The LIFE Center for Independent Living
Your Senior & Disability Resource
725 E. Karsch Blvd.
Farmington, MO 63640
573-756-4314
Recent Events at LIFE, Inc.
The images below are just a small review of the events we have going on at The LIFE Center for Independent Living. We hope you will enjoy these photos and if you have any others you would like to share with us, we welcome them with our most sincere Thanks !
2026 Pre-ETS (Employment Transition Services)
These services are offered to individuals with mild to moderate learning disabilities. The intent is to assist them with the transition from a structured school day to everyday life.
This was our first day of getting to know each other
We had wonderful pizzas from Domino's for our lunch!
Our 1st week Job Tour was to Farmington Walmart
We got a "behind the scenes" look at exactly how the whole store works from the time the products arrive till they reach the floor for sale. We visited all of the different departments to learn about jobs that are available at Walmart.
Our week 3 Job Tour took us to Dress 2 Impress which is a division of Hope 4 Autism.
At this impressive resale store we learned how the business works by gathering donated clothing and selecting clothes that looks as close to new as possible. Once they are selected, they are laundered or steamed and then merchandised on the sales floor. The rest of the well used or damaged clothing is then sent to the Shared Blessing homeless shelter where they take them for recycling. The money they make from the recycling helps to support the shelter. That is a perfect example of two non-profit operations that working closely together.
Our week 4 Job Tour took us to The STABLEs of Farmington
The STABLEs is a Therapeutic Horsemanship Training Center where individuals with disabilities can learn concentration, coordination, and bond with horses while they learn to ride. Varina Luttrull was our guide. The students learned how to keep the arena area clean and swept, clean up manure from the horse stalls, how different horses have different diets, and even about mowing the grounds.
Our job Tour for Week 5 took us to the Missouri Career Center in Park Hills
Our students were greeted by Director, Shari Berkowski, who provided a tour of the center and an explanation of all of the resource they provide for individuals looking for work. Each of the students were able to sit at a computer and answer questions regarding their interests. These interest surveys help job seekers find positions that fit those interests. They also learned how the center can help with building a resume and completing a job application. Everyone was excited to compare their interest surveys when we returned to the classroom.
In Week 6, we toured and had lunch at Steak 'n Shake of Farmington
The management and staff of Steak 'n Shake offered us a rare, behind the scenes tour, of how they do the GREAT job they do at serving fantastic food to the people of Farmington. Due to the confined work space and the fast pace of their restaurant, we could not take any pictures in the kitchen without disrupting their service.
One of our students was celebrating his 16th birthday on our tour day and they even provided him with the milkshake of his choice.
Nutella was the flavor of the day for Thomas.
Our final week also brought us a guest presenter from the Farmington Police Department
Office Aaron Bowles came to our classroom as a part of our Driver's Permit Testing class. He discussed the proper way to pull over and to remain calm if our students were ever in that situation. He reminded everyone that the police are the good guys and that no one should be afraid if they are pulled over. Most of the time it is for a simple violation and most people get just a warning or a ticket with a small fine. He took time to let the students sit in his cruiser, turn on the lights, and test the siren. We would like to thank the Farmington Police Department for being a part of our program.
LIFE, Inc. holds Rock 'n Roll Bingo at Farmington Elks
The LIFE Center lit up the night on April 18th at the Farmington Elks with a rousing evening of ROCK 'N ROLL BINGO! This fund raiser collected money for durable medical equipment that can be used by anyone in need at no cost.
The rules of Rock 'n Roll Bingo are simple; Each bingo card (game) is actually a music category. (It could be "Hits from the 80's", "One Hit Wonders" or the example above, "Classic Rock".) Short sections of songs are played and you mark'em if you got'em. Bingo to win!
We also played two rounds of "Heads or Tails". Players stood up and paid a dollar to play. They placed their hands on their head for "Heads" or on their rump (tail) for "Tails" and the DJ then flipped a coin. Winners remained standing and losers had to sit down. Rounds continued until there was only one person standing and they won 50% of the pot.
Our 50/50 drawing raised a total of over $800.00
We want to thank the Farmington Elks for hosting our event. They served great food and alcohol at reasonable prices for all of our participants and everyone deemed the event a big success. This event raised over $3,600.00 that will be used to purchase durable medical equipment.
Please enjoy the pictures below
LIFE Attends the St. Francois County Community Partnership Expo
Pictured above are Elena Marler, Disability Advocate, and Randy Windsor, Marketing Director, from the LIFE Center For Independent Living. The 2026 annual event, held at Mineral Area College on April 11th, attracted approximately 1,200 visitors. The LIFE Center always enjoys an opportunity to inform people about all of the programs and services we provides along with opportunities for employment we offer.
2026 Easter Egg Hunt & Jelly Bean Jamboree
On March 28, 2026, The LIFE Center For Independent Living held its' annual Easter Egg hunt for disabled children and adults. This year was the best one we have ever had. We had 110 disabled individuals and 55 siblings that registered in advance. On event day our numbers far exceeded that. We were very lucky to prepare more of everything in advance and it all worked. The LIFE staff and all of our volunteers did a wonderful job keeping everyone moving.
To the left is a copy of the invitation that was send through our email system and delivered, in-person, to all our local school systems to be passed out for parents.
If you would like to subscribe to our email notifications, remember that you can easily unsubscribe at the bottom of any of our correspondence.
