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The month of April is Occupational Therapy Month! Wendell Foster is proud to provide Occupational Therapy as one of our Outpatient Therapy services. Our team of Occupational Therapists work with clients to improve their everyday living tasks. These could be things like writing their name, dressing themselves, or cooking a meal. Wendell Foster's OT Department uses fun tools, like a rock climbing wall, adaptive gaming equipment, a sensory room, and even ax throwing to keep clients engaged. We always like to say that OT puts the "fun" in functional!
We are proud to recognize OT Month as a way to educate others on how OT changes lives. Under the guidance of our OT Team, Wendell Foster clients are growing in their independence and self esteem! Keep reading for more OT impact stories. π
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Wade's Feeding Success!
Wade has been striving to feed himself with a spoon in his OT sessions. His Occupational Therapist, Madison, worked with him on a variety of fine motor coordination and bilateral hand skill activities to improve the use of his hands while eating. She also incorporated different foods to keep his sessions fun and interesting (and to encourage Wade to try new foods!). Thanks to his hard work in therapy, Wade is now using a spoon during feedings! With this achievement, Wade is one step closer to reaching age-level milestones!
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Fostering a Love for Reading!
Last year, we installed our Little Free Library on campus, which was an Occupational Therapy project started by resident Josh Taylor. Samantha, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), and other residents have created bookmarks for the library during their sessions! They cut the bookmarks using adaptive equipment, used their communication devices to make choices on the bookmarks' designs, and sequenced steps to complete them. Community members can now take books and bookmarks from the Little Free Library!
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Jon Plans Spirit Week!
Wendell Foster resident Jon decided he wanted to plan a fun Spirit Week for staff and clients on campus. Everyone was encouraged to dress according to each day's fun theme. The first Spirit Week in March was such a success that he decided to plan another Spirit Week for the month of April, just in time for OT Month. Jon's Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), Joy, said planning the dates and themes for Spirit Week helps Jon with sequencing skills. He's also been improving his social skills by making conversations with others about Spirit Week, and encouraging them to participate.
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Whitesville Lions Club Pie Auction π₯§ | | |
It was a wonderful night of generosity at the Whitesville Lions Club Chili Supper & Pie Auction on Friday, April 25th! This beloved, annual tradition, supporting Wendell Foster and Puzzle Pieces, is hosted by the Whitesville Lions Club and brings in countless donated sweet treats from the community. Wendell Foster's Recreation Department and residents always join in on the fun by baking desserts, and this year was no different! They whipped up cheesecakes, pies, cake bites, and more to be auctioned off at the event. Our personal favorite dessert baked by residents: the butterfinger cake, of course!
It was heartwarming to see Whitesville Lions Club members, elected officials, and community members come out to support our mission. Wendell Foster residents John and Branden also attended, and John loved raising his paddle to win a dessert. He won some cheesecake bites that were the perfect midnight snack! Members of Wendell Foster's Aktion Club were on hand to display desserts during the auction.They did a fantastic job of making sure that everyone got an up-close and personal view of the delicious baked goods.
We are so thankful for each individual who made this event possible: our friends at the Lions Club, those who baked and donated desserts, and all who placed bids on Friday night. You are Wendell Foster Difference Makers! π
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Hailstorm Recovery Efforts
They Count On Us...Can We Count on You?
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On March 15th, Wendell Fosterβs campus was greatly affected by a hailstorm. We experienced flooding in buildings, shattered windows, and damages to gutters, downspouts, siding, and air conditioning units. Every single roof on our 26 buildings sustained damages, along with more than 20 of our vehicles.
After a month of assessing the damages, we determined that after insurance, our out-of-pocket costs to restore our campus are expected to exceed $500,000. As a nonprofit, this is an unprecedented crisis, and we need your help!
We've started our Hailstorm Recovery Efforts Campaign to begin the journey of rebuilding. If you feel called, please consider giving to this campaign. Your generosity will make a lasting impact and help us continue serving those who depend on us. Visit our website to learn more about Wendell Foster's hailstorm damage and how you can help!
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April 30th is...
Assistive Technology Awareness Day π¦½
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April 30th is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day! Wendell Foster's Assistive Technology (AT) and Resource Center is one of five AT Centers in the state of Kentucky through the Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network. Wendell Foster's AT Center is an invaluable resource to our community, providing assistive technology services through a variety of programs, such as a lending library, reutilization program, and more!
What is assistive technology, you may ask? It's any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the everyday functions of people with disabilities. This could be a communication device, an alternative keyboard or mouse for computer accessibility, magnifiers, durable medical equipment, adaptive seating, wheelchairs, or switches that activate toys and appliances in a different way. An adapted Xbox or Playstation controller is even a form of assistive technology! The possibilities are endless in providing accessible equipment to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, has a fulfilled, independent life.
| | Pictured: A DCPS student using a desktop magnifier during instruction. The device was loaned from Wendell Foster's AT Center while the student's regular device was repaired. | | |
Wendell Foster's AT Center has partnered with various local school systems over the years to provide assistive technology to students. These school systems include Daviess County Public Schools (DCPS), Webster County Schools, and Henderson County Schools, among others. Many students use assistive technology as they receive therapy services in a school setting, or they use it during their everyday schooling to make learning more accessible. For example, DCPS is utilizing a desktop magnifier from our AT Center to assist a student in his learning. The student, who is visually impaired, uses the magnifying device to access visually presented information at a distance, such as board work and presentations, as well as independent work, like worksheets and journal entries. The student typically uses his school's magnifier, but it is currently out of commission for repairs. Loaning a device from our AT Center has allowed him to continue his instruction without interruption.
