Our Services

Mission Statement

"LIFE Inc. is committed to empowering people with disabilities to excercise self-determination as they strive to conquer the physical and attitudinal barriers in achieving a life of dignity, equality, independence and full inclusion."

LIFE/RUN provides services in Lubbock, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lynn,  Crosby, Garza, Floyd and Terry Counties.  Relocation Services  are provided in the Texas Panhandle, South Plains and  West Central Texas areas.

Information and Referral

LIFE/RUN’s Information and Referral (I&R) Services strive to provide Consumers and their families with timely, comprehensive information on community resources that will assist them in meeting their independent living goals. The Center provides up-to-date information on services and supports such as adaptive equipment, transportation, accessible housing and food vouchers.  I&R Services are also provided to other agencies and the community at large.  This assistance is instrumental in increasing public awareness of disability issues and knowledge of the service options available to people with disabilities from both the Center and the community. 

Advocacy

LIFE/RUN provides advocacy by helping individuals with disabilities to navigate an often complex service delivery system of regulations that may impede access to benefits for which one may be eligible.  During this process, Consumers are encouraged to become their own best advocates by exercising their civil rights against unfair and discriminatory practices. The Center also engages in systems advocacy, which entails educating policy makers and the broader community about the impact that existing policies and proposed legislation may have on the disability community.

Peer Support

Whether one has a newly acquired injury or just dealing with life’s many issues, the LIFE/RUN Center can provide peer support for individuals and groups wishing to better understand living life with a disability.  LIFE/RUN provides several forums in which Consumers can forge new friendships, share experiences and find solutions to common issues.  Because Center staff consists primarily of individuals with disabilities themselves, they are in a unique position to serve as peer mentors to Consumers seeking a life of independence.

Independent Living Skills Training

A key element of LIFE/RUN services is Independent Living Skills (ILS) training.  The Center provides one-on-one training to assist people with disabilities in acquiring the skills they need in order to live independently. This may include cooking skills, health maintenance, money management and transportation.  The ILS training can be provided in a classroom setting, thereby encouragingpeer support.  For those who prefer more private or discreet ILS assistance, one-on-one training can be provided in the Center or at the Consumer’s home.    

Specialized Services

Job Readiness Training

LIFE/RUN is a firm proponent of employment for people with disabilities.  The Agency encourages employment by providing:

  • Information regarding work incentives
  • Computer classes
  • Interviewing skills training
  • Resume preparation
  • Job seeking skills
  • Workplace accommodations

Home By Choice Nursing HomeRelocation Services

It is LIFE/RUN’s contention that every Texan, regardless of age or disability, deserves the opportunity to live a life of full inclusion.  Through a partnership with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), this program has changed the lives of many individuals by transitioning them from long-term care facilities into a community-based setting of their own choosing.  LIFE/RUN facilitates this process by acting as the liaison between the individual and the various agencies and services necessary for a successful relocation.  Home By Choice can assist with locating housing, transportation options, and grants for paying moving expenses, deposits, household items, and other related costs.

Payee Services

Sometimes a person’s ability to maintain independence in the community is threatened by their inability to manage their Social Security benefits.  Poor choices are made, bills go unpaid, or the person may be preyed upon by family or acquaintances who misuse the funds.  For these reasons, the Social Security Administration may require individuals to have a “payee” to manage their benefits. LIFE/RUN is an approved Representative Payee of Social Security benefits and as such, is responsible for receiving and disbursing these funds to ensure that each Consumer is able to maintain necessities such as housing, utilities, food and access to funds for personal needs.

Dignity U Wear        

Dignity U Wear specializes in soliciting, warehousing and distributing brand new clothing to partner agencies throughout the United States.  LIFE/RUN is a partner of the Dignity U Wear Program, which enables the Center to provide new clothing at no cost to Consumers, thereby increasing employability and self-esteem.

ASL Interpreting

LIFE/RUN provides dependable, qualified Sign Language Interpreters to businesses and agencies in the community for communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  This service helps to ensure that people who have a hearing disability will receive equal access to the services they need.

Energy Assistance

Over 90% percent of LIFE/RUN’s Consumers live substantially below the poverty level.   As part of LIFE’s effort to address the service needs of the disability community, the Center provides assistance in paying gas and electric bills, which enhances the quality of life for many Consumers who may otherwise have difficulty maintaining their housing, health and independence. 

Youth Transition

LIFE/RUN’s youth transition services are available to assist students in developing their vocational, educational and independent living goals beyond high school.  This includes assisting students and their parents in understanding the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process, as well as their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  LIFE/RUN also provides Peer Support, IL Skills Training and recreational activities to youth as they transition from adolescence into a new level of independence.

Social & Recreational

Socialization, which occurs through recreational programs, offers opportunities for Consumers to meet new people, develop interpersonal skills, gain self-confidence, and most of all, to have fun.   Providing safe, accessible activities, (i.e., crafts, cultural diversity celebrations, bowling, etc.), helps to avoid isolation, depression and encourages inclusion in the community.

Braille Services

LIFE/RUN provides accurate Braille documents to ensure that individuals who are blind or have low-vision have equal access to printed materials of local businesses, events, and training seminars in the community.