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July 2025 Newsletter
To empower, educate and connect people living without both hands or more
| | Skills for Life 7: Ready for October? | | |
Samoana Matagi shares why he is attending the Skills for Life 7 Workshop
Every Skills for Life conference brings together a powerful, inspiring group of individuals—and this year is no different! In this edition of Faces at SFL 7, we're spotlighting one of the many amazing attendees who will be joining us in Houston again this fall.
From Powerlines to Empowerment
Sam’s journey began as an apprentice lineman. A tragic accident with powerlines resulted in burns that led to amputation. But that moment didn’t define the end—it became the beginning of a new path.
Connected Through Community
“Through Skills for Life, I’ve been connected to my amputee peers,” Sam shared. “I’ve been able to learn a few techniques from those peers to help me live a fuller life.” It’s that sense of connection that keeps bringing people back year after year. For Sam and many other returning attendees, it’s not just about learning—it’s about growing together.
Tricks of the Trade
What has Sam learned? “Mike St. Onge taught me to ‘let the stickers hang’—meaning to use my stumps for touchscreens or anything that can be done more efficiently without hooks.” He also picked up a unique tip from Hector Picard: “Some cups are easier to grab by using one side of the hook inside the cup and bracing it against the wall.”
These seemingly small techniques make a big difference in everyday independence—and that’s exactly what SFL is all about.
Why Sam Keeps Coming Back
This year, Sam is excited to return to “catch up with friends and share techniques to help others along their journey.” And of course, there’s the dance—“My favorite memory is always dancing at the dance!”
A Message to the Community
“It’s so important to attend Skills for Life to make and re-establish relationships with people walking in a similar situation,” Sam said. Whether you're a new amputee or have been navigating life without upper limbs for years, there’s something for everyone at SFL 7.
See You There!
As for what he’s most looking forward to? “Reconnecting with all my friends and making new friends.” And that’s what Skills for Life is all about.
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Message from ESFL Executive Director
Hello Everyone!
Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter. We’re diving into the latest updates, sharing a few highlights, and sprinkling in some tips along the way. Whether you're here for the news, the upcoming events or just a quick break in your day — we're glad to have you with us!
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Skills for Life 7 Registration Updates
It is only July and we currently have 70 people living without both hands or all four limbs and 46 family members registered for SFL 7! We are still 3 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 for CP's and OTs! We are even hosting a one day seminar on best practices for fitting and rehab of someone living without both hands or all four limbs.
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ESFL Annual Meeting Recap
Don't Thanks to everyone who joined us for the ESFL BOD Annual Meeting on June 24th. You can watch the recording here or read the report here.
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Please keep reading below for updated information about registration, program, hotel and transportation.
Please keep scrolling for all of the latest ESFL news.
Warm Regards,
| | | Countdown Timer to Skills for Life 7! | | SFL News, Tips & Resources | |
Skills for Life 7: Registration, Hotel & Program Info
Skills for Life 7 Bilateral Upper Limb Difference Workshop is taking place October 16-18, 2025 in Houston, TX. if you have questions, reach out anytime. Our mission is to remove barriers, whether physical, financial or otherwise. SFL 7 Scholarship Application
RESERVE ROOMS TODAY!
This is the easiest way to prepare, even if you aren't positive you will attend. We can guarantee rooms will sell out, so your reservation will ensure you have a spot. You can always cancel, but you can't always book at this rate.
Hotel Reservation
Special Note as of July 1, we are working on adding more rooms to our room block. If you have trouble booking, please wait until July 9th or later to book.
SFL 7 Workshop Registration
Please use this link to register for Skills for Life 7. Contact us with any questions. SFL 7 Registration
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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 Coming in August!
*Reminder, CEU's will be provided for OT's and CP's.
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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-Travel Tips for Beginner Amputee (Dubsky & St Onge)
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: SFL Meals, book flight. 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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Calling All Sponsors & Exhibitors
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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ESFL 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! Recording of the session will be posted on our YouTube soon.
Stay tuned for some exciting upcoming changes to the skills exchange 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.
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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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