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Quarterly Newsletter OCT - DEC 2023
Ken Schmidt, Founder & President
Ken's Korner
This will be the last newsletter for the year, and my last “Ken's Korner” as Jason Ashbrook assumes the role of President of BAWAC, Inc. We are very fortunate to have found a successor with Jason’s qualifications and personality to lead our organization forward. Fifty years ago, we had no place to go but UP with three staff and 14 clients operating out of an abandoned school building. But, dedicated board members, parents, volunteers, Joe Willett, PhD, John Nienaber (MR services), and Tom Kennedy (Accountant at Comprehensive Care Center) helped us navigate all kinds of obstacles to prove that our concept of paid work and activity would result in folks learning job skills, developing social skills, and functioning in the community. Click the Annual Report link below to see where we are now in jobs for clients, work accomplished for companies, and new services for the community.
BAWAC is looking UP again as there is a growing need for expansion of our services, especially in the rural communities. I ask for your continued support as we strive to broaden our reach, and our dedicated staff continue to provide the highest quality of services.
It has been a privilege to serve as President for the past 50 years. I have worked with incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and dedicated people, and I am confident that BAWAC will prevail!
Passing the Baton
On September 12th, former BAWAC board member Jason Ashbrook officially became our new President. Says Jason, “BAWAC already has a winning formula for success, and I look forward to working with the organization’s amazing team members and building upon that success!”, referring to our retiring President and Founder Ken Schmidt as, "...a living legend". Read more about Jason here.
Hitting the Mark
Community Rehabilitation - CRS has welcomed several new client-employees in the last few months with more set up for intake. Annual ADT surveys were overwhelmingly positive, with the most common complaint being the need for comfier chairs. Consumers are currently achieving their individual goals at a rate of 95% overall!
Supported Employment - Employment Specialists are currently supporting a higher than average number of clients in various stages of employment who are maintaining stability. Project SEARCH interns are reaching their midway point for the year, and we are recruiting for the class of 2024. Open House info here.
Production - Our Production Department set a record in August with the highest production month in the history of BAWAC! After experiencing a lull, things seem to be back to normal and work is steady.
Transportation - Our Transportation Department also had a record month in August, largely due to an uptick in med-runs. Transportation is continuing to expand routes, most recently in Falmouth and Williamstown.
Fundraising
This Summer, local baseball afforded us opportunities to have fun while raising money to support BAWAC programs and services. We filled two sections at Thomas Moore Stadium on July 7th as the Florence Y'alls took on the New York Boulders on Star Wars night. To start things off, first pitches were thrown out by Ken Schmidt and two of our client employees who have been with us for 50 years - Mark Thomas and Gregg Austing. Find the NKY Tribune article here. Our newest opportunity was when the Cincinnati Reds took on the Cleveland Guardians on August 16th. We appreciate everyone who participated and made these events a success.
The conditions couldn't have been more favorable for us at The Bean Bash 50th Anniversary event on September 30th at the Erlanger Lyons Club. Not only were the Lyons gracious hosts, but they kept the kids busy with games and prizes galore, and also donated proceeds from their malt beverage and pull-tab sales that day to the Bean Bash event. Thanks to everyone who participated on all levels, we had a fun and successful day. Wendy even broke in her Vintage BAWAC tee. Get yours at bawacgear.com!
We're kicking off this year's BAWAC Stars holiday gift drive fundraiser! There are two ways you can help:
- Purchase gift tags for $30 (1 tag = 1 gift).
- Attend BAWAC Night at Deck the Y'alls on Saturday, December 2nd. $3 of your ticket price will be donated back to us and help fund the BAWAC Stars holiday gift drive program.
We're Hiring!
- Transportation Drivers
- Production Services Supervisor
- Executive Administrative Assistant
- Employment Specialist
Click below to obtain an application. Email to info@bawac.org or submit in person M-F 8a-4p.
