Holiday Letter 2024
May Your Days be Merry and Bright
Dear Friends,
As we bid farewell to 2024, we ’ re excited to share some of the year ’ s memorable moments from Ralph Scott Lifeservices highlights we hope will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.
Spring Fling Dance
Your support helps us provide an enriching, supportive and caring community for the individuals we serve. With your help, we have provided a place to call home for over 100 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 2024.
We kicked off spring in style at the Spring Fling, celebrating with dancing and singing to our favorite tunes. A lively mix of music from every decade kept everyone moving, mingling and capturing memories at the photo booth. The smiles say it all! Please visit www.rsli.org/photo-gallery to enjoy the photo album.
The guys had a great time at the beach floating down the lazy river, hanging out on the beach, walking on the pier and listening to live music. These experiences provide much needed relaxation, connection and a change from the daily routines, adding joy and excitement to their lives.
Community inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and connectedness among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is our goal to empower each individual to pursue opportunities in social interactions, education, personal growth, employment and civic engagement based on their own preferences and aspirations.
Trip
We are all so very proud of Sandy, who received an award for an Outstanding Employee with a Disability through the Alamance County Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities. This honor is well deserved for her dedication to her responsibilities, hard work and for being a role model to others. Sandy participates in the OE Enterprises Day Supports Program and always takes on each task she is given with enthusiasm. Ralph Scott Lifeservices has been home for Sandy for ten years, where she thrives on accepting new challenges and opportunities for her growth.
Each week, staff and individuals look forward to what they affectionately call the “Shack Attack.” During this time, Michael, with the support of an interpreter, leads a weekly class on American Sign Language (ASL). Participants learn new words and phrases in ASL, review material from previous sessions, and engage in activities to practice the week’s lessons. Michael takes pride in leading the class and sharing his knowledge with peers and staff. This shared experience not only enhances communication but also fosters stronger connections among participants, giving everyone a voice.
Staff Celebrate Juneteenth
Throughout the year, the Cultural Competency Committee has helped broaden our understanding and awareness of the rich diversity that shapes our community. Through engaging activities such as celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, visiting the African American Heritage Museum, studying women in history and collaborating on meaningful group projects for Juneteenth, the program has created opportunities for staff and individuals to connect with and appreciate the histories, traditions, and contributions of various cultural groups.
We are so grateful for the continued support of our community. The Burlington Police and Fire Departments joined us to support our Activity Day parade at StarPoint, along with Alamance Parks, Alamance Libraries and our enthusiastic neighbors cheering us on during the parade. Whether it’s story time at the library, decorating cars for trunk or treat, providing Christmas gifts, music and pet therapy, arts and crafts, educational and employment partnerships or special events, collaborating with our community is a vital component in achieving our mission.
In celebration of the holiday season, the Sounds of the Season Christmas Concert will be held this year at Trailhead Church. This is truly a heartwarming event sure to brighten your day and fill you with the holiday spirit. We invite you to join us as participants of StarPoint Day Program present a variety of traditional and inspirational music. Join us!
Thursday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m. Trailhead Church, 615 Harden St., Graham
Through our residential care, independent living program and day services, we empower each individual to live life to the fullest. To sustain this vital support and continue offering these enriching services, experiences and opportunities, we rely on your help. Your donation makes a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
On behalf of the individuals we serve, staff and board of directors, we thank you for your continued support and wish you a peaceful and joyful Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
Todd Thorpe CEO
Thank you!
Amy Chandler, Chair
Caitlin Brooks
Oddete Cambrani-Dove
Amy Chinnici
Kevin Dull
Jamila Freeman
Chris Gaddis
Mike Gee
The Board of Directors is grateful for your support www.Rsli.org
Liz Hill
Patrick Mills
John Nicholson
Paula Reardon
Dan Shannon
Jerry Sparrow
Phil Thompson
Nick Wright
Our Mission
It is the mission of Ralph Scott Lifeservices to provide individualized community living services and supports for people with intellectual disabilities that promote: sound health, dignity, growth, stability, and community involvement and that recognize and value each individual's heritage and preferences.
Ralph Scott Lifeservices
(336) 227-1011
