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August 2025 Newsletter
To empower, educate and connect people living without both hands or more
| | Skills for Life 7: Ready for October? | | |
The Sommerville Family shares why they are attending the Skills for Life 7 Workshop
As we count down to Skills for Life 7, we’re excited to introduce one of the many new families joining us for the first time this October: the Somerville Family from just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. Matt and Casey are proud parents to four amazing children—Shawn (11), Ella (10), Owen (9), and Maeve (4). Their parenting journey began with foster care, through which they adopted Shawn and Ella, before welcoming Owen and Maeve.
Owen, their bright, ambitious, funny, and kind-hearted nine-year-old, is headed into 4th grade this fall. He loves sports, swimming, video games, outdoor play, and making memories with his siblings, cousins, and friends.
Owen was born with congenital limb differences, first discovered during a routine 20-week anatomy ultrasound. For Matt and Casey, those early days were filled with uncertainty and emotional intensity. “Our doctors weren’t sure if the pregnancy would even be viable,” mom shared. “We made it a point to name him right away and lean into our faith—trusting that no matter the outcome, we would love and nurture this baby.” With the support of compassionate doctors, family, and their deep-rooted faith, the family navigated those early moments with strength and grace.
They learned about Enhancing Skills for Life through friends in the limb difference community—and when they heard about SFL 7, they knew they had to be there. “This past year has been a tough one for both Owen and me. We’ve been working through some grief related to his disability and how it impacts his daily life,” mom shared honestly. “We’re craving connection, inspiration, and encouragement from people who truly get it.”
For the Somerville’s, joining SFL 7 is about more than attending a conference—it’s about finding belonging. “Community has become so important to us. It’s about resources, yes, but even more, it’s about Owen seeing people like him, feeling comfortable, and being fully accepted,” she explained. “Some of our most powerful relationships have come from the limb difference community, and we’re so thankful.”
When asked what they’re most looking forward to, mom said she’s excited to learn from adults further along in the journey—people who can help show what’s possible for Owen’s future. Owen? He’s counting down the days until he can dive into adaptive gaming and make new friends.
“We’re excited and expectant,” she said. “I know SFL 7 is going to be exactly what our family needs.” Please join us in welcoming Owen and his family to Skills for Life 7! If you see them in Houston, don’t hesitate to say hello—you’ll be glad you did.
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Message from ESFL Executive Director
Hello Everyone!
Welcome to the time of year that the beach, back-to-school, and Halloween all compete for your attention! (Spirit, I'm looking at you!)
Our attention is squarely on making our SFL7 conference the best it can be! Our list of people who want to attend SFL7 is growing, and we need your help to get everyone to Houston. We have over 45 scholarship applicants which is our highest number ever!!
Help Us Send 5 More People to SFL 7
We've gotten creative and partnered with HundredX, a group that gathers you (anonymous) opinion and turns it into a donation for us. Watch your email and our social media sites to get all the details about how you can turn a few minutes of your time into 5 scholarships for SFL7! This fundraiser will run from August 18-September 18 and will help us ensure everyone who requests financial assistance to attend, receives it.
| | Stay tuned for more info about our HundredX fundraiser | |
Skills for Life 7 Registration Updates
We now have over 90 people living without both hands or all four limbs and 57 family members registered for SFL 7! We are still 2 months away so we expect this number to continue to grow! Our attendees ages range from 2-80 and are coming from all over the US, as well as Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and Australia! This face to face connection is so important for so many reasons. Seeing firsthand that there is an entire community of others like yourself is life changing.
Clinicians, this event is for you too! CEU's will be provided! We are even hosting a one day seminar prior to the workshop on best practices for fitting and rehab of someone living without both hands or all four limbs.
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Come Join Us!
Hustle & Heart All Star Bash
Saturday, October 18th at 6pm
We like to celebrate our event together, and SFL7 is no different! Bring a jersey or other team gear to rep your favorite, and join us for food and fun! See below for more details.
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Please keep reading below for updated information about registration, program, hotel and transportation.
Warm Regards,
| | | Countdown Timer to Skills for Life 7! | | SFL News, Tips & Resources | |
Program Information
Thank you to the SFL 7 Planning Committee! We are just so excited about the sessions planned and all of the fun activity day happenings! Cornhole, Pickleball, Scavenger Hunt, Exhibitor Meet & Greet, ADL Tips & Tricks, Kitchen Skills Demos, "Speed Friending", Quad Boot Camp, Travel Tips, Resource Sharing, Swimming, Biking, Working Out and so much more... it is a jam packed 3-day event you won't want to miss!
