Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Smith’s Community Rewards Program Allows You to Have Smith’s Donate Money Back to LifeROOTS for Every Purchase You Make!


Now there’s even more reasons to have and use your Smith’s card!  LifeROOTS is excited to have been chosen to be part of the Smith’s Community Rewards program – where the community can help our not-for-profit simply by shopping with their Smith’s cards and selecting our organization!

To participate, simply sign up at www.smithscommunityrewards.com and click on “Create an Account.”  Enter your email address, create a password for this site and designate the Smith’s Store where you shop. You will also be asked for additional information such as your address, phone number, and Rewards’ Card number.

After you enter this information, you will be asked to select the charity you wish to support.  Of course, we hope it will be LifeROOTS!  The next step is to enter the LifeROOTS NPO (Non-Profit Organization) number – our NPO number is 27263.  You will know your enrollment is successful when you return to the information page and the non-profit you selected is indicated on the right side of the page … and you’ll be ready to start shopping, saving … and “giving back” to LifeROOTS simply by using your card!

Once registered, each time you use your Smith’s card a portion of your purchase price will be donated to our organization. This does not change the price of items, the availability of coupons or the reduction in the credit price of gas. It’s truly a win-win for all – you’ll continue to get great value, Smith’s will be donating to a great local cause … and our LifeROOTS members will benefit from these additional donated funds courtesy of the Smith’s Community Rewards program!

We hope you will participate in this great community program and help us raise funds for LifeROOTS as we all shop!  Go to www.smithscommunityrewards.com  today to create your account … and make your next purchase go even further in helping us continue our important work helping others in the community!

    

Bring Reusable Bags When You Shop At Whole Foods Indian School Plaza To Have 10 Cents Per Bag Donated To LifeROOTS

LifeROOTS has been selected by Whole Foods Market as one of the organizations to benefit from the “Your Change Creates Change” program.  LifeROOTS was selected for this honor along with two other local not-for-profits (Montezuma Elementary School and Rio Grande Community Farm) who will each have the opportunity to be part of this exciting Whole Foods Community Giving program. 

From now through January 18th, 2015, shoppers at Whole Foods Indian School Plaza are being given an extra incentive to bring in their reusable bags to shop -- with Whole Foods donating 10 cents per bag to the charity of the customer’s choice.  Upon checkout, shoppers can simply tell the cashier that they’d like their donation made to LifeROOTS, and 10 cents per bag will be made as a donation.

Whole Foods Indian School Plaza is located at 2103 Carlisle Blvd., NE in Albuquerque.  The "Your Change Creates Change" program officially kicks off now and runs through January 18th  – with the hopes that thousands of shoppers using their reusable bags will result in a great deal of “change” being presented to LifeROOTS and the other two not-for-profits at the end of the campaign.

The Whole Foods Market program, which has been done in a number of other cities nationwide, provides an incentive for customers to eliminate single-use plastic bags and develop stronger communities all at the same time.  Through the Your Change Creates Change program, Whole Foods Market is providing a simple way for shoppers to help provide important funds to local not-for-profits, including LifeROOTS, to help them continue to provide the programs and services needed by so many throughout the community.  The program is a win-win for all – with more local residents using reusable bags to help the environment … while playing a part in helping to raise funds to support local not-for-profits.

“We are excited to be part of the Whole Foods Market Your Change Creates Change program, and look forward to this opportunity to both raise money for our organization and promote a healthy environment,” says Kathleen Cates, CEO of  LifeROOTS.  “This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to support LifeROOTS and our programs to have money donated to back to us simply by doing their food shopping, and a great example of how change really can create change for those with disabilities.”

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

LifeROOTS Speaks In The Community: LifeROOTS Presents to Groups Throughout the Region to Provide Information On Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program

In an effort to provide information about support and services available to families with a child from birth to age 3 who may have a developmental delay, LifeROOTS has been offering an informational presentation to staff at local pediatricians offices and other groups working with young children. Her presentation “Early Intervention: Therapeutic Services for Children Birth to Age 3” focuses on services currently available to families, the process for obtaining FIT services and important tips for outreach to ensure that anyone who needs Early Intervention services gets the help they need.

