2025 Fall/Winter Newsletter
LifeStream Update
Dear Friends of LifeStream:
As our 50th anniversary year draws to a close, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude with all of you— our clients, supporters, and community partners— who helped make this year so meaningful.
This milestone has given us the opportunity not only to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to honor the many individuals whose vision, dedication, and hard work laid the foundation for where LifeStream is today.
One of the highlights of “Our Golden Year” was the 20th Annual Aging Well Conference and 50th celebration, which included an awards program to honor just some of the incredible individuals and community leaders who have helped advance LifeStream’s mission over the past five decades.
In this edition of our newsletter, you will find photos of the celebration as well as other events, updates on important programs, information on SHIP Counseling, winter travel tips, and more. These areas are working hard daily to reach those who need support, information, and education.
I want to thank each of you for your continued support of LifeStream. Whether you are a volunteer, community partner, or supporter, your
involvement helps us fulfill our mission. We are grateful to have your support as we embark on the next 50 years of service.
As always, LifeStream remains committed to providing the right information, resources, and support for improving quality of life and maintaining independence for older adults, those with disabilities, and caregivers. We look forward to continuing our mission and helping create a better life for those we serve.
Sincerely,
Jenny Hamilton, President & CEO
Table of contents:
PAGE 2
LifeStream Updates
PAGE 3
Staying Connected
PAGE 4-5
LifeStream Golden Year Wrap-Up
PAGE 6
AngelWish
PAGE 7
Honoring Golden Hoosiers
PAGE 8
SHIP Counseling
PAGE 9
Memory Screenings & SMP
PAGE 10-11
Caregiver Services & NCM Event
PAGE 12
Winter Travel Tips
Staying Connected
For many older adults, isolation can often lead to depression and loneliness. Find some helpful ways to stay connected to your community. Here are a few ways LifeStream can help!
Wellness Classes: LifeStream is dedicated to promoting healthy and active living in the communities we serve. We provide a variety of health and wellness programs and classes, both virtual and in-person, to help promote active living among older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.
Blooming Health: Sign up to receive call or text notifications from LifeStream about new programs or events near you.
To register, call 800-589-1121 or email mwilliams@lifestreaminc.org
Volunteer: The LifeStream Volunteer Program matches students, children, adults and groups with community needs. We have an opportunity for almost anyone to contribute — contact us for information about volunteer opportunities!
For a complete list of wellness classes, social events, community engagements, and volunteer opportunities to take part in, visit: lifestreaminc.org
We are looking forward to another year of events focused on providing information, resources, and support for improving quality of life for older adults, those with disabilities, and caregivers. Join us in 2026!
Healthy Aging Expo
Richmond, IN
A free event for the community to learn more about programs, services, and activities available to older adults in the Wayne County area and beyond.
More information can be found at lifestreaminc.org/expo
Aging Well Conference
Muncie, IN
A conference for caregivers, older adults, wellness enthusiasts, and health professionals to learn how to make positive changes in their lives and the lives of others.
More information can be found at lifestreaminc.org/agingwell
Golf Outing
Yorktown, IN
LifeStream’s Annual Golf Outing raises funds to help us continue our mission.
More information can be found at lifestreaminc.org/golf
JOY Games South
Richmond, IN
Those 55 and older are invited to join us for some friendly competition in a variety of events and actvities.
More information can be found at lifestreaminc.org/joy-games
Angel Wish
Spreading Golden Joy
You can help deliver hope to older adults isolated during the holidays. Each year, LifeStream’s AngelWish program coordinates doorstep delivery of a special gift to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. AngelWish is a beacon of hope, providing reassurance that their community cares.
How you can help:
Make a Monetary Donation - With your $30 donation, an older adult will receive a holiday gift set. Donations can be made:
· Online: visit lifestreaminc.org/angelwish
· Mail: Cash/check donations can be mailed to LifeStream’s Headquarters at 1701 Pilgrim Blvd. Yorktown, IN 47396. Make checks payable to LifeStream Services.
