PLATINUM2025

Life Unlimited, Inc.

Liberty, MO   |  http://www.lifeunlimitedinc.org
GuideStar Charity Check

Life Unlimited, Inc.

EIN: 43-1237483


Mission

Life Unlimited’s mission is to support people with developmental disabilities as they experience life with unlimited possibilities. We seek to become the premier provider of supports and services for people with disabilities, signifying quality, innovation, and person-centered principles. We are committed to ensuring the sustainability and growth of our organization and are driven by a ceaseless desire to improve. The people we employ will be engaged, dedicated, and invested in our mission.

Ruling year info

1989

Principal Officer

Julie Edlund

Main address

2135 Manor Way

Liberty, MO 64068-7202 USA

Show more contact info

Formerly known as

Immacolata Manor

Concerned Care

Open Options

EIN

43-1237483

Subject area info

Shelter and residential care

Developmental disability services

Group homes

Supportive housing

Population served info

People with disabilities

Adults

Women and girls

NTEE code info

Developmentally Disabled Services/Centers (P82)

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Life Unlimited aims to address the challenges faced by persons served (i.e. individuals with disabilities) in living fulfilling, independent, and empowered lives. The problem lies in systemic barriers that limit access to meaningful opportunities, whether in housing, employment, community engagement, or personal development. These barriers often lead to isolation, limited growth, and a lack of representation for individuals with disabilities. By focusing on personalized support, community inclusion, and professional development for Direct Support Provider's (DSP), Life Unlimited seeks to create an environment where every person served can thrive. The goal is to bridge gaps in resources, break down stereotypes, and foster a society where individuals of all abilities are celebrated and supported in achieving their potential.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Day Services: Community Integration/Day Habilitation Program

The Day program provides a unique opportunity for its participants to increase and maintain quality of life. With the help of families, guardians, service coordinators and Life Unlimited staff, the men and women we serve determine and meet their own personally identified goals. By providing a lower-than-average ratio of staff to participants, many severely disabled individuals who have not been well supported by other programs thrive in this environment. Each week a variety of activities are offered including, but not limited to: Performing and Visual Arts; Communication Skills; Community Outings; Computer Skills; Family Contact; and Friendship Development; Life skills and Money Skills; Personal Care; Reading, Writing & Math Skills; and Volunteering.

Population(s) Served
Adults
Women and girls

The Life Unlimited health team provides coordination of care for a medically fragile population. The health team consists of registered nurses, health coordinators, program managers and the CEO. This team provides medical care and support for all Life Unlimited residents with around the clock care, and medical attention far beyond state requirements. Of those served, all 250 have been dually diagnosed with developmental disabilities.24% use devices to ambulate11% have Cerebral Palsy32% have seizures/epilepsy5% are visually impaired11% have Alzheimer’s / Dementia11% have Autism16% have Down’s Syndrome

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with disabilities

LU is pleased to announce a partnership with Job One to help expand and grow our community employment program in Clay and Platte counties. This partnership will allow our organizations to build upon our present strengths and provide a broader range of employment opportunities for the individuals we support. Job One has been a leader in employment services for individuals who have a disability for over 50 years in the Jackson County area. Their expertise and success in the employment field will be a great addition to the services provided in the Northland.We believe every individual has abilities and talents to offer their community. A goal for most adults, including adults with developmental disabilities, is to gain meaningful employment. We offer employment services to help them find and maintain the right jobs in their community. We provide:Assessment – Each individual will go through an assessment process to identity their strengths, talents, and interests.Job Discovery – Individuals are given opportunities to volunteer at different types of jobs to gain experience and see what types of jobs they excel in and enjoy.Job Skills Training – Specific training for people to become employed.Job Placement – We work hard to connect job seekers with the right employer and type of job so that it is meaningful to them and where they will succeed.Job Coaching – Job coaches support people on the job to help them be successful. The type of job coaching needed for each individual.

Population(s) Served
People with disabilities

LU is pleased to offer organized sports, trips, music, dances, day camp, and programs that teach cooking, cultural proficiency, public speaking, and community-living skills for people who have no other means of accessing the community or other specialized services. In addition, Open Options' sport program, KC Power & Speed, became part of Life Unlimited during the 2018 merger. This sports program provides competitive bowling to individuals with disabilities.

