To empower, educate and connect people living without both arms or more |
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COUNTDOWN TO SKILLS FOR LIFE 7! | |
Meet Andrew Case
in our December Spotlight
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Andrew Case, better known as Drew, is no stranger to overcoming challenges and adversity. Drew was born a very sick baby and spent most of his first year in and out of the hospital. Eventually, he was diagnosed with congenital neutropenia, which is an immune disorder that prevents the body from making white blood cells.
Keep reading to learn more about Drew and his check out his front page appearance in the San Diego Tribune...
*Know someone we should highlight? Please email and introduce us!
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Message from the Executive Director | |
Hello Everyone!
As 2024 draws to a close, we want to thank all for being the best gift -- being part of the ESFL community. Every time you share the newsletter, share your insights on a post, or tap into resources, you strengthen all of us. Thank you for sharing in our mission and making our vision a reality!
We will be sending an email that highlights our activities in 2024, many of which you can access and share via our website or YouTube. We are exceptionally proud of two things: our Hands-Free Catalog and the Skills for Life Workshop held in the Ukraine.
So much of what we accomplished in 2024 is due to our amazing team. Every member has personal connection and commitment to our vision and our five-person team has elevated and increased what we are able to offer, including in-person activities, virtual events, and resources.
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Please join me in welcoming two new board members...
We are thrilled to tap into Priya Sheriff's background shaping strategy, leading nonprofit efforts, and sharing her personal expertise. She shared that she is "passionate about making a positive impact in the limb loss and limb difference community. I believe that by collaborating with dedicated individuals, we can drive meaningful change and foster innovation."
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Craig Jackman, CPO, has worked with the upper limb difference community at Walter Reed and Hanger, always focusing on possibility and independence. Craig adds "As a prosthetist, I have seen first hand the benefits this organization has had for so many individuals with bilateral limb loss. I hope to leverage my skills and experiences to support the leadership as ESFL continues to grow and evolve." | |
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We are also incredibly excited about Skills for LIfe 7. There is no substitute for coming together to learn and celebrate each other. If you aren't sure whether this event is right for you, please reach out with any questions you have. | |
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In these days of digital connection, We hope you all feel the warmth of the season and my gratitude for the time, talent, and treasure you all bring to our mission | |
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Ronnie's Bowling Tournament
Ronnie's vision to make sure everyone who is living without both hands or arms can attend the Skills for Life Workshops comes to life in Livingston, Texas. For seven years he has rallied the town to create an event that uses bowling to build connection. From a bowling tournament to a silent auction, this fun-packed weekend is for everyone! Come join us February 22-23, 2025!
Ronnie's Website
Get Rolling
To make the day more memorable, the Dralla Foundation has funded an adaptive bowling device to make it easy to aim for a strike! Scholarships are also available to remove financial barriers for the ESFL community.
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Skills for Life 7: Registration and Hotel Info
Skills for Life 7 Bilateral Upper Limb Difference Workshop is taking place October 16-18, 2025 in Houston, TX. We'll be sharing updates over the next few months, but if you have questions, reach out anytime. Our mission is to remove barriers, whether physical, financial or otherwise, so we will be sharing our scholarship information, the workshop details and much more in early 2025.
Thank you to our co-chairs, Kristi Turner and Wendy Hill, their planning committee, as well as our event planner, Joyce Tyler who are all working to create a memorable, impactful event!
SFL 7 Workshop Registration
Please use this link to register for SFL 7.
RESERVE ROOMS TODAY!
This is the easiest way to prepare, even if you aren't positive you will attend. I can guarantee rooms will sell out at this great rate, so your reservation will ensure you have a spot. You can always cancel, but you can't always book at this rate!
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Calling All Sponsors & Exhibitors
We need you to make Skills for Life 7 exceptional! This one-of-a-kind, personal gathering is unlike any other. SFL is exceptional because it is created with people living without hands or arms in mind. With connection high on our list, it highlights your organization as one that is committed to this unique community.
Check out the sponsorship and exhibiting details in our Skills for Life 7 Prospectus and let us know if you have any questions. Your support makes the workshop and so much more possible.
Please make sure to visit the sponsors section of this newsletter and be sure to thank our sponsors.
This workshop only happens every three years so you don't want to miss this opportunity!
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THANK YOU TO OUR SKILLS FOR LIFE 7 SPONSORS! | |
Upcoming Events & Programs (2025) |
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Ronnie Hindsman's 7th Annual Bowling Tournament
Come join Ronnie for a fun weekend of bowling, socializing, silent auction/raffle and tips & tricks for daily tasks. Scholarships available!
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Livingston, TX
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American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
Annual conference for O&P professionals.
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Atlanta, GA
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Trent International Prosthetic Symposium (TIPS)
Event for professionals involved with upper limb prosthetics, rehabilitation and the management of upper extremity absence.
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Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)
Conference covering pediatric musculoskeletal disorders as well as orthopedic and rehabilitative treatment of children.
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Dallas, TX
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International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress
Event for professionals involved in the support of persons in need of prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive devices.
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Stockholm, Sweden
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Get Involved!
Thank you to those who contacted us about volunteering! We are still looking for help, so let us know if you have time, experience, resources, or referrals/connections to support:
- Grant Writing
- Board Membership
- Strategic Planning Committees
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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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