www.rcsempowers.com Spring

2017

Eric joined RCS programming in August 2015 after relocating to our community from Ohio. His initial intent was to work every day, improve his vocational skills, and gain experience to assist him with his long-term goal of attaining a job in the community.

Eric initially worked at North Plant doing a variety of jobs and then tried packaging work at West Plant but recognized that he was not ready to work every day. Eric instead decided to participate in some Day Services classes suited to his interests and he soon began to flourish. Eric is truly an asset in all of his classes which are well-matched to fit his strengths, abilities, and preferences. In his classes, he shares his passion for history, cars, and planes and has the opportunity to fulfill his other interests including drawing, reading, fantasy sports and making projects. Eric is also quite the actor and enjoys participating in the RCS annual play productions. He will take on the role of the dwarf Sergei (known as Dopey) in the upcom-ing 2017 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Show.

Since joining Day Services, Eric’s overall self-esteem, confidence and desire to work have greatly improved. He currently works two mornings in packaging, participates in a Prevocational job class, attends monthly Job Clubs and Friday focus groups, goes on community exploration outings, and has applied to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to start the

process of getting a job in the community. Throughout all of these experiences, Eric continues to further develop his work skills by volunteering in the community, learning about potential job opportunities and improving valuable skills necessary to become an employable individual.

Eric is an extremely intelligent, friendly and talented young man who brings laughter to those around him and will make a great addition to any company.

Success Story Eric Hanson

Annual Report Edition

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile (https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1030350), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers.

How does AmazonSmile work?

When first visiting AmazonSmile, customers are prompted to select a charitable organization from almost one million eligible organizations. In order to browse or shop at AmazonSmile, customers must first select a charitable organization. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization.

On March 16th, AmazonSmile multiplied your donation times 10 for one day only. RCS AmazonSmile shoppers spent $4,786.40 and the five percent bonus translated into $239.32. Thank you for supporting RCS Empowers, Inc.

Thank You, AmazonSmile Shoppers You Raised $239.32 in One Day!

RCS Programs and Events

Engaged

577 Teens & Adults

# Of Participants 230 Worked in North

Plant, Packaging, and Janitorial Services 96

Participants Participated in Prevocational

Classes 23 Participants in Center-Based

Services Obtained Employment in The

Community 160 Attended Day Services

80 Enjoyed After Hours Special Events

346 Received RCS Employment Services

68 Jobs Were Obtained in 2016 With

43 of them being for those participants

with the most significant disabilities Toured 40 businesses

Provided over 1600 hours of

work in the community

200

Hours of bus training

RCS’s Community Based Prevoc Program was initiated in May. Of the first group to complete the program, one individual has been hired, and three are in job development. The second group is currently par-ticipating in the volunteer/internship portion of the program.

EVOLVE Educational and Vocational Opportunities Lead to Valuable Employees

Began Community Exploration groups to offer opportunities to participants that are not in

regularly scheduled Prevocational classes

Monthly Job Club hosted 11 different presenters from local business and a presentation by the RCS Ambassadors & Friends with 417 participants in attendance for the year.

Classes were adapted to help meet the needs of production, leading to the greatest amount of packaging units produced to date.

The Prevocational program EVOLVE was awarded a wheelchair accessible side entry minivan through the 5310 grant. The vehicle will be arriving Fall 2017.

Prevocational Services

Day Services 1898 individuals

attended 2016 RCS play The Little Mermaid

Lakeland University Culinary Chefs partnered with Day Service Cooking classes. This has devel-oped into a monthly offering for participants interested in improving their culinary skills.

New Hand Bell Choir class debuted at the “The Little Mermaid” preshow, were featured in The Big Sheboygan Shebang at the Weill Center, and opened the Salvation Army “Red Kettle Kick-off” campaign at Festival Foods.

809 community outings provided

RCS Picnic celebrated a “Fiesta” theme with over 200 in attendance.

44 people from RCS and Threshold of West Bend traveled to Florida including Disney World, Gatorland, NASA Kennedy Space Center, and Sea World.

