Summer 2025 Liferoots Newsletter
Welcome to the Summer 2025 LifeROOTS Newsletter!
We’ve been hard at work transforming challenges into opportunities, and we’re excited to share what’s new. From expanding services to strengthening our team and mission, this issue highlights the growth, resilience, and partnerships that are shaping our next chapter—together with you.
Growing Forward: Strengthening Today, Building Tomorrow
By Dwanna Cooper, CEO
We are excited to share how far we have come and where we are headed as we build a stronger, more resilient organization for our community.
Over the past year, we have cut expenses and brought our costs under control, ensuring we are responsible stewards of our mission. In January, we completely revamped every aspect of our organization, creating new divisions with dedicated leaders to position us for accountability and growth. Today, no department looks the same, and we are moving forward with clear policies, new methods, and a shared commitment to excellence. We are grateful for our division heads leading this charge: Mary Becker (Community Services), Dylan Jones (Facility Services), and Yesim Roth (Finance and Administration).
In this season of growth, we have expanded our employment services and secured new commercial contract opportunities, allowing us to serve more individuals across our community. While we made the difficult decision to close our Early Intervention program to ensure the survival and stability of the organization, it was a step that has allowed us to focus our resources where we can create the greatest impact.
Looking ahead, we are actively working to secure future funding that will position us for long-term sustainability. This will allow us to continue investing in our team, strengthen our current services, and remain ready to embrace new opportunities that will expand our mission.
We are also researching the potential to develop a youth program while exploring a for-profit venture that would further sustain and support our mission in the years ahead.
As we reflect on the progress we have made, we remain energized and inspired by what is possible when a community comes together with hope and determination. Thank you for your continued belief in us as we work to build a future filled with opportunity, dignity, and hope for every person we serve.
Testimonial
by Loren Payne, Project Manager at KAFB
Before embarking on my journey with Liferoots during my childhood, I was aware that I was wired differently and that my learning style was unique. When I combined this with my anxieties, a broken home, and a lack of support, and then got involved with negative crowds in search of acceptance, it all seemed like a recipe for failure and hopelessness. By the time I reached my senior year, I had already had multiple jobs that I had eventually failed at. I almost felt hopeless about my future.
Doctors diagnose disabilities, and at the time, most people considered these labels negative and lacked the compassion and understanding to truly empathize with or comprehend them. I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me or give me handouts. I simply wanted to find a place that would accept me, have patience with me, and, most importantly, believe in me and not look down on me.
One of my lowest points came when I was hired as a senior at Chuck E. Cheese. For some inexplicable reason, I couldn’t make a pizza. I was terrible at it, and the way my superiors yelled at me and made me feel like I had failed at making a pizza was a feeling I’ll never forget. It made me feel stupid, foolish, and worthless. I felt so small. It’s a feeling I remind myself every day, so I make sure not ever to make anyone else feel that way. Looking back, I use that moment as a reminder of humility to this day.
Fast forward to 2005. After going from job to job, I stumbled upon DVR, which helped me get into Liferoots, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities. I was 21, struggling and discouraged, but the one thing I never lacked was my positive attitude, my respect for others, and my strong work ethic. I brought these qualities with me to Liferoots. They put me on a regular team at the Kirtland Air Force Base.
Initially, I was amazed by the friendly management and the encouraging support they provided. I didn’t feel dumb when I asked questions, and the patience they showed was unlike anything I had experienced in my previous jobs. The culture at Liferoots was deeply family-oriented. You couldn’t walk past someone within the company without being greeted with a smile, acknowledged by name, and asked how you were doing. This made me feel truly accepted, and as time passed, I began to believe that the organization genuinely valued me. They provided me with the tools and support I needed to boost my confidence.
Over the years, the fear of financial stability diminished, and I started to wonder about my role in society. I was acknowledged, rewarded, and eventually became a crew leader at Liferoots. The self-respect I gained from my employer, colleagues, and customers at the base was priceless. I developed confidence, self-belief, and integrity in my work. I felt truly accepted and was able to achieve my goals, such as renting an apartment, buying a car, and starting a family.
A few more years passed, and I was promoted to supervisor. Not long after that, I was promoted to Assistant Project Manager and then Project Manager. Despite having no computer skills and being terrified of moving up because of it, Liferoots continued to believe in me, provide me with training, and have patience with me.
Today, I may not be a computer expert, but I can confidently say that I can use Excel, Word, and Outlook effectively and perform my job at a high level. It’s 2025, and I’m established in society. My name is respected all around KAFB, and I feel a sense of belonging. My peers and my employer respect me, appreciate my contributions, and I’ve accomplished so much. I have two kids, a house, a car, and I’m making it. I’m succeeding in life.
Fears occasionally resurface, but I’ve overcome them based on the confidence and success I’ve gained over the past 20 years at Liferoots. To this day, I’m grateful and appreciative of everything the organization has done for me. I make sure to repay it by giving it my all. I practice the tools I’ve learned to sow into others and encourage them to believe in themselves.
During my interview process, I emphasized the importance of coming to work with a positive attitude, giving your all, and believing in yourself. I assure candidates that they will succeed and that I will walk every step of the way with them. I also assure them that the organization will do everything it can to help them grow and achieve their goals.
