Puzzle Pieces

09/04/2026

Today, we celebrate 14 years of Puzzle Pieces. Looking at these faces, it’s easy to remember exactly why we’re here.

Over the years, our programs have grown, our campus has changed, and the number of people we serve has continued to increase. But the heart of Puzzle Pieces has always been the same—the individuals and families who trust us to be part of their lives.

Some clients spend a season with us. Others have been part of The Pieces for years. Each person has their own goals, their own story, and their own place here.

We’re incredibly grateful for the families, staff, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community partners who have helped build Puzzle Pieces into what it is today.

Happy 14th birthday to The Pieces. We’re pretty excited about what comes next.

09/04/2026

Now that the secret is out, we’re starting the Puzzle Pieces Podcast with the person who knows exactly how we got here.

In our first episode, Executive Director Amanda Owen sits down to talk about why Puzzle Pieces is launching a podcast, why we chose our 14th anniversary to do it, and what she hopes this new platform will bring to families and our community.

She also shares what you can expect in the episodes ahead as we have real conversations about disability, parenting, services, education, advocacy, independence, and the questions families are asking.

Watch Episode 1 right now and be sure to follow our journey here: puzzle-pieces.org/resources/puzzle-pieces-podcast

And this is just the beginning.

When we know better, we do better... and every piece matters.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Puzzle Pieces Podcast! In ...

09/04/2026

The secret is officially out. Introducing the Puzzle Pieces Podcast!

Today marks 14 years of Puzzle Pieces, and we’re celebrating by starting a new conversation.

Over the past 14 years, we’ve learned alongside individuals with disabilities, families, educators, employers, professionals, and community partners. We’ve also heard the questions families are asking and seen how valuable it can be to have honest, accessible conversations about disability, services, advocacy, and everyday life.

That’s where the Puzzle Pieces Podcast comes in.

And for our very first episode, we’re starting at the beginning.

Executive Director Amanda Owen sits down to talk about why a podcast, why now, and why this project matters. She shares what we hope this new platform can become and how it can serve families and our community in the years ahead.

Future episodes will tackle real questions and topics surrounding disability, parenting, education, services, employment, independence, advocacy, and more—with voices and perspectives that can help all of us better understand.

Because when we know better, we do better. And every piece matters.

Episode 1 is LIVE today.

Listen, learn more about the podcast, and find where to follow along at:
puzzle-pieces.org/resources/puzzle-pieces-podcast

Here’s to 14 years of Puzzle Pieces—and the start of a brand-new conversation.

09/03/2026

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is conducting a study about programs that help people with disabilities return to or go to work. SSA hired Mathematica to do the study, which includes interviews with people in the SSI or SSDI programs who have worked in the last two years or are interested in work and who have not used Ticket to Work or Work Incentives Planning Assistance services or worked with a state vocational rehabilitation agency. The interview would last about 30 minutes, and you would receive a $40 Visa gift card as thanks.

If you are interested in being interviewed as part of the study, please call Mathematica toll-free to learn more at 1-844-576-1307. If you would like to learn more about the study there is information on SSA’s website: ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/ticketevaluation.html

09/03/2026

Our inaugural Puzzle Pieces Ambassador of the Month, Chris, is officially making his way around Owensboro!

This morning, Chris joined our team at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster breakfast, where he had the chance to meet business and community leaders and learn more about what’s happening in our region.

He heard from TeraWulf about the future of technology and the company’s project in Hancock County. And, of course, one of the morning’s highlights was meeting Barney the Bearcat from event sponsor Brescia University!

This is exactly what we hoped our Ambassador Program would create: a chance for our clients to be present in the rooms where our community gathers, make new connections, learn about what’s happening around them, and represent Puzzle Pieces along the way.

Chris has a busy September ahead, and we can’t wait to take you along with him!

Want Chris to visit your business or organization or join you at an upcoming community event? Email Harlee at [email protected].

09/03/2026

We’ve kept this one quiet long enough.

Tomorrow, on our 14th anniversary, we’re adding something new to Puzzle Pieces—something created to share, connect, and help our community know better so we can do better.

The secret is out tomorrow.

09.04.26

09/02/2026

The Autism Works Study aims to improve employment services for Autistic adults. Autistic adults, family members, providers, policymakers, and employers are invited to take part in a one-time 60-minute interview or 90-minute focus group plus an optional 90-minute co-design workshop. Your perspective can help shape future approaches to employment services for Autistic adults.

Participants will be compensated for either the interview or the focus group (not both) and a follow-up session. All sessions will take place online. This is a research study, not treatment.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact [email protected] or 502-820-6546.

09/02/2026

We’re Hiring Direct Support Professionals!

Our Adult Day Training program is looking for dependable, compassionate people to join our team as Direct Support Professionals.

As a DSP, you’ll work directly alongside adults with disabilities as they build independence, participate in programming, spend time in the community, develop everyday skills, and work toward their individual goals.

What you need to know:

Starting pay: $15/hour
Full-time positions available
Hours between 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Make a direct impact in the lives of the individuals we serve

If you’re looking for meaningful work where your day has a purpose, we’d love to meet you.

Apply today: puzzle-pieces.org/about/careers

09/01/2026

Welcome to Puzzle Pieces, IMPACT 100 Owensboro!

Today, we’re excited to welcome the ladies of Impact 100 Owensboro to our campus for a firsthand look at our work, our clients, and the project we hope to bring to life through their support.

Last month, Puzzle Pieces was honored to be named an Impact 100 grant finalist. Today’s site visit gives us the chance to share the story behind our grant request—why this project is needed, who it will serve, and the difference this investment could make for the individuals and families who rely on Puzzle Pieces.

We’re grateful for the time these women dedicate to learning about needs across our community and for the thoughtful process they bring to every grant decision.

Welcome to Puzzle Pieces! We’re glad you’re here.

09/01/2026

Meet our very first Puzzle Pieces Ambassador of the Month: Chris!

This September, you may notice a familiar face representing Puzzle Pieces around Owensboro. Chris is kicking off our new Ambassador of the Month program, giving our clients a greater presence in the community and a chance to represent the organization they are an important part of.

Throughout the month, Chris will join our team at Rooster Booster, ribbon cuttings, community events, volunteer opportunities, and more. He’ll meet local leaders, visit businesses, support other organizations, and help share Puzzle Pieces with the community.

This program is important because we don't want our clients' stories to be told only by our staff. Our clients should have a seat at the table, a presence in the room, and the opportunity to represent themselves.

Chris is ready to get started, and we're excited for our community to get to know him even better this September.

If you see Chris out representing Puzzle Pieces, be sure to say hello!

Want to be part of the Ambassador Program? If you or your business or organization would like to invite our Ambassador of the Month to an event, volunteer opportunity, visit, or other community experience, email Harlee at [email protected].