Day of Caring brought 20 individuals from Johnsonville Sausage, Kohler Company, and Wilson Mutual Insurance to RCS.

RCS provided group volunteer opportunities for Kohler High School students and multiple internships for Marian University and UW-Sheboygan students.

Day Service participants enjoyed a private performance from Tomáš Kubínek, internationally acclaimed solo performer and MC of The Big Sheboygan Shebang!

Annual Art Show had 450 visitors, featured 152 RCS Empowers artists with 684 pieces of art. RCS artists sold $823 worth of artwork.

Adaptive Bike partnerships: Pine Haven and Azura Memory Care

Nourish Educational Garden partnership featuring a variety of garden classes and events.

The 2016 Masquerade Prom had 150 individu-

als along with other members of the public in attendance. Volunteers assisted participants to select beautiful garments, donated by communi-ty supporters, and beauticians from Revive Salon provided free services.

Collaborated with the John Michael Kohler Arts Center to connect participants with dementia in the SPARK! program which provides creative, stimulating activities for folks with memory loss. Participants en-joyed ballroom dancing opportunity with JMKAC partners. 11,325 hours of community experiences!

RCS Ambassadors presented or advocated to 24 different groups in the community, sharing their employment journeys and promoting the importance of employment for all.

RCS received a 2nd year of grant funding through the Employment First Initiative, a project of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. The

focus is to increase integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Job seekers participated in a Mock Interview Day that allowed them to practice their interviewing skills. Members of the Employment Services Advisory Board participated in this event by conducting the interviews with job seekers.

The 15th Annual Employer Recognition Luncheon recognized employers for their dedication to employ-ing and supporting people with disabilities.

Job Explore programming was implemented in part-nership with DVR to provide career exploration and job experience to youth. RCS staff were able to assist all youth that participated to find employment by the completion of the program.

28 new employers hired people through RCS services.

Employment Services

5 O’Clock Club, an after hours social group for participants with jobs in the community, had a very successful first year. On average, 10-15 participants meet monthly to make friends and engage with their peers. This program, which started as part of a grant through Making Spirits Bright, is now fully funded.

346 people participated in

RCS employment services.

Three ”Take Your Legislator to Work” events were held in 2016.

68 jobs

were obtained in 2016 43 of those jobs were for participants with

the most significant disabilities.

Breakdown of jobs: 19 IPS participants

24 Supported Employment participants 24 Direct Placement participants

1 Ticket to Work participant

New Hire Recognitions by Ron Van Rooyen, President of RCS Empowers, Inc.

Ron Van Rooyen recognized Jaclyn Rejholec for her employment at Walgreens in Sheboygan (pictured left to right: Jaclyn Rejholec and Ron Van Rooyen).

Ron Van Rooyen recognized Rebecca Roemer for her employment at Sheboygan County YMCA in Sheboygan (pictured left to right: Rebecca Roemer and Ron Van Rooyen).

Ron Van Rooyen recognized Bernadette McClane for her employment at Parkside Family Restaurant (Highway Ridge) in Sheboygan (pictured left to right: Ron Van Rooyen and Bernadette McClane).

Ron Van Rooyen recognized John Denk for his employment at Planet Fitness in Sheboygan (pictured left to right: Ron Van Rooyen and John Denk).

Ron Van Rooyen recognized Kyle Pfeifer for his employment at Custom Craft Trophy & Embroidery in Plymouth (pictured left to right: Ron Van Rooyen and Kyle Pfeifer).

Ron Van Rooyen recognized Ben Butler for his employment at Happy Tails Boarding and Grooming in Howards Grove (pictured left to right: Ben Butler and Ron Van Rooyen).

Alliant Energy Foundation, Inc.

Aurora Health Care - Partnership Campaign

Baird Foundation, Inc.

