BAWAC Quarterly Newsletter
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Quarterly Newsletter JUL - SEP 2023
Ken Schmidt, President
Ken's Korner
Receiving accolades for the creation of and my dedication to BAWAC after 50 years is humbling. I saw a need, but BAWAC was truly created by the collaboration of parents and care givers of those with disabilities. The board members, donors and incredible employees who have contributed their time and talent have all made BAWAC what it is today: a highly regarded provider that continually looks for ways to expand and evolve programs in accordance with the need(s) of those we serve.
Announcing my retirement this year has been very difficult, as my passion for this work and the adoration I have for my BAWAC family remains strong. For the past 50 years I have had the privilege of working with people who are committed, and who work to ensure that BAWAC continues to improve so that the individuals we serve can reach their highest potential. I will greatly miss witnessing our clients grow and evolve by refining their communication skills, work skills, socialization skills, and comradery. But, it is time for me to turn over the reins and entrust a contemporary leader to carry BAWAC's mission into the future.
I have no doubts that BAWAC will continue to provide the standard of services we are known for. We currently have aspirations to expand locations and transportation, which I believe will come to fruition. With our well trained, intelligent staff who put clients first and are not afraid to explore new and better ways to serve them we will be well on our way to our next fifty years!
31st Annual - 50th Anniversary Charity Golf Outing
BAWAC's Annual Charity Golf Outing was held at Boone Links Golf & Event Center on Tuesday, June 13th. We were off to a chilly start and withstood a few drizzles, but the weather held out and everyone had a great time! Special thanks to Lewis Johnson (aka: Brandon's brother) for sharing his putting and emcee skills, Cawley Chiropractic for sponsoring all FOUR hole-in-lone contests, Reception Sponsors ERIGO Employment Solutions, DLT (Dominion Liquid Technologies), and Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, Beverage Cart Sponsor Safran Landing Systems (Walton KY), and all of our volunteers from TriState Connections NKY.
Welcome Aboard Sara!
We are pleased to welcome Sara Franks to BAWAC. Sara completed her senior year practicum at BAWAC this Spring and graduated from NKU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in May. Upon graduation, Sara accepted a full-time position in our Community Rehabilitation Services program as a direct support professional. We are excited to have her and look forward to her future accomplishments as a contributing BAWAC staff member. Congratulations on earning your Degree Sara!
Editorial contributions by Rick Pratt, Director of Services.
2023 Norse Project SEARCH Class End of Year Celebration
The Norse Project SEARCH Program held its end of year Celebration for the successful completion of the program for the 2023 Class members on May 10th at NKU. Friends, family, faculty staff, and contributing members of Norse Project SEARCH gathered to recognize the accomplishment of this year’s class. This is the 6th class to receive their Certificates of Completion for the Norse Project SEARCH program since its inception. This year’s class included: Kasen Eglian, Abby Sandlin, Vivian Thompson, and Mateo Gutierrez. They all did a great job in their internship rotations throughout the year and learned valuable new job skills which will serve them well as they transition into competitive employment opportunities. We couldn’t be more proud of this year’s class. Congratulations to all!
What's a BAWAC?
Barking Squirrel Media, LLC spent the past few months interviewing clients, staff, and administrators to get to know BAWAC and construct a plan to help us share that knowledge and information with the world. They recently spent an entire day on site to shoot video footage of our programs and services in action, and to record 'Hero' stories of some of our clients and staff in their own words. The finished product will be a narrative mini-documentary approximately 3 minutes in length that will tell our story from the perspective of those who are experiencing it. We are so excited about this project that we plan to celebrate by hosting a Premier Viewing Party for clients and staff before we release it publicly.
Join BAWAC at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday, August 16th when the Cincinnati Reds take on the Cleveland Guardians! Proceeds from each ticket purchased will go towards supporting BAWAC programs and services.
*For groups of 10 or more, please contact Annie Menegay directly.
At a Glance...
> BAWAC welcomed two new board members this Spring - Brandon Kannady an active Florence KY Firefighter, and Jason Ashbrook Executive Director at Workforce Council of SW Ohio.
> We are currently accepting donations for the following to help support us in this year's 50th Annual Bean Bash: gift baskets, silent auction items, live auction items, and gift cards (all denominations) - event details coming SOON! Donations can be dropped off at our location M-F 8a-4p.
> Our client gift closet is in need of gift cards! $25 to any local restaurant/fast food chain or local department store make perfect birthday gifts, and encourage independent social activities. Cards can be dropped of in person M-F 8a-4p, or mailed to: 7970 Kentucky Dr., Florence, KY 41042.
> Drive for us! Flexible schedule - Full and Part-time positions available! Click here to apply!
Share BAWAC with others with our custom shirts!
Proceeds help support BAWAC programs & services.
