Brandon has endured both triumphs and setbacks. However, in the last year, he has made great strides, having found a strong support system that has helped him develop proactive communication skills and achieve emotional growth. On Tuesday, March 28th, Brandon received an award for Self-Advocacy Achievement at the 17th Annual Celebration Awards. As he got up to receive his award, he raised his hands in triumph. Staff and participants from RHD Lifesharing applauded, cheered, and shared in his enthusiasm.

That’s how Kirk describes the day he received his motorized wheelchair from RHD’s Street2Feet (S2F) Outreach Center in Stroudsburg, PA. Kirk is a 63-year-old homeless man living in Stroudsburg. In 2017, he was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. “This is a good place,” Kirk shared about S2F. “They never give up on you.”

RHD’s Live Yes Studios (LYS) is once again taking part in Give to Lincoln Day on May 23rd. Throughout the month of May, LYS and other non-profits in Lincoln, NE, will work to raise funds through givetolincoln.com. Participating organizations can also receive a match of funds through Give to Lincoln Day’s coordinators at the Lincoln Community Foundation. Your support will ensure that LYS can continue its mission as an alternative arts-based day program for adults with developmental disabilities that seek to break down societal barriers and create a space where individuality is fostered. Contribute to LYS any time between now and May 23rd by visiting: www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/live-yes-studios. 

On Saturday, May 6th, RHD’s Woodstock Family Center will be hosting a community event at Raymour & Flanigan on 30 Franklin Mills Blvd in Philadelphia, PA. Visitors will be able to learn more about RHD and the Woodstock program. There will be raffle prizes, opportunities to donate, and more! Woodstock Family Center provides emergency shelter for homeless single parents with children and intact families. For more information on this special event and Woodstock Family Center, contact RHD Development Manager, Nakeisha Burnett, at nakeisha.burnett@rhd.org. Learn more about Woodstock Family Center by visiting: www.rhd.org/program/woodstock-family-center. 

“This combination of expertise set them up for success.” Read Philadelphia Magazine and Temple Health’s story on Housing Smart, RHD’s collaborative program with Temple, Health Partners Plans, and Keystone First to provide housing and health services to individuals experiencing homelessness. With a team of experts in homeless outreach and behavioral health services, RHD understood how to reach this underserved population and provide the support needed to overcome homelessness.

The Pitch – a weekly newspaper based in Kansas City, MO – recently highlighted RHD’s Imagine That! and its participants. Imagine That! is an innovative arts studio for creative individuals with intellectual disabilities. Read about its inspiring mission and Austin, the Imagine That! artist whose artistic creation graced local billboards.

Are you an RHD program with a cool and exciting new event or development? Would you like to see it written about in RHD’s Connections, in addition to the RHD blog and social media? Let the Marketing and Communications team know! We’d love to spread the word about all the amazing work you do! Email michael.pelusi@rhd.org with your news tip! Or fill out our news tip form here. 

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