CASS Housing

10/15/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the important role people with disabilities play in workplaces and communities across the country.

Here in Fort Wayne, our Core Members are part of that story. They work and volunteer at restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, and other places throughout our community—building skills, earning income, forming relationships, and pursuing goals that matter to them.

This month, we’re celebrating inclusive workplaces and the opportunities that allow people of all abilities to be active participants in the communities they call home.

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

Are you a fan of bottomless fries?

Join CASS for a dine-to-donate fundraiser at Red Robin tomorrow (October 13)! You’ll get all the fries you can eat AND support CASS at the same time.

All you have to do is order food from Red Robin at Glenbrook in Fort Wayne (dine-in or carry-out), show the flyer, and you’re done!

It’s that easy. Yummm!

10/08/2026

Thank you, CASS community, for making our gala an incredible night!

The energy in the room was unmatched. It means the world to us to see a room full of people gather together to support the adults we serve.

The night was about so much more than fundraising, but your generosity makes our work possible. We are overjoyed to share that you helped us exceed our fundraising goal, bringing in over $195,000. Wow!

Those funds are going right to our mission, allowing us to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities daily.

THANK YOU!

10/05/2026

Serving is sweet!

Our CASS Academy students spent some time packaging cookies for a local group to hand out to the homeless.

We love seeing our Core Members serve the community!

10/01/2026

Meet Cash!

He’s one of our Community Core Members who participates in CASS Academy and CASS Cares.

We asked Cash some questions so you could get to know him:

📚 His favorite hobby is reading.

⚡If he had a superpower, he’d choose power over elements.

😺 Something he’s done recently that he’s proud of is volunteering at Animal Care & Control.

Cash brings a lot of energy and kindness to our community, and we’re so glad he’s part of it!

09/28/2026

Earlier this year, United Way of DeKalb County awarded CASS Housing a $100,000 Community Impact Grant to help expand opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in DeKalb County.

And now, that work is underway!

Last week, our first CASS Academy small group kicked off in Auburn, giving adults with IDD the opportunity to build practical skills, grow in independence, and connect with their peers right here in the DeKalb community.

With the support of the United Way of DeKalb County and other incredible community partners in the area, we know this is just the beginning.

Our broader vision includes expanded educational opportunities, community programming, and eventually, independent housing for adults with IDD — creating more ways for people to learn, connect, and build lives of their own.

United Way of DeKalb County’s investment is helping lay the foundation for that future while creating meaningful opportunities for adults and families today.

Thank you, United Way of DeKalb County, for believing in what’s possible and investing in opportunities for adults with IDD in DeKalb County. We’re so excited for what’s ahead in Auburn!

09/26/2026

We’re wrapping up Steward Appreciation Week by celebrating Chris!

One of the most important things a Steward can do is meet Core Members where they are — offering support when it’s needed while respecting each person’s abilities, choices, and independence.

Core Member parents Beth Nygaard and Mike Sims shared how much they appreciate Chris’s gentle sense of humor, welcoming personality, and ability to approach each person with an open mind.

And Romano shared what having Chris as his Steward means to him:

💬 “Chris is an amazing person. I appreciate that he checks in on me every day. I’m thankful to have him in my life and as a part of the CASS community.”

Those everyday relationships are at the heart of the Steward role. A check-in, a conversation, a little humor, or simply having a familiar person close by can make a meaningful difference as Core Members continue building lives that are their own.

Chris, thank you for meeting people where they are and for the care, consistency, and friendship you bring to CASS. We’re so grateful for you!

And to all six of our Stewards: thank you for the unique role each of you plays in making CASS Housing possible. We’ve loved getting to celebrate you this week!

09/25/2026

Today for Steward Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating Robert!

Life at home doesn’t always go according to plan — and having someone nearby who can stay calm, listen, and offer support when it’s needed can make a big difference.

Core Member parents Kenn and Connie Kunze shared how much they appreciate Robert’s calm demeanor and the steady, caring presence he brings to the home. No matter what comes up, they know they can trust Robert to respond thoughtfully and support the Core Members along the way.

And Desirea shared what Robert’s support means to her:

💬 “He is like a father figure. If we need someone to talk to, he listens to us and gives us advice.”

That’s what makes the Steward role so special. It’s not about doing things for Core Members — it’s about building relationships and being a trusted neighbor they can turn to when they want support, advice, or a listening ear.

Robert, thank you for the calm, care, and steady support you bring to your home and the Core Members who live there. We’re so grateful for you!