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Bev Kennedy has been working for the Tomah School District for 32 years, and when she became the secretary for Pupil Services in January of 1995, she took on a job that involved working with students who have disabilities. It is a perfect fit for Kennedy, because touching the lives of people with disabilities is a big part of her life outside of work as well.

Kennedy, 50, has three daughters, including one with special needs. According to Kennedy, what she had learned raising her daughter helped her when she took over her role with Pupil Services, which involves the Special Education Department.

“Because my middle daughter has a disability, it made it rather easy for me working in that department,” Kennedy said. “I was familiar with the language and the process, and I have been involved with Special Olympics with my daughter.”

Kennedy has worked for many years with Special Olympics. She originally started out as a volunteer, but when it became a recognized school sport, she became the treasurer of the organization and has been ever since.

“I volunteer and help out with the financial aspects as treasurer,” Kennedy said. “I help out whenever it is needed.”

Kennedy also filled in as coach for a year, helping the students learn track and field, as well as bowling skills, and setting up transportation. She has become familiar with many of the students in the school district with special needs through her work with Special Olympics and has made a wide range of friends.

“I have met so many great people and families that have students with special needs,” Kennedy said. “It is just a great organization.”

Kennedy also volunteers with the Handyshop, which is a sheltered workshop where people with special needs can work jobs contracted by other businesses. Some jobs include labeling and shipping pencils and flattening boxes from Wal-Mart. Kennedy has served on the board of directors since 2003, and has found it to be a rewarding experience.

“It has been very enlightening for me,” Kennedy said. “It is so rewarding to see the accomplishments and how proud they are. I wish more businesses knew about this great program.”

Kennedy also serves on a committee for the L.I.F.E. program, which is run by a committee made up of members of the school staff, Goodwill, parents and Monroe County. The L.I.F.E. program requests grant money from the Thomas Earle and Frank Andres fund annually, and rents an apartment where students and people with special needs can learn life skills. Kennedy also used to volunteer with the “Sib Shop”, which was a group that helped siblings of children with special needs, as well as a Bible study for those with special needs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church called St. Paul Jesus Cares Group.

Kennedy admits that sometimes she feels she tries to do too much, but she finds joy in helping those with special needs. She has touched the lives of many, and to see their accomplishments touches her life as well.

“They have their limitations, but they work so hard and I have met so many people and my world of friends has grown so large,” Kennedy said of working with people who have special needs. “Sometimes I feel like I’m wearing myself thin, but their efforts can bring you to tears.”