Racker

10/21/2026

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY for the Racker Celebration on Thursday, November 5th from 5-8pm!

We’ll be honoring five members of our staff with the Franziska Racker Award, Mary Hutchens Award, and three Inspiration Awards!

Join us for a keynote presentation by local athlete and self-advocate Logan Knowles Logan Knowles !

Buy tickets by next Monday, October 26th to secure your spot! You can purchase tickets at the link in our bio or by going to www.racker.org/celebration2026.

10/15/2026

Our friends at FLIC are hosting a World of Skills Job Fair! Go check it out next Wednesday at Hotel Ithaca, 9am-12pm.

Open to all. Please come!

10/14/2026

We’re proud to announce that Tracy Abbott is our 2026 Franziska Racker Award Winner. This award is the highest honor we bestow on a member of the Racker Team.
Over the past year, Tracy has stepped into leadership roles at various houses whenever support was needed, always making sure residents receive “the highest level of care and attention.” Whether she’s rushing over to help with medication support or covering an appointment, so it isn’t missed, she responds without hesitation.
Tracy sees the best in people. In her own words, she judges people “by their hearts, not their abilities.”
And if you hear music and laughter at McFadden, Tracy is probably behind it! Her dancing and joy bring staff and residents together, “creating an atmosphere of connection, happiness, and community.”
In the words of her colleagues, “I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Tracy.”
Congratulations, Tracy, and thank you for all you do!
Please join us for our Racker Celebration on November 5th as we honor Tracy Abbott and our other 2026 award winners: https://www.racker.org/events/racker-community-celebration-2026/

10/14/2026

Tickets are still available to purchase for Racker’s annual Celebration on November 5th!

Date: Thursday, November 5th, 2026
Time: 5pm - 8pm
Location: Emerson Suites at Ithaca College’s Campus Center

Enjoy dinner and a keynote speech by Logan Knowles followed by the presentation of awards to four amazing staff members, and a whole team!

Get your tickets today at www.racker.org/celebration2026 or register by clicking the link in our bio.

10/13/2026

Congratulations to Neil, our CSP on the month for October!
"Neil is passionate about helping people become their best selves, treating every day as an opportunity for adventure, growth, and expression (for both the individuals and himself.) He teaches not only practical life and communication skills, but he has also incorporated his creative pursuits into his work by sharing painting, music, and thrift fashion. He emphasizes patience and grace for oneself and others, while recognizing the importance of personal accountability."
Thank you, Neil for all that you do every day to create a world where our people thrive!

10/09/2026

This October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

What is NDEAM?
In October 2026, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce.

NDEAM’s History
This yearly event began in 1945, and evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities.

This Year’s NDEAM Theme
“Celebrating Value and Talent”
In 2026 we recognize the skills and contributions Americans with disabilities, add to the nations workplace, communities, and economy.

10/08/2026

Racker’s Community Celebration is back on November 5th! Get your tickets now by clicking the link in our bio or visit Racker.org/Celebration2026.

We’ll be celebrating our amazing award winners at Ithaca College’s Emerson Suites at Campus Center from 5pm-8pm, with a keynote presentation by Logan Knowles !

Join us this November to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our amazing staff members.

Tickets are FREE for all Racker staff and Racker program participants, and $50 for all other community members and businesses. Get your tickets now!

The Franziska Racker Award is given to a staff member who in word and deed exemplifies the high standard of caring and dedication to the agencyʼs mission that is our legacy from Dr. Racker.

10/08/2026

Join Racker and Owego Gymnastics on Saturday October 24 from 2-3:30PM for a Family Fun Day in memory of JoAnna VanOstrand.

Come out and play, the JoAnna way!

10/07/2026

Thanks to everyone who made it out to our annual 25 Year Dinner last Tuesday, celebrating staff who have been with Racker for 25 years or more! 🎉

This special evening was a celebration of longevity, dedication, and the lasting impact these incredible individuals have had on Racker and the people we serve.

We welcomed four new members to the 25-Year Club this year at Cortland Country Club and enjoyed a night filled with good food, great conversation, and plenty of fun!

10/07/2026

Congratulations to Marcus, our DSP of the Month for October!
"Marcus takes the time to connect with each individual every day he works. He learns their interests, listens to what they enjoy, and follows through with creating opportunities for them to participate in activities meaningful to them. One of the greatest examples of his impact is the reaction of the individuals when he walks through the door."
Thank you, Marcus, for all your outstanding work!