RTC Bingo Raises More Than $6,500 for LifeLab
What a day! RTC’s inaugural Bingo Fundraiser was an incredible success, bringing together more than 85 community members at the Bellefontaine Masonic Lodge for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and fundraising.
Players enjoyed traditional bingo, exciting lightning rounds, 50/50 drawings, and plenty of chances to win. The excitement in the room was contagious as players eagerly watched for that winning number. Some ambitious bingo enthusiasts even kept track of three, four, or five cards at once – how could they even keep up? Our raffle baskets, filled with an incredible variety of donated items, added even more fun to an already exciting afternoon.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, or volunteered, the event raised just over $6,500 to support RTC’s LifeLab.
LifeLab serves teens ages 14 through high school graduation who are preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Participants explore career opportunities, build social and workplace skills, develop peer relationships, and gain the confidence needed to successfully transition from school into adulthood.
LifeWorks builds on that foundation for young adults who have completed school but are still working toward greater independence and community employment. Through hands-on learning, career exploration, and individualized support, participants continue developing the life and employment skills that help them achieve their personal goals and become active members of the community.
Events like Bingo do more than raise funds, they create opportunities. Every dollar raised helps provide meaningful experiences that empower young people to discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for successful, independent futures.
To everyone who made this event possible, thank you. Your support is making a lasting difference, and we can’t wait to see you at our next Bingo fundraiser!
June Champion: Somer Sherman
Congratulations to our June Champion, Somer Sherman, Job Developer and Job Coach!
Somer shares her apartment with her two “babies,” Eddie, a black pug, and Oliver, a tabby cat. When she’s not at work, you’ll often find her taking Eddie for walks, tending to her flower beds, or keeping an eye out for butterflies and dragonflies, her favorite pollinators. She also enjoys watching true crime and historical documentaries and spending time with her family whenever she can.
When asked what she enjoys most about working at RTC, Somer didn’t hesitate. “I love the work environment, and I appreciate the support I receive and the flexibility it offers me. I get to help change lives every day.”
Somer is also working toward her future, attending Wright State University as an Integral Human Services major. She is on track to graduate in July 2027.
One fun fact about Somer? She proudly admits, “I’m a true crime junkie and a history geek!”
Congratulations, Somer, and thank you for the compassion, dedication, and positive impact you make every day. We’re proud to have you on the RTC team!
Congratulations to our Star of the Month, Ashley Gammel!
Ashley lights up RTC with her beautiful smile, endless energy, and kind heart. She is well known for her encouraging words, upbeat personality, and the positive attitude she brings to everyone around her. Ashley works hard every day to be a good friend and brighten the day of her peers.
At RTC, Ashley enjoys making bracelets and necklaces for her friends, joking around with them, and watching wrestling. In fact, she proudly says that Kane is her brother! She also loves walking the halls, greeting everyone she meets with a cheerful “hello.”
Ashley is especially excited for RTC’s upcoming dance class. She loves to dance and sing along to Britney Spears songs, and she’s always ready to have fun.
Sports are another one of Ashley’s passions. She participates in cheerleading and bowling with the Logan County Braves. This summer, the Logan County cheer squad earned a gold medal at the State Summer Games. They also wowed the audience at the RTC Talent Show by performing their award-winning routine.
Ashley brings joy, laughter, and positivity wherever she goes. Congratulations, Ashley, on being our Star of the Month!
Community Engagement
June was a busy month for our Community Engagement groups! While every day looks a little different, one thing stayed the same—our commitment to serving our community.
All of our Community Engagement groups continued delivering Meals on Wheels, helping ensure local residents receive the meals they depend on each day.
Mike’s group spent Wednesday evenings staffing the concession stand at Ratliff Park during summer ball season, serving up snacks with a smile. They also took advantage of a beautiful Friday morning to spend some time fishing at a client’s pond—and the fish were definitely biting!
Both Mike’s and Lisa’s groups have been helping care for The Butterfly Garden at Southview Park, making sure it stays watered during the recent stretch of hot, dry weather. Lisa’s group also continued volunteering at EnGedi Ridge Zoo, where they help care for the animals, clean stalls, and lend a hand wherever they’re needed.
After completing their Meals on Wheels routes, Andy’s group was able to enjoy a couple of well-earned days on Indian Lake, taking in the outdoors and making memories together.
Whether serving meals, volunteering with community partners, caring for local parks, or enjoying time together in the great outdoors, our Community Engagement participants continue to demonstrate that giving back and staying connected makes our community stronger.
Summer Youth Work Experience Off to a Great Start
The first session of RTC’s Summer Youth Work Experience is officially in the books, and what a great start to the summer!
Nine teens, along with their coaches, spent the past five weeks gaining valuable workplace experience, building confidence, and developing the skills they’ll need for future employment. Through hands-on learning and real-world experiences, participants took important steps toward reaching their future employment and independence goals.
We are incredibly grateful to the six local businesses and organizations that welcomed our students and invested in their success: Iron City, Lutheran Community Services, Marmon Valley Farn, Cobblestone Hotel, Discovery Riders, Steve’s Market, Champaign Family YMCA, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Urbana. Their willingness to mentor and encourage these young adults makes a lasting impact.
As one session comes to a close, our Employment Services team is already gearing up for another exciting five weeks of helping the next group of participants discover their strengths, learn new skills, and prepare for meaningful employment.
Thank you to our community partners for believing in the potential of every young person. Together, we’re helping build brighter futures, one job experience at a time.
Adult Day Services
Our Adult Day Services programs have been making the most of the long, sunny days of summer! June was a busy month filled with new experiences, laughter, and plenty of time spent enjoying the community.
The Buckeye Room packed a picnic and headed to Southview Park for a day outdoors. Participants enjoyed shooting hoops, swinging, sharing lunch, and taking a leisurely stroll along the beautiful walking path.
Over in Pos+Abilities, the garden is in full swing. Weeding, watering, and tending to the plants has become part of the daily routine, and everyone’s hard work is paying off. The group also enjoyed an outing to the Champaign Aviation Museum, where they explored local aviation history and some incredible aircraft.
The Studio has continued its popular pottery classes on Fridays and alternating Mondays, giving participants another opportunity to express their creativity. They also made a fun trip to Young’s Jersey Dairy, where they enjoyed great food, ice cream, and time together.
Grace’s Space kept the fun going with their weekly puppet shows and celebrated several unique holidays throughout the month, including Mascot Day, Best Friend Day, and Social Media Day. Every celebration is another opportunity to build friendships, encourage participation, and create lasting memories.
From gardening and art to community outings and special celebrations, our Adult Day Services programs continue to offer meaningful opportunities for learning, friendship, and fun every day.