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
*Reminder, CEU's will be provided for Therapists and Prosthetists
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Closing Dinner/Dance
Hustle & Heart: All Star Bash
Join us on Saturday, October 18th
We opened our Skills for Life closing dinner/dance up to family, friends and supporters in 2022. There was strong interest from the local community to return in 2025 so we are opening up the option to either purchase a dinner ticket or purchase a table for 8. Come join us for Hustle & Heart: All Star Bash and get festive with us by wearing your favorite school or sports team gear. Buy your tickets by selecting "Register Now" and then selecting "Saturday Dinner Only")... email us with any questions.
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SFL 7 Checklist-Book Your Flights & Transportation Options
Checklist Reminders:
February: Reserve your hotel room
March: Apply for scholarship
April: Register for SFL 7
May: Plan Your Travel (flights, cars, or accessible transportation)
June: Let us know your shower equipment needs. Register.
July: Travel Tip for Beginner Amputee PPT (Dubsky and St Onge)
August: Book flight, register, reserve hotel. Transportation reminders. Volunteering opportunities.
September: Review the SFL 7 program, download the app, plan your days.
October: What to pack/bring, Things to do in Houston and last minute questions.
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W/C Accessible Transportation for SFL 7
We are partnering with H-Town HotShot to provide an economical wheelchair transportation option between either airport and the hotel. More information coming soon, but stay tuned to our website, social media and these newsletters for instructions on how to book. Please do not contact them until we provide details.
*Please note this offer is only available for our wheelchair users.
Check out our Accessible Transportation Resources Document for more information and resources.
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Sponsors & Exhibitors, There is Still Time
Our SPONSORS make Skills for Life 7 exceptional! This one-of-a-kind, personal gathering is unlike any other, created with people living without both hands or all four limbs in mind. Your presence reinforces that you are 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.
This workshop only happens every three years so you don't want to miss this opportunity!
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Andy's Rock & Bowl Weekend
September 12-14
We’re gearing up for Andy’s Third Annual Rock & Bowl Fundraiser happening September 12–14 in Medina, OH, and you won’t want to miss this incredible weekend of fun, community, and support for those living without both hands, arms, or more limbs. BONUS- Join Andy & Sam on Zoom this Sunday at 6:00 to hear Andy talk about what you can expect.
Friday, Sept 12
Dinner & Live Performance at VFW Post 5137
Saturday, Sept 13
Visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dinner & Live Performance at VFW Post 5137
Sunday, Sept 14
Doubles Bowling Tournament
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our community, this is a perfect chance to connect, have fun, and make an impact.
Find all you need to know here: https://www.enhancingskillsforlife.org/andy-rocknbowl-fundraiser
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply here
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CHANGES COMING TO SKILLS EXCHANGE SUNDAY
On Sunday, June 29, Samoana Matagi and Andy Mattox discussed Andy's Weekend of fun and fundraising in Ohio coming up this September! Check out the recording of their conversation and make plans to join Andy in Ohio this September!
On August 7th, Andy was asked to participate in a radio interveiw with NEWSTALK 1490 where he talked about his fundraiser weekend and about ESFL. We hope to bring you the recorded interview link next month. Thanks to our friends for calling in to talk with Andy on the show!
We will be taking a break with our Sunday zooms until after SFL 7 wraps up. Stay tuned for some exciting upcoming changes to the format.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SKILLS FOR LIFE 7 SPONSORS!
We simply cannot hold these workshops without their support
so please make sure to thank them online or in person.
| | | Sarah Mitsch | US ISPO | Karen Andrews | | Clark Investment Group | GJ & Company, LLC | James Hinze | | Mr & Mrs Robert Sparrow | Dina Goodin | Morph Labs | |
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Skills for Life 7 Planning Committee
Co-Chairs:
Kristi Turner & Wendy Hill
| | | Joyce Tyler |
| Danielle Melton | | Eric Nelson | Ana Calvo | Chris Baschuk | | Trish Tully | Craig Jackman | Steve Burrow | | Caesar Gonzales | Rebecca Armenta | Christine Lentz | | Ania Marecka | Kelsey Rohren | Shawn Johnson | | | Upcoming Events & Programs | | | |
Andy's Rock & Bowl Weekend
See website for scholarship application, hotel information and details about the weekend.
Website
Medina, OH
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Hanger Empowerfest
Event for the limb loss/limb difference community to discover the power of shared experiences.
Website
Phoenix, AZ
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Skills for Life 7 Workshop
Event that takes place every 3 years for people living without both hands or all four limbs, their family members, and healthcare professionals.
Website
Houston, TX
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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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