Our residents, in their own words share important moments, their hopes and the everyday wins that make our community feel like their home. Thank you for reading with an open heart and celebrating the people at the center of The Foundation for Independent Living.
Rick Kodesh
“My wife Judy, Ruth, and I went to Tallahassee for Athlete Congress, where we helped set guidelines to improve the athlete experience by strengthening volunteer support and creating a better environment. We also worked to improve meal options for athletes and to advance Special Olympics. Seeing Troy travel to Minnesota is wonderful, and traveling to New York for the Olympic Games was life-changing for me. Special Olympics has helped me become a stronger public speaker, and I’m grateful.”
Jessica Rosen
“I recently joined FIL and I really enjoy the staff, especially the food. Everyone is kind to one another. I was previously at another organization, but since joining FIL I have been busy with all the activities. I probably should not pick favorites, but I love talking with Marie. Be kind to one another, because people will be kind back.”
Glenn Alperin
“At 16 months old, I fell out of my crib. Thanks to my mom, I’m here today. As a result of the injury, I live with prosopagnosia (face blindness), which means I cannot recognize faces. I’ve been an advocate for many years and developed one of the first personal websites about it. I had no idea how many people would reach out, thousands so far. I’ve lived in many places as an adult, and I’m hoping to make FIL my permanent home.
On a flight home from a family event, a man walked down the aisle shaking hands, followed by three men in suits. A few minutes later I asked my seatmate who he was—I had just shaken hands with former President Jimmy Carter and had no idea. The three men were Secret Service.”
Andrew Simon
“We have a cruise coming up, and I’m excited. I’ll be dancing like I did before, only this time by the pool in my bathing suit. I’m looking forward to all the entertainment, especially the music. I’ll have my iPad so I can keep reading my Michael Jackson book. I plan to have a great time, and I can’t wait.”
Jason Koch
“I’m grateful for my wonderful parents, who love taking me to restaurants, especially Lester’s and Cracker Barrel. I enjoy spending time with friends and watching movies, mostly action, adventure, and drama. My favorite pastime is drawing; I’m a good artist and it brings me a lot of joy. I also build with LEGO bricks, which helps me construct things, stay imaginative, and reduce stress. At FIL, I really like Culture Crowd, where we learn about new cities, and the cooking classes, which teach me to use kitchen tools safely. I visit family in Europe often and enjoy going to banquets with them. I have one sister and a seven-year-old dog named Kebrt, a unique name that means “pasture dog” in Latin. We will be visiting Belize on the FIL cruise, and I can’t wait.”
Billie Sweeney
“I’ve been teaching for almost two years and I’m currently with a second-grade class of 28 students. I know, it sounds like a lot! Teaching brings me joy and laughter. It’s been a great experience learning what my students like and dislike, helping them reach their goals, and working with them on homework and reading. They also love arts and crafts.
Last week, we had our open house, and it was hectic. We had 436 parents walking through and speaking with teachers. Stressful, but wonderful because I got to meet so many families. I love meeting new people. I’m loving life and living it to the fullest.”
Stephanie Gudenkauf
“I’m a neat freak and I love to clean. I got it from my sisters! Every day my Independent Living Coach stops by and says, “Wow, this place is spotless.” Don’t tell anyone, but I’m on the South Beach diet, and I get my hair done twice a week. Back in New York, I used to be a cheerleader with Billie, and we both had short hair then. I’ve played many sports, and field hockey is my favorite.”
Hannah White
“I just received a new computer for my Montessori classes, and I’m excited to finally study what I have always wanted. My cousin has been a Montessori teacher for over 30 years, and watching her inspired me to pursue the same path. I love working with children because they inspire me, and I’m especially interested in learning different ways to teach. My goal is to work with children ages 3 to 5, and I’m committed to studying and meeting with my tutors to make that dream a reality. In my free time, I enjoy cricuting, scrapbooking, pickleball, and other sports. I practice daily affirmations and devotionals to strengthen my self-esteem, which I believe is important when working with children. I am grateful to my cousin for encouraging me to follow this calling.”
Alex Bonnefil
“As a kid, I struggled in school and was bullied, so I turned to music. I wrote songs just for fun with my cousin, and when he went off to college, I realized I had found my hidden talent: writing and recording. From 2019 to 2025 I grew into a stronger writer, and my lyrics became more powerful. This year has opened doors to bigger producers, and I’ve been working with Harold, FIL’s music producer. I find inspiration every day, even in small moments. I’m pursuing a career in music to see where this journey leads. Everything I did, I achieved because I believed.”
Gary Milchman
“I went to Special Olympics tennis at the state level and finished in second place. We also held a ping pong tournament, and by staying patient, I reached the finals. I even caught a lucky break when my opponent couldn’t spike. I’ve been exercising a lot to stay in shape, mostly walking and sometimes swimming. Recently my neighbor Joe passed away. I went to the ceremony. It was tough, but the priest did a wonderful job. Joe was a no-nonsense, wise, and helpful neighbor, and I will miss him very much. My message to everyone is simple- keep trying, even if you don’t succeed the first time.”
Mary Ann Yurt
“I’m very proud that I’m going to State for Special Olympic bowling, and it’s an honor to compete in Orlando. I love visiting the bookstore to read, do puzzles, and work on word searches. I also enjoy fishing and coin collecting. I have coins from Australia, Mexico, Canada, and more, plus several silver dollars. I like to get out and walk, and I exercise with Jack, especially when it’s water aerobics. FIL feels like family to me. I’m a very happy person, especially when I’m watching America’s Funniest Home Videos.”
