Today at Living Resources

Kyle and Chris have learned they can build community and find a support system wherever they go. They are housemates at a supervised Living Resources residence, but the Hannaford Plaza on Wolf Road in Albany has become their home-away-from-home. Lee, the owner of Capitol Cleaners, says his friendship with Kyle started quite literally with a bang. He was in his shop when all of a sudden Kyle ran in and told him, “Somebody hit your van!” Sure enough, an accident had happened and thanks to Kyle’s alert, Lee was able to talk with the person responsible. [...]

It was curtains for our Rensselaer Day Community Opportunities Program participants, or in this case we can say it was “sheets!” These amazing artists proved that the art of photography is simply to die for! Participants started with personalizing sheets, taking their time placing and cutting the eye holes where each person wanted/needed them. Each participant chose their props and came up with their own unique poses for their photo session. Afterwards, they used the photo editing software Lightroom to edit their photos. The participants did every part of the editing. They picked the filters, changed the lighting, colors, vignette [...]

While dignity, independence, and happiness mean something different to each person, most agree that being part of their community is life-enriching and affirming. Bringing all the individuals who reside in the same Supervised Individual Residential Alternative (IRA) out to a local restaurant for a group lunch takes quite a bit of planning and a fair amount of providence, and it is extremely satisfying when it all comes together. First off, they need the right staffing. Depending on the needs of the individuals, it can take four or five staff to facilitate getting everyone into the van(s) with their mobility equipment, [...]

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Living Resources is highlighting the many accomplishments of individuals supported through our Employment Services program. Let's learn more about Megan and Ryan! In April 2023, Megan started with Hoffman Car Wash (Hoffman’s) as an intern while attending Living Resources' College Experience program. One month later, Megan was hired as an employee and has continued her career journey there post-graduation. After trying out various roles, she found her niche in vacuuming, cleaning is very rewarding. Megan’s review of the workplace is glowing. She says, “The job is 100% good!” Her manager, Dennis, feels [...]

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Living Resources is highlighting the many accomplishments of individuals supported through our Employment Services program. Peter Harris stores are well known for their affordable prices, but the scores of shoppers who browse the clothing racks each day might not think too much about how they stay stocked. Meet Cason, an intern receiving support from the Living Resources Employment Program. Cason began working at the store recently and she’s already taking the clothes out of shipping boxes, tagging, folding, and/or hanging them, so customers can browse. She’s looking forward to learning new things soon, like [...]

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we at Living Resources are highlighting the accomplishments of individuals supported through our Employment Services program. In a busy kitchen during the dinner rush, it’s all hands on deck and Joe, an intern at Swifty’s Restaurant and Pub in Albany is ready to help out where he can. Joe is part of The College Experience and he’s learning skills for all things food preparation, like portioning out macaroni salad, prepping coleslaw, weighing cold cuts, and rolling napkins. “I feel happy and I really like my job,” says Joe. He thanks his coach, Koryn [...]

As the summer season winds down, members of our Brain Injury Program gathered in a large pavilion at Tawasentha Park in Altamont, NY for their annual Brain Injury Awareness Day. Here, they carved out time to remember their past, reflect on their journey, and think about their goals for the year ahead. Together, they enjoyed a meal, shared their stories, and celebrated each other’s victories. There was a display of art created by program participants, tee shirts for sale, and even raffle prizes. The keynote speaker was Christina LeBeau, Director of Advocacy and Engagement of the Brain Injury Association of New [...]

Our Saratoga Day Community Opportunity Program has been outdoors and loving life this month.  This month, among other adventures, they explored the sights, sounds, and aromas of the Washington County Fair. There they visited the animals, went on some rides, went hog-wild for the pig races, tasted some fun foods, and purchased great souvenirs! Riding on the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway was an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a beautiful summer’s day. They took a 90-minute vintage train ride from Corinth to Greenfield and back, enjoying the scenic views, and wildlife from aboard a Vintage 1916 Pullman.

Community Habilitation staff Cheiree recently brought program participant Karissa to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield, MA. It was Karissa's first time there and she had an amazing experience! The ladies were delighted by all the beautiful butterflies that surrounded them and sometimes landed on them. Occasionally, a big butterfly would unexpectedly fly by, startling Karissa, but she took it in stride. Cheiree checked in with Karissa a few times throughout the day to see if she was ready to leave, but Karissa had found her happy place and wanted to stay as long as possible. Eventually, hunger won over for [...]

What do singing, dancing, comedy, puppetry, and Shakespeare have in common? They were all showcased at the 2023 Brain Injury Program's Talent Show this month. Participants rehearsed for months in preparation to make the exhibition the best it could be. Brian kicked the show off by channeling the Blues Brothers singing Everybody Needs Somebody to Love which set the stage for an hour of amazing talent. The Women's Group sang the USA for Africa song “We Are the World,” Susan and Sara performed Ike and Tina Turner's Proud Mary, Glen “knocked them dead” with his spot-on rendition of Charlie Daniels' Devil Went [...]