February Newsletter
A Date for Denise ☕💕
Love is in the air at Wendell Foster! ️ Wendell Foster resident Denise asked fellow resident Zach on a date to Gramps Coffee & Donuts. Denise and her Person-Centered Specialist, Sasha, approached Denise's Speech Therapist, Karissa Riter, a week before the date. During Denise’s next Speech Therapy session that week, Karissa was able to program the communication needed to ask Zach out. Denise utilizes a head-tracking communication device. This device uses optical sensors to track the person’s head movements to make on-screen selections. A small, reflective dot is placed on the individual’s forehead, glasses, or other convenient spots, converting the natural movement of the head to accurately control the pointer on the screen. Using the pointer, the person dwells on the item they want to select for a certain amount of time, and the message is spoken.
 
By using a combination of symbols on Denise's communication device and yes/no questions (Denise looks up to communicate "yes" and shakes her head and looks down or stares to communicate "no"), Karissa was able to help Denise construct a message to Zach. She then programmed a button to the communication device, so Denise could make the request. "Denise was so nervous to ask Zach out, but after a quick pep talk, she went over to Cottage A and popped the question!" explained Karissa. "Zach, of course, said yes, and she came back all smiles."
 
Denise and Zach enjoyed their coffee and donuts date and are planning another date soon. We wish these lovebirds a Happy Valentine's Day! 💘

Night to ✨SHINE✨
Wendell Foster residents ✨𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃✨ at Night to Shine on Friday night! 🌟 The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Life Community Church in Owensboro, is an unforgettable prom experience for people with disabilities, ages 14 and older. The event was held worldwide on February 10th across 30 countries! Honored guests at Owensboro's Night to Shine, held at the Owensboro Convention Center, had the chance to walk the red carpet, take a ride in a limousine or horse drawn carriage, receive hair and makeup or shoe shining services, sing their hearts out in the karaoke room, and dance the night away! At the end of the night, each guest was crowned king and queen of the prom! 👑

Thank you to the Tim Tebow Foundation and Life Community Church for providing such an incredible event that honors those with disabilities in our community. This was the first in-person Night to Shine since 2020, and we know our residents can't wait until next year!
March Rooster Sponsored by Wendell Foster
Wendell Foster is excited to sponsor the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster Breakfast on March 2nd at the Owensboro Convention Center! March is National Disability Awareness Month, and we are thrilled to welcome guest speakers Elizabeth and Stephen Wampler to speak on disability awareness and overcoming the odds. This is a breakfast you won't want to miss!

The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber Members with reservations, $20 for Members with no reservations and $25 for non-members. Register to attend here or call the Chamber office at 270-926-1860 by noon on Wednesday, March 1st. To learn more about the Wamplers, click here!
WHAS Crusade is Having a Raffle!
Our friends at the WHAS Crusade for Children are hosting a raffle! The WHAS Crusade is a longtime supporter of Wendell Foster, and has helped fund projects like our Specialized Feeding Treatment Area. 100% of each donation towards the Crusade helps children with special needs. Check out the Crusade’s Appliances Raffle for your chance to win some amazing prizes! 🤩 Get your tickets here!

*This raffle is not sponsored by or affiliated with Wendell Foster. 
Wendell Foster Appoints New Board Members
We are excited to welcome four new Difference Makers to our Board of Directors! The current board voted to elect Tristan Durbin, Charles B. Backstrom, J. Adam Hancock, and Dr. Trasey Falcone to serve three-year terms beginning on November 1, 2022. Get to know our new board members below!
Tristan Durbin
Airport Director, Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport
Tristan Durbin began his career with the Airport in a part-time role as a sophomore in college. He held positions in maintenance and operations prior to being named Airport Director. Durbin is a graduate of Brescia University with a bachelor's degree in business.
Buzz Backstrom
VP of Marketing and Business Development, Boardwalk Pipelines
A native of Clarksdale, Missouri, Buzz Backstrom is a 1980 graduate of Mississippi State with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He has resided in Owensboro for 36 years and previously served as President and board member for the Mississippi Natural Gas Association and the Tennessee Gas Association.
J. Adam Hancock
Managing Shareholder and President, Riney Hancock CPAs PSC
Director of the Consulting Services Division
Adam Hancock is a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College with a bachelor's degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He has also obtained his Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) credentials from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts, and his Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credentials from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Dr. Trasey Falcone
Physiatrist affiliated with Owensboro Health
Specializing in the areas of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Trasey Falcone received her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She also completed an internship at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.
"Wendell Foster is incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to add these four talented individuals to our Board," said Tim Allen, Wendell Foster's Board Chair. "They add a depth and variety of experience that will greatly enrich our organization and allow us to better serve individuals with disabilities."
Celebrate with us in 2023! 🎉
For 76 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 cutting-edge support to over 2,000 people in 37 counties across Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Our Vision is to be the premier provider of rehabilitative, community-based, and residential services.
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