Let's thrive in 2025 !
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Quarterly Newsletter JAN - MAR 2025
Greetings !
Well, 2025 kicked-off with a bang, as two winter storm systems dropped a foot of snow across the region. I want to thank our amazing BAWAC team for their swift action and resolve to help ensure the safety of our clients, staff, and fellow travelers on the road. Another example of the dream team in action!
On a different note, we have some very exciting opportunities in store for 2025. One of these opportunities includes a renovation project that will take place at our BAWAC headquarters in Florence. This project was driven by client and staff feedback, and will bring about significant enhancements to client programming, capacity, and accessibility. Featured updates will include new flooring, paint, lighting, equipment, technology, and furnishings in our client cafeteria and activity/education centers. The production floor will also receive new furnishings. Additionally, restrooms will be renovated as well as a brand-new outdoor gathering space installed for the Life Transitions program. The estimated completion time for the project is this Summer. Check out the images below to see a sneak peek of the newly renovated spaces. Special thanks to our Board of Directors for their leadership and support. I also want to thank the Boone County Fiscal Court for providing a capital improvement grant of $200,000 to help support this project, along with additional support from private donors. If you or your organization would like to contribute to this project, email shari.olson@bawac.org.
Thank you for supporting our mission of transforming barriers into opportunities!
With gratitude,
Jason Ashbrook, President & CEO
Applause Award Winners...
This award recognizes employees (chosen by their peers) for exceptional work, leadership, acts of kindness or service, great ideas, and/or boosting of morale. The Applause Award recipients for October – December 2024 are...
- Vicki Whitaker, Receptionist
- Ryan Langevin, Production Driver
- Linda McCown, Production Assistant Manager
- Kate Moore, Community Rehabilitation Services Specialist
- Anna Rust, CRS Specialist
- Brady Cline, CRS Specialist
- Trudy Bullock, CRS Specialist
- Rick Clukey, Transportation Specialist
- Anna Tackett, Transportation Assistant Manager
Congratulations to all!
Hitting the Mark...
Community Rehabilitation Services (CRS) - We welcomed 3 new clients into the CRS program in December, just in time for Christmas. Currently, 15% of our program participants are in the OVR process (steps toward job placement through Supported Employment), marking the highest percentage we have ever reached. The installation of sensory room equipment is completed and new furniture was delivered and arranged in Life Transitions during December thanks to funds granted to us from Greater Cincinnati Foundation in May of 2024. We are looking forward to adding new groups and activities to our current programs that include art, literature, music, social circles and personal wellness in 2025!
Supported Employment - We observed a rise in the amount of referrals and experienced an uptick in job placements to conclude the year. In addition, we have CRS clients in the process of transitioning to the community workforce. Our Supported Employment Specialists are dedicated to ensuring they are fully equipped to thrive. We look forward to partnering with new local businesses in 2025.
Norse Project SEARCH - Norse Project SEARCH organized an open house in November that attracted a good number of attendees. They also held mock interviews involving local employers, which was a positive and successful event for all. Throughout the holiday season, interns engaged in volunteer work by assisting FUEL NKU and UCAP, while also exploring the various opportunities offered by the Freestore Foodbank. Norse Project SEARCH Interns and graduates were featured on WLWT's evening news broadcast December 6th (view here)! They shared how this life-changing program has opened doors to meaningful community employment and positively impacted their lives. We’re so proud of their hard work and the journeys they’ve taken!
Production Services - After experiencing a lull in jobs, things began to pick up in November and December. We deeply appreciate the strong relationships we have with our manufacturing partners and are always enthusiastic about collaborating to help them achieve their production goals. It's truly rewarding to work together to foster inclusion and success in the industry.
- Is your company in need of reliable production assistance, such as assembly, packaging, and light manufacturing services delivered promptly? Are you committed to supporting social enterprises that aim to provide job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities? If so, please contact production@bawac.org and let us know what we can do for YOU! How it works: 1) We analyze the job to determine if it is a good fit for our workers. 2) We do a mock time study to determine how long it will take to complete each portion of the job. 3) Production team determines ways to accomplish the job to ensure everyone will succeed. 4) Management uses formulas to determine cost to the vendor. 5) Bid is submitted for consideration.
Transportation Services - Our transportation operations have been consistently active. With the addition of three new vehicles, our fleet now stands at a total of 59. We are currently seeking qualified and dedicated drivers to join our team. Be part of our mission to overcome transportation challenges for the benefit of our clients and community! Apply for a driver position now at https://bawac.org/careers/.
Fundraising & Events...
What we've got planned in 2025...
Our events have a twofold purpose: to raise crucial funds for our programs and services, and to promote connections and engagement within our community. This year's lineup includes:
BAWAC Annual Charity Golf Outing - Tuesday, June 10th at Boone Links. Play a round of 18 holes, take on Olympic Broadcaster Louis Johnson in a putting challenge, and enjoy networking opportunities over food and drinks. Your participation supports BAWAC's charitable initiatives.
BAWAC at the Ball Park on Saturday, July 19th Experience a Christmas themed Y'alls game from reserved seats along the 1st base line. Cheer on our local team while supporting BAWAC's client holiday gift program. Participate in our 50/50 raffle to help raise funds for providing Christmas gifts to our client employees. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy America's favorite pastime and contribute to a great cause!
BAWAC Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration, Thursday, October 23rd. Join us for an elegant evening featuring a formal dinner and awards ceremony to honor our staff, client employees, partners, and supporters. Enjoy delicious food and heartfelt appreciation in a memorable event.
We invite you to support our mission with a sponsorship. Partnering with us in these sponsorships will promote your company's brand, while helping us create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities, or other challenges, by empowering them with services to live, learn, work, and thrive in our community. Our diverse events reach various audiences, including professionals, community leaders, elected officials, and families.
Please view our list of opportunities and amenities by clicking below. For more information, please contact shari.olson@bawac.org.
Your Gift Matters...
Donate gift cards!
Unsure what to do with an overabundance of gift cards you received during the holidays? Why not donate your unused gift cards to BAWAC! Your contributions can be used to provide Christmas and Birthday presents, and to support community engagement activities for our client employees. Contact shari.olson@bawac.org to begin the donation process.
Your contributions enable the provision of vital services that act as a foundation for individuals to live independently, acquire new skills, access job opportunities, and flourish in their community.
View our most recent Impact Report.
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