> 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!