LIFE Inc.

05/29/2026

There's nothing like a little flower power from a fabulous fashionista to make you smile on a Friday! 😊 The flower, the lipstick, the glasses, AND the t-shirt—such stellar red coordination for a beautiful look! We love seeing our participants' personalities shine through individual choice making, and this participant's sense of style shines brightly and boldly. Lookin' good!

05/27/2026

These participants and friends said "see ya later, alligator!" to Rhode Island, and said "in awhile, crocodile!" to sunny Florida! Hard work and diligent saving provided a wonderful vacation full of beautiful beach days, fun experiences at Disney World, and lots of alligators at Gatorland. They had a great time!

We wanted to express a BIG thank you to all of the dedicated staff that helped turn this idea into a reality for our participants—thank you! ❤

05/22/2026

Need some fun ideas for how to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend? Let our participants be your personal tourism guides to enjoying many things Rhode Island has to offer!

1. Explore the East Bay Bike Path

Did you know there's a troll who lives on the East Bay Bike Path in East Providence? Her name is Mrs. Skipper and she was created by Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo. Our participant found her while out enjoying the wonderful weather and prioritizing exercise and movement. Take a page from his playbook and indulge your adventurous spirit with some exploring near the Kettle Point Pier to find her yourself!

2. Plan a visit to the Roger Williams Park Zoo

Visiting the zoo is a great way to get some exercise while also experiencing animals of all kinds, like the exotic Matschie's Tree Kangaroo, an endangered species found in the mountainous rainforests of Papau New Guinea and on the island of Umboi. Go just for the day or invest in a yearly membership like some of our participants do—you never know what these animals will be up to from one day to the next!

3. Visit the Newport Car Museum

The Newport Car Museum is a must see for any car enthusiast. It's a private collection of more than 100 automobiles focusing on eight decades of modern industrial automotive design and celebrates cars as works of art. Sometimes they host free car shows right outside the museum, like the one our participants attended last weekend, seen here. They got up close and personal with some rad rides and had a great time socializing with other car lovers—what's not to love?

4. Go for a walk or a hike

Rhode Island is full of wonderful trails and areas to enjoy a day of walking or hiking. Whether it's a steep climb with a view you're after or a casual stroll on flat ground, Rhode Island can deliver. Some of our participant's favorite places to walk and hike are C**t State Park, the East Bay Bike Path, Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, Roger Williams Park, Slater Memorial Park, and many of the beautiful coastal beaches. Get outside for some fresh air and get that blood pumping!

Do our participants know how to have fun and enjoy their communities, or what? Have a safe and fun holiday weekend everyone, and be like our participants—enjoy your environment!

**tStatePark

05/21/2026

Goal setting can be powerful, and it's something we thoughtfully spend time on during each one of our participant's Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings. Looking back and reflecting on last year's goals, and looking ahead to set new ones is a standard practice here at LIFE. We believe that participant-centered goal setting fosters an important sense of independence, individuality, autonomy, and self-determination over one's life and future.

There is beauty in the progression from dreaming, to exploring, to trying, and then one day realizing, you're actually DOING. It's a powerful self-affirming feeling transforming a simple thought of "What if?" into an accomplished goal of "I did!" And sometimes, the difference between believing "I can" opposed to "I can't" comes from a little support and encouragement from someone in your life who believes in you and your goals.

This participant expressed a very strong interest in learning to fish, and set a goal to learn how. Like with any new hobby, time was spent learning where to fish, what allowance or permits were needed in order to fish, what equipment was needed to fish, and what were the physical mechanics of fishing. Our incredible staff supported him through each step of the way with the attitude of "You can do this, and we're here to help!" And, he did just that. His smile says it all: pure joy for the activity, and that undeniable excitement from accomplishing a goal.

We see many more fishing trips in his future! And we're so incredibly proud that he cast a line, hooked, and reeled in this goal like the big catch that it is—congratulations!

05/14/2026

🌧 Rain, rain, go away, but until then, you won't ruin our days! 🌧 We never let Mother Nature and soggy weather get us down here at LIFE as every day is an opportunity for our participants to learn, grow, experience, thrive, and have fun! Here are two indoor activities our participants like to do when the weather gets wet: go to the movies, and partake in arts and crafts.

