GRANDVIEW, Ohio — When owner of Barks and Rec Ohio Leanna Rocheleau started her business in 2019, she says she made it a goal to hire those who are often overlooked.

“I was an associate site director for a day-in-employment program for adults with disabilities and I saw the need of creating employment opportunities for those with disabilities because it felt like we were training them for jobs that didn’t exist,” said Rocheleau.

What You Need To Know

  • Barks and Rec Ohio, a full dog service in Columbus suburb of Grandview, is raising money to buy a van to transport workers

  • Owner Leanna Rocheleau made it a goal to hire those with disabilities after learning about the barriers they face with employment

  • The fundraiser is live on the Barks and Rec Ohio Facebook page until November 20

Natalie Davis, 24, is a Barks and Rec Ohio employee. She has autism, but she’s never let that stop her from working. She says this is her third job.

“My favorite part is working with the animals. I love animals, and I’ve loved them since I was a little girl,” said Davis.

Although Davis is able to drive to work, some of Rocheleau’s employees can’t. That’s why she started the fundraiser, Barks Needs a Van, to raise money for transportation.

“One of the biggest barriers for adults with disabilities in achieving employment is obtaining reliable transportation so we want to help with that barrier by getting a van so we can provide that transportation for them.”

The fundraiser is live on the Barks and Rec Ohio Facebook page. It runs until November 20. The group also started a GoFundMe page.