Rising Stars: Meet Robin Kane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Kane.

Hi Robin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
My name is Robin Kane. My husband, Michael, and I have lived in Avon for 28 years, raised our four children here, and are now starting a nonprofit organization in Lorain County, “I’m Possible Games.” 

Our youngest child, Shelby, participated in the special education program in the Avon school district since preschool, age 3. The daily support she received from teachers, administrators, and classmates over the years was critical to her ability to socialize and engage as a member of the community. We came to realize after she graduated that when special education students leave high school, they lose all access to the support system that has meant so much to their lives for many years. Their socialization becomes diminished, and the loss affects them greatly. 

To bridge the gap from adolescence to adulthood, we are starting a nonprofit organization, an interactive board game business, with the purpose of bringing jobs to the area for individuals, like Shelby, with special abilities. When given an opportunity to develop with others in the workplace, these young men and women with special abilities can shine. We hope that one day soon you will be able to join us at “I’m Possible Games” in a place of our own, and as our slogan says; “Come for the Games, Stay for the Smiles”. 

We continue to seek a permanent location where we can offer appetizers, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and fun games to play! Until that time comes, we will be hosting game nights (or afternoons) in local churches and businesses. These events are free, open to everyone, and no registration is required. We travel with an assortment of fun and strategic games for all ages and abilities to play. To date, we have collected over 800 games. 

Once we have our permanent location, we will have the ability to teach job skills to individuals with special abilities. Our goal is to connect with local businesses who can employ these talented individuals, help them realize their full potential within the community, promote their inclusion in the workforce, and ultimately improve their quality of life. Everyone, regardless of ability, will be welcome into “I’m Possible Games” to enjoy the experience! 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road at all. We have been having fun with our game nights in local churches, but we would really like to have additional churches, schools, and other businesses join us in welcoming everyone in for a night of game playing and community building. 

We have had a very difficult time find a place to call home. To date, we have looked into four different locations. None have worked out. The last location we looked at was one we were very excited about, but unfortunately the landlord ended up renting to someone else. 

We know the issue is that landlords are finding it difficult to rent to a new business without a track record. However, we are serious about the business and know that if someone would give us the opportunity, we could grow this business exponentially. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the mother of four. My youngest is a beautiful daughter with a rare chromosome syndrome called Koolen De Vries. It has affected her in many ways. She has been developmentally behind her entire life. I have spent the last 21 years working with and for her. I have taken her to therapies of all kinds, attended conferences to learn how to plan for her future, attained guardianship so I can support and help plan for the future, and everything in between. 

I have made it my mission to make sure she has a satisfying and fulfilling life. I started this nonprofit so that she will have a future and can continue to grow. Everyone deserves a chance at a full life, and she is no exception. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My favorite memories are of spending time with my family. My parents always made time to be with us, have dinners together, and help us to grow. Even though everyone was busy doing their own thing, there was never a question that we were there for each other. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @im_possible_games
• Facebook: @im.possible.games.cafe