Rachelle Vartanian: From Special Education Teacher to CommunityLeader

Empowering Adults with Special Needs: One Woman’s Journey In this episode, we hear an inspiring story of a former special education teacher who founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults with special needs. Initially serving individuals with autism, the organization's services have expanded to anyone needing support, regardless of diagnosis. From starting with one program in a small library, the nonprofit now runs over 30 programs across nine counties and 87 cities, helping around 300 people weekly. The founder shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and her relentless pursuit to provide a safe and nurturing environment for her son and others like him. The organization now offers a wide range of vocational, social, and therapeutic programs, aiming for independent living for its members. The story highlights the power of community support, passion, and the significance of creating inclusive spaces for individuals with special needs. Mission Personal Journey and Motivation Starting the Nonprofit Expanding Programs and Services Challenges and Milestones Vision for Independent Living https://whynotme.world Music intro: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI