"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

LifeROOTS client Susana Silva attended our Thanksgiving Potluck event recently, gracing us with her talents as she sang a beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for all attendees at this festive event.  Susana, a member of our LifeWORKS program, works as a custodian as part of our City of Albuquerque contract, and was thrilled to perform among LifeROOTS friends and family and showcase her range of talents.  Her beautiful singing voice was praised by all who attended this holiday event, and we can't wait until Susan's next performance!

LifeROOTS Gives Back: LifeROOTS in the Community Helping Others

From left to right:  Sarah Lancaster, Leticia Sotelo, Grace Coca, Patty Sogan, Stephanie Becenti, Kami Pena, Janette Abeyta, Kathleen Strimple, Amy Mathis, Mary Becker, Nicole Rawls, Loni Alarid.

At LifeROOTS, volunteering in the community is important to all of us – and we are always looking for ways that our members and staff can get involved in “giving back” to those in need. Through our various community outreach projects, we are not only working to help others, but working to create an even stronger team here at LifeROOTS. 

Our Children’s Therapy and Services team recently spent a day volunteering at the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico, which each week touches the lives of 40,000 hungry children, adults and vulnerable seniors who don’t have enough food to eat.  It was a great day for all of us here at LifeROOTS – and a day we know made a difference to so many in need throughout our community.

How You Can Help LifeROOTS This Holiday Season … and Beyond

Looking for a way to give back this holiday season … or just looking to donate items that you have which can help others?  LifeROOTS is seeking donations of a variety of items to help us continue to serve our clients, and is currently in need of the following:

• Art supplies for all age groups, including paper stock, stickers (any and all kinds), water colors, acrylics, canvas or canvas boards, paint brushes, jewelry wire, plastic beads and mixing trays
• Games and puzzles
• Exercise equipment
• Coats for children age 3 and under
• Toiletry items (e.g., soap, shampoo, etc.)

Donations can be dropped off at LifeROOTS at 1111 Menaul Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or sent by mail to the attention of Kathleen Cates at LifeROOTS.   In addition, you can call LifeROOTS at 505-255-5501 to schedule a drop off of items.  

Any and all donations would be greatly welcomed – and truly make an impact in helping our clients.  Whether items/supplies that you already have around the house, or a company interested in making a corporate donation of needed items, your donations can make a tremendous difference in helping our LifeROOTS members continue to thrive.

As always, we thank you for your support of the work we do – and for your role in helping us offer the programs and services that continue to help those with disabilities each and every day.

Holiday Cards Created By People With Disabilities a Great Way to Celebrate the True Meaning of the Upcoming Holidays

LifeROOTS has launched a beautiful new line of holiday cards for the 2013/2014 season. The cards were designed, created and produced by members of the LifeROOTS program – and showcase the tremendous dedication, commitment and talent of LifeROOTS members.

LifeROOTS Holiday Cards are available in a package of 12 cards priced at $30 or sold separately at $3 each. Each card was designed and created by the loving hands, kind heart and diligent, passionate work of a person living with a disability. The cards depict a variety of winter scenes and holiday themes, and with their inspirational messages and carefully created artwork, truly reflect the meaning of what the holidays are all about – both for the person who created the card, and for those who “pay it forward” by sending the cards to others this holiday season.

Cards are available to order online at www.liferootsnm.org. In addition, to request an order form, call 505-255-5501.  For more information about the 2013/2014 LifeROOTS Holiday Cards, and to view sample cards and designs, visit www.liferootsnm.org.

LifeROOTS Receives Prestigious Honor

Quality New Mexico Honors LifeROOTS with 2013 Performance Excellence Award, the Piñon Recognition

We are excited to announce that Quality New Mexico has named LifeROOTS a recipient of a 2013 New Mexico Performance Excellence Award, the Piñon Recognition.  LifeROOTS is one of only eight organizations to receive a Piñon Recognition, and one of only 13 New Mexico businesses/organizations to be recognized by Quality New Mexico in 2013. 

In honoring the 2013 New Mexico Performance Excellence Award recipients, Quality New Mexico highlighted the commitment that award winners have made in providing the best service/product to their customers, and praised them as role model organizations in the state. Organizations receiving Piñon Recognition were selected based on demonstrated commitment and evidence through an assessment and site visit to ensure that we are using systematic processes and data to strengthen overall operations and attain improved outcomes.

LifeROOTS will join with the other recipients of the 2013 New Mexico Performance Excellence Awards to be recognized at a reception on December 2nd at the Governor’s Residence, with formal recognition taking place at Quality New Mexico’s Learning Summit and New Mexico Performance Excellence Awards Ceremony in April. 

This important state-wide recognition is significant for LifeROOTS as we continue to work each and every day to “empower the lives” and “change the futures” of all of those we serve.