Baker, Tilly, Virschow, Krause LLP

Baumann, Nancy

Bates, Joseph & Elizabeth

Baylor, Heather

Benzschawel, Jerome & Bonita

Bergstrom, Theodore

Blonski, Jeffery

Boesch, Sara

Bowtie Products

Brueggemann, Robert & Mary

Burkart-Heisdorf Insurance - A Division of McClone

Butzen, Barbara

Callan, Robin

Cedar Grove Area United Fund

Chaltry, Paula

Cheney, Jeffery & Rhoda

Conrardy, Charlie

Debray, Samuel & Janet

Dirkse, David & Kristine

Feider, Kathleen

First Reformed Church of Sheboygan Falls

Fountain Park United Methodist Church - United Methodist Women

Flood, David & Lisa

Friederichs, Bruce & Brenda

Gatyas, Dr. Frank & Cheryl

Georgia-Pacific Corporation

Gibbsville Reformed Church

Girl Scout Troop #8345

Gosz, Maria

Hahn, Julie

Hanson, Mary Jean

Harrison, Marvel

Hayssen Family Foundation, Inc.

Hearthstone of Wisconsin

Herzog, Beverly

Holtz, Elizabeth

Juckem, Jeffery & Renee

Jumes, Mary

Justus, Jesse

Kohler Foundation, Inc.

Ladies of the Kettles

Lallemont, Clarence

LeClair, Wayne & Cheryl

Liberty Diversified International

Mahnke, Michael & Nancy

Making Spirits Bright

Mallmann, Helen

Matz, Wayne

McCabe, Marilyn

Melger, Thomas & Carol

Menden, Steve & Coleen

Meyer, Victor & Deborah

Miske, Gilbert & Meredith

Mohr, Karen

Mueller, Michael & Corinne

Mutschler, Heidi

Please accept our apologies if we have inadvertently omitted anyone's name from the list.

2016 RCS Empowers, Inc. Partners

Every accomplishment that was made this year is due to the support and trust of our RCS Partners. Your gifts have made it possible for us to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to ex-pand their horizons and build confidence. Thank you for being an integral part of our success.

Old Wisconsin Sausage

O'Malley, Lori

Oostburg Area United Fund, Inc.

Oostburg Lumber Company

Oostburg Middle School

Pamperin, Edward & Annette

Paul, Randal & Christine

People to People – Sheboygan Chapter

Peterson, Carrie

Picard, Gerald & Donna

Plate, Gary & Jane

Randall & Judith Hake Family Foundation, Inc.

Richter, Robin

Sargento Foods, Inc.

Schmideler, Shelley

Schueller, Mary

Schulze, Robert & Ruth

Sheboygan County Food Bank

Sheboygan Falls High School

Sheboygan Jaycees - Dominion of Terror

Sheboygan Rotary Club

Sheboygan Service Foundation, Inc.

Specht, Heather

Spettel, Gary & Karen

Springer, Gayle

Steffen, Corey & Teresa

Stolarzyk, Michael & Lynette

Storm, Milton

Szemetylo, Victor & Kristy

Ten Dolle, John & Margery

Tempas, Dr. Christine

Tenpas, Carl & Joann

The Perry Fund

Thorn, Debbie

Thorwaldson, Deborah

Timm, Bruce

Tiry, Joseph & Diane

U.S. Bank Foundation

United Heartland

United Way of Sheboygan County, Inc.

Valley Packaging Industries, Inc.

Van Rooyen, Rob

Van Wyk, John

VandeLeest, Martha

VanEss, Philip & Lois

Veleke, Janet

VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 9156

Wadle, Cheryl

Welz, Bruce & Susan

Wiegman, Robert & Sandra

Williams, Katie

Wisconsin State Council – Knights of Columbus

Please accept our apologies if we have inadvertently omitted anyone's name from the list.

2016 RCS Empowers, Inc. Partners

Thank you to those who have given $1,000 or more in the first quarter of 2017 to help support the mission of RCS Empowers, Inc.

