Summer Youth Work Experience Breaks Records and Builds Futures
This summer’s Youth Work Experience Program set new records while continuing to change lives. A total of 24 youth participated, our largest group yet! To support them, several job coaches and some of the transition team stepped in throughout the program, including 4 teachers, 2 college students, and even one coach who took a permanent job with RTC as a job coach.
We also partnered with a record 9 local businesses, each offering unique opportunities for students to explore potential careers while learning real-world skills.
The Summer Youth Work Experience gives teens more than just a summer job. Participants gain hands-on training in a variety of work environments, develop strong foundational employment skills, and receive personalized support to prepare them for the future. For those who need it, job coaching ensures a trusted guide is always on site, helping each student build confidence and independence step by step.
Parents and employers alike have praised the program’s impact:
· “She loved the experience and learned a lot! The Y was very supportive and she loved her job coach. It gave her a chance to learn out-of-the-house work skills essential for future employment and independence,” said Heather Hawley, about her stepdaughter, Adi.
· “The Summer Youth Work Experience has been a tremendous benefit to us at Iron City. Having several students from RTC on our team not only helped us keep up with the daily prep and portioning work that’s essential to our fresh-made menu, but it also created a meaningful connection between our business and the community. The students brought enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn, and with excellent on-site support from their team leader, tasks were well demonstrated and kept on track. For our team, this partnership meant greater efficiency and consistency; for our customers, it meant we could stay focused on delivering the quality and service they expect. Just as importantly, it was incredibly rewarding to work alongside the students and see them gain valuable skills and confidence through the program,” said Matt Brown, owner of Iron City Bar and Restaurant.
· “Sarah Morris ran her group at the Lutheran Center. There was a job coach there, but she was happy to watch Sarah gain confidence as she took the lead with her group,” Donnie Oswald, Employment Services Supervisor shared.
While the Summer Youth Work Experience Program has always been successful, this year stood out with more students, more coaches, and more supportive business partners than ever before. Together, we’re helping teens gain meaningful experience, discover their strengths, and take confident steps toward independence and future employment.
August Champion, Christina Williams
RTC is proud to recognize Christina Williams as our August Champion!
Christina currently works as a production worker, but her career has included many years as a bus driver as well. Whatever role she’s in, Christina shines because of her heart for others. She often shares that she loves working at RTC because of all the people she gets to be around, both staff and clients. “I just love helping people,” she says, and it shows in everything she does.
Known for her quick smile and contagious joy, Christina is also famous for cheerfully taking on “all other duties as assigned.” Her willingness to jump in wherever needed makes her a true asset to the team.
Outside of work, Christina is most proud of being a mom and grandma. Her favorite moments are spent at her grandchildren’s activities or attending church, both of which fill her with happiness and purpose.
Pos+Abilities Enjoys the Fruits (and Vegetables) of Their Labor
This summer, Pos+Abilities dug into gardening with enthusiasm, spending weeks planting, cultivating, weeding, and tending to a wide variety of produce. Their hard work paid off in a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and fresh herbs.
By August, it was time to enjoy the rewards. Clients rolled up their sleeves in the kitchen and transformed their harvest into delicious creations.Under the leadership of Christy McGill, Program Services Director, the crew made pickles, spicy pickles, and two hearty soups; vegetable soup and cabbage roll soup. The pickle-making was a hit, with clients thrilled to take jars home just a couple of days later. At Casey Willike’s request, the group even crafted a batch of spicy pickles, and they did not disappoint!
The highlight of the season came at the end of August when clients prepared both soups for lunch. Staff and clients gathered together to enjoy the meal, and there were plenty of seconds for anyone who wanted, and boy did they want seconds!
The garden was more than just a project; it was a hands-on learning experience in patience, teamwork, and the joy of seeing something through from seed to table. A huge shoutout goes to Quinten James and Rebekah Heath for their hard work and guidance in making the gardening and cooking project such a success.
United Way Care Days Bring Big Smiles
Once again, RTC was blessed to take part in Logan County United Way’s Community Care Days with the help of generous volunteers. This year, a wonderful team from AGC Manufacturing spent the day taking some of our clients fishing.
Fishing is always an activity our clients love, but it’s something they can’t easily do on their own. Thanks to the support and encouragement of AGC volunteers, they not only enjoyed the experience but also caught fish, bringing out some of the biggest, most beautiful smiles of the summer.
We are so grateful for the United Way and AGC Manufacturing for making this special day possible and creating lasting memories for our clients.
Butterfly Releases Bring Joy to RTC
Throughout August, RTC celebrated the beauty of nature by releasing butterflies into the community. From delicate monarchs to a striking black swallowtail, each release drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to watch the pollinators take flight.
With every flutter of wings came plenty of “ooohs” and “ahhhs” as onlookers witnessed the butterflies soar into the sky. These joyful moments not only connected people to nature but also reminded us of the important role pollinators play in keeping our world healthy.
At RTC, we love sharing experiences that inspire wonder while also helping the environment. Each butterfly release is a small but meaningful way we contribute to the world around us—one graceful flight at a time.
Ohio Wildlife Brings the Wild to RTC
RTC recently welcomed some very special guests from the Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC), an organization that has been caring for injured, orphaned, and ill native wildlife for over 40 years. As the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Ohio, OWC relies on a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to provide critical care while fostering awareness and appreciation for the state’s native animals.
During their visit, participants had the opportunity to meet a few of OWC’s permanent residents, animals that, due to their circumstances, cannot be returned to the wild. The group was introduced to a three-legged frog, a skunk who can’t spray, a box turtle, and even a flying squirrel. Each animal had its own unique story, and learning about them sparked curiosity, laughter, and plenty of amazement.
The visit not only provided an up-close look at these fascinating creatures but also gave everyone a deeper appreciation for the important work OWC does through rehabilitation, education, and wildlife health studies.
We are grateful to the Ohio Wildlife Center for sharing their time, knowledge, and extraordinary animal ambassadors with us. The experience was both educational and unforgettable, reminding us all of the value of protecting and respecting the wildlife that call Ohio home.
Thank You Homegrown Yoga!
A heartfelt thank-you to Homegrown Yoga for so generously giving your time to RTC. Your support helps our clients work toward their physical and mental wellness goals, empowering them to thrive within their circumstances.
Because of your dedication, you are making a real difference, and we are deeply grateful!