There's nothing quite like a comfy reclined seat, the smell of popcorn, a sweet soda to sip on, and the latest blockbuster with friends and staff to cure the rainy day blues. Community integration is something we value and prioritize when supporting our participants, and visiting local movie theaters to catch the latest flicks provides them with not only opportunities to interact with ticketing and concessions staff, but also to be part of a larger group experience with other movie goers in the theater. It's a great way to get into the community, and also, to have some fun!

And there's something so satisfying about creating something yourself--imagining a design, choosing the colors, the orientation, the style, the size, the texture, the complexity or the simplicity of a project. Inviting our imaginations out into the world through creative and artistic choice-making is something that makes everyone truly unique and special. Our participants love creating art and making crafts as a way to express themselves and their individuality, show off their talents and style, and spend quality time with friends and staff. It might be grey outside, but our creative arts and crafts spaces are always full of bright colors and smiling faces!

05/12/2026

Are you looking for more than just a job?

At LIFE, we offer the opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a lasting impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities across Rhode Island.

We are currently hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our dedicated, responsible, and compassionate team. In this role, you’ll support individuals in both residential and community-based settings—helping them build independence, confidence, and fulfilling lives. Whether you're assisting with daily routines, encouraging community engagement, or celebrating personal milestones, your work will truly matter.

Where You’ll Work:

Openings are available throughout Rhode Island, including Barrington, Bristol, Cranston, Middletown, Pawtucket, Riverside, Tiverton, and Warren.

Flexible Schedules to Fit Your Life:

We offer full-time and part-time positions across first, second, and third shifts, giving you the flexibility to find a schedule that works for you.

Competitive Pay + Generous Benefits:

We believe in taking care of the people who care for others!

- Starting pay from $20.00 up to $23.33/hour (based on schedule)
- Comprehensive and generous medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan options
- Overtime opportunities for those who qualify
- Paid training—no prior experience required
- Regular step increases based on length of service
- And more!

Grow With Us:

This isn’t just an entry-level role—it’s the beginning of a pathway. Many of our team members build long-term careers here, advancing into leadership, specialized support roles, and program management. We invest in your growth through hands-on training, mentorship, and ongoing development opportunities.

Who You Are:

- Compassionate, reliable, and motivated
- Eager to make a positive impact
- A strong team player with a willingness to learn
- A driver’s license is strongly preferred but not always required
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) is preferred, but not required—we value the right attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment above all else

Ready to Get Started?

Take the first step toward a career that’s both meaningful and rewarding!
Apply today at: https://www.lifeincri.org/careers.html

Our principle objective is to become an asset to all supported individuals and agency personnel by nurturing a corporate culture that focuses on: • Client-Centered Supports • Complete and Open Communication • Continual Personal Growth • Enhancement of Human Dignity • Exceptional Client Ser...

05/07/2026

There are moments that remind us just how powerful a voice can be—and just how important it is that those voices are heard.

We are incredibly proud of the participants from LIFE who stood alongside more than 300 advocates at the Rhode Island State House this week, sharing their stories and speaking up for their futures. Their presence was powerful, personal, and deeply meaningful.

Because this moment is about more than just advocacy—it’s about people.

As conversations around community funding continue, the stakes are real. The services that support independence, connection, employment, and safety are not extras, they are essential to living a full and meaningful life. When funding is at risk, so is access to those opportunities.

The participants we support are part of Rhode Island. They are neighbors, coworkers, and friends who contribute to the strength, compassion, and character of our communities every day. They deserve to be seen, heard, and represented in the decisions that shape their lives.

We are honored to stand beside our participants—not just in moments like this, but every day—as we continue to uplift their voices and advocate for a future where everyone has the support they need to thrive.

Keep speaking, and be loud. Keep telling your stories, and ears will listen. Keep fighting for your rights, and we will too, right beside you.

05/01/2026

Our participants have had some great movement moments this year! Here, we're showcasing some of our participants swimming at a local YMCA, and others partaking in a dance class in Portsmouth.

Swimming is a wonderful low-impact way to stay active, healthy, and also social! Community integration and being part of the larger movement community at the local YMCAs is beneficial in more ways than one. Many people we support frequent local YMCAs that provide swimming access, including the Newman YMCA, the Barrington YMCA, and the Middletown YMCA.