Cedar Grove Area United Fund, Inc. Edward McKelvey

For more information on donation options contact : Monica Senkbeil, Vice President Human

Resources at 920-694-1201 or msenkbeil@rcsempowers.com or visit www.rcsempowers.com

RCS Empowers, Inc. Community Employment Highlights

RCS Employment Services prepares and assists individuals to obtain employment in the community. Employers

benefit from RCS support services and receive numerous benefits from hiring people with unique abilities. For more

information on obtaining employment in the community or to see how RCS Employment Services might benefit your

business, call Lynn Justinger, Employment Services Coordinator at 920-694-1206.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following individuals who were hired to work in the community and the

individuals who chose not to be publicly recognized. We are proud of your accomplishment.

THANK YOU to the following businesses for providing valuable work experience for RCS participants:

Hugh Wilson Harrington Tietz's Piggly Wiggly South

Kyle Pfeifer Custom Craft Trophy & Embroidery

Paul Price Blue Harbor Resort

Jacyln Rejholec Walgreens # 6097

Marlea Joa Meals on Wheels

Bernadette McClane Parkside Family Restaurant (Highway Ridge)

Keith Lohse Defender Services Inc

John Denk Planet Fitness

Tiana Sabrowsky Tietz's Piggly Wiggly South

Mark Schroeder Habitat ReStore

Jamie Hammen Blum Family LLC, - Brook's Services

Mark Miziul Simply Earth

Benjamin Butler Happy Tails Boarding & Grooming

David Eirich Harbor Freight Tools

Nicole Klosinski Zion Covenant Church

Anna Munro Lakeland University - Dining Services

Jordan Warrens Pick'n Save # 6432

Christine Reyes Festival Foods

Blum Family LLC, - Brook's Services

Pick'n Save # 6432

Al & Al's Steinhaus

Congratulations to Our Birth to Three RCS Staff

Congratulations to the RCS Birth to Three Staff: Sheila Sprang, Deb Binversie, Stacy Grusznski, and April Sabel. The State of Wisconsin completed a review and found they had 100% compliance in providing services to infants, toddlers, and families in need of Birth to Three Services. The Birth to Three Program has standards that need to be met including the length of time from referral to service, timeframes for service provision, reporting requirements, and other quality measures.

This is a great reflection on our RCS staff and the superb services they provide. We are very proud of you!

RCS Empowers, Inc. Employer of the Month Awards

In recognition of exceptional commitment to hire and support people with disabilities.

Please patronize these businesses and thank them for their partnership with RCS!

December 2016 Staff Management

Pictured from left to right: Jamie Lee, Staff Management’s Senior Account Manager and Amanda Brendel, Operations Manager

January 2017 3 Sheeps Brewing

Pictured from left to right: Alex Butterbaugh, Grant Pauly (Owner), Josh Joyce (Blue), Kevin Irion (Red), Dave Coulter, and Matt Hofmann

February 2017 Blum Family LLC

Pictured from left to right: Jamie Hammen and James “JT” Blum (Owner).

March 2017 Festival Foods

Pictured from left to right: Patton Neuser, Samantha Massey, Mary Bowser, and Kyle Kaehne

Join our team! We are hiring for full-time and part-time positions in various areas in our organization. We are also seeking workers for our Packaging and North Plant operations over the summer. RCS offers a com-petitive benefit package for full-time positions and limited benefits for part-time positions over 20 hours week. Explore RCS job opportunities and apply online at:

https://www.rcsempowers.com/careers/

RCS Employment Opportunities

Aktion Club Wins 3rd Place in 20th Annual Gingerbread Contest

The RCS Empowers, Inc. Aktion Club took third place in the 20th Annual Gingerbread Festival at the Waelderhaus sponsored by the Kohler Foundation. In addition to the third place win, Kohler Foundation will present a $100 check to the Aktion Club. The Waelderhaus had 8,682 visitors at the 20th Annual Gingerbread Festival, a record number.

The Aktion Club was established in April 2014 at RCS Empowers and is sponsored by the Greater Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls Kiwanis Clubs. This member driven group of adults with disabilities is passionate about providing ways to “give back” to their community. They conduct fundraisers, perform service projects, build leadership abili-ties, and gain visibility and respect for the positive impact they create in their own lives and the lives of others.

