The REAL Enrichment Center

06/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we reflect on the loss of one of our dedicated Guardianship Program volunteers, Dean Heisey. While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the time, compassion, and commitment he shared with REAL Services and the individuals he served.

Dean began volunteering as an advocate with the REAL Services Guardianship Program in June 2023. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, generously sharing both with staff and fellow volunteers through trainings, creative ideas, and thoughtful guidance. Dean had a remarkable ability to look beyond the immediate problem and focus on the person, always seeking the best possible outcome while preserving dignity and independence.

What made Dean truly special was the way he invested in the people he served. He took the time to get to know them, understand their needs, and advocate on their behalf with compassion and care. When one gentleman transitioned from a nursing home into assisted living, Dean was there every step of the way—visiting often, ensuring he had what he needed, and helping create a space that felt like home through comfortable furnishings and personal touches. His watchful eye and steady presence made an immeasurable difference.

Beyond his volunteer service, Dean was simply a joy to be around. He had a kindness, warmth, and graciousness that made people feel welcome and valued. He reminded us that some of the most meaningful acts of service happen quietly through showing up, paying attention, and caring deeply for others.

We are profoundly grateful for Dean's service, his friendship, and the example he set for all of us. His impact on REAL Services, our Guardianship Program, and the lives he touched will continue to be felt for years to come.

Thank you, Dean, for sharing your heart with our community. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

06/03/2026

🌟 Exciting News from Community Action! 🌟

If you’ve visited The REAL Enrichment Center over the past few years, chances are you’ve been greeted by the warm smile, friendly personality, and helping hand of Deanita, our incredible Administrative Assistant. Whether she was answering questions, helping clients navigate services, or simply brightening someone’s day, Deanita has been a welcoming presence for everyone who walked through our doors.

Today, we’re excited to share that Deanita has officially transitioned into her new role as Foster Grandparent Coordinator—and we truly believe this is where she is meant to be!

The Foster Grandparent Program is one of the most rewarding programs at REAL Services, connecting older adults age 55 and older with opportunities to mentor, support, and encourage children who need an extra caring adult in their lives. Foster Grandparents serve in schools, childcare centers, and community programs, helping children build confidence, improve academic skills, and develop meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime. In return, volunteers gain purpose, connection, friendship, and the joy of knowing they are making a real difference every single day.

Deanita’s compassionate heart, positive attitude, and genuine love for people make her the perfect person to lead this program into its next chapter. We are excited to watch her recruit new volunteers, strengthen community partnerships, support our current grandparents, and help expand the program’s impact throughout our communities.

Please join us in congratulating Deanita on this well-deserved opportunity! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things she accomplishes as she helps grow a program that changes lives—for both the children being served and the incredible grandparents who serve them. ❤️

05/31/2026

It's National SMILE day!!

As we close out Community Action Month on National Smile Day, we can't help but smile when we reflect on the impact made throughout our communities this month.

Community Action is about more than programs—it's about people. It's about the family that remains safely housed, the senior who receives support and companionship, the child encouraged by a Foster Grandparent, the homeowner living in a safer and more energy-efficient home, and the individual taking steps toward financial stability and self-sufficiency.

Throughout May, we've celebrated the work happening every day at The REAL Enrichment Center and across REAL Services, but the truth is that Community Action doesn't end when the month does. Every day, our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters work together to remove barriers, create opportunities, and help people build stronger futures.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support, partnership, and belief in our mission help create thousands of reasons to smile each year.

Community Action Month may be ending, but the work—and the impact—continues.

05/30/2026

Community Action is often about helping families overcome big challenges, but sometimes it's the little things that make a difference too.

This past week, Mary Bradfield took some time to paint the handicap parking space at The REAL Enrichment Center. It may seem like a simple task, but ensuring that our clients, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and community members can safely access our services is an important part of what we do.

Community Action is about removing barriers wherever we find them. Whether it's helping a family achieve housing stability, supporting someone through financial challenges, or making sure our facility is safe and accessible, every action matters.

A fresh coat of paint helps create a welcoming and accessible space for the people we serve every day. Because at REAL Services, we believe everyone deserves access, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.

05/29/2026

Help Shape the Future of Health in Our Community!

What are the biggest health challenges facing our neighbors? What resources are working well? What needs more attention?

REAL Services is proud to partner with local health organizations across our region on the Joint Community Health Needs Assessment, and we need to hear from YOU!

🩺 Take a short, anonymous survey (less than 15 minutes)

🎁 Opt-in for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards and a foursome with cart at Warren Golf Course

📅 Survey open through August 15

✅ Must be 18 years or older to participate

Every response helps create a clearer picture of the needs, strengths, and opportunities within our community. Your feedback will help guide future programs, services, and investments that impact families across our region.

Visit:
tinyurl.com/2026JointCHNA

Together, we can build a healthier, stronger community for everyone. ❤️

05/29/2026

Fun Friday at The REAL Enrichment Center 💙

At REAL Services, we believe strong teams create strong communities — and sometimes the best way to build that strength is by taking time to laugh, connect, and recharge together.

Our Fun Fridays give staff the chance to team build, strategize, share ideas, celebrate wins, and strengthen the relationships that help us better serve our community every single day. We also love getting out into the community together by participating in local activities, events, and opportunities that help us connect even more with the people and neighborhoods we serve.

From brainstorming new ideas to sharing laughs outside the office, these moments help keep our team connected, energized, and ready to make an even bigger impact. 😊

05/28/2026

Thankful Thursday during Community Action Month feels a little extra special at The REAL Enrichment Center.

Today, we’re thankful for every family that trusts us during difficult moments, every volunteer who gives their time, every community partner who says “yes” to helping, and every staff member who shows up day after day ready to make a difference.

Community Action is more than programs and services — it’s people helping people move forward. It’s the single parent learning to budget for the first time, the senior staying safe and warm at home, the family avoiding eviction, the volunteer helping a child build confidence, and the neighbor who finally feels hopeful again.

At The REAL Enrichment Center and REAL Services, we are grateful to be part of a community that believes everyone deserves opportunity, dignity, and support.

This Community Action Month, thank you for being part of the work, the mission, and the impact. Together, we are changing lives across north central Indiana every single day. 💙

05/28/2026

We wish we were young enough to go to camp!!

Don’t forget to sign up for summer camp! Spaces are limited!!

05/27/2026

Weatherization Wednesday is here — and we’re bringing the heat… while helping families keep it inside where it belongs.

From insulation and air sealing to furnace repairs and energy-saving upgrades, the Weatherization Program helps make homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient for families across our community.

That means lower utility bills, warmer winters, cooler summers, and peace of mind for households who need it most.

Since October 2025, REAL Services has weatherized 31 homes across St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Kosciusko, and Fulton Counties — creating real impact one home at a time.

Because everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home.