donate Today
The Skills for Life workshop was developed in 2002 with a specific focus on people living without both arms or more and the unique set of circumstances they face on a daily basis. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 to ensure we could continue supporting the members of our community with programs, events, resources, and connections. Please click the Venmo or PayPal donate buttons in this section to donate. PayPal allows you to donate via your account or with a credit card. Venmo requires you to have an account. Donations can also be made via check, payable to Enhancing Skills for Life, 16111 Park Center Dr, Houston, TX 77059.
Any and all donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated!
Enhancing Skills for Life, 501c3 Tax ID: 81-2619137.
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