About Us



History

L.I.F.E., Inc. started in the home of two ladies with disabilities who had a vision of equal rights, equal opportunities and integration into the community for all people with disabilities. From it’s beginnings in Chatham County in 1986, L.I.F.E. has expanded to provide services for eleven (11) counties in southeast Georgia.

Through the advocacy efforts of the founders, L.I.F.E. was instrumental in bringing about accessible transportation, affordable and accessible housing and a home modification program, all for residents with disabilities. The staff works to provide equivalent services to the more rural areas.

Affiliations

National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) – a membership organization that advances the Independent Living philosophy and advocates for the human rights of, and services for, people with disabilities, with the end goal of furthering their full integration and participation in society.

Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) – a national network of rural centers for Independent Living, Centers for Independent Living and other organizations and individuals concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living. APRIL is designed to promote independence and strives for full rights and benefits for individuals with disabilities living in rural areas.

Staff

Fran ToddFTodd@lifecil.com
Executive Director
Susan DawsonSDawson@lifecil.com
Assistant Director
Melissa LawrenceMLawrence@lifecil.com Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator
Shawana BullochSBulloch@lifecil.com
Peer Supporter
Kenneth MartinKMartin@lifecil.com Independent Living Coordinator / Nursing Home Transition Leader
Bob HabasBHabas@lifecil.com
Independent Living Coordinator
Denise HowardDHoward@lifecil.com Independent Living Coordinator
Nina DasherNDasher@lifecil.com Independent Living Coordinator
Scott RogersSRogers@lifecil.com Independent Living Coordinator

Board Of Directors

Jackie Immel – President
John Paul Berlon – Vice President
Jack Lewis – Secretary
Cheryl Brackin
Kim Harrison
Barry Helmey
Billy Searles
Jason Wilson
Richard Graham
Dr. Frank Lala
Jeff Corbett

Advocacy

Self advocacy and community advocacy involve the removal of architectural, attitudinal and communication barriers to independent living and community accessibility. Advocacy may involve community volunteering and organizing, public speaking, educating elected and public officials and networking with other advocacy organizations.

Peer Support

Peer Supporters are people with disabilities who share similar experiences with others with disabilities. Trained peer supporters assist in bringing about change by sharing experiences in a broad array of situations. They do not, however, provide professional, medical, financial or legal advice.financial or legal advice.

Information and Referral

Our goal is to be the southeast region’s disability resource center. We offer a wide range of information on issues involving people with disabilities. Topics include Independent Living issues, disability rights, legislation on local, state and federal levels and services available from other organizations.

Independent Living Skills Training

Independent Living Skills Training involves teaching skills needed for an individual to become independent and to live and function more fully in their community. Past topics have included: rights and advocacy, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act, budget planning, nutrition, crime/fire prevention, recreation, assistive technology, personal assistant management, training, self-esteem, adjustment to disability, relationships, sexuality and wellness. We provide both group and individualized training.

Resource Directory

Click here to view our directory of resources all over the state of Georiga and throughout the Country.