· Contact: Angie Jenkins, Outreach Coordinator, 765-759-1121 ext. 121 or ajenkins@lifestreaminc.org
Volunteer - LifeStream needs delivery elves to help ensure 500 AngelWish gift sets are delivered by December 20. People of all ages can volunteer.
Learn more and sign up:
www.lifestreaminc.org/angelwish
Volunteer: Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator, 765-759-1121 ext.136 or lbray@lifestreaminc.org
Donate/Sponsor: Angie Jenkins, Outreach Coordinator 765-759-1121 ext. 121 or ajenkins@lifestreaminc.org
Honoring the “Golden Hoosiers” of Indiana
LifeStream’s 2025 nominees, Lonnie Snow and Gayle Gernand, both received the Golden Hoosier Award at the state level!
The Golden Hoosier Award is the state’s highest honor a senior can receive, as it recognizes the commitment to service and volunteerism in their communities.
Gayle has dedicated her life to education, faith, and community. She continues to champion public education through the Experienced Educators of East Central Indiana and she is actively involved at Yorktown Methodist Church.
Lonnie has spent his life lifting up others, from serving as a Marine in Vietnam to his leadership of the Wayne County Special Olympics. He is known by his community for his energy and willingness to help in any way.
Both Gayle Gernand and Lonnie Snow were nominated by LifeStream Services for the Golden Hoosier Award because they exemplify the Golden Hoosier spirit through their passion, care, and dedication to their communities. We sincerely thank both of you for making our communities stronger!
Those interested in volunteering with LifeStream Services can learn more by visiting lifestreaminc.org/support/volunteer or contact Laura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator, by calling 765-759-1121 ext. 136 or emailing lbray@lifestreaminc.org.
In celebration of LifeStream’s 50th year of service, we’ve created a special keepsake cookbook filled with favorite recipes from clients, staff members, community partners, café participants, and supporters.
To purchase a cookbook, scan the QR code below or visit: lifestreaminc.org/50thcookbook
SHIP Counseling During Open Enrollment
LifeStream Services has trained State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors on staff to help navigate the complexities of healthcare during the Open Enrollment period which starts on October 15 and ends on December 7. SHIP provides free, impartial health insurance information and is not affiliated with any insurance company.
SHIP counselors can help answer questions on Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, prescription drug coverage, and low-income assistance. SHIP counselors can also assist with finding and enrolling beneficiaries in programs that lower their healthcare and prescription costs, such as Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs. The goal of SHIP Counseling is to help the beneficiary make well-informed decisions regarding their health care and get the most value for their health insurance dollars.
LifeStream is hosting special community events to help those in need during Open Enrollment. These events will be held at the locations below, available by appointment only. Call LifeStream at (800) 589-1121 to schedule your 1-on-1.
In-person appointments for these locations can be scheduled by calling (800) 589-1121. SHIP Counselors are also available via phone at (800) 589-1121 to help answer questions and review current plans. This program is available to anyone in Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, Rush, Union and Wayne counties. Visit lifestreaminc.org or call (800) 589-1121 to learn more.
• Anderson Public Library – 111 E 12th St., Anderson 46016
• Blackford County Senior Center – 101 S. Mill St., Hartford City 47348
• Cambridge City Public Library – 600 W. Main St., Cambridge City 47327
• Franklin County Public Library – 919 Main St., Brookville 47012
• Fayette County Public Library – 828 N. Grand Ave., Connersville 47331
• IU Health Jay Hospital – 500 W. Votaw St., Portland 47371
• LifeStream Services, Richmond – 2404 National Road West, Richmond 47374
• LifeStream Services, Yorktown – 1701 S. Pilgrim Blvd., Yorktown 47396
• Main Street Senior Center – 100 N. Main St., Farmland 47340
• Marion Public Library – 600 S. Washington St., Marion 46953
• Muncie Delaware Senior Center – 2517 W 8th St, Muncie, 47302
• Raintree Square – 2820 S. Memorial Dr., New Castle 47362
• Rushville Public Library – 1850 N. Main St., Rushville 46173
• Whitewater Valley Regional Transit – 107 N. Main St., Liberty 47353
Memory Screenings
A memory screening is a simple and safe evaluation tool that checks memory or other thinking skills. Memory screenings can indicate whether an additional check up by a healthcare professional is needed. Here are a few questions to help you decide if a memory screening might be beneficial:
• Am I becoming more forgetful?
