BAWAC Quarterly Newsletter
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Quarterly Newsletter JAN - MAR 2023
Ken Schmidt, President
Ken's Korner
"Oh, the places you'll go", Dr. Seuss.
As we enter our 50th year of operation, we are excited about the evolution of our programs and services to grow and better serve our consumers and the community.
From the beginning, BAWAC understood that care givers were a significant part of client services and should have input into program planning. Although at the time it was not the 'norm', Joseph Willett, PhD., Executive Director of Comprehensive Care Center, and John Nienaber, the MR Services Manager, and I believed our new approach should start by asking what our clients and their care givers needed. We asked them, “what do think your son, daughter, or other person you care for, need from BAWAC?", and “what do you, as the care giver, need from us?”. As you can imagine the answers were wide and varied. Many said that they were told what they needed by most service providers, but had never been asked. It was also important to us that our services be person centered, meaning our clients have input regarding their own plans of care and their personal goals. As we have discovered through the years, this combined approach has positively impacted our relationships with both our clients and their care teams resulting in providing and improving the quality of services.
Our volunteer Board of Directors has used their talents and abilities to guide us on a successful path. I would be remiss if I did not mention how fortunate BAWAC has been to have a dedicated staff that is second to none. Every position at BAWAC is important to the quality of services our clients receive. Supporting each other through the tough times, that's just the cherry on top.
As we embark on the next 50 years, we have a solid foundation upon which to expand and add services as we continue to fill whatever needs arise. Thanks to all of you who have believed in us and continue to support our mission.
Sincerely,
Ken Schmidt
President
Let us know how we have impacted your life! Please share your BAWAC story with us as part of our 50th Anniversary celebration. Email info@bawac.org, or write to us at BAWAC, Inc. 7970 Kentucky Dr. Florence, KY 41042.
We will begin the celebration of our 50th year on a personal note by honoring clients, staff, and community members at our first annual dinner since 2019. Invitations will be sent out via mail and email soon!
Welcome Aboard!
We would like to congratulate Anna Rust on completing her internship with BAWAC and graduating from NKU on December 17th. Anna had to complete 400 hours of service time and was a tremendous help in both the CRS program and at Norse Project SEARCH. Anna was also required to complete a student learning project as well. She chose to produce a brochure to promote Project SEARCH for potential internship sites on campus at NKU. Staff can now use these brochures to give to Department heads and NKU staff to familiarize them with the program and the benefits of hosting interns at their departments. Best of all, we are excited to announce that Anna has accepted a position with BAWAC as a CRS Specialist. She began working in her new position on Jan. 3rd, after the holiday breaks!
Congrats Anna and job well done!
Talk about commitment...
Mark Thomas began his career at BAWAC in November of 1973 - the very year that BAWAC became an organization! He will officially celebrate his 50 year milestone on November 26th. When you ask Mark how long he has been here, he simply replies, "oh, a looooong time!". He loves being at BAWAC so much that he once walked from his home in Villa Hills in the snow to get here because he missed the bus! (Ask him, he'll tell you!) Mark worked in production for 42 years before retiring and joining the Life Transitions program. He still enjoys walking out to the production floor to make sure everyone is doing things correctly, and he won't hesitate to let you know if you're not! These days he's content to watch his favorite shows like "I Love Lucy", and listen to Elvis Music when he's not working on a project, Wii Bowling or playing Deal or No Deal, or simply enjoying the company of his LTS peers. If you get a chance, stop in and wish him a "Happy Anniversary". He is truly a BAWAC legend.
BAWAC is currently hiring!
Sport your favorite BAWAC gear while supporting our mission! Several styles and options available. Order through May 17th (our official anniversary date) using code: EST_1973 and receive free shipping! All proceeds help offset costs of client programs and services.
