Meet Raphael Village, The Organization Working To Create An Inclusive Community For Differently-Abled Individuals

*Photo courtesy of Raphael Village

After Jacqueline and Mark’s son, Case, was diagnosed with an exceptionality at five years old, they quickly learned the educational system was very limited for children with exceptionalities and disabilities. Unfortunately, most schools do not cater to differently-abled students, and even when schools offer a modified curriculum it is impartial to the specific needs of each student. Following several attempts to enroll Case into an academy tailored to his needs, Jaqueline noticed the schools were either too afraid to challenge her son academically or used one singular approach for all students with exceptionalities. Jacqueline says, “Most schools have a one-size-fits-all mindset when it comes to children with exceptionalities. I was afraid my son would be misunderstood and how he learned would be compromised.” Over time, Jacqueline and Mark grew flustered with the lack of resources afforded to children with exceptionalities and became determined to change this. From their conviction, Raphael Village was born.

Nearly 10 years ago, Jacqueline Case and Mark Redding, began Raphael Village, an after-school program that assisted students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and other intellectual exceptionalities. As time progressed, this intimate after-school program grew into a full kindergarten through 12th-grade school offering academia to students with exceptionalities. Presently, the Raphael Village offers the Raphael Academy, which provides Waldorf curriculum-based learning, The Guild, an adult day program that includes post-secondary education and vocational training, and will be soon launching The Hearth, a life-sharing and residential program for persons with exceptionalities. Raphael Village has blossomed into an inclusive community for differently-abled individuals, servicing those with exceptionalities and their families.

As an affiliate member of the Camphill Association, Raphael Village is dedicated to creating an intentional community where the values of service, sharing, spiritual nourishment, and commitment are offered to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their mission is to recognize the gifts, talents, and contributions of individuals with exceptionalities and make sure they are properly celebrated and compensated. The program’s goal is to empower individuals with exceptionalities to live fully integrated lives and act as a safe haven for differently-abled individuals.

*Photo courtesy of Raphael Village 

Raphael Village and its expansion of initiatives have helped to revitalize the Irish channel. Raphael Village’s upcoming initiative, The Guild’s DragonFly Cafe, stands true to the organization’s mission. The cafe, which will be open to the public, operates as a vocational program for Raphael Village adult students, helping them to showcase their talents, create a sustainable income, and provide the lifestyle skills they need to function within a wider society.

Although Jacqueline Case acts as the executive director for Raphael Village, she is very modest when discussing her vital role in the organization’s success. She continuously emphasizes the importance of this initiative as a community win. For her, Raphael Village is simply a call to action to reset the paradigm of how society views persons with exceptionalities. Jacqueline views Raphael Village as a personal responsibility that had to be fulfilled to ensure all differently-abled children and adults have the same opportunities and livelihoods as able-bodied persons.

Raphael Village is a testament to how planting one singular seed can grow into a fruitful garden. Raphael Village is actively and effectively building a community based on the fundamentals of equity, integrity, and inclusivity. Rêve | Realtors is a proud sponsor of Raphael Village and we encourage all of our supporters to get involved with this impactful organization.

*Photo courtesy of Raphael Village

*To learn more about Raphael Village please visit www.raphaelvillarge.org.