This March, we honor the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women everywhere. At RHD, we stand proud in supporting women's empowerment and gender equality. We draw upon our Values, including Diversity and Inclusion and Empowerment of Groups, in our support of Women’s Rights. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting disability rights advocate Judith Heumann and actress Lily Gladstone, as well as RHD staff members Sheila Hall-Prioleau and Leah Forrest. Follow our Facebook page for more!

RHD Celebrated Black Resilience During Black History Month

Last month, RHD staff embraced Black History Month with enthusiasm, hosting a series of enriching and educational events to honor African American culture and history. Our 2024 theme of Resilience inspired compelling discussions with our staff and guest speakers on topics such as Black resilience in politics and music. We also showcased children’s literature and movie night. At the conclusion of Black History Month, we recommitted to uplift and amplify the voices of the Black community. Videos of our virtual events are available now!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Do you want to join a team dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)? If you answered “yes,” then mark your calendars for the 2024 Lehigh Valley Health & Human Services Job Fair on April 11, from 2 to 6 pm, at Penn State Lehigh Valley! RHD will be there to promote program openings in our Northeast Pennsylvania IDD Division. This is your chance to explore career opportunities with Mainstay United, Bloom, and Evergreen, three of our esteemed programs committed to providing exceptional support and care to individuals with IDD. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with us and join an organization that works to create inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

For RHD DeFuniak Springs participants and staff, February 9, 2024, was a night to remember. Many participants didn’t have the option of attending their high school prom. That night, however, they enjoyed a wonderful evening at the "Night to Shine" event held at the Walton County Fairgrounds. Organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation, "Night to Shine" is an annual global celebration dedicated to individuals aged 14 and above with special needs, providing them with a glamorous prom night experience brimming with love and acceptance.

This was DeFuniak Springs' first “Night to Shine” and the staff were dedicated to making the night memorable for all! They assisted participants in acquiring formal attire, styling their hair and makeup, and arranging transportation via limousines to the event. Highlights for the participants included walking the red carpet amidst cheers from paparazzi; dancing the night away with friends; relishing a delectable meal; and mingling with members of the community. The participants all had a wonderful time and are making plans to attend again next year. The “Night to Shine” event gave them the prom they had always wanted to experience.

Congrats to Lucia Castrogiovanni, an artist at RHD’s Center for Creative Works (CCW)! 6ABC Action News profiled Lucia and her beautifully crafted pillows on February 19, 2024. Her vibrant art is a testament to her creativity and CCW’s inclusive environment. CCW is a unique, creative day service program with a focus on arts and arts-based skill-building, education, in-house-generated vocational opportunities, and community involvement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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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