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 The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.