To empower, educate and connect people living without both arms or more |
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COUNTDOWN TO SKILLS FOR LIFE 7! | |
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Meet Jason
in our February Spotlight
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This month, we are spotlighting Jason Koger.
Jason lost both hands below the elbow after running into a downed power line while driving a four wheeler in 2008. He has maintained a positive and encouraging outlook on life for himself and his family through his recovery. One of the most important aspects of his recovery was finding new ways to participate in his favorite hobbies, but also finding new hobbies that he can be just as involved in. Read more about Jason's story here.
*Know someone we should highlight? Please email and introduce us!
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Message from the Executive Director | |
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Hello Everyone!
Since 2025 is a Skills for Life Workshop year, we want to be sure you have it on your calendar. If finances are a barrier, please watch for our scholarship application, which aims to cover much of the expenses related to travel, hotel, and attendance. We believe that connecting in person starts wonderful relationships that continue to provide support long after the event is over. Plus, Skills for Life is packed with the joy of meeting new people and trying new things in a welcoming environment.
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What Is ESFL Committed to?
ESFL was founded to support the Skills for Life Workshops and has since grown to include developing opportunities to connect, creating great resources, and empowering people to live their chosen lives.
Although there are great organizations serving people with amputations and limb differences, ESFL is the only one dedicated to those missing both hands, arms, or more. It's a unique mission and an amazing group of people to serve.
What we develop and deliver is tailored to you, and we always welcome feedback and support of any kind. Please feel free to reach out with suggestions or to let us know what works well for you.
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Super Bowl Squares
Enhancing Skills for Life would love your support! Help send someone to Skills for Life 7! We have had a tremendous year of growth, reaching more individuals who are living without both hands, arms or all four limbs as well as their family members. As our triennial conference approaches, we thought it would be fun to do a Super Bowl Square Fundraiser! The funds raised through this will help us cover at least two attendee's hotel expenses. Please consider supporting our efforts and having some Super Bowl fun at the same time! It is $20/square with $100 gift card payouts for the first 3 quarters and $200 in the 4th quarter!
Access the Super Bowl Squares Here
Grid Username: ESFL
Grid Password: 2025
Contact us if you want to participate, but don't have Venmo.
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Please keep scrolling for all of the latest ESFL news. | |
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Ronnie's Bowling Tournament
Ronnie's vision to make sure everyone who is living without both hands or arms can attend the Skills for Life Workshops comes to life in Livingston, Texas. For seven years he has rallied the town to create an event that uses bowling to build connection. From a bowling tournament to a silent auction, this fun-packed weekend is for everyone! Come join us February 22-23, 2025!
Ronnie's Website
Auction, Raffle and Bingo
If you can't join us in Livingston, but want to support Ronnie, consider donating an item from Ronnie's 2025 Auction List.on Amazon. We are excited to bring Bingo into the mix this year for those who may not be bowling.
Get Rolling
To make the day more memorable, the Dralla Foundation has funded an adaptive bowling device to make it easy to aim for a strike! Scholarships are also available to remove financial barriers for the ESFL community.
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SFL 7 Logo Vote
We need your help choosing our Skills for Life 7 logo! We are looking to update our logo and would love your input.
Click the google form to view the designs and cast your vote!
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Skills for Life 7: Registration and Hotel Info
Skills for Life 7 Bilateral Upper Limb Difference Workshop is taking place October 16-18, 2025 in Houston, TX. We'll be sharing updates over the next few months, but if you have questions, reach out anytime. Our mission is to remove barriers, whether physical, financial or otherwise, so we will be sharing our scholarship information, the workshop details and much more in early 2025.
Thank you to our co-chairs, Kristi Turner and Wendy Hill, their planning committee, as well as our event planner, Joyce Tyler who are all working to create a memorable, impactful event!
SFL 7 Workshop Registration
Please use this link to register for Skills for Life 7. Contact us with any questions.