This Fall, LifeROOTS has already spoken at High Desert Pediatric, Albuquerque Pediatrics and New Mexico Family – offering an informative PowerPoint presentation followed by an interactive Question and Answer session to ensure that her audience understands how to best ensure that children with developmental delays get the help they need and what the FIT program offers. In the coming months, Kathleen will be speaking at a number of other local organizations, including ABQ Health Partners – Coors Center and ABQ Health Partners – Juan Tabo South.

If you are interested in having LifeROOTS speak at your company, group or organization to present important information about Early Intervention, the FIT Program and how to ensure that young children with developmental delays get the help they need at this critical period in their lives, contact Kathleen Cates at 505-255-5501 to schedule.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Kathleen Cates and LifeROOTS featured on KRQE In The Morning

LifeROOTS center aims to help those with disabilities





For more than 25 years, LifeROOTS has been helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential through job training and placement at businesses throughout the region – and now, LifeROOTS has created an important new Supported Employment Training and Placement Center in central New Mexico.

At the new Supported Employment Training and Placement Center, adults with disabilities are given job training through a curriculum-based approach that can include certification. The program consists of individualized one-on-one or small-group training – taking the time to identify personal employment needs for successful job placement. All participants are matched with a variety of retail, manufacturing and skilled positions in the community. LifeROOTS offers training and/or support in a community integrated setting until stabilized in the position, which is usually through 90 days of consecutive employment).

The program’s job training and placement programs include the areas of commercial custodial services, packaging/assembly and shipping opportunities and quality control inspector training. Through the years, LifeROOTS job training services and supported employment program have resulted in tremendous long-term success, with many clients maintaining their jobs for 5 to 15 years.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

LifeROOTS featured on KOB segement "Albuquerque organization works with developmentally-delayed children "



By: Nikki Ibarra, KOB Eyewitness News 4 
 
A local organization is working with developmentally-delayed children in the hopes of giving them a better future.

2-year-old Lucas Albonico and his mother, Lauren, spend an hour or so each Friday at Liferoots in northeast Albuquerque.

It's a local organization that helps kids and adults who have disabilities.

Six months ago, Lauren brought Lucas in for an evaluation, when she learned he has a speech delay.
Now, Lucas is in a playgroup though Liferoots' Early Intervention Program, for kids up to 3-years-old who have developmental delays.

Grace Coca, who works at Liferoots, said early intervention with youngsters with disabilities is the most important part of taking care of them for the future.

"When the do get to school age, they won't be needing any specialized services," Coca said.
Through the program, kids like Lucas also see therapists, who can help prepare them for school and fend off learning disabilities early.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Welcome to Tom Denslow, Our Director of Human Resources


LifeROOTS has hired Tom Denslow as our Director of Human Resources. Tom brings more than 20 years of experience working with both national and regional Fortune 300 companies and not-for-profit organizations to LifeROOTS – where he will oversee all aspects of human resources for the Albuquerque-based organization serving the needs of adults and children with disabilities.

Prior to joining LifeROOTS, Tom spent more than five years as the Human Resource Manager at Pueblo Diversified Industries in Pueblo, Colorado – where he oversaw the human resources functions for more than 250 people at the Pueblo-based not-for-profit providing employment opportunities for those with disabilities. A native of Albuquerque, Tom has returned to his Albuquerque roots to direct the Human Resources division of LifeROOTS – bringing both his experience in human resources management and the not-for-profit arena to direct all aspects of human resources at LifeROOTS.

In his role as Human Resources Director at LifeROOTS, Tom will be ensuring compliance with all Federal/State regulations regarding Hiring/Employment Issues under DOL and Health/Safety functions including OSHA and Workman’s Comp. In addition, he will be working to create and implement policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all employees, as well as develop and execute training programs to help managers educate, grow and train their staff.

In addition to his expertise and leadership in the human resources arena, Tom also has experience in a number of other key areas, including marketing program planning, event planning, contract negotiation, operational management, strategic planning, project management, building supervision, purchasing, merchandising, fundraising, development, and grant writing. Prior to his role as Human Resource Manager at Pueblo Diversified Industries, he worked at a number of other not-for-profit organizations and companies throughout Colorado and Kansas City, including the Care and Share Food Bank and the American Cancer Society.

A native of Albuquerque, Tom received both a Bachelor of Arts degree and Mediation Certificate from the University of New Mexico, and his Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University in Pueblo, Colorado.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Agency Open House Friday September 12th!