Population(s) Served
People with disabilities

Life Unlimited currently provides direct-care residential services to adults with developmental disabilities in Clay and Jackson Counties. Direct support professionals provide hands-on care, assisting with a broad range of personal needs including meal preparation, household cleaning, administering medications, bathing, dressing, mobility, and transportation to daily activities.Services include: residential habilitation, case coordination, transportation and health care coordination from a fully trained and qualified staff. As of January 2019, a staff of over 400 supports approximately 250 individuals in group homes or assisted living facilities. Ages range from 19 to 94.

Population(s) Served
Adults
People with disabilities

Where we work

  • Clay County (Missouri, United States)

  • Jackson County (Missouri, United States)

  • Platte County (Missouri, United States)

Accreditations

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) - Assisted Living - 3 year 2016

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) with Distinction 2024

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of adults with disabilities receiving sufficient social and emotional support

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Related Program

RESIDENTIAL: Community Housing / Supported Living Programs

Type of Metric

Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

Our data collection is in line with DMHs, utilizing Therap database for goals & outcomes. MERIL merged with LU in July 2024. Those figures are not counted as we are working to migrate their data.

Number of individuals with disabilities receiving home-based supports that help them live as independently as possible

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Related Program

RESIDENTIAL: Community Housing / Supported Living Programs

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

160 adults with disabilities either receiving 24 hour/day supports or supports as needed

Our Sustainable Development Goals

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

1. Housing
Goal: To provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing options that foster independence and dignity for persons served. Our aim is to create living environments that meet individual needs while promoting stability and self-sufficiency.

2. Employment
Goal: To empower individuals to pursue meaningful employment opportunities that align with their skills and interests. We strive to break down barriers to workforce inclusion and provide support for career growth and economic independence.

3. Community Engagement
Goal: To facilitate inclusive and enriching opportunities for persons served to actively participate in their communities. This includes fostering relationships, building social networks, and creating pathways for advocacy and visibility.

4. Personal Development
Goal: To promote holistic growth through individualized support in education, life skills, and wellness. Our goal is to help individuals reach their full potential, enhancing their confidence, quality of life and experience a life of unlimited opportunities!

1. Housing
Goal: Safe, affordable, and accessible housing fostering independence and dignity.
Strategies Include:
*Expand Housing Options: Build 33 new adaptive and accessible homes to accommodate diverse needs and ensure safe, supportive living environments.
*Enhance Existing Facilities: Regularly assess and upgrade current housing to meet accessibility standards and evolving needs.
*Partnerships for Affordability: Collaborate with local housing organizations, donors, and government programs to subsidize costs and increase availability.
*Resident-Centered Support: Provide tailored assistance, such as on-site staff and resources, to help residents navigate daily living and maintain independence.

2. Employment
Goal: Meaningful employment opportunities aligned with skills and interests.
Strategies Include:
*Workforce Readiness Programs: Offer training in job-specific skills, resume building, and interview preparation to equip individuals for the workforce.
*Employer Partnerships: Build relationships with inclusive businesses to create opportunities and educate employers on the benefits of hiring persons served.
*On-the-Job Support: Provide job coaching and follow-up services to help individuals adjust to and thrive in their roles.
*Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Support persons served in pursuing their own business ventures through guidance, funding, and mentorship.

3. Community Engagement
Goal: Inclusive opportunities for active participation in the community.
Strategies Include:
*Advocacy Programs: Equip persons served with tools and platforms to advocate for their rights and representation within the community.
*Inclusive Events: Host accessible events that encourage community interaction, such as art exhibits, sports leagues, and educational workshops.
*Volunteer and Social Opportunities: Partner with local organizations to create avenues for persons served to volunteer, network, and build meaningful relationships.
*Public Awareness Campaigns: Promote inclusion through storytelling and media that highlight the contributions and capabilities of persons served.

4. Personal Development
Goal: Holistic growth through education, life skills, and wellness.
Strategies Include:
*Day Centers: Expand My Day care centers (with the 5th opening in Independence in 2025) to provide tailored activities and life-skills training in safe, supportive environments.
*Recreation and Sports Programs: Promote physical and mental well-being through accessible sports leagues, recreational activities, and wellness workshops.
*Life Skills Education: Offer classes in budgeting, cooking, personal hygiene, and other daily skills to enhance self-sufficiency.
*Health and Wellness Initiatives: Provide access to fitness programs, mental health resources, and nutrition counseling to support overall well-being.

We draw upon these six core capabilities to meet our goals:

1. Financial Stability of Organization:
*A solid financial foundation ensures the ability to sustain and expand programs, invest in infrastructure, and respond to emerging needs.
*Effective management of resources, including successful capital campaigns and diversified revenue streams, guarantees long-term operational stability.