• Am I misplacing things often?
• Am I becoming lost while driving or walking?
• Am I repeating the same thing to family and friends?
• Am I having trouble concentrating?
• Am I having difficulty performing familiar tasks?
• Am I having difficult time recalling words or names in conversations?
• Have I forgotten where I’m going or where I am?
• Have family or friends noticed a change in my mood, behavior, personality, or desire to do things I once did?
• Am I worried about my memory?
LifeStream Services is now certified as a dementia screening location through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. LifeStream’s Dementia Outreach Specialists are certified to perform memory screenings across our 12-county service area. Please contact Kelly Smith at (765) 759-1121 ext. 297 or Christy Davidson at (765) 759-1121 ext. 298.
Help for you and your loved one
If you step in to provide help or assistance to a friend, family member, or loved one –you’re a caregiver.
LifeStream Services can help with support, transitions, education, and planning for those who STEP In to caregiving.
Programs and resources include:
Caregiver Kits (Memory, Parkinson’s, & Kinship)
Care Team Resource Binder
Care Coaching
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Speakers Bureau
Dementia Friends
Memory Cafés
Caregiver Support Groups
Respite Care
PASTA - Parenting A Second Time Around
From Surviving to Thriving: Wellness Skills for Family Care Partners
LifeStream Services invites you to join us for our 2025 National Caregiver Month event! This event recognizes caregivers and care partners for all they do and provides an opportunity for them to take time for themselves while connecting and engaging with other caregivers.
This year, keep your mind and body golden with Melanie Fauth, BSN, RN, and co-founder of Ignite Wellbeing. Melanie will be sharing practical tips for how to care for yourself while you also care for a loved one. Becoming certified in Mind Body Medicine underscored for Melanie that every individual can be empowered to help heal themselves through stress if taught evidencebased skills. With over 3,800 people reached, it is apparent that these skills create a different way to be present in the room you’re in, and in your life!
EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 10:00am - 2:00pm
The Parcel 6469 W. County Road 100 N. New Castle, IN 47362
Cost to register:
Fee covers meal, speaker, and caregiver activities
Caregivers/Care Partners: Cost sponsored by LifeStream Professionals: $10
Want more information about the event? Please reach out to our Caregiver Programs Coordinators, at stepin@lifestreaminc.org or (765) 759-1121 ext. 101 or 121
To register for this event, scan the QR code. For information about LifeStream Services, additional resources, and upcoming events, visit lifestreaminc.org Scan to register!
Melanie Fauth, BSN, RN
Safe Travel During Winter Months
Whether you are traveling for a vacation, a family event, or a wedding, your comfort and safety should be a priority. For seniors looking to travel during the winter, it is important to be prepared and make the process less stressful. Below are some tips to help ensure safer travel during the winter.
Check the Forecast: It’s best to check on forecasts regularly, so you are prepared in advance. Forecast predictions help you identify the safest days to travel. Be on the watch for snowstorms and freezing precipitation.
Do Your Research: Research your desired travel routes and destination. Choose a route that is accessible and accommodating to the capability of your car. Consider terrain, climate, and availability of amenities like stopovers on the way.
Watch Out for Road Signs: Always be on the lookout for warning signage. Watch out for slippery roads and avoid distractions when driving. Remember to buckle up. Part of staying safe during your travel is trusting your gut. If some routes feel unsafe, do not use them.
Schedule a Ride with LifeStream: LifeStream Services provides transportation or provides the contact information for those that do in all twelve of our counties. Whether it’s a ride to the grocery store, a trip to the doctor, or a ride to the park, LifeStream Services can get you where you need to be in East Central Indiana. To receive more information or to schedule a ride, please call 888-589-1121.