Natick, MA (July 16, 2024) – RCS Learning Center was selected as the single Massachusetts nonprofit recipient for OneDigital’s Digital Dash event that has raised over $1.5 million since 2009. Alongside other nonprofits across the country, RCS Learning Center was selected by OneDigital’s team because of its core mission and high-impact work serving students with autism. “We are thrilled to be selected by OneDigital and will be able to grow and sustain key programming and initiatives including vocational training for our students, and continuing our focus on wellness for our students and staff,” said Denise-Rizzo-Ranieri, RCS President and Co-Founder and the school’s Chief of Design. 85% of adults with autism are unemployed but that number drops significantly when students receive quality job training. In 2014, RCS Learning Center launched its Let’s Get to Work vocational training program in partnership with local businesses to provide RCS students with essential life and job skills. The school currently partners with nine local vocational partners. Additionally, students with autism are 400% more likely to suffer from unmet healthcare needs than their peers. The school’s Wellness and Nutrition program was launched in 2023 and will grow over the next year to further support RCS students by launching a fully student-run operational model for the café.
OneDigital employees and members of the community from all over the country come together to race virtually for one week to raise funds for organizations that are making a big impact in local communities. 100% of funds raised are donated to nonprofits with half of the proceeds slotted to organizations that focus on DEIB efforts. “Supporting children and families with autism has been one of the most long standing yet underserved equity issues facing the Commonwealth today. 1 in 36 people are diagnosed with autism and RCS Learning Center has been a local leader in changing outcomes for their students since opening its doors in 2006,” said John Snyder, a Principal at OneDigital and RCS Learning Center Board member. Founded in 2000, OneDigital helps businesses and individuals achieve their aspirations of health, success, and financial security through their insurance, financial services, and HR platform.
In 2023 OneDigital received the Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award for Best Places to Work. “We are excited to bring our community together to support nonprofits doing game-changing work across the country,” said Archana Kansagra, Director of Client Strategy & Solutions at OneDigital and this year’s Digital Dash Team Captain. The Digital Dash will aim to raise at least $300,000, with fundraising efforts launched earlier this month through the event’s Charity Footprints platform. The event will be held virtually from August 19-25, 2024 and participants will log their activities including walking, yoga, boxing, cooking, dancing, and participating in mental health care programs.
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About RCS Learning Center
Realizing Children’s Strengths (RCS) Learning Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide the highest quality of individualized behavioral and educational services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. We believe that every child has unique skills, and we are dedicated to helping each child develop these skills and reach their full potential.