| From the CEO
I was recently recalling the story of Lennie in John Steinbeck’s novella “Of Mice and Men.” For those who missed this classic, Steinbeck wrote of two migrant workers, George and Lennie. Lennie was a bulky man with an intellectual disability. His life’s dream was to have a farm where he would raise rabbits because he loved touching soft animals. George was Lennie’s protector.
This classic is now a part of the Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books as listed by the American Library Association because of its offensive language and racial stereotypes, and, some say, the derogatory messages about the developmentally disabled. It was required reading for me as a high school student, as it was for my children. Yes, it is not easy to read because of the overt prejudice and discrimination but it was historically accurate for the time depicted.
The title comes from a stanza of Robert Burns’ poem To A Mouse,
But Mouse, you are not alone,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best-laid schemes of mice and men
Go oft awry,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!
This novella depicted the life of the migrant worker, always traveling to find the work that may lead them to a better life.
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Impact of Vantage Grants: A Series
by: Joni Schmalzried
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There are many ways to be employed. Working for small businesses, large companies, internships, part-time and full-time, are just a few. Another way to enter the workforce is through entrepreneurship where the mindset is one of resiliency, resourcefulness, and finding solutions. Entrepreneurship can be a risk, but often one that leads to incredible reward.
We are fortunate to have one of our Vantage Grantees who took that spirit of entrepreneurship and combined it with the goal of employing individuals with disabilities to serve their local community …and… Travel Bee Coffee House was born. This new start up business launched by Arc of Wabash County with funding from AWS Foundation can be found in the heart of North Manchester, Indiana, serving up coffee, baked goods, and great service. Employment at Travel Bee will be inclusive and accessible for all employees and patrons, filling the need for employment opportunities throughout our communities.
Plan a road trip and visit during this beautiful fall weather and you will find a ‘coffee house with a mission’.
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Guest Spotlight: Pre-ETS Highlights with LaToya Allen
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Our friend LaToya Allen is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor employed with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) as one of the ten youth counselors for the state of Indiana. She has written this guest piece for us to explain her work and how youth with disabilities are able to access employment training and other experiences.
LaToya covers 11 counties in Northeast Indiana, Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley County. Part of her responsibility is working with students and youth with disabilities ages 14-24 years old by helping them obtain pre-employment services (Pre-ETS), employability services, and social and independent living skills. Pre-ETS is for students with a documented disability, IEP, or 504 plan that are enrolled in public or private school, homeschooled, or a college/university.
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Check out our 2023 Community Report!
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Our facility was built with universal design principles, with the idea that we can provide a meeting space for all. We hope you find our rooms inclusive to all needs. Request one of our rooms on our website.
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