2. Well-Prepared and Well-Trained Employees
*A dedicated workforce of well-trained DSPs and other professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care.
*Ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure staff remain at the forefront of best practices in person-centered care and service delivery.

3. Support of Guardians, Families, and Support Coordinators
*Strong partnerships with families and guardians ensure a collaborative approach to care, promoting trust and alignment in meeting individuals' needs.
*Coordinated efforts with support coordinators to develop and implement comprehensive care plans tailored to each person served.

4. Guidance/Directives by the State of Missouri
*Alignment with state policies and directives ensures compliance and access to critical resources for persons served.
*Proactive engagement with state agencies to influence policies that enhance service delivery and community inclusion.

5. Vendor Partnerships
*Strategic alliances with vendors enable the provision of quality goods and services, from adaptive equipment to recreational supplies, at competitive rates.
*Collaboration with local and national partners to access innovative solutions and expand program capabilities.

6. Funding from Supporters
*Generous support from donors, grants, and community sponsors provides the financial resources needed to maintain and grow programs.
*Transparent stewardship practices foster donor trust and encourage ongoing investments in the mission.

Progress Toward Our Goals To Date:

1. Housing Progress
*Launched the silent phase of a capital campaign aimed at constructing 33 adaptive and accessible homes, a key step toward addressing the growing demand for housing.
*Secured a $5M grant, marking a significant milestone in funding this transformative project.
*Continued commitment to providing safe, accessible housing by maintaining and upgrading existing facilities.

2. Employment Progress
*Successfully implemented workforce readiness programs, equipping individuals with essential skills and placing them in meaningful employment roles.
* Developed strong partnerships with inclusive employers to expand job opportunities and promote workplace diversity.
* Offered consistent job coaching and follow-up support, ensuring long-term success and growth for employees.

3. Community Engagement Progress
* Hosted inclusive events and activities that foster community connection and increase visibility for persons served.
* Launched advocacy initiatives to empower individuals in sharing their stories and championing inclusion.
* Partnered with local organizations to create new opportunities for social engagement and volunteering.

4. Personal Development Progress
* Expanded the My Day care center network, with the fifth center set to open in Independence in 2025, enhancing access to tailored programs and support.
* Established and sustained recreation and sports programs that encourage physical and mental well-being.
* Continued offering life skills education and mental health resources, empowering individuals to grow their independence and confidence.

5. Organizational Progress
* Strengthened financial stability through successful fundraising efforts, including securing major grants and fostering donor relationships.
* Enhanced workforce capabilities through comprehensive training and professional development for staff.
* Built stronger connections with guardians, families, and support coordinators, ensuring a collaborative approach to care.
* Maintained alignment with Missouri state directives, ensuring compliance while advocating for improved services.

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

done We shared information about our current feedback practices.
  • How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

    To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals

  • Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

    We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We share the feedback we received with the people we serve

Revenue vs. expenses:  breakdown

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info
NET GAIN/LOSS:    in 
Note: When component data are not available, the graph displays the total Revenue and/or Expense values.

Liquidity in 2024 info

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

3.32

Average of 5.16 over 10 years

Months of cash in 2024 info

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

3.8

Average of 3 over 10 years

Fringe rate in 2024 info

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

20%

Average of 21% over 10 years

Funding sources info

Source: IRS Form 990

Assets & liabilities info

Source: IRS Form 990

Financial data

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Life Unlimited, Inc.

Revenue & expenses

Fiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

Fiscal year ending: cloud_download Download Data

Life Unlimited, Inc.

Balance sheet

Fiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

Fiscal year ending: cloud_download Download Data

Life Unlimited, Inc.

Financial trends analysis Glossary & formula definitions

Fiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

This snapshot of Life Unlimited, Inc.’s financial trends applies Nonprofit Finance Fund® analysis to data hosted by GuideStar. While it highlights the data that matter most, remember that context is key – numbers only tell part of any story.

