In March of each year in recognition of Disability Awareness Month, Rauch offers two activities to fourth grade students in our community. This is an annual event for 4th graders. Many schools and teachers have made it an integral part of their annual curriculum. To date over 5,500 4th grade students in Floyd and Clark Counties have participated in this annual event.
Read MoreI often tell people that the best parts of my work day happen first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon, when I get some special good morning and goodbye salutations from the clients who are arriving and departing fromRauch Industries. Heck, sometimes they're the best part of my day, period. No matter what happens before, between, or after those greetings, they keep me grounded in what's important, add fun and friendship to my day, and sometimes entertain me a bit. :)
Read MoreToday, we had the privilege of hosting the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities' Fall Legislative Forum. INARF is Rauch's trade association, and is celebrating their 40th year of service to our industry this year.
Read MoreFor many years, artistic exploration has been a focus of Rauch's programming for people with disabilities. Beginning with A Place to Create downtown New Albany and now operating as The Studio at Fairmont Neighborhood Center, a division of our Adult Developmental Activities program, our talented staff have guided program participants in a variety of activities. As a result, these individuals have discovered a creative outlet, new ways of expression, and a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Read MoreWe lost a good friend this week. As the world bid farewell to 2013, we parted ways with Diane, who touched our lives at Rauch on and off for the past fifty years.
Diane received Rauch preschool services, went on to attend school at Mt. Tabor, and later was a participating artist at Rauch's "A Place to Create" art studio, an attendee of ourAdult Developmental Activities program, and one of the first residents in our housing at Hawthorn Glen. Although she was born with Down Syndrome, Diane's parents, who loved her unconditionally, worked to ensure that her life and activities were happy and meaningful, including Girl Scouts and voice lessons.
Today, at Diane's service, many of our staff shared their sweet memories of her.
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Each year, our ADA and ACCESS programs gather to celebrate the holidays with a pot luck lunch, a visit from Santa, some carols, and a few gifts. Loved ones of those we serve graciously make this special day possible with contributions to purchase food and gifts, and many bring a dish to share.
This year, ADA & ACCESS Director Sandy Braunbeck kicked the festivities off by introducing all the Rauch program participants in attendance. Everyone was celebrated with their own round of applause, and the family and friends in attendance got some special waves and smiles in return.
Read MoreEach year, we host a holiday celebration for participants in all our programs… the most genuinely and completely joyful day we have all year. On Christmas Eve, our clients and staff will gather atRauch Industries to dance, dine, and be merry… and yes, receive a small gift. Can you help?
Read MoreToday, I had the happy experience of being the guest of theHorseshoe Foundation of Floyd County at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Louisville Chapter's National Philanthropy Day Luncheon. It's an event that reminds you of the potential we all have within us to do good, make change, and give back. They honored a bevy of individuals and organizations who have devoted countless hours to the betterment of the greater Louisville community - a truly uplifting experience that puts your heart and mind in the right place.
Read MoreLast year, Dr. Joseph A. Fleck, DDS; Mr. Andrew Ganote; and Ms. Kim Kruer had a moment in the limelight in recognition of their contributions for individuals with disabilities. Who will be honored this year?
Read MoreLike all of us, the people Rauch serves have an array of interests, abilities, goals, and dreams. Staff members like Peggy Pinaire spend their days helping these individuals on their journey of expanding those abilities, enjoying these interests, and achieving their goals and dreams. Along this path, however, Peggy often finds that our clients give back just as much as they receive.
Read MoreI was struck by something almost right away when I came to work at Rauch - how much the people in our programs enjoy having their photos taken. Many times, if they spotted me with a camera, they would ask me to take their picture. They would remember for weeks and ask me to print them a copy of it.
Most of the people we serve at Rauch aren't worried about their smile looking just right, sporting the latest fashions, or if the camera adds five or ten pounds to their frame. They take joy in the simple pleasure of having their image captured to keep for themselves or share with loved ones... something I've found to be incredibly refreshing.
Read More(adapted from a story written by Pam Sinsel)
Pam, a Rauch Supported Employment Consultant, first met John in late 2012. He was a very large fellow with piercing blue eyes and a somewhat disheveled appearance. He was very quiet and seemed guarded when speaking to her. At first glance, he appeared intimidating.
John wanted to work in food service. After several meetings and through setting small goals for him, his grooming improved. He became more trusting of Pam and began to share information about his interests and dreams, including that he enjoys photography and would like to eventually become a chef.
Read MoreSeptember 8 - 14, 2013, is "DSP Week". But what's a "DSP"? You may venture a few guesses:
Actually, in addition to being those things (and more!), DSP is the industry standard word for "Direct Support Professionals."
Read MoreDavid has a way with words. You never quite know what he's going to say, but you should be prepared that it might just melt your heart. Like the time he told me I looked tired (gee thanks) and that I "shouldn't work so much." Point taken. Or when he asked when their pool was going to be built. At the time, we weren't completely sure we were going to have enough funds to do so, and I told him that. His answer: "you should get somedonations." Point taken again (after all, that's my job!). One of my favorites, though, was when he spontaneously said to me when I was giving someone a tour of Rauch Industries,
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