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Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Building Success, One Job at a Time
Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) shines a spotlight on the importance of inclusive workplaces and the contributions of employees with disabilities. At RTC, we’re proud to partner with more than 50 local employers to support over 80 active clients in finding and maintaining meaningful employment.Our mission is simple; to help individuals achieve independence and success through work. RTC’s employment team assists with every step of the process: from building resumes and completing applications to preparing for interviews and offering on-the-job coaching. But what truly brings this work to life are the stories of the people we serve.When Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) contacted RTC about James, a man living in his car in the woods, Employment Services Supervisor Donnie Oswald stepped in to help. Together, they created a resume and began applying for jobs. After trying several positions, James found his fit right on RTC’s production floor, working alongside others with disabilities.

“I need to work in a space that offers me peace as I work, not chaos,” James shared. “RTC saved my life. When I met Donnie, I was homeless, without a job, and depressed. Today, I live independently and love to come to work!”

Another inspiring story is Nick’s. He began on the RTC production floor after a difficult experience with a previous employer left him hesitant to return to community work. With encouragement from his job developer, Nick accepted a part-time opportunity at Mid States Packaging, and quickly impressed the team. When the company offered him full-time employment, everyone at RTC celebrated his success with a “clap-out” on his last day.

Nick continues to thrive in his job and enjoys the life he’s building for himself.

These stories capture what makes RTC’s employment services so impactful. Our job developers work closely with each individual to identify strengths, interests, and career goals. They provide continued support, from job placement and training to long-term guidance, to ensure each person can maintain success and feel valued in their workplace.

At RTC, we believe that our community is stronger when everyone works.

RTC Champion – October: Kaylie Slone

Kaylie Slone, a Support Specialist in Grace’s Space, is our RTC Champion for October!

Kaylie says she enjoys RTC because it’s more than just a workplace. “I wake up and actually look forward to my day. The clients in Grace’s Space have a special place in my heart. Every bond is different, but each bond is pure. Before I started at RTC, I was a very shy, quiet person. Fast forward 3+ years, and I believe I am now an extrovert. Working at RTC has helped me become outgoing and sociable.”

Outside of work, Kaylie treasures time with her family, her husband Levi and daughters Paisley and Brielle. They enjoy spending time outdoors, even if it’s just sitting outside together. Saturdays are for attending Levi’s autocross racing events, while Sundays are reserved for recharging and preparing for the week ahead.

Recently, Kaylie has taken up gardening and is excited to expand her knowledge and skills in this new hobby.

Congratulations, Kaylie, on being October’s RTC Champion! Your enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication make a difference every day.

Haunted Halls Draws Close to 500 Visitors for a Night of Frights and Fun
This year’s Haunted Halls event was our biggest yet, welcoming close to 500 visitors for an evening packed with screams, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From spine-tingling scares to kid-friendly activities, every corner of the building offered something special, and the community showed up in a big way.

Those brave enough to enter the Scary Hall were met with chills right from the start. Guests stepped into the chaos of The Purge before finding themselves in a haunted cornfield where shadows seemed to move on their own. The path led to a twisted carnival complete with an eerie mirror room that disoriented even the bravest souls. And just when visitors thought they’d survived it all, a menacing jack-in-the-box delivered one final fright.

For families and younger guests, the Kids Hall was bursting with playful activities. Children enjoyed a fishing booth, duck games, temporary tattoos, and a lively dance party that kept spirits high. A photo station captured smiles, costumes, and memories that will last long after Halloween has passed.

At the end of the journey, everyone gathered together for popcorn and hotdogs, exchanging stories of what scared them most, or made them laugh the hardest.

With such an incredible turnout and overwhelmingly positive feedback, one question remains: What will next year bring? Whatever it is, we promise it will be even bigger, bolder, and full of surprises.

A Perfect Autumn Day at Hurley’s Farm
There’s nothing quite like the magic of a crisp autumn morning on the farm, and for our clients, a recent visit to Hurley’s Farm brought that magic to life. Clients from each of our programs enjoyed a special outing where they were invited to stroll the pumpkin patch and choose a pumpkin of their very own.
From tiny pumpkins that fit in the palm of a hand to big, bright beauties ready for carving, each selection was made with care. Clients took their time inspecting shapes, colors, stems, and sizes, sharing smiles and excitement at every turn. The joy was unmistakable, this simple tradition created moments of pride, independence, and pure fall fun.
This seasonal experience was made possible thanks to the generous support of Richwood Coffee. Because of their partnership, our clients enjoyed a peaceful day on the farm, surrounded by changing leaves and the warm sunshine of early fall. And best of all, they returned home with the ultimate symbol of the season: their pumpkin.
We are grateful for Richwood Coffee’s commitment to our community and for helping create memories our clients will treasure all season long.

Holly Morris Begins Her Long-Time Dream: Learning to Sew
At RTC, few things make us happier than seeing someone take meaningful steps toward their personal goals. That’s why we are thrilled to celebrate Holly Morris, who has officially begun pursuing a dream she’s held for years: learning to sew.
Holly kicked off her sewing journey with a project that’s both creative and full of spirit—stitching together strips of fabric to make a rug in bold Ohio State colors, her favorite team! It’s the beginning of what we know will be an exciting path filled with new skills and projects.
Holly’s determination is inspiring, and we couldn’t be more proud of her for taking this first step. At RTC, we believe in supporting people as they chase their goals, big or small, and Holly is a shining example of what can happen when passion meets opportunity.
Congratulations, Holly!

Star of the Month – Danielle Wells

We’re excited to celebrate Danielle Wells as our Star of the Month! Danielle participates in the Buckeye Room and has been part of RTC since 2021. In that time, she has gotten to know nearly everyone here, because Danielle has a way of making connections wherever she goes.

Danielle may be shy at first, but once she gets to know you, she is friendly, funny, and incredibly kind. She is always willing to help staff, and she loves visiting other rooms, especially when she gets to spend time with Nurse Jenn Du. Checking in on her friends and seeing what each room is doing is one of her favorite things.

You can often find Danielle tagging along as clients get on and off the vans, truly enjoying being part of the bustle of the day. And of course, she is never without her “babes”—Sonic and Knuckles, who go everywhere with her.

Danielle is caring, thoughtful, and loved by everyone. She also has an amazing memory! Danielle is often the first to remind staff where something is or let us know if a client isn’t coming that day. She even knows the drivers just by the sound of their voices, an impressive skill, especially since she doesn’t ride with all of them.

Thank you, Danielle, for being a friend to all of us at RTC. Your warmth, awareness, and big heart make every day brighter.