Misty Hurst, a Teacher of the Visually Impaired at DCPS, said that Wendell Foster's AT Center is vital in aiding the school district with assistive technology resources. "Having additional options to choose from and trial when making informed decisions related to appropriate devices increases the likelihood that students will be successful when using a device," explained Hurst. "The more consistently and successfully a student uses assistive technology in the educational setting the greater likelihood the student will be more willing to use other forms of assistive technology to meet their needs in the future."
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In Webster County Schools, Physical Therapist Stephanie Crawford began utilizing Wendell Foster's AT Center when searching for alternative seating options in a classroom setting. Because she was unsure if the seating options would work for the student she had in mind, she was hesitant to ask the school district to purchase an expensive piece of equipment. After discovering our AT Center, she has visited many times to check out our equipment and has brought along other team members to learn about our services, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, other physical therapists, and teachers.
"Assistive technology in all its forms, from communication devices to adapted seating and mobility devices, can be a costly venture for most school districts, and the opportunity to be able to trial these items has been a game changer!" said Crawford. "My students and classrooms have benefited from devices that have allowed them to participate in so many activities throughout their school day and progress in their level of functional independence at school that otherwise would have been incredibly challenging."
| | Pictured: The AT Team from Henderson County Schools toured campus and borrowed equipment for their students. | | |
Recently, the Assistive Technology Team from Henderson County Schools visited Wendell Foster's AT Center to learn more about how their school district can use our programs and services. Henderson County's AT Team was able to borrow several items to trial with their students. We loved hosting this amazing team who are truly making a difference in so many lives!
In honor of AT Awareness Day, we invite you to tell a friend about Wendell Foster's AT Center, and the wonderful services they provide statewide and to our local school systems. Click the link below to learn more about Wendell Foster's AT Center and assistive technology!
| | Way Back When at Wendell Foster! π· | | Way Back When at Wendell Foster is a series featuring fun photos from the past that highlight our rich history of empowering people with disabilities for over 75 years! We hope you enjoy these snapshots and learn something new about Wendell Foster! | | |
Spring is a time of new beginnings. Flowers are in bloom, birds are chirping, and the sun is finally beginning to emerge after the cold winter. The Easter holiday is the perfect time to look forward to brighter days ahead. During our early years, Wendell and Edith Foster and the children in their care had a bright future in mind for the Home and School. They envisioned an organization where countless children and their families were provided services and support.
In this photo, taken during one of the first Easter celebrations at the Home and School, we can only imagine the feelings of hope and promise felt by all involved. Wendell and Edith hoped for a brighter future for their daughter, Louise, and all the children in their care. They envisioned a future where all people with disabilities lived a life of fulfillment. During this year's Easter season, we are looking ahead to even more possibilities for our organization. As always, the dreams of the Fosters are at the forefront of all we do here at Wendell Foster.
| | Spring Yard Sale May 2nd & 3rd! ποΈ | | |
Wendell Foster's Spring Yard Sale is BACK! You won't want to miss the amazing deals and unique finds at our yard sale. Proceeds are used to purchase Christmas and birthday gifts for Wendell Foster residents.
ποΈ Wendell Foster Spring Yard Sale
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May 2nd & 3rd
β° 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
π Wendell Foster Young Building
Donations for the yard sale are still being accepted! We accept all items, except clothes and shoes. Large decor items, furniture, and durable medical equipment are accepted. Items can be dropped off ONLY in the Young Building at Wendell Foster. See below for drop off dates and times!
| | Thank you for being a Wendell Foster Difference Maker! π | | An Egg-citing Month! π£ | | We love hanging with our peeps at Wendell Foster! π° | | |
1. Andrew and Josh loved looking at the beautiful plants at the Western Kentucky Botannical Garden.
2. Our friends from the Owensboro Sam's Club visited Wendell Foster's Day Services facility to create an Easter craft with participants.
3. Residents were back at the Daviess County Public Library for their monthly arts and crafts class. They painted a springtime picture using forks!
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4. Cottage C is working hard to get their garden ready. Wayne helped clear weeds from the strawberry patch.
5. Who you gonna call?! Wendell Foster Ghostbusters! Carrie, Corey, Willie, and Andrew went on a ghost hunt in the Elmer Administration Building.
6. Greta attended an OHS softball game to support our employee, Danita's, daughter. There's nothing like a friend cheering you on!
| | Celebrate With Us in 2025! π | | |
About Wendell Foster
For nearly 80 years, our focus has been to provide children and adults with disabilities with the tools, education, therapies, and support to reach their dreams and potential.
As a leader in serving those with disabilities, we provide more than 69,000 services annually through multiple programs.
| | Copyright Β© 2025 Wendell Foster, All rights reserved. | | | | |