Do you want to know more about the services LifeROOTS offers? Would you like a tour or meet the staff, participate in some of the activities? Come visit us at our Open House on Friday September 12th 1111 Menaul Blvd from 3pm-6pm. 

What will you see?
  • HR will be set up to receive job applications with open positions and information regarding benefits LifeROOTS has to offer.
  • Activities that adults and children can participate in reflective of program activities offered in Children's Therapy and Services as well as the Adult Community Service programs.
  • Employment opportunities. Talk to Developers and Coordinators regarding the many different job training programs, assessment opportunities and certified trainings offered(we except DVR, DDW, SGF and private pay)
  • Children's Therapy and Services is offering FREE screenings and information for children from birth to age three. Families can come and speak to providers on the many FREE services LifeROOTS offers through their early intervention program. Sign up for your free screening to see if your child qualifies for therapies such as: Occupational, Physical and Speech therapy to the age of three for FREE, FREE, FREE.
  • Related vendors will be present to enhance this supportive one stop information experience.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Special Needs Playground

The new La Ladera playground in Albuquerque's North Valley has a smooth surface, so kids in wheelchairs can access it. It also has special swings, and things to do for kids who are deaf or hearing impaired. KOAT Action 7 News Reporter Angela Brauer and Kathleen Cates explain how not all playgrounds are as inclusive.

http://www.koat.com/news/special-needs-playground/26937442#!beOXgL

Read more: http://www.koat.com/news/special-needs-playground/26937442#ixzz37SIXwUBw

Monday, April 21, 2014

Support LifeROOTS on May 6th




We are excited to announce that we will be participating in Give Grande -- a state-wide event created by the Community Foundation Coalition of New Mexico as a day of giving dedicated to supporting local causes.  The event, being held on May 6th, is one of many giving days being held across the country -- and could become one of the largest online fundraising events in history.

As the first-ever statewide day of online giving, Give Grande will raise money for our state’s nonprofits and highlight New Mexico’s spirit of generosity.  Give Grande NM is one of many giving events happening May 6 as part of the national Give Local America event. Donors will be able to donate directly to nonprofits working in their communities by visiting www.givegrandenm.org. Visitors to the site will also be able to search for nonprofits by name, city, geographic area and cause, and see in real time what is raised across the state and for each nonprofit.   Each local gift will be amplified with dollars from a national incentive pool of funds, plus New Mexico will also have its own, additional incentive prizes.

Stay tuned for more information about how you can get involved in this unprecedented day of online giving -- and help support LifeROOTS through this great community event.  We'll be sending more information and links to the LifeROOTS giving page in the weeks to come.  In the meantime, you can visit www.givegrandenm.org  for more information about this exciting new community giving program!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Thursday, February 20, 2014

LifeROOTS Offers Cost-Effective Program To Help Companies And Organizations With Assembly And Repackaging Jobs

LifeROOTS is excited to launch a program that makes good business sense for area companies and organizations ... and makes it possible for workers with disabilities to work in meaningful jobs within the community.

Through our Assembly and Repackaging services, we offer a cost-effective way for today’s companies to handle many jobs by having our workers perform these tasks - freeing up their staff while providing a great work opportunity for those with disabilities


Why Hire LifeROOTS?
  • Dedicated, Motivated Workers: Companies hire our organization -- not just employees
  • Cost Savings: LifeROOTS pays the labor force’s payroll taxes, benefits, workman’s comp and unemployment taxes, benefits, workman’s comp and unemployment.
  • Convenience: Our employees can work at a company’s location or product can be delivered to our workroom

Why is LifeROOTS better than a typical temp agency?

  • Benefits for the Company: Diversifying workforce might make you eligible for some government contracts
  • We Provide the Supervision. LifeROOTS offers workforce supervision - freeing up company supervisors
  • Workers who Love to Work. Our workforce enjoys the challenges of repetitive work, show up to work on time and have very low turn-over.
  • No background checks needed. Our workforce maintains contracts that require confidentiality, security clearances and background checks - so companies are guaranteed top quality workers.
LifeROOTS is pleased to introduce this program that helps today’s companies take the work out of assembly and re-packaging projects for them - while giving work to those with disabilities and helping them gain a sense of independence. For more information about the LifeROOTS Assembly and Repackaging Program, click here or call us at 505-255-5501.

