Puzzle Pieces

08/07/2025

Don’t Miss Keynote Speaker Jess Ronne at RISE Summit 2025

Jess Ronne—author of Caregiving with Grit & Grace, founder of The Lucas Project, and the voice behind Jessplusthemess—brings a powerful message of courage, resilience, and hope to this year’s RISE Summit. Her journey as a mother of eight, including her son Lucas who has profound special needs, has shaped her passion for empowering caregivers with the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.

Her keynote, “Be The Bison,” will inspire attendees to stop running from life’s storms and instead turn to face them with faith and strength. Drawing from her own story of burnout and renewal, Jess will share:

Self-care strategies that can prevent caregiver burnout

How she found her tribe and faced challenges with the support of community

Practical tools for both caregivers and those who want to help in meaningful ways

The keynote takes its name from the bison, who run toward storms instead of away from them. Jess challenges caregivers to meet their challenges head-on—facing doubt, fear, and obstacles with courage—because if enough of us “become the bison,” we can change the world for the families who need it most.

🎟 Be in the room for this unforgettable keynote.
Join us at RISE Summit 2025, September 19–20 in Owensboro, KY.
Tickets start at $75: puzzle-pieces.org/events

08/07/2025

Pizza with a purpose – thank you Donatos Pizza!

08/07/2025

We love our annual field trips to Donatos Pizza!

08/07/2025

Join us in congratulating Lizzie Badger for being named one of Owensboro Parent’s 18 Under 18!

Lizzie, a rising sophomore at Owensboro High School, is a shining example of resilience, kindness, and determination. As a participant in our programming here at Puzzle Pieces and a weekend employee at Goodwill, she continues to grow in independence while inspiring those around her.

We’re proud to celebrate Lizzie’s accomplishments and can’t wait to see what’s next for her!

🎉 Today’s 18 Under 18 spotlight is on Lizzie Badger 💙!

Lizzie Badger is the kind of student who defines strength, resilience, and heart. A rising sophomore at Owensboro High School, Lizzie has faced challenges—including hearing loss and an intellectual disability—but has never let them stand in the way of her goals. Instead, she has used them as fuel to push forward, grow, and inspire those around her.

“Lizzie has overcome many obstacles, and this has not held her back in terms of striving to reach her goals,” said her nominator, Lauran Morris, Program Manager at Puzzle Pieces. Lizzie is a proud participant in the Autism Services Program, where she serves as a role model for her peers. Her positive attitude, empathy, and encouraging spirit help foster meaningful friendships and guide others toward making good choices.

Outside of school and Puzzle Pieces, Lizzie recently began working at Goodwill on the weekends—a milestone that reflects her strong work ethic and desire to become more independent. Her job is more than just employment; it’s a symbol of her determination to succeed and her growing confidence in navigating the world on her own terms.

Lizzie’s story is one of quiet courage and consistent progress. She shows up, she tries, and she never stops pushing toward what’s next. Whether she’s offering support to a friend or showing up for a shift with a smile, Lizzie embodies what it means to lead by example.

Lizzie is a shining reminder that success looks different for everyone—but determination, kindness, and hard work will always stand out. Her journey is already inspiring others, and her future is filled with even more possibility.


Proudly sponsored by Bluegrass Dental — thank you for making this possible.
Catch the full 18 Under 18 lineup at the link below:
https://www.owensboroparent.com/18-under-18-2025/

08/07/2025

Our youngest friends recently practiced sit-down restaurant etiquette during an outing to Cheddar’s, turning lunch into a valuable life skills lesson. From reading the menu and ordering food to using manners and managing mealtime routines, every step helps our clients build confidence and independence.

At Puzzle Pieces, we partner with families to support individual goals and create opportunities for hands-on learning that translates to everyday life. Experiences like this are more than a meal — they’re milestones on the path to lifelong skills.

08/06/2025

The Sibling Perspective: A RISE Favorite Returns!

Behind every family navigating life with a disability is a story that often goes untold—the story of the siblings.

At RISE Summit 2025, Saturday’s Sibling Panel brings back one of the most beloved moments from 2024—a heartfelt, honest, and inspiring conversation with brothers and sisters who have grown up alongside a sibling with disabilities.

You’ll hear:

What life is really like from the sibling perspective

The challenges and joys that shape their journey

Insight for parents and caregivers on how to support all children in the family

Attendees called this panel “eye-opening,” “emotional,” and “a highlight of the Summit”—and it’s back for 2025!

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind conversation.
Secure your spot for RISE Summit 2025 and experience the sessions that touch your heart and strengthen your journey.

🎟 Tickets start at $75.
Register now: puzzle-pieces.org/events

08/06/2025

Life skills in action!

Our youngest friends in the summer program recently took a trip to the laundromat, turning an everyday chore into a meaningful learning experience. Trips like this teach vital life skills — from sorting clothes and reading machine instructions to managing time and working together.

These small, hands-on moments build confidence, independence, and real-world readiness — and our clients had a blast learning along the way!

08/05/2025

A conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.

Marriage is beautiful—but when you’re raising a child with disabilities, it can also be uniquely challenging. That’s why RISE Summit 2025 is offering an exclusive Marriage & Relationships Panel—available only to VIP ticket holders.

This powerful session features real couples who are living the journey of parenting a child with disabilities. They’ll share the raw, honest truths about love, communication, and partnership through life’s toughest seasons—and how to nurture your marriage in the midst of caregiving.

The VIP Package is $99 and includes:

• Access to Friday night’s Marriage & Relationships Panel

• An intimate, reflective kickoff to your RISE experience with Keynote Speaker Jess Ronne

• Saturday’s full Summit with breakout sessions you won't want to miss

If your marriage deserves encouragement, hope, and real conversation—this is your moment.

🎟 VIP tickets are limited—secure yours today at puzzle-pieces.org/events

08/05/2025

At Puzzle Pieces, our Employment Opportunities team is all about helping clients develop the skills they need — and want — to succeed in the workforce.

For Alex, that meant tapping into his love for Legos and assembling things by helping a friend build a shelf. Projects like this strengthen his assembly skills while he actively seeks the perfect job opportunity to match his talents.

For Abbey, her dream is to work in a cafeteria — ideally at Apollo High School. To get there, she’s gaining hands-on experience and confidence through volunteering at a local food pantry, where she absolutely excelled!

Every step, big or small, brings our clients closer to achieving their employment goals — and we are so proud to watch them shine.

08/04/2025

Our younger friends are giving back again — this time by returning to CrossRoads Inc. to help pack food boxes!

Volunteering at CrossRoads is more than just lending a hand; it’s a chance for our clients to learn teamwork, responsibility, and the value of serving the community that supports them. Each box packed helps local families, and every visit reinforces the importance of connection and kindness.

We are proud of their hard work and grateful for community partners like CrossRoads, who give our clients meaningful opportunities to make a difference.

08/02/2025

Live at Daviess County Fairgrounds for the Wright Implement Co. Pulling for Puzzle Pieces event!