The Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation, a family foundation established in 1967, has a rich history rooted in community service and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Steve Reymann, a retired medical sales professional and chairman of the board at the Reymann Foundation, shared insights with us into the foundation's mission and its deep connections to the community.
Steve is a third-generation member of the Reymann family, and he is proud of the foundation’s commitment to aiding individuals with developmental disabilities. The Reymann Foundation was established by Father James J. Reymann and his nephews to honor the legacy of Charles and Salome Reymann. Over the decades, the foundation has evolved, but its dedication to the cause has remained.
The foundation supports various initiatives, from providing housing for individuals with developmental disabilities to supporting transition-to-work programs at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and the University of Akron. Additionally, the foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in special education, aiming to improve the number of professionals equipped to make a difference in this field.
The Reymann Foundation has a longstanding relationship with Weaver Industries. This connection is demonstrated by a recent collaboration initiated by Steve’s sister, Margaret Reymann Skinner and her husband, Jack Skinner, a former general manager at Weaver SecureShred. Through shared goals and conversations, the two organizations discovered a mutual interest in supporting those with developmental disabilities.
This shared mission led to a significant partnership. Weaver sought funding for a summer program aimed at helping high school students with developmental disabilities transition into the workforce. Recognizing the program's potential, the Reymann Foundation fast-tracked a grant request, ultimately providing $9,000 to ensure the program's success. This initiative reflects the foundation’s broader commitment to community support and enhancing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Reymann Foundation’s support extends beyond this collaboration. They are involved in numerous projects, such as sponsoring Rotary Camp’s activities, providing a pontoon boat for children with disabilities and supporting the Art of Recovery program, which uses art therapy for mental health recovery. Another noteworthy initiative is the ArtSparks program, which teaches dance to students with developmental disabilities in the Akron public schools, ensuring they experience the joy of dance alongside their peers.
The partnership between the Reymann Foundation and Weaver is a testament to their shared vision of improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Both organizations are dedicated to creating opportunities, providing support and fostering a sense of community.
The Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation remains committed to its mission, and through partnerships like this, they hope to make a lasting impact on the community. The continued collaboration with Weaver shows a promising future for both organizations as they work together to support individuals with developmental disabilities.
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