2016 Participant Council Report By Katie Guenther

Mission: The purpose of Participant Council is to provide input into what participants want and need at RCS.

In 2016, the Council was responsible for bringing up concerns and made recommendations that have led to positive changes for Participants. These included: Participant Council organized a ‘Change for Autism Campaign’ in the month of April and collected a

total of $50.00 in change that was donated to the Autism Society of Wisconsin.

Participant Council collected and offered feedback regarding the new hot lunch program.

The Council members advocated for more digital clocks. Digital clocks were installed at West Plant in the leisure area and the production area. Several digital clocks were installed at North Plant.

Wheelchair etiquette was reviewed at all department area meetings in March to try to improve traffic flow/travel for wheelchair users at RCS because of a concern brought up by the Council members.

The Council members offered ideas and suggested this year’s prom theme of Masquerade ball.

Participant Council advocated the need for another bathroom at North Plant by the Case Manager office. The RCS Board is aware of this need and will have to make some decisions during their strategic plan-ning process.

The Council members who were available helped pass out programs for the RCS Annual play performances in April.

Participant Council offered the suggestion for a cotton candy machine at next year’s RCS Annual picnic.

Participants and staff at RCS Empowers, Inc. enjoyed a visit from Gary Glazner, Founder and Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project (APP). RCS class instructors learned how to initiate and implement poetry in their classes. Two RCS classes were able to experience firsthand how to facilitate poetry with participants through Glazner’s guidance. “This was the second visit from Glazner and each time our staff learns something new,” said Ruth Weigel, Day Services Coordinator.

Poetry not only appeals to those with Alzheimer’s, it is really a universal tool for every one of all ages. RCS participants with disabilities have used poetry in classes to spark their creativity and build camaraderie with each other as they create the poem and experience the joy of the learning process. Each poetry creation is as unique as the individuals creating the poem. Glazner had ensured that the process is not only words, but feelings, sounds and actions. The different elements make the poem come alive and engage everyone in the creative process.

Individuals with memory loss are able to recall certain type of memory with the call and response poetry method that Glazner uses in his workshops. “You can imagine how it feels to be successful and be able to say the words back,” Glazner said. “We use a lot of humor and playfulness, and I think that is all part of what they are responding to.” Glazner is currently working with five local Sheboygan area programs to use poetry to help those with cognitive disabilities. The five organizations are RCS Empowers, Inc., The Gathering Place, Sheboygan Senior Community, Generations Intergenerational Center, and Pine Haven Christian Community. All Glazner’s efforts will come to fruition when the five organizations gather in April to share what they have learned to make Sheboygan County a better place for those with dementia or cognitive disabilities.

Campbell’s Labels for Education

Collection Alert! Labels for Education needed! RCS is collecting the Campbell’s UPC Labels for Education. You will find a picture to the right of the label portion that needs to be cut off to be redeemed. Please drop off your labels at RCS!

Gary Glazner Alzheimer’s Poetry Project Founder Visits RCS

RCS Empowers, Inc.

1607 Geele Avenue

Sheboygan, WI 53083

920-458-8261

www.rcsempowers.com

MAIL LABEL INFORMATION HERE

Nonprofit

U.S. Postage

PAID

Mission Statement

RCS empowers individuals with disabilities and special needs so that they may work, live and function with dignity

and respect.

RCS Wish List

Small countertop microwave (new or used)

VHS to DVD electronic converter

Fitbits

iPods

Portable folding table 6ft

Sweat pants, adult L, XL, & XXL (new or gently

used)

Mobility Sheets (draw sheets with handles.) Any

Size

Brynk game

Battle Sheep game

Ubongo game

VHS to DVD electronic converter

Fitbits (new or used)

iPods

Bodice sewing form

Singer machine needles

Thread

New/used sewing machine with zigzag stich

Sewing table or large space sewing screen

Garden gloves

Plants

Garden center gift cards

Plastic flower pots 8”-12”