Dancing is not only a great workout, but it can be a way to communicate, process feelings, and reduce stress. Our participants enjoyed a Dance Me In dance class at Common Fence Point Arts, Wellness & Community Center. This is an established all-inclusive ballroom dance program geared towards people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The program is currently in its fifth year, and our participants can't wait to attend more classes!

We love continuing to support and develop our Movement Movement program by providing opportunities and experiences where our participants can move their bodies in ways that feel good to them.

04/29/2026

A Look Back: Leadership in 2025

Growth has never been about standing still at LIFE—it’s about moving forward together with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to the participants we support.

Throughout 2025, our leadership embraced opportunities to learn, reflect, and strengthen the way we serve each other and our community. From participating in opportunities like a professional development retreat facilitated by Half Full LLC and a three-part Clifton Strengths Boss-to-Coach management series offered by Leadership Rhode Island, to engaging in statewide industry conferences and trainings, our managers continued to invest in building resilient teams grounded in respect, understanding, and person-centered care.

We also focused on creating stronger pathways for growth within our organization. Through thoughtful collaboration and strategic planning, new leadership and specialty roles were developed, offering expanded opportunities for staff to grow their careers while continuing to provide meaningful, high-quality support. We are proud to see team members step into new roles across our programs—each transition reflecting both individual dedication and the strength of our collective leadership.

Behind the scenes, our committees and leadership groups worked diligently to improve and refine how we operate. From enhancing hiring and onboarding processes through redesign and the use of technology, to strengthening and streamlining training systems and expectations, to implementing new tools and resources that support safety, communication, employment longevity, and professional development—each step was taken with care, thought, and intention. These efforts are all part of our ongoing commitment to create an environment where both employees and participants can thrive.

We also took time to celebrate the heart of our work—our staff. Whether through recognition initiatives like our Moment to Shine staff spotlight, to a fun and successful Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, to developing professional development opportunities, or simply creating space to appreciate one another, we remain grounded in the belief that a supported team leads to stronger outcomes for the participants and families we support.

As we reflect on 2025, we are grateful for the growth, for the challenges that helped shape us, and for the shared commitment that continues to move LIFE forward. We look ahead with humility, knowing there is always more to learn, and with confidence in the path we are building together.

half full, llc Leadership Rhode Island

04/23/2026

✨ Moment to Shine: April 2026 Edition ✨

This April, we are proud to recognize Justin Alves for his outstanding contributions, unwavering dedication, and the positive energy he brings to our team each and every day.

Justin is someone coworkers and participants alike can rely on. His punctuality and strong time management set the tone for a smooth and organized day, while his clear and consistent communication ensures everyone stays informed and supported. He naturally creates a fun, caring environment where clients feel comfortable, respected, and encouraged to engage.

One of Justin’s greatest strengths is his ability to lead with both confidence and compassion. He has a deep understanding of the flow of Day Program and takes initiative to keep things running seamlessly. Whether it’s coordinating activities or getting participants out into the community, Justin is always thinking ahead and finding ways to create meaningful, engaging experiences.

What truly sets Justin apart is his calm and adaptable nature. No matter the situation, he approaches challenges with a level head and a positive outlook. His ability to remain collected and optimistic helps create stability for both participants and staff, even during more demanding moments.

Justin is also a dependable and supportive teammate. He is approachable, always willing to lend a hand, and consistently looks out for others. Coworkers describe him as funny, kind, hardworking, and empathetic—someone who not only brings strong professional skills but also genuine warmth to the workplace. His extensive knowledge of the participants further enhances his ability to provide thoughtful, individualized support.

He demonstrates a strong commitment to policies and procedures, staying timely, following directives, and actively seeking the information needed to best support each participant. Beyond that, Justin goes the extra mile to promote community integration, eagerly exploring new activities and interests that help participants build confidence and connection.

Justin also brings his own personality into his work in a meaningful way. By sharing his hobbies and encouraging participants to explore their own, he creates an environment where individuals feel empowered to be themselves while learning and growing.

We appreciate Justin for his dedication, his leadership, and the consistently positive attitude he brings to every shift. His impact is felt across the entire team, and we are grateful to have him as part of our organization.

Congratulations, Justin—this is your Moment to Shine!