“Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.” This statement appears on the website of the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative (BCSEC.) It exposes the fact that all do not progress in life at the same pace, and thus assistance must be made available to aid the delayed unwrapping.
Rhen Huizenga, 20-year-old son of Davey and Dawn Huizenga of Prophetstown, IL, is assisted in his learning by BCSEC. They have found him part-time employment at Resthave Home in Morrison, IL.
Every Tuesday and Thursday for the past two years, he has assisted the laundry staff in preparing the daily linens needed by the residents. Upon arrival, Rhen slips into his special “Spiderman” scrubs top; clips on his RHEN name badge; attacks the waiting pile of fresh laundered towels.
“It is a good job, because it is fun,” says Rhen. He owns a smile as he precisely folds each towel to the same exactness. Upon completion of the towel folding, he is confronted with a pile of resident covers that require a different folding challenge, but he owns the same attitude and smile as he completes his task.
His stay each Tuesday and Thursday lasts an hour. It exposes him to a work environment and allows him time to develop his social skills, among the very appreciative and loving Resthave staff.
Away from Resthave, Rhen is quite active and has performed well in Special Olympic basketball skills. He has to compete in passing, dribbling, and shooting. He is currently practicing to compete in the upcoming Special Olympics at Illinois State University in March 2019. Rhen also enjoys competing in track and bowling. He is very proud to acknowledge that he was selected King at last year’s Prom.
Bi-County students make excellent volunteer helpers. BCSEC constantly looks for additional opportunities within the Morrison area, for these late developers to volunteer. Any organization that wishes to have a student assist within their business should contact Mandi Roggy at 815-499-8146.