Rainbows’ Blarney Breakfast proceeds go directly to Rainbows’ Targeted Case Management (TCM) Program, but what exactly happens with TCM?
“Rainbows United Targeted Case Managers enjoy connecting families and their children to resources and advocating for funding for items, supplies, or supportive care,” said Lynlea Southards, Targeted Case Management and Autism Services Coordinator. “For example, when a child receives an item such as an IPad to help them communicate it opens their world to others and helps them learn, grow and become more independent. The Targeted Case Managers at Rainbows United are dedicated to making every child and family their highest priority.”
Cody Irvin, Targeted Case Manager, joined the Targeted Case Management team in 2020. Cody earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing an Education Specialist graduate degree for school psychology at Wichita State University. He brings with him over 4 years of experience working with children with special needs.
Cody began his work with Rainbows in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. “My biggest achievement to date would be learning and growing in the position during the pandemic. I started mid lockdown and had to do most of my learning at home and through a computer screen.”
“Connecting families to resources that help them get the support they need to run their daily lives is the reason I like my job,” said Cody. He has anywhere from 60-65 children on his caseload, so his days are always busy. A normal work day includes responding to emails from parents, contacting families to check in on how their child is doing and if there is anything they need, and submitting funding requests for families that request it. He also conducts annual meetings on a regular basis to update the child’s person-centered support plan. When needed, Cody also attends an IEP or a BASIS meeting with either Sedgwick or Butler County.
“Cody not only is a wonderful resource and support for families, he also provides that support to the other case managers in the department,” said Lynlea. “The majority of families that Cody serves are in the Butler County community. He enjoys the opportunity to work with a family who has been with Rainbows for years or a new family. I am so grateful to have Cody as a part of the TCM team and I’m honored to work with him.”
“I personally am a jack of all trades,” said Cody. “I love picking up new hobbies (How far they go is a mystery) some of them include: crocheting, reading, playing Dungeons and Dragons with a group of friends, and anything else that catches my eye for the month. I am also currently taking cardio kickboxing classes 6 days a week.”
“One of my favorite opportunities at Rainbows was volunteering with my wife, Stormi at Peter Hampel’s Luau,” said Cody. “It was a ton of fun to see some of the kids we serve enjoying the event.”
Cody and Stormi currently have 2 cats and 2 dogs. Stormi is a second grade teacher in the USD 259 district. They enjoy traveling and volunteering together.
The Blarney Breakfast To Go is fun for the whole family or your whole office! Ticket price includes hot, fresh breakfast served to go and delivered directly to you in the comfort of your vehicle.
The first 400 attendees will receive a travel mug courtesy of Vornado Air.
will have plenty of coffee flowing to start your morning off right!
Every ticket purchased makes life a little less challenging for children with specials needs and their families. Buy your tickets here. Deadline to purchase tickets is March 10.