SFL 7 Registration
RESERVE ROOMS TODAY!
This is the easiest way to prepare, even if you aren't positive you will attend. I can guarantee rooms will sell out at this rate, so your reservation will ensure you have a spot. You can always cancel, but you can't always book at this rate.
Hotel Reservation
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Skills for Life 7 Planning Committee
Meet the team behind putting together the program for Skills for Life Workshop #7. Co-chairs Kristi Turner and Wendy Hill, along with event planner, Joyce Tyler have kicked off 2025 with their first planning meeting. Please share your ideas for topics or activities you'd like to see included in this years workshop.
Email Us!
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Calling All Sponsors & Exhibitors
We need you to make Skills for Life 7 exceptional! This one-of-a-kind, personal gathering is unlike any other. SFL is exceptional because it is created with people living without hands or arms in mind. With connection high on our list, it highlights your organization as one that is committed to this unique community.
Check out the sponsorship and exhibiting details in our Skills for Life 7 Prospectus and let us know if you have any questions. Your support makes the workshop and so much more possible. Please make sure to visit the sponsors section of this newsletter and be sure to thank our sponsors.
This workshop only happens every three years so you don't want to miss this opportunity!
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Pre-Conference Clinicians Only
JUST ADDED! Come join us for a half-day on October 15th to learn from other clinicians about best practices for fitting as well as training people who are living without both hands or more. With the increase in quadruple amputations over the past decade, you won't want to miss this unique opportunity that can't be found anywhere else. More details from our amazing planning committee will be provided over the coming months. This is a pre-conference workshop for healthcare professionals only. Must be registered to attend. SFL 7 Registration
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ESFL Skills Exchange Sunday:
BATHING & SHOWERING
February 16 at 6 pm Central
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Join us for our next "Skills Exchange Sunday" session on February 16 at 6pm central. Make plans to join Sam and guest speakers Elizabeth Zweigel, Mike St Onge, and Christine Lentz for a tips & tricks discussion regarding hands free bathing and showering.
We had a fun time in January with Bingo & Lee York share about his Wheel the World adventure in South Africa. Congratulations to Lori P and Andy M on your Bingo wins!
Use the below link to join the Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84630193213
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JOIN US ON
Sunday, January 26 @ 6pm central
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THANK YOU TO OUR SKILLS FOR LIFE 7 SPONSORS! | | |
Upcoming Events & Programs (2025) |
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Ronnie Hindsman's 7th Annual Bowling Tournament
Come join Ronnie for a fun weekend of bowling, socializing, silent auction/raffle and tips & tricks for daily tasks. Scholarships available!
Website
Livingston, TX
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American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
Annual conference for O&P professionals.
Website
Atlanta, GA
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Trent International Prosthetic Symposium (TIPS)
Event for professionals involved with upper limb prosthetics, rehabilitation and the management of upper extremity absence.
Website
Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC)
Conference covering pediatric musculoskeletal disorders as well as orthopedic and rehabilitative treatment of children.
Website
Dallas, TX
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International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress
Event for professionals involved in the support of persons in need of prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive devices.
Website
Stockholm, Sweden
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Get Involved!
Thank you to those who contacted us about getting involved! We are still looking for help, so let us know if you have time, experience, resources, or referrals/connections to support:
- Development/Fundraising
- Strategic Planning Committees
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Change a Life, Donate Today
The Skills for Life workshop was developed in 2002 with a specific focus on people living without both hands or more and the unique set of circumstances they face on a daily basis. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 to ensure we could continue supporting the members of our community with programs, events, resources, and connections. Please click the Venmo or PayPal donate buttons in this section to donate. PayPal allows you to donate via your account or with a credit card. Venmo requires you to have an account. Donations can also be made via check, payable to Enhancing Skills for Life, 16111 Park Center Dr, Houston, TX 77059.
Any and all donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated!
Enhancing Skills for Life, 501c3 Tax ID: 81-2619137.
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