> NEWSLETTER - WINTER 2021 RCS empowers individuals with disabilities and special needs so that they may work, live, and function with dignity and respect.
Celebrate Positivity!
Letter from our President, Martha VandeLeest
As we come to the close of 2021, Dave Gass (RCS Board of Director’s Chairman) and I wanted to first take a moment to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season. We appreciate and thank you all for your support this past year and as RCS Empowers, Inc. has had to maneuver through the many challenges of the pandemic. It is worth noting that even though the pandemic created challenges, it has also provided great opportunities at RCS. We have redeveloped our programming, added staff and enhanced our physical facility with new technology, newly painted rooms and much-needed new furniture arriving in 2022 for the classrooms and leisure area. We are so excited to report that our annual “Shine On” fund raiser was very successful this year as we raised $80,000. These dollars will contribute toward the cost of the Day Services new furniture. Thank you for supporting this fundraiser Please know that we are extremely grateful for the loyalty and faith that you have in RCS. We are looking forward for you & your loved ones to enjoy all of the new and exciting offerings in 2022: • Great new classroom formats • Remote classes available • Cooking classroom enhancements • Wonderful new art programs • Newly established activities during afterhours programming Again, May You and Yours have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy Happy New Year!
Martha VandeLeest
Employee Spotlight: Karli Noll
Karli Noll is named our Spotlight Employee due to instructing wonderful therapeutic Art classes with RCS participants including Art History, Expressive Arts, and Studio Art. She allows our participants to express themselves, learn new skills and reach new goals through the process of creating art. While Karli Noll recently started as the new Therapeutic Art Specialist at RCS Empowers; she graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a focus of Recreation Therapy and Art. Congratulations & welcome, Karli!
Business Service Feature: Artisan Cheese Exchange, Deer Creek Cheese Gift Boxes
Our participants have been very busy with holiday contract packaging for many wonderful local companies. A recent project completed on time for the holidays was for the Artisan Cheese Exchange and packaging their Deer Creek Cheese Gift Boxes.
October Employer Spotlight
Kwik Trip
Kwik Trip (Store #470) of Plymouth, WI was recognized as our October Employer of Month. This award is granted for exceptional commitment to hire and support people with disabilities. From Left to right: Sharon Roitt-Johnson, Store Leader; Thomasa Meinnert, Food Service Leader; Alexia Czer, Food Services Worker; Andrew Beckner, Assistant Food Service Leader; Sarah Meyer, Assistant Store Leader; Front row: Michael Bentz, Assistant Store Leader; Brian Steiner, Guest Services Worker
November Employer Spotlight
Parkside Family Restaurant In the month of November, we recognized Parkside Family Restaurant as our Employer of the Month. Pictured here is Owner, Sam Abazi, with RCS Job Coach, Kathy Donlon. Thank you for going above and beyond to hire and support people with diverse talents. Thank you!
Did You Know...
RCS’s contract services offer capabilities ranging from manufacturing and assembly to fulfillment and packaging. We provide custom and private label packaging to meet your unique specifications. Our services are highly regarded for responsiveness, flexibility, and fast turnaround times. We specialize in finding solutions and providing cost-effective options for outsourcing. We take great pride in achieving worldclass results.
Thank You For Suppporting
RCS Shine On 2021
We hope you had the opportunity to enjoy the show and found something new and inspirational about the mission of RCS Empowers in the program this year. If not, it can be viewed at RCSShineOn.com. Your generosity will help RCS to fund initiatives like purchasing modular, adaptive, and ergonomically suitable educational classroom furniture. Thank you to all of our Event Sponsors. Without your support, Shine On would not be possible. Thank you to our Tree, Wreath, and Centerpiece Sponsors and all of the Designers who donated items and volunteered their time and talents to make available so many wonderful holiday auction items. We also want to thank all those who gave cash and in-kind donations. We appreciate your generosity, talents, and time in helping make Shine On happen. In addition, we would like to thank everyone for bidding in the silent auction, and purchasing our Virtual Dinner Party and Instant Buy items. A special recognition and thank you to all of our RCS Shine On Committee members. You are all appreciated beyond words. If you would like to continue to make an impact at RCS Empowers, Inc. there are still opportunities to purchase Instant Buy items available through the Shine On website - including RCS Teas and Tea Boxes, Christmas Wines, and Shine On 2021 Ornaments. You can also still donate through RCSShineOn.com, or at our newly redesigned website RCSEmpowers.com.
December Events December 10
10:30am-11:00am South High Singers
December 15
We Are Grateful
Thank You For Your Donations & Support! Wow! A big THANK YOU to Sheboygan Jaycees and their Dominion of Terror project for such a generous donation and all of their support!
9:00am-10:00am Golden Cordeliers
December 21
10:40am-11:15am South High Band
December 20-23 Spirit Week
Mon-Ugly or Pretty Christmas Sweater Tues-Pajama Day Weds-Festive Hat and Sock Day Thurs-Holiday Dress Up Day
December 23
Holiday Party featuring Ricky Raybine Band
December 29
12:45pm-1:45pm Strictly Elvis Show
In addition, thank you to Kohler Co. for their generous donation and support in 2021. It’s appreciated more than you know!
Happy Anniversary! December
Victoria Almgren - 30 Years
Supporting The Mission
End of Year Giving
Wendy Ruh - 8 Years
As the end of the year approaches, there are a few different ways you can choose to give back. Your generous gifts help RCS offer year-round life-enriching and innovative programming to empower individuals with disabilities to reach for their dreams.
January
For more information, please visit www.rcsempowers.com/ ways-to-give.
Linda Ecker - 10 Years
Therese Masse - 2 Years Gordon Orlik - 8 Years
Adam Senkbeil - 12 Years Ryan Bubb - 10 Years
Madeline Behnke - 2 Years John Brodhagen - 2 Years Hang Nuam - 2 Years
February
Nathan Justinger - 10 Years
Denise Schueffner - 10 Years Heather Morella - 8 Years
Matthew VonDerVellen - 2 Years
Contact Information Main Campus 1607 Geele Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53083 Mailing Address P.O. Box 248 Sheboygan, WI 53082 Phone 920.458.8261
Email info@rcsempowers.com