In a world that often overlooks the unique value and contribution of individuals with disabilities, one organization is leading the charge towards inclusivity and empowerment. With a steadfast dedication to serving the community, Rauch, Inc. is leading the charge in exemplifying that a disability does not define a person’s worth.
Rauch’s Fairmont Neighborhood Center in New Albany has been opening doors and changing lives since the 1950’s. Supporting the organization’s mission to “support people with disabilities and their families,” The Fairmont Neighborhood Center focuses on offering day programs to those in need.
“Our day programs are so important because it gives people with disabilities an opportunity to interact on a daily basis with their peers and to have that social interaction that they might not otherwise get to have, based on their disabilities,” said Director of Development Scout Hardin. The center offers various industries such as cooking, art, music, and more that allow for continuous learning experiences for the individuals with disabilites.
Rauch’s programs have paved the way for inclusivity in Southern Indiana. “Children and people with disabilities were not allowed to go to public schools until Public Law 94-142 went into effect in 1975, guaranteeing public education to children with disabilities across all states,” explained Director of ADA Sandy Braunbeck. “Rauch started as a school, aiming to provide those opportunities for learning and community involvement.”
Rauch and The Fairmont Neighborhood Center rely heavily on and welcome all who want to volunteer their time with residents and day classes. Braunbeck explained that when she first started working at Rauch, it was almost all volunteers that helped run the operations of the organization. However, she’s noticed that’s not the case these days. “There aren’t that many people that are really volunteering anymore and we love volunteers. Our clients, particularly those who have more significant disabilities, really learn best with one-on-one time. So, any volunteer we have coming is a really big asset.”
There are endless ways to volunteer at Rauch and The Fairmont Neighborhood Center. Interested individuals can come for a morning or afternoon, teach classes, help with gardening projects, or bring their work or faith group for team building events.
“When you meet the people we serve, it’s such a game changer for your life,” said Hardin. “There’s still such a stigma around disabilities and whether or not your everyday person has the capability to even interact with someone with disabilities. But once you’re here, and you’re talking with them, there’s just this instant moment that you realize, ‘this is fun’ and it really fills your cup. And these people that we serve, they are enjoying this and getting just as much out of it as we are.”
“Being here, working here, it has just helped put so much of my life in proper perspective for me,” said Braunbeck. “You realize that you could really make somebody’s day by just sitting down and having a conversation with them…once you realize how little it takes to give of yourself and how it truly benefits you in the long run, I don’t know how you can say no to being part of something like this.”
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Rauch, Inc.
rauchinc.org ● (812) 945-4063
