We knew that Alison was becoming more isolated now that she was "retired" and becoming more set in her ways. It is difficult for her to initiate her own relationships and social activities. The idea of a personal network suited our family well and we became lifetime members of LifeSPAN in 2006. Since that time our network for Alison has been a work in progress. To date we have nine people in the network, some family friends and some former dedicated service providers. What was most amazing to me was that not one person declined the invitation to be part of our network and many said it was an "honor" to be asked.

LifeSpan found the perfect match for Alison in Mara, her facilitator. They have become good friends. The network activities revolve around the things Alison likes best like dinner outings, bowling, holiday activities and, of course golfing. Our network newsletter keeps everyone informed and has ideas for things to do with Alison. We are proud to be part of this professional, dedicated organization whose primary commitment is to support families and enrich the lives of our loved ones with a disability.

-- Joan, Alison's mother March, 2007

Visit Alison's Network Page

My wife Susan and I recently returned from a volunteer mission trip to New Orleans and the gulf coast. We lived at a place called Camp Restore which can house and feed up to 300 volunteers. Camp Restore is a part of the Ministry of Lutheran World Relief. We truly worked hard and followed the camp motto "Be flexible." We met many wonderful volunteers who ranged from 8th graders through senior citizens.

Volunteers still are needed to help Hurricane Katrina victims rebuild their homes -- perhaps more than ever. Volunteers there like us have gutted and rebuilt 300- plus homes to date. But case files list 3,000 more "unlivable" hurricane-damaged homes. We could work at this pace for many more years and still not be done. I was impressed by the volunteers, who aren't discouraged by the overwhelming task at hand but approach their work "one house, one family, at a time."

We gave "hope" because the love of Christ was in us. If you would like to know more call Pastor Bill Clements at Redeemer Lutheran Church Mercer Island Washington 206-232-1711 Pastor@RedeemerLutheranChurch.us.

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LifeSPAN Garage Sale - June 2

Are you into spring cleaning? Now you can clear out your "stuff" and support LifeSPAN at the same time. Board Member Linda Davidson is organizing a garage sale to benefit LifeSPAN on June 2 in the Green Lake area of Seattle. If you have things to donate or would like to come by and shop, please join us. For more information, contact Linda Davidson (206) 632-8193. Watch for more details in the May Announcements.

We invite you to attend a free one-hour session to talk about LifeSPAN and our approach to building relationships in the community. You will have an opportunity to speak with members of LifeSPAN who are excited about ensuring a good life for people with disabilities. You will also be able to get more information about membership in LifeSPAN, training workshops, and involvement in Networks and Facilitation.

Our next session is scheduled for Sunday May 6 from 3-4 pm at Jackson Place Cohousing 800 Hiawatha Place S. Seattle, WA 98144, one block east of Rainier Ave, at Dearborn.

To help us with planning, please RSVP to Kathy (206) 522-3099 or email (kathy@lifespan-wa.org) if you're planning to come.

LifeSPAN held its first major training for network facilitators on April 7 at the Safeco Jackson Street Center in Seattle. It was a joint effort with current facilitators sharing their "real-world" experience with the newly hired and potential future facilitators. We had over a dozen people in attendance -- our biggest group ever.

We spent a good deal of time talking about the web of relationships in LifeSPAN. We also reviewed the process of forming a new network and talked about the importance of good communication among the family, the facilitator, and LifeSPAN.

• Wills and Estates
• Financial Planning, Financial Vehicles, & Funding a Special Needs Trust
• Guardianship Options and Ensuring Choice & Safety

If you're interested in attending, please call or email the LifeSPAN office or register online at our website.

LifeSPAN Founding Board Member Kathy Sellars recently celebrated her 80th birthday by cooking a gourmet meal for 40 LifeSPAN network and family members as a fundraiser for LifeSPAN. Over $1500 was raised to support LifeSPAN operations and to contribute to our fund for the first subsidized LifeSPAN network for an individual who does not have family support.

A highlight of the evening was the opportunity for attendees to share their experiences of LifeSPAN. It was wonderful to hear how each family has been touched by the opportunity to create a network for their loved one with a disability. There was a strong sense of joy and contentment throughout the evening.

Thank you to everyone who attended this wonderful event. We hope to hold similar dinners in the future, and you are all invited!