Today at Living Resources

Groups from the Day Community Opportunities Program (DCOP) and the College Experience Program were on a mission when they arrived at the State Capitol in Albany on February 7. They had gift bags full of sweet Valentine’s Day candy and a message to send to New York’s Senators and Assemblymembers. The message was simple: Make meaningful investments in the programs that support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Along with the candy, groups had cards, decorated in artwork by individuals supported by other Living Resources programs. The cards read: “Share the Love with the I/DD Community this Valentine’s Day” [...]

When the folks at Site-Based Day Habilitation in East Greenbush realized they had extra supplies left over from weekly cooking group, they knew just what to do! They went around the building and asked if anyone wanted to make cookies and James, Corey, Nicole, Danny, Ace, Tracy, and Miguel all happily agreed to take part in this fun activity. After the volunteers put on their gloves, they got to work, rolling out the dough and placing it on baking sheets. They made enough sugar and chocolate caramel cookies for everyone in the building to have one. “They were excited,” shares [...]

On Friday, our Brain Injury Program kicked 2023 to the curb a bit early so that everyone could enjoy time together as a group before the holiday. Decked out in the paper hats and tiaras they were ready to celebrate the arrival of 2024. Music was played, refreshments were served, and at noon, a ball drop from a prior year was played on the big screen! Everyone counted down and cheered while enjoying a grape juice toast. The festive celebration was the perfect way to cap off a year’s worth of friendships, creativity, and personal growth! Happy New Year!

You could see the culinary excitement in Sean’s eyes as he unwrapped the shiny new slow cooker he received as part of the gift exchange at the Living Resources Supportive Living Holiday party, a program he has been receiving support from for many years. His first thought was what delicious meals he would be able to make, yum! Fast forward to Christmas Day, when the Supportive Living group again gathered to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the fabulous friendships they have grown to cherish. The holiday started off with a breakfast of eggs, turkey bacon, and juice. The friends then [...]

Participants in the Rensselaer Day Community Opportunities Program (DCOP) are stepping, twisting, and grooving into happiness by taking part in a monthly class at Fancy Feet Dance Studio in Troy! It started with an idea from Amanda Doty, Manager of Rensselaer DCOP. “I had posted on a few local Facebook pages a few months back, looking for sites and activities for our participants,” she explains, “Amanda Durst, the owner and director of Fancy Feet reached out to me and offered to do a dance class, free of charge, once a month.” Participants have shared nothing but glowing reviews from their first [...]

Our Saratoga County Day Community Opportunities Program participants were dressed to the nines, exuding warmth and holiday cheer as they prepared to Rock Around the Christmas Tree at the Jonesville Methodist Church. Laughter and joy echoed throughout as they joined together to celebrate the spirit of the season. For those wanting to channel their inner pastry chef, cookie decorating was a highlight! The night unfolded with dinner, dancing, and holiday treats, making the evening truly memorable as they celebrated the most wonderful time of the year!

Freshmen students in The College Experience were challenged to take part in a culinary showdown at the end of their fall 2023 semester! Teams competed in “The Clash of the Cooks,” putting their kitchen-know-how and ingenuity to the test as they made tasty quesadillas with original names. Some of the ingredients included ham, avocado, and even macaroni and cheese! Teachers and fellow students served as judges, ranking the recipes on overall taste, presentation, and creativity. As you can see from all of the empty plates, everyone who got to taste these dishes was a winner!          [...]

Living Resources was thrilled to be on the honorary committee for The Pride Center of the Capital Region’s 2023 Gala, which took place on Friday, November 17 at the Franklin Plaza in Troy. Devena Pressram, Living Resources’ Assistant Director of Administration, and Jesse Saperstein, The College Experience’s Media and Activities Liaison, were there for all of the delicious food, music, and of course, drag entertainment. The event was hosted by former RuPaul’s Drag Race contender Thorgy Thor. Devena says the gala was inspirational, adding that, “Being present in a public setting where selfhood was highly promoted made me reflect on [...]

Participants in the Rensselaer Day Community Opportunities Program (DCOP) wowed with their singing, dancing and hula-hooping skills at a spectacular talent show! About a month’s worth of practice and preparation went into the applause-inspiring acts. Musical selections ranged from pop-hits like Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On,” Mariah Carey’s “Honey,” and Shawn Mendez’s “Stitches” to holiday standards like “The Thanksgiving Song” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Rensselaer DCOP manager Amanda Doty says, “They really stepped out of their comfort zone and put their hearts into it.” Learn more about DCOP here: https://livingresources.orgday-community-opportunities-program-dcop/  

The spirit of gratitude filled hearts and great food filled stomachs at the Brain Injury Program’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, held on Friday, November 17. Staff shared that the program is growing, and as socialization is a key component of the program, they were excited that more people than ever, came together to enjoy a meal. Every seat in the cafetorium was filled with program participants, their family, friends, and Living Resources staff members. All of the classic Thanksgiving fare was accounted for, like turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. Some less traditional dishes, like deviled eggs, also made an appearance. Much [...]