Treating those with Special Needs with Respect

One of the first things you notice when you meet Cathy LeBeau is the warmth of her smile. This warmth radiates out to those in her presence. Her dedication and commitment to those with special needs is something to be emulated and admired and makes her someone you want to know and be around.

Cathy is the Horsemanship Administrator for the Hanson Center that is a part of Ray Graham. Ray Graham Association is all about empowering people with disabilities and the Hanson Center, set right in the middle of residential Burr Ridge, is a place where such individuals can come and be empowered through their riding program. Cathy started there is a volunteer in 1990 and so great was her love for those with special needs and the mission of the organization, she sought employment and continued to impact lives as the Horsemanship Administrator in 1994. She hasn’t looked back since.

While talking about what path led her to this extraordinary place, she related that volunteering at Hanson Center allowed her to combine her degree in Education as well as her love for horses. As a mother of 5, it allowed her to give back just 1 to 2 days a week and still be a mom. As her kids got a little older, she knew that devoting time to the program was just the right fit so becoming a part of the “employed” team was just a natural progression.

I asked her what she found particularly rewarding about her responsibilities and her response is another indication of the depth of her dedication: “I feel this is a happy and relaxing place and I love coming to work every day. When I see the excitement and progress that the riders make, it fills me with joy. We have riders that have been coming 5, 10, even 15 years so I’ve seen much joy and progress. I also love that our volunteers feel rewarded because of the impact that they have on others.”

As a key partner of the peer jury program, I asked Cathy how she felt about the partnership that we shared for over a decade. “I hope the kids that participate see that our riders have limited choices but they have more options than our riders. They can have a great life. It’s all about the choices they make. I want them to see our riders and how excited they are about riding. I think the peer jury program is good and helps the offenders be in an environment they aren’t used to. It’s a healthy thing and can help them grow.”

I asked Cathy what advice she would give to anyone that asked about how to “make the world a better place”. She was very thoughtful as she gave her response: “I like to look at life in a positive way. I always think things work out. It’s your attitude that will impact whether things will work out. Not that it’s always easy but, things will work out. Always look at the positive.”

Cathy , our community is a better place because of you. Be it the riders in your programs, our offenders who perform community service there, or any of your volunteers who give their time, all are filled up by being around you. Your genuineness shines through and we are better for it. We at the Township are honored to know you and work with you.