Qualified individuals and their families then called our office and registered for the event. Due to limits on food prepared, we cannot take walk-ins on the day of the event.
Please enjoy these images of our friends.
 You have tickly whiskers! |  There were vivid colors everywhere. |  Three boys standing at a table of colorful cookie cutters and Playdoh. |
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 A young lady makes as dramatic pose for our artist, Mr. Hamby. |  A young lady has just posed for Mr. Hamby, our event artist, and she now sees the caricature he has drawn of her. She was all smiles afterward. |  Buffalo Wild Wings hosted a Bowling Ally. |
 Two sisters had fun playing with building blocks. |  "Stack them up high!" |  A nice and cozy place. |
 One of our local heroes takes a knee to help someone. |  "We have to do this every carefully to get it just right." |  Everyone, regardless of their age, enjoys the Easter Bunny. |
 A group of friends gather around for a close-up picture. Enjoy those beautiful smiles! |  This gentleman tried to out-shine the Easter Bunny with his bright Hawaiian Shirt. |  Three pretty ladies, smiling brightly, as they give each other a hug. Easter brings out the best in everyone. |
 This young man stopped by to visit with the Easter Bunny. Do you think he wished for eggs? |  One of our adult friends is showing off his face paint. What a great picture? |  We are always so happy to see returning friends. On this day, the joy we feel at the LIFE Center, comes from their joy. |
 These two smiles were lighting up the room all day long. Thank you ladies! |
LIFE Successfully Presented the 1st Annual Disability & Planning Expo
On March 14, 2026, The LIFE Center For Independent Living hosted the First Annual Parkland Disability & Planning Expo. The event was sponsored by Mrs. Janet Renshaw, Chartered Special Needs Consultant. Mrs. Renshaw, ChSNC., is specifically qualified to help individuals and families of children or adults with developmental or physical disabilities to create long-term financial planning and setting up continuing care options for the future.
This event gave participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions of local subject matter experts during panel discussions.
Lunch was boxed Subway Sandwiches. Provided by LIFE, Inc.
The post Expo surveys were very positive and a few great suggestions were made. Overall, the Expo was a great success and we are current planning for this event next year.
The Knights of Columbus Deliver three new wheelchairs
February 9, 2026. The Knights Of Columbus, St. Joseph Catholic Parish, delivered three brand new wheel chairs to go into service in the LIFE Center Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program. This program offers needed medical equipment to any individual with a temporary or permanent disability to use at no cost. The only thing asked in return is return the equipment after use. The Center will also welcome any additional used equipment, in good shape, to be donated so it can be cleaned and sanitized for return to service.
Pictured above L to R: Mike Ward, Representing the Knights of Columbus, Pauline Niehaus, Executive Director of the LIFE Center, and Arron Luna, Director of Independent Living.
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
The LIFE Center Offers Networking Event Regarding SSI and SSDI Programs
October 21, 2025. The LIFE Center For Independent Living, opened their doors to local services partners and the disabled community to discuss and learn more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as part of this month's National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration. Information was provided regarding many Social Security Administration (SSA) Work Incentives programs such as, the Ticket to Work program and the the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. Through the sharing of information, between service organizations, we can create a combined effort to assist more individuals. Below are a few images from our meeting.
This was our greeting table with our Ticket to work Banner displayed.
LIFE, Inc. also provided a variety of additional resources for the attendees.
Theresa Scherer, Employment Network Director, makes introductions and provides an outline of the presentation.
Everyone was provided with an example of a New Job Survival Kit to help a person who is looking for their first job.
Blaice Steffan, Employment Network Benefits Counselor
provides some of the presentation regarding SSI and SSDI programs.
LIFE, Inc. also provided drawings for door prizes for the attendees.
The LIFE Center Receives Grant From The United Way of St. Francois County
An award presentation by the United Way of St. Francois County on June 24, 2025 provided 30 grants to non-profit organizations that totaled $107,000. One of the recipients was The LIFE Center for Independent Living. United Way Board Member Tracy Trokey is shown presenting the check to Randy Windsor, Marketing Director from the LIFE Center. The LIFE Center is a non-profit resource for individuals with disabilities, both developmental and physical, and for senior citizens.
Click below for more information about:
2025 Summer Pre-ETS Program
(Pre-Employment Transition Services)
The 2025 Easter Event - "Hippity, Hoppity, Hunt"
 This was our flyer for the LIFE Center's 2025 Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt on April 12,2025 |  The 2025 LIFE Easter Team |  Everyone had a great time ! |
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 Regardless of disabilities, everyone had an opportunity to bowl. |  This is Mickey. He is a very proficient kite flyer and enjoys flying them when he can. |  The Easter Bunny is loved by everyone! |
 These Local Heroes are always there when we need them and they enjoy sharing time with our participants. |  Buffalo Wild Wings sponsored a bowling game for the event. They gave away some great prizes like mini footballs, frisbees and fans to keep cool with. |  The new crew at Wendy's sponsored a cornhole game where everyone was given a prize of free ice cream for a year. Wow!! |
 The St. Francois County Board for the Developmentally Disabled hosted a "Wheel of Fortune" for our guests. They do so much to help us help others. |  What a big smile on this pretty young lady !! She really enjoyed working on crafts. |  Look at what I won !! |