Community Services
By Mary Becker, Director of Community Services
LifeROOTS’ Community Services Division is moving in new and exciting directions. With the sunsetting of our Early Intervention program on 6/30/25, we want to take a moment to honor and thank the incredible team who made that work possible. For years, our Early Intervention providers supported our community’s youngest members and their families with unwavering dedication, compassion, and skill**. Their efforts shaped brighter futures for countless children across Bernalillo County and surrounding areas. As we transition away from this program, we recognize the broad impact of their work. We are immensely grateful for their service, and they will be deeply missed as part of our LifeROOTS family.
At the same time, LifeROOTS is proud to announce a significant expansion of our Supported Employment services, bringing even more opportunities to individuals with disabilities and extra needs in the Albuquerque Metro and surrounding areas.
With the upcoming launch of:
– Ticket to Work program through the Social Security Administration
– New contracts through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD)
– Direct Job Placement services
We offer comprehensive employment supports that include job development, placement, coaching, and follow-along services.
Our team is also implementing innovative pilot programs and training tailored to youth and justice system participants. These efforts are supported by our ever-growing network of community and employer partners.
As we grow, so do the dreams and accomplishments of the people we serve. Whether it’s a first job, a career comeback, or learning soft skills for employment, LifeROOTS is here to help every step of the way!
Efforts Being Made and Our People Make The Difference
By Dylan Jones, Director of Facility Services
To reintroduce the Contract function for LifeROOTS, we have reconciled multiple responsibilities into the newly reorganized division, Facilities Services.
This reconciliation has allowed us to place the exceptional and recognized services we offer within the Janitorial and Custodial spaces into a position that will allow us to scale up and expand, without having to introduce new departments. As LifeROOTS continues to regrow from our roots, we will have the ability to train and place individuals into new and exciting positions. These positions will provide our participant population an opportunity to expand their development into areas they will have the best placement to grow and establish a more fulfilling career path throughout their lives.
We have established training programs that will provide our employees opportunities to grow within the organization and keep them safe. As we progress, expand, and continue to grow, our tenured employees will be able to attain positions in supervisory positions, basing their leadership practices on the historical accomplishments they have achieved. Our program will allow them the benefit of reflecting on what they have accomplished and utilizing that to help and assist others in the endeavors we continue to grow and build upon.
Together, we continue to assist and develop the underserved and disabled population into positions of importance. Whether it be rolling silverware or cleaning the toilet of the Commander of a Military base office, or providing sanitary services for mass congregation establishments within significant positions, we continue to strive for excellence. The individuals who provide LifeROOTS with all the capabilities of attaining our goals are the most important people we could ever serve.
We, at LifeROOTS, want to be able to continue to provide these services in every way we have available. In fact, we want to provide these services in an even more significant manner. We want to grow. We want to thrive. We want to offer what we have established to more and more people across the United States of America. We want to provide this service to you and all of our people, because we are all one. We may be the thumb, or the elbow, or the knee, but we are all part of the one.
Together we can make this happen. If you would like to help, please reach out. There is so much we can provide together and LifeROOTS is here to help you in providing that assistance.
Fundraising & Community Support
By Suzannah Jones, Strategic Development Coordinator
We want to thank everyone who came out and supported our recent garage sale—thanks to your generosity, we raised $1,831.90 to directly support our programs and services. Thank you to everyone who provided donations. We could not have done it without you.
We plan on having a dining fundraiser once a month.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce our next fundraiser:
Join us on August 5, 2026, at Chello Grill!
50% of all proceeds will benefit LifeROOTS—but only if you bring the flyer! Be sure to show either a printed or digital flyer when ordering so we get credit for your meal. Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting inclusive employment and essential community programs.
Click this link and show it to the cashier for LifeROOTS to get credit:
https://fundaxi.com/api/event/Q4dLA48FQzBnb1sNS0wJ
Together, we turn everyday moments into life-changing opportunities.
New Memberships
We are proud to announce that LifeROOTS has joined the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce through a complimentary membership awarded by their Ambassador program.
This new partnership opens doors for us to engage with hundreds of local businesses and deepen our impact in the Albuquerque community. As members, we’ll gain access to networking events, visibility opportunities, and valuable collaborations that align with our mission to provide inclusive employment and essential services.
Additionally, we’re thrilled to share that both Suzannah Jones and Dylan Jones are now serving as Ambassadors for the Chamber. You’ll be seeing them at community events, supporting local causes, and representing LifeROOTS as we grow our connections and extend our outreach.
Thank you to the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce for welcoming us. We’re honored to stand alongside such a dynamic group of community leaders!
Stay tuned for our Ribbon Cutting Event!
How You Can Help!
Your donation makes a difference. Every dollar helps provide job training, community inclusion, and dignity through employment. Whether it’s $5 or $500, your support fuels real change for people with disabilities in New Mexico.
Donate easily using the link below:
Thank you for being part of the LifeROOTS community. Together, we create opportunities that last
a lifetime.
Gratitude Roll:
- Thank you to our garage sale donors and volunteers
- Shoutout to BNI and Hispano Chamber partners
- Special thanks to Chello Grill for supporting our August fundraiser
- And of course YOU, for reading all the way, until the end.