TOLEDO – When we met up with Ryan H. in the Owens Corning Parking Lot where hundreds of Jeeps were waiting to line up for the 2026 Jeep Fest parade, he was wearing a Bluey t-shirt and fedora. He was ready to throw rubber ducks to the many parade attendees with the assistance of Michael Bauder, a senior direct support professional who works with Ryan and many other individuals with developmental disabilities benefitting from Sunshine Communities.
A Maumee native, Ryan graduated from Maumee High School and Penta Career Center. He currently attends Sunshine Communities’ Vocational Day Program where he works on the housekeeping crew. Though he was quiet at first, he quickly opened and was all smiles, chatting with Bauder after we all climbed into the back of the white Mojave Jeep provided by Grogan’s.
“We really like to get the individuals [at Sunshine] out doing stuff, especially like this,” said Bauder. “You can’t be in the community any more than this, right?”
Bauder and Ryan chatted about all the things they like to do as part of Sunshine’s outings, like going to the movies, Dunkin’ Donuts, and pretty much anywhere that Ryan can get his favorite beverage: a “dirty soda,” which is a soda with ice cream and Cool Whip.
Groups from the organization often have outings in downtown Toledo, and Bauder says many of the folks from Sunshine love to check out any of the big events going on. They also do volunteer work.
“We deliver mobile meals on Fridays,” Bauder said, and Ryan interjected that those are the days they get to enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts, where he gets his dirty Dr. Pepper.
“You let me get a large one,” he said to Bauder. “[Only] on Friday. We go out and eat on Friday.” The night before he had enjoyed a meal at Rooster’s.
Ryan also noted another aspect of his routine, which is that he gets “one-on-ones” on Tuesdays.
“…which means someone comes to pick them up and take them out for three hours,” said Bauder.
“I get Lee on Tuesdays,” explained Ryan. “That’s my new one-on-one staff.”
As we talked about the enrichment and structure that Ryan gets from these weekly outings and routines, our Jeep made it into the throws of the parade festivities, and Ryan seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself.
When it concluded, Ryan said that his favorite thing about the parade was “throwing the ducks” and that he particularly liked “the birthday one.” As we said our goodbyes, and we asked if he would like to be a part of Jeep Fest again, Ryan nodded yes.
To learn more about Sunshine Communities and their programs, visit their website at sunshine.org.
TFP photos by Erin Holden
