> NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2022 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 I hope your year has been off to a great start! The team is busy at RCS. We continue to be COVID conscious; social distancing and sanitizing surfaces whenever possible. The health and safety of our participants and employees are a continued priority and I want to ensure this is being implemented throughout our premises. A primary management focus of 2021 was to get organized! While doing so, we enhanced many spaces that we are thrilled to share. One that I am, personally, most excited about is our cooking classroom. We have recently added a cooking mirror to allow in-person and virtual participants the opportunity to view each step in cooking processes. From boiling water to kneading dough, everyone has an ability to feel as if they have a hands-on experience, regardless of their viewing location. This room will be well utilized for years to come. As a follow up, we have begun looking into new classroom furniture using the dollars the dollars you so generously contributed during Shine On. We are also looking to enhance our garden space along Trailside Park this coming spring. More detail will come, along with photos, later this year! To health and happiness,
Martha VandeLeest
Employee Spotlight:
Amy Kilton, RCS Training Supervisor and Employment Services Job Coach, demonstrates how collaboration between departments within the agency benefits participant success. Amy started her career with RCS in 2017 as a production worker. In just two years, she was promoted to training supervisor, assisting participants to develop the work skills necessary to achieve integrated employment in the community. In 2021 she also began assisting participants in their jobs in the community, as a job coach. Being able to help participants achieve their goals brings her great satisfaction. Thank you Amy for all you do!
After Hours Programs Are Back! Movie & Popcorn
Monday, February 7th 3:00-5:00pm at RCS. Gather for an afternoon showing of a popular movie and enjoy a snack with your friends!
December Employer Spotlight
Sheboygan Quick Lube Plus Sheboygan Quick Lube Plus was honored as the December 2021 Employer of the Month. This award is granted for exceptional commitment to hiring and supporting people with disabilities.
From Left to right: Jordan Warrens, Shop Helper; Mike Lewis, General Manager; Amy Kilton, RCS Job Coach
Game Night
Tuesday, February 15th 3:00-5:00pm at RCS. Join your friends for a fun afternoon playing a variety of games! A snack will also be provided.
Get Creative!
Wednesday, February 23rd 3:00-5:00 at RCS. Embrace your creativity while joining your friends for an afternoon of arts and crafts. For more information or to sign up, please contact your Case Manager.
January Employer Spotlight
Spiller Spring Company - Division of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Spiller Spring Company was honored as the January 2022 Employer of the Month. This award is granted for exceptional commitment to hiring and supporting people with disabilities.
From Left to right: Andy Seefeldt, Production Supervisor; Denver Nitsch, Ladder Maker; Youa Vang, HR Generalist; Jon Moran, Training Coordinator; Floyd Hooks, Preclip Inspector
Happy Anniversary! February
Nathan Justinger - 10 Years
Denise Schueffner - 10 Years Heather Morella - 8 Years
Matthew VonDerVellen - 2 Years
March
Patience Weinberger - 22 Years
Ronald Weber - 18 Years
Christine Martin - 5 Years Mohmad Sofan - 5 Years Saeed Sofan - 5 Years
Teryl Brodhagen - 4 Years Susan De Blaey - 4 Years
Mark Schroeder - 3 Years
April
Curt Mercure - 9 Years
Martha VandeLeest - 7 Years Jody Merenick - 7 Years Alex Merenick - 6 Years
Daniel Herman - 4 Years Eric Cox - 3 Years
Ah Lau Zahkung - 3 Years Jennifer Monteith - 1 Year
Business Services Feature
X-JET!
RCS Empowers, Inc. in-house commercial printer allows for a variety of project printing options to be completed within the four walls of our facility located on Geele Avenue in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Our X-JET is a UV-LED printer that allows for many capabilities including: • High speed printing • Ideal for promotional products • High quality graphics • Full-color available • Flat printed materials such as: glass, metal, wood, tile, plastics, ceramics, and fabrics.
Participant News
Our RCS Connects program continues to be successful; being homebound doesn’t mean having to be alone! If you are not participating in the programming, and are interested in learning more, please contact your Case Manager.
Day Services Feature
Service and Kindness class + Project Angel Hugs RCS Kindness class partners with Project Angel Hugs in Plymouth. Each year, we make hundreds of Valentines in January. This year, the class has made a variety of valentines, including gnomes. These valentines become part of the special care packages sent by Project Angel Hugs to children fighting cancer.
Our grand total of handmade valentines for Project Angel Hugs is 575!
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