Disability And Inclusion Archives

North Georgia Business Radio

Alan Walhausen: Randy and Friends - Bloom GA

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Bloom: Nurturing Growth, Celebrating Abilities

Imagine a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is nurtured to blossom into their fullest potential. In this heartwarming journey, we delve into the inspiring story of Bloom, an organization dedicated to empowering adults with special needs to live out God’s purpose for their lives.

Through a tapestry of personal anecdotes and insightful perspectives, we uncover the transformative impact of Midland Crew, a day program that fosters growth, independence, and purpose. Witness how these remarkable individuals thrive as they engage in meaningful activities, from mastering creative pursuits like crafting custom apparel to acquiring invaluable life skills such as organization and packaging.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. Prepare to be delighted as we explore the entrepreneurial spirit behind Midland Ice Cream Social, a delightful venture that serves up delectable treats from Jenny’s Ice Cream while providing a platform for personal and professional development. Imagine the joy of seeing these adults take on roles as cashiers, greeters, and ambassadors, radiating confidence and pride as they interact with customers and showcase their abilities.

Cultivating Partnerships, Blossoming Opportunities

Our special guest, Alan Walhausen, serves as the Chairman of the Board for Bloom (formerly known as Randy & Friends), an organization committed to providing support and creating inclusive opportunities for adults with special needs in Hall County.

His strategic leadership has significantly contributed to the development of vocational opportunities for disabled adults in our community.

Alan has been instrumental in the growth and development of Randy and Friends, helping individuals find their purpose and thrive beyond their high school years.

Alan’s focus on the impact of community organizations on local businesses and his efforts in promoting small businesses through community partnerships have been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for adults with special needs.

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Highlights Of The Show

00:00:07 – Introduction to Randy and Friends
Phil introduces the show and his guest, Alan Walhausen, who is the chairman of the board for Randy and Friends. They discuss the purpose of Randy and Friends and how it helps adults with special needs live out their God-given purpose.

00:01:20 – The Story of Randy and Friends
Alan shares the story of Randy, the inspiration behind Randy and Friends. Randy’s perseverance and the vision of Marty Owens and Randy Washington led to the creation of an organization that provides opportunities and purpose for adults with special needs after they graduate from high school.

00:05:09 – Challenges Faced by Parents
Alan discusses the challenges faced by parents of adults with special needs as they age. Many parents are unable to provide engagement and activities for their adult children, leading them to feel isolated and lacking in purpose.

00:11:05 – Importance of Employment Opportunities
The conversation centers around the importance of employment opportunities for adults with special needs. Alan talks about the impact of working at the ice cream trailer, Midland Ice Cream Social, on the adults, providing them with a sense of purpose and social interaction.

00:13:44 – Impact of Engaging with Customers
Alan highlights the positive impact of engaging with customers at events and selling ice cream for the adults at Randy and Friends. These interactions help them grow, become less shy, and feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging in the community.

00:14:22 – Training and Development Opportunities
Alan discusses the growth opportunities for adults with special needs at Midland crew, from greeting to cashier roles, and the importance of simple math skills.

00:15:11 – Support for Parents
Alan highlights the support for parents through the adult IEP program, allowing them to have a break while their adult children participate in activities at Midland crew.

00:16:19 – Booking Midland Social
The process of booking Midland Social for events is explained, with a focus on making opportunities and expanding outreach.

00:17:42 – Ice Cream and Business Expansion
The discussion shifts to the storage of ice cream at Central Baptist and the transition to using Jenny’s ice cream, leading to new opportunities for the organization.

00:27:48 – Embracing New Opportunities
Alan discusses the importance of taking action and learning through experience. He emphasizes the value of starting, reflecting, and continuously learning to grow and succeed in any endeavor.

00:29:20 – Building Community Partnerships
Alan shares how his organization, Bloom, partners with businesses to provide job opportunities for adults with special needs. He highlights the benefits for both the organization and the business partners in working together.

00:31:32 – Midland Crew and Community Engagement
The discussion delves into the impact of the Midland Crew program on adults with special needs, their engagement in the community, and the positive feedback from business partners who have worked with them.

00:33:40 – Employment Opportunities
Alan emphasizes the enthusiasm and dedication of adults with special needs to work and contribute in various business settings. He shares examples of successful partnerships and how businesses can benefit from hiring these individuals.

00:38:36 – Embracing Passion and Finding Fulfillment
The conversation underscores the importance of pursuing work that one is passionate about and finding fulfillment in making a positive impact. Alan’s personal passion for supporting individuals with special needs is evident throughout the discussion.