Rauch is facing a minimum of a 50 % cut to their funding for the work services due to budget cuts. This will affect many of their programs and is causing them to make some changes.
“ We’ ve got another year and a half to figure that out,” said Tony Euler, Rauch’ s industrial services director.“ Our goal is to maintain it as long as we can, as long as it’ s financially feasible and try to keep this a work option available for it for the folks that want it.”
“ We do foresee changes, we’ ll have to make changes internally just to make that fit, but that’ s going to be our goal,” said Deanna Woods, Rauch’ s chief operating officer.“ Regardless of the funding being reduced or not, our goal is to make sure that we have opportunities available for the individuals that need that.”
Larson wants people from Congress to come and visit Rauch and meet all the clients to see what Rauch and other organizations are doing for those who live with disabilities. She thinks that it would open their eyes and see what the clients can do.
When she first heard the news of funding being cut for Rauch, Larson’ s heart sunk. One of her daughters has a goal to work in Walmart, but before she gets there, her daughter has to meet the working goals at Rauch.
“ I know a lot of them can’ t hold a regular job,” Larson said.“ If they close this place, it’ s going to break their heart. All they’ re going to do is sit at home.”
Euler added that no one will be kicked out and they are not locking anyone out. Rauch will be there to help and support anyone living with a disability as best as they can.
“ Rauch is a place that gives them somewhere to go, somewhere to make extra money so they’ re not sitting at home,” Larson added.“ Parents are worried.”
July | August 2025 DIVERSITY 17