Sandra Beasley Independent Living CenterCommunity Newsletter – July 2026

Thank you everyone for your support during the month of June. It has been amazing to see the support our community has shown since the transition. We are grateful for each person, organization, volunteer, and donor who has helped us continue serving individuals with disabilities throughout Northwest Oklahoma. We are excited to share that we received a generous donation from the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation in the form of desk chairs. These much - needed updates to our space have made a tremendous difference in creating a welcoming and functional environment for our consumers, staff, and visitors. We also offered three skills training classes during June. These classes have helped us learn more about the needs and interests of our consumers, allowing us to continue developing meaningful programs and services. Donations & Volunteer Opportunities As we continue improving our facility and expanding our services, we are seeking donations of the following items:

Donation Needs

• Wall clock

• Computer monitors with cameras

• Printer / Scanner

• Office furniture (desk s, Lobby chairs)

• Puzzles

• 2x 40 - inch Plastic folding table

• Office Decor

• Adaptive equipment (Left - handed scissors, easy can opener, reachers, zipper pulls , sock aids, rocker knives, weighted utensils, non -slip cutting board/ mixing boards, exercise steps, and resistance bands)

• 2x Outdoor director's folding chairs

• Pop - up canopy Volunteer Opportunities

• Organizing and labeling inventory (craft supplies/holiday decorations)

• Class aide assistance

• Outreach event personal

• Disposal removal and installation

• Washer plumbing

• Dryer outlet installation

• Hanging peg boards

• Installing door sweeps

• Sharpening Knives If you are interested in donating or volunteering,

please contact us at (580) 237- 8508 .

Community Book Exchange

We are excited to announce the creation of our new Community Book Exchange Program ! This program will provide consumers and community members with access to books that can be borrowed, shared, and enjoyed by everyone. We are currently seeking donations of gently used books for all ages and interests, including:

• Fiction and nonfiction

• Mystery and suspense

• Westerns

• Romance

• Inspirational books

• Cookbooks

• History and educational books

• Children's books

• Large - print books

• Audiobooks Books may be dropped off or mailed to:

Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center 215 E. Randolph Avenue Enid, OK 73701

Your donations will help create a welcoming resource that encourages learning, literacy, and community connection. Thank you for helping us grow our Community Book Exchange!

July Updates & Upcoming Events

Our office will be closed on July 3, 2026 , in observance of Independence Day. On July 8, 2026 , our staff will be traveling to visit Ability Resources and Dynamic Independence , two of Oklahoma's five Centers for Independent Living (CILs). This outreach opportunity will allow us to learn more about programs, services, and best practices that can help us better serve individuals throughout the eight counties in our service area. Our office will be closed on July 8 while staff are attending this outreach trip. Our next Board Meeting will be held on July 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM .

July Skills Training Classes

All classes are held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and are provided free of charge .

• July 2 – Baked Beans Skills Class

• July 7 – Decision Making: "What Would You Do?" Skills Class

• July 9 – Mason Jar Luminaries Skills Class

• July 13 – Tightening Chairs Skills Class

• July 16 – Grocery Budgeting Skills Class

• July 21 – Deviled Eggs Skills Class

• July 23 – Movie Day: Hoppers Social Event Please RSVP by calling (580) 237 - 8508 , emailing info@sbilc.com , or messaging us on Facebook. We cannot wait to see everyone there!

Happy 250t h Independence Day, America! Independence Day Trivia Corner The United States celebrates its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026! The Liberty Bell is tapped 13 times every Independence Day in honor of the original 13 colonies. The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia in 1777, one year after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Americans consume an estimated 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July each year. Although we celebrate on July 4th, most delegates actually signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. July Fun Question Which Founding Father suggested the turkey as America's national bird instead of the bald eagle? Answer: Benjamin Franklin

Firecracker Punch A fun, fruity, and refreshing drink that's perfect for Fourth of July gatherings!

Ingredients

• 1 (46 oz) can pineapple juice, chilled

• 1 (64 oz) bottle fruit punch, chilled

• 1 (2 - liter) bottle lemon - lime soda, chilled

• Ice

• Optional: strawberries, blueberries, orange slices, or maraschino cherries for garnish Directions

1. Fill a large punch bowl or pitcher halfway with ice.

2. Pour in the pineapple juice and fruit punch.

3. Stir until well combined.

4. Slowly add the lemon - lime soda to keep it fizzy.

5. Add fresh fruit if desired.

6. Serve immediately over ice. Servings Makes approximately 20 – 25 servings.

Tips Chill all ingredients before mixing so the punch stays cold longer. Add the soda just before serving to maintain carbonation. For a patriotic look, add sliced strawberries and blueberries.

Red, White & Blue Berry Sparkler (Diabetic - Friendly) This refreshing Fourth of July drink is naturally sweetened, low in sugar, and full of patriotic colors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• ½ cup fresh blueberries

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 4 cups sparkling water (plain or berry flavored, no sugar added)

• Ice

• Optional: sugar - free sweetener to taste

Directions

1. Place the strawberries and blueberries in a large pitcher.

2. Add the lemon juice and gently muddle a few of the berries to release flavor.

3. Fill the pitcher with ice.

4. Pour in the sparkling water.

5. Stir gently.

6. Taste and add a sugar - free sweetener if desired.

7. Serve immediately.

Servings Makes 4 – 6 servings.

Why It's Diabetic - Friendly ✔ No added sugar ✔ Uses fresh fruit for natural flavor ✔ Sparkling water instead of soda ✔ Lower in carbohydrates than traditional fruit punches

Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we continue to promote independence, advocacy, and inclusion throughout Northwest Oklahoma. Remember: All of our services are FREE. Your privacy is important to us. We will not ask about your disability, and any information you choose to share will be treated with respect and confidentiality. For information about services, classes, volunteering, or donations, contact us at: Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center 215 E. Randolph Avenue Enid, OK 73701 (580) 237 - 8508 info@sbilc.com Empowering independence through advocacy, outreach, peer support, skills training, and transition services.