Economic Impact in the Social Sector of Southern Indiana

Profile:  Rauch, Inc.

Rauch, Inc.
845 Park Place
New Albany, IN  47150
Business Phone: (812) 945-4063
Website: www.rauchinc.org

Agency Mission Statement or Description:

Founded in 1953 by a dedicated group of parents who wanted a quality educational experience for their children with disabilities, Rauch, Inc. began providing services in a church basement with a volunteer teacher. Rauch was the first school for children with developmental disabilities in the state of Indiana and also the first entity in Southern Indiana to be funded by the Crusade for Children.

Economic Impact:

Rauch, Inc. now provides services to over 650 individuals and their families at several locations in more than seven counties in Southern Indiana and Metro Louisville. Rauch strives to meet its mission to support people with disabilities through services designed to promote individual choices, growth and well being It encourages a community environment that acknowledges the value and contribution of all people through the programs and services.

Rauch, Inc.’s programs and services cover a wide range and are available for all age groups from infants to the elderly. Adult programs and services includes ACCESS, ADA, and Supported Living allow adults with developmental disabilities gain increased independence and social skills, helping them live up to their full potential. Children’s programs assist children and their families from birth to adulthood with Healthy Families Floyd County and developmental summer camps offering day respite, recreation, and academic opportunities. The newly opened Southern Indiana Autism Resource Center, a collaboration with Goodwill BridgePointe and funded by Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, ensures that families have support and access to “cutting edge” autism resources. Employment Services assists individuals in obtaining and maintaining community based employment. Rauch Industries offers both sheltered and competitive work opportunities in an integrated workplace, employing individuals with and without disabilities. Rauch Interpreting Services offers interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing as well as foreign language interpreting. Respite Care services are provided on a short-term basis to offer relief to those persons normally providing care for an individual that is unable to care for themselves.

The newest project Rauch has undertaken is its expansion into residential housing for individuals with disabilities by building group homes in Clark County. The first set of homes is scheduled to open in the summer of 2010. This project was developed in response to a large need in the area for safe, affordable housing for persons with disabilities. It is designed to be a community in which every individual feels safe, welcomed, and supported. The intent is to provide an attractive, safe home and a range of planned events and activities.