By Jim and Sue Berg
In Mom’s words…
Our daughter, Katy, was not quite five years old when we had to find a special school for her—one that could meet her needs. She had a degenerative disease that, early on, resulted in seizures and behavior issues. We looked at many schools before finding Larc. Back then Larc was in the basement of a church in Audubon, with partitions instead of walls between rooms…but when the director showed us around and told us what they could do for Katy, we knew we’d found the right place.
When you walked into the school you’d see compassion, instruction, and people working very hard to help students do things for themselves—always with a smile—and always with such respect for all the students. I remember my son visiting Larc with us when he was a teenager. When we left, he said what a remarkable place Larc was, what a remarkable group of people.
Katy’s needs have changed dramatically over the years, but Larc keeps up with her changing needs. Although she can no longer walk or talk, and she requires a feeding tube, Katy is comfortable at Larc. The staff — wonderful and so intuitive — adjusts her plan to meet her new needs while always continuing to challenge her.
Today walking through the halls of Larc, everything is bright and cheery; you still see the compassion, instruction, respect and joy. None of that has changed in the 35 years Katy has been at Larc. What has changed is that Larc keeps getting better and better, and providing more and more equipment, materials, and programs for the students. There’s not a minute they’re not trying to find a better way to do something. And we know that, if there is a better way, Larc will find it!
In Dad’s words…
We’ve been thrilled with all of Katy’s teachers. If they see something concerning that they think we should know about, they call or write a note. You can’t find a more dedicated, caring staff anywhere.
I worked a difficult schedule as a railroad engineer for over 30 years until I retired. As crazy as some of the times got, the one thing we could always depend on was Larc. That’s why we do all we can for Larc. I’m on the Golf Committee and help with the Run. I do a lot of volunteering for events like the Appreciation Breakfast. Anything they want me to do is fine. I’d do anything to help the school.
We have a large family. Katy, who is now 40, has three sisters — Amy, Marie, and Susy (who teaches at Larc!) — and a brother, Jimmy. But we all understand we’re part of a bigger family—the Larc family. You can feel it—everyone at Larc is family.
