RISE Member Orion Reames Rocks the Stage and Designs His Future
Orion Reames is making waves, in more ways than one. A proud member of RISE at RTC, Orion is wrapping up his sophomore year at Indian Lake High School and preparing for an exciting new chapter at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, where he’ll study graphic design. But that’s only half the story.
Orion is also a passionate musician who has been attending the School of Rock in Columbus since shortly after it opened in 2023. Each season ends with a public concert, and Orion recently invited his friends from RISE to see him perform. The show was nothing short of incredible, and his cheering section couldn’t stop talking about how amazing the experience was all the way home.
Orion’s favorite genre is punk, but his love for rock runs deep. He’s currently working on songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for his next performance and continues to grow as both a musician and a performer. He even took the stage during RTC’s first-ever Talent Show in March, where his performance of Green Day’s “American Idiot” stole the spotlight. His energy, confidence, and stage presence brought the house down!
With a unique blend of artistic and musical talent, Orion dreams of one day combining his two passions, design and music, by creating album covers for bands and artists. At just 16, he’s already building the skills and experiences to make that dream a reality.
Keep your eyes on Orion Reames, his creativity and drive are leading him toward an exciting future, and we can’t wait to see where his talents take him next!
The Studio got their turn at Ohio Caverns recently. It was a really hot day, so they enjoyed the cool 54 degree caverns. After their cavern tour they got to shop and enjoy a picnic lunch. A big thank you goes out to Richwood Bank for making this trip possible!
Champion – Kylee Purtee
For the past 13 years, Kylee Purtee has been a steady, encouraging presence at RTC, serving as our Transition Specialist. Her role supports younger clients as they journey toward independence, but to Kylee, it’s much more than a job. It’s a calling.
RISE came to RTC because Kylee had a vision, and that vision grew to the RISE and ARISE program we have today. This year, Kylee implemented the first ever RISE Summer Camp
“I really enjoy the individuals I work with,” Kylee shares. “I enjoy getting to spend my day with them; building friendships and watching them flourish.” That word – flourish – beautifully captures Kylee’s impact. Her ability to bring out the best in others is rooted in genuine care and joyful connection.
Kylee’s dedication isn’t just felt by her clients, it’s noticed by everyone around her. “I love my coworkers and the environment,” she says. “Everyone works together as a team, helping out wherever needed. Everyone works toward the same goal; the best days for those we serve.”
Clients light up around Kylee, drawn to her encouragement and fun-loving spirit. One young person put it best: “There are two people who helped me with my anger issues; my mom and Kylee. Without her, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
Outside of RTC, Kylee’s heart is just as full. She and her husband are raising two daughters and a bonus son, and much of their life revolves around family, laughter, and adventure. From cheering on her nieces, nephews, and stepson in sports, to spontaneous family outings, to the recent addition of chickens to the household, Kylee embraces life with joy and gratitude. “It’s so much fun!” she says.
She also gives back to the community by coaching girls’ softball at Riverside High School, investing in the next generation both on and off the field. And while she loves being called “Mom,” hearing “Aunt Kylee” is another badge of honor she wears with pride.
Kylee’s impact at RTC is lasting, but this season is bittersweet. In August, Kylee will be leaving RTC to pursue her dream job as an intervention specialist at Riverside Schools. While we will deeply miss her presence on a full time basis, she will still be a part of RTC in the summer, perhaps supporting the RISE program that is so close to her heart. We are incredibly proud of her and excited for this next chapter. Kylee will continue to make a difference in the lives of those she touches.
At RTC, we are so thankful for Kylee’s unwavering spirit, her commitment to growth—for herself and those around her—and her heart that shines in every relationship she builds. People flourish around Kylee, and that makes all the difference.
RTC Walks Route 66
RTC just wrapped up a fun and inspiring challenge walking the distance of Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, 2448 miles! Starting on March 3, our team walked their way across the miles and met the goal on June 2.
Along the way, we enjoyed treats inspired by cities on the route; M&M’s, hot pretzels (a big favorite!), candied pecans and popcorn, and we wrapped it all up with fortune cookies in honor of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
It was a fantastic journey that got us moving and brought us together. Way to go, team!
RISE Summer Camp Off to a Great Start!
RISE Summer Camp launched this year to help fill a need for families looking for something meaningful for their kids to do during the summer months. Meeting just one day a week, the camp gives participants a chance to stay engaged, make new friends, and explore their community in fun and purposeful ways.
Each morning starts with service; campers pack between 250 to 350 lunches every week for Lutheran Community Services, a project they’ve embraced with enthusiasm. Their first week included a history tour of Bellefontaine, which proved to be both educational and a lot of fun. Campers have enjoyed discovering more about the place they live and the people in it.
The summer still holds more excitement, with a trip to the Logan County Fair in July and a big end-of-season celebration planned at Old Field Beach. It’s been a fantastic start, and we’re already looking ahead to even more growth and impact next year!
Big news for Daniel!
Job Coach Mike Moore has been working hard to help Daniel find a job, but transportation has been a barrier, walking was his only option.
Thanks to a partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the support of Michael Smith, Daniel is getting a scooter!
This isn’t just about getting to work, this scooter gives Daniel the freedom to explore his community, connect with others, and live with greater independence.
Sometimes a simple solution can open up a whole new world.
Summer Youth Work Program Starts with a Bang!
The 2025 Summer Youth Work Program is off to an incredible start! As the first session wraps up this week, we’re thrilled to share that 10 students participated across 7 work sites, numbers we haven’t seen since before COVID!
This program is about more than just summer jobs. It’s about building skills, gaining confidence, and preparing for a future of independence. None of this would be possible without the amazing support of our employment partners. A huge thank you to:
· Iron City Sports Bar & Grill
· Cobblestone Hotel & Suites at the Lake
· Kirkmont Center
· Lutheran Community Services
· Champaign Family YMCA
· Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Urbana
· Steve’s Market in Urbana
Your partnership provides invaluable opportunities for these young people to learn and grow!
We are also deeply grateful to our outstanding team of summer job coaches—dedicated educators and students who are spending their summer helping our students thrive:
- Andy Crabill, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teacher at Bellefontaine Intermediate and Elementary School
- Katie Davis, Gifted Intervention Specialist at Bellefontaine High School
- Colleen Miller, Algebra and Geometry teacher at Ben Logan High School
- Angie Horvath, Gifted Intervention Specialist at Bellefontaine High School
- Alaina Robirds, Student at Ohio University
- Mark Mabelitini, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Sidney City Schools
Together, they provide guidance, encouragement, and mentorship that makes a lasting impact.
And the best part? We’re not done yet! The second session starts in July with at least 14 new students ready to embark on their own summer work journeys.
Stay tuned for more updates—and thank you to everyone who makes this program a success!
What’s it like to grow, learn, and gain confidence through the RISE program at RTC? In our latest podcast episode, we chat with Kylee Messer, Nick Hunter, and Ben Seaford—three amazing young adults who share what RISE means to them.
From hands-on learning to setting personal goals, these stories will inspire you!
June means that the Logan County Braves celebrate Junior Olympics with a Torch Run. Thank you to the Bellefontaine Police Department, the Logan County Sheriff’s Department and the Bellefontaine Fire Department for your support. And a big shout out to Sergeant Kennon Coleman for leading our annual run!
