Client Spotlight
1. Lena, you have been a part of the Life Centers of Kansas community for 15 years—congratulations!
Thank you very much! I’m really proud to have been part of Life Centers for so long. I also want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be an ambassador. I enjoy talking to visitors about our day services, the activities we take part in, and how we’re involved in the community.
2. What is your favorite part about living at Life Centers of Kansas?
My favorite part about living at Life Centers of Kansas is that I get to do all sorts of things, like cooking and taking care of my own laundry, with support from staff when I need it. The staff are really helpful—they’re there to assist, but they also help me be more independent. I enjoy cooking meals like rice and hamburgers, or even just simple things from a bag or a can that I can pour into a pan and cook myself. It feels good to have that freedom. The staff also help keep things balanced between me and my roommates, which makes it easier to enjoy daily life here.
3. Describe a typical day at Life Centers of Kansas, whether it be at your home or at day service.
A typical day at Life Centers of Kansas depends on whether I’m at home or at day service. At day service, I arrive in the mornings, and once I’m here, there are lots of options. You can play games, make art, talk with friends, or play basketball in the gym. The gym is especially great—we’ve even had the Kansas City Orchestra visit, which I loved. The music is not only beautiful, but it’s also interactive.
At home, my day starts with getting up, cleaning myself up, and sometimes doing a little laundry to stay on top of things before afternoon staff arrive. I also enjoy relaxing activities like watching TV, listening to music, or reading. I love reading James Patterson novels—those murder mysteries where he’s the investigator trying to figure out who did it, how they did it, and with what. That kind of story really pulls me in.
4. Do you have any staff members or housemates that have had a big impact on you?
Yes, there are a couple of staff members who have had a big impact on me. Leatha is one of them—she makes me feel free and not tied down. When I’m unsure about something or questioning myself, she helps me feel more confident. She has a caboodle of energy, and I love that about her. She brings such a positive, uplifting vibe that makes it easy to just enjoy the moment.
I also really appreciate Adam. He has a calming presence and never makes you feel like he’s your boss. His voice alone is relaxing, and he helps create an environment where you feel supported and at ease. Both of them make a big difference in how comfortable and confident I feel at Life Centers.
5. Do you have any new skills that you've acquired since you've been here at Life Centers of Kansas?
One important skill I’ve gained since being at Life Centers is learning how to get to know people in a respectful and thoughtful way. When I first came here, I had a hard time approaching others—I didn’t want to overstep or make anyone uncomfortable by asking too much about what they liked to do. So instead, I took a step back and spent time observing. I learned to pick up on people’s energy and understand their “vibes,” since everyone is different. That experience helped me build confidence in how I connect with others and taught me how to be more mindful and patient in forming friendships.
6. If somebody was thinking about moving in with Life Centers of Kansas, what advice would you give them?
I would tell them that Life Centers of Kansas is a very nice and laid-back place. The environment here helps people feel safe and comfortable. For those who have vision challenges or who like to explore things through touch, we have sensory toys that make sounds and provide different textures. Even if someone doesn’t know exactly what the sound is, they can still enjoy and respond to it. And out in the community, there are parks with sensory equipment—like instruments to bang on or swings to relax in—so everyone can have a chance to play and be included.
7. If you could have one wish for Life Centers of Kansas, what would your dream be?
If I could have one wish for Life Centers, it would be for us to go on more trips. I think it would be amazing to travel together and experience new places. For example, there’s an organization there called Special Journeys for Special People with Special Disabilities. They plan trips for people who use wheelchairs or walkers, and they even have special wheelchairs designed for cruise ships—including ones that can go around the deck or even into the pool.
It would be so exciting for Life Centers to be part of something like that—so everyone could enjoy an adventure, no matter their abilities.
8. As we wrap up the interview, do you have any closing words?
Yes. I’d like to end with a quote from Dante Marvin, a young boy who was on Britain’s Got Talent. He uses a wheelchair and has brittle bone disease, and what he said really stayed with me:
“Even if you've got some sort of disability or disadvantage, you can go as far as your imagination wants to take you.”
That quote hit me like a ton of bricks—it was so powerful. I’d love to see it printed on the back of our cards here at Life Centers, because it’s such a strong reminder that no matter what challenges we face, our imagination and determination can take us far.