Our LifeROOTS Hero: Art Williams, RN At LifeROOTS, Honored By Rio Rancho Observer as a 2014 Healthcare Hero

We are thrilled to announce that Art Williams, our LifeROOTS nurse, has been named a “Healthcare Hero” by the Rio Rancho Observer.  As a recipient of this prestigious award, Art is featured in a special “Health Care Heroes” insert in the Rio Rancho Observer’s 2014 Health and Wellness Directory – a directory of all healthcare providers in the region that is produced by the Rio Rancho Observer and distributed throughout Sandoval County.

For the past nine years, Art Williams has played an instrumental role here at LifeROOTS where, as our only nurse, he has provided special care for our clients.  His dedication to his job, his nursing skills and his commitment to helping to provide important medical care to those with disabilities has been something we have long admired and praised here at LifeROOTS  -- and we are so happy that he has been recognized and honored by the health care community with this important award.

Art joined us as a highly experienced nurse, with a long career in public nursing and nursing management.  As he made the transition to provide nursing care to those with disabilities, we have seen first-hand how his soothing demeanor and nursing skills have helped our clients – noting his “calm voice, calming hand and calming influence” on our clients, and how he “demonstrates compassion and care.”  As our nurse, Art keeps tabs on medication and treatment for all of our adult clients, and has made a number of other important contributions to our program – including helping to produce precautionary policies and procedures, as well as training staff to follow these directives.

We congratulate Art on being recognized with this honor – and thank him for the vital role he plays here at LifeROOTS in being a dedicated and skilled nurse to our clients, a critical component to our entire organization … and our very own “healthcare hero.”

For more information about the Healthcare Heroes award, and to read Art’s feature in the Healthcare Heroes section of the Rio Rancho Observer's 2014 Health and Wellness Directory, click here.

Client Spotlight: LifeROOTS Early Intervention Program After Aubree Suffered A Pediatric Stroke, LifeROOTS Helped Her Strike Back.


As a first-time mom, Stephanie Terchila excitedly read everything she could about child development after the birth of daughter Aubree in March, 2011.  So when she had a few concerns about Aubree’s development at four months old, she brought them up to her pediatrician  – never thinking that what would follow would be a barrage of tests, an MRI … and the surprising diagnosis that Aubree had suffered a stroke while in the womb. 
 
Aubree’s in utero stroke occurred on the left side of her brain, causing limited mobility of her right side, vision problems and a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.  Determined to help Aubree overcome the challenges she’d be faced with, Stephanie and husband Max embarked on a program of important therapies to help in Aubree’s development … and turned to LifeROOTS Early Intervention Program.

Working closely with her LifeROOTS team of physical, occupational and speech therapists, Aubree inspires all of those around her with her hard work, bubbly personality … and her success in reaching developmental milestones.  As she turns three, Aubree is walking, talking more and more every day and enjoying life as a typical, busy – and joyful –little girl. She receives hippo (horseback) therapy and swim therapy every week, and has just joined the LifeROOTS Playgroup --  where she is thrilled to play, learn and socialize with children of all abilities.

For Stephanie (who has just secured a proclamation declaring May as “Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month” in New Mexico) LifeROOTS not only helped Aubree, but offered a critical support system.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Help Support LifeROOTS with AmazonSmile … and Help Bring Smiles to Those with Disabilities


There’s a great, and easy, way for you to help donate to LifeROOTS … while simply shopping online at Amazon!  The “Amazon Smile” program allows you to donates 0.5% of the price of your purchases to the charitable organization of your choice (most products are eligible, and you will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile Donation” on the product details pages.) 

To enroll in the “Amazon Smile” program (which is exactly the same as shopping on Amazon.com), simply go to www.smile.amazon.com and follow the directions. As you’ll see when enrolling, LifeROOTS is among the selections offered as a charity to select in the Albuquerque area – something that certainly makes us smile … and which will we’re sure will bring smiles to all of those we serve!  Once you have enrolled, make sure to mark the website on your Favorite Places menu for easy access the next time you want to place an order so you can continue to have 0.5% of future purchases get donated back to us, as well!

We’re so happy to be a part of the Amazon Smile program … and thank you for your support, assistance in helping us with our mission and, of course, the smiles you’re sure to bring to our clients! 

Remember -- if you want Amazon to donate to the charity you’ve selected, you need to start each shopping session at the URL http://smile.amazon.com.