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Business model indicators

Profitability info 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Unrestricted surplus (deficit) before depreciation $1,424,260 $2,464,148 $1,153,881 $3,864,623 $9,650,767
As % of expenses 8.2% 13.3% 5.9% 16.6% 33.1%
Unrestricted surplus (deficit) after depreciation $1,139,750 $2,170,535 $847,933 $3,418,841 $9,051,562
As % of expenses 6.4% 11.5% 4.3% 14.4% 30.4%
Revenue composition info
Total revenue (unrestricted & restricted) $18,820,473 $21,009,281 $20,875,349 $26,854,557 $38,770,206
Total revenue, % change over prior year 14.1% 11.6% -0.6% 28.6% 44.4%
Program services revenue 96.6% 80.0% 93.4% 94.9% 85.5%
Membership dues 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Investment income 0.3% 0.0% 0.1% 0.7% 0.9%
Government grants 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.8% 0.0%
All other grants and contributions 2.3% 18.0% 3.4% 1.6% 11.5%
Other revenue 0.7% 1.9% 2.1% 2.0% 2.2%
Expense composition info
Total expenses before depreciation $17,411,899 $18,532,695 $19,416,186 $23,233,449 $29,164,955
Total expenses, % change over prior year 13.5% 6.4% 4.8% 19.7% 25.5%
Personnel 85.9% 87.9% 88.4% 88.1% 89.1%
Professional fees 1.4% 1.0% 0.8% 0.8% 1.4%
Occupancy 1.9% 1.0% 2.2% 2.0% 1.1%
Interest 0.1% 0.1% 0.0% 0.3% 0.5%
Pass-through 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
All other expenses 10.8% 9.9% 8.6% 8.8% 7.9%
Full cost components (estimated) info 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Total expenses (after depreciation) $17,696,409 $18,826,308 $19,722,134 $23,679,231 $29,764,160
One month of savings $1,450,992 $1,544,391 $1,618,016 $1,936,121 $2,430,413
Debt principal payment $0 $2,845,197 $0 $172,135 $0
Fixed asset additions $810,206 $464,397 $4,245,564 $1,303,650 $2,824,015
Total full costs (estimated) $19,957,607 $23,680,293 $25,585,714 $27,091,137 $35,018,588

Capital structure indicators

Liquidity info 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Months of cash 3.8 3.4 3.2 1.7 3.8
Months of cash and investments 4.5 3.9 3.6 3.2 5.4
Months of estimated liquid unrestricted net assets 5.4 4.5 4.3 4.8 6.7
Balance sheet composition info 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Cash $5,518,054 $5,178,391 $5,104,171 $3,384,728 $9,134,257
Investments $978,072 $842,936 $753,882 $2,838,269 $4,067,644
Receivables $1,438,479 $1,879,035 $2,467,629 $4,291,625 $4,756,599
Gross land, buildings, equipment (LBE) $8,452,562 $8,852,517 $13,098,081 $14,373,684 $17,173,132
Accumulated depreciation (as a % of LBE) 39.0% 39.8% 29.3% 29.6% 28.1%
Liabilities (as a % of assets) 29.4% 10.1% 25.3% 22.3% 16.8%
Unrestricted net assets $9,787,532 $11,958,067 $12,806,000 $16,224,841 $25,276,403
Temporarily restricted net assets N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Permanently restricted net assets N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Total restricted net assets $89,406 $167,902 $352,170 $138,747 $144,246
Total net assets $9,876,938 $12,125,969 $13,158,170 $16,363,588 $25,420,649

Key data checks

Key data checks info 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Material data errors No No No No No

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

Documents
Form 1023/1024 is not available for this organization

Principal Officer

Julie Edlund

Number of employees

Source: IRS Form 990

Life Unlimited, Inc.

Officers, directors, trustees, and key employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation
Other
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Compensation data
Download up to 5 most recent years of officer and director compensation data for this organization

Life Unlimited, Inc.

Highest paid employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation
Other
Related
Show data for fiscal year
Compensation data
Download up to 5 most recent years of highest paid employee data for this organization

Life Unlimited, Inc.

Board of directors
as of 2/4/2025
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board of directors data
Download the most recent year of board of directors data for this organization
Board chair

Alisa Ford

Alisa Ford VICE CHAIR

Alisa Ford

Andy Protzman

Protzman Law Firm

Andy Protzman DIRECTOR

Brian Mall TREASURER

Eric Johnson DIRECTOR

Eric Johnson

North Kansas City School District

Jack Fry

Fry & Associates, Inc.

Jack Fry SECRETARY

Julie Edlund

Staff ex officio member

Kayla Curiel DIRECTOR

Kayla Curiel

Children's Mercy Hospital

Kelly Narowski

Disability Advocate Educator & Motivational Speaker

Lolita McShann DIRECTOR

Luke Guettermann

Forvis

Mark Bertrand

Staff ex officio member

Matt Dority

Commerce Bank

Matt Eckert

CBRE

Matt Eckert DIRECTOR

Sayard Parrish CHAIR

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? yes
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? yes

Organizational demographics

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Gender identity
Female

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

Transgender Identity

Sexual orientation

Disability

Contractors

Fiscal year ending
There are no fundraisers recorded for this organization.