All posts by David Woodard

Iron and String Life Enhancement (ISLE)/Purple Cat gives men and women who are reliable, caring & compassionate an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. ISLE provides assistance at home and in the community to persons who are “differently-abled”. Our motto is “Work Hard, Be Kind and Have Fun!” We offer a competitive starting…

Q: How long have you worked at the Purple Cat and what do you do and or like about it?A: 8 years. I do janitorial work at Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket. I love that I get to interact with the public and see friends every day. Q: What city do you live in?A: Youngstown Q: Who…

PCMC continued a string of great sets on their Summer 2019 tour at Pabsolutely 12 at the Royal Oaks on August 17th. The band kicked things off on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on the city’s East side to a captivated audience. The band have been working out new material as well as some well known…

May is a fine month to be working outdoors! At the Purple Cat we have over 20 employees working outside daily at Farmer Casey’s Ranch.  The Hoop House is clean and productive.  Strawberries and Tomatoes are flourishing.  Garlic and Onions will be ready soon.  The bees are really buzzing too!  Our roadside store will be…

Q) How many years have you worked/volunteered at Isle, Purple Cat, or Golden String? A) 1⁄2 years Q) What do you do for the organization?A) I work with our theatre, radio station, P.C.M.C. band, and help our individuals with singing. Q) Name a client from Isle, Purple Cat, or Golden String that inspires you, and…

The picturesque red buildings, a 9-acre lake, geese grazing in the grass and live farm animals deliver a peaceful setting. Farmer Casey’s Ranch, part of the Purple Cat group and its largest location, is a day-program vocational facility in Coitsville that allows ample opportunities for each person with developmental disabilities to achieve his or her…

On March 23, 2019, two female peacocks were added to the Purple Cat family. The females were added to compliment two males that were rescued in 2018.  There are now four pairs of peacocks at Farmer Casey’s Ranch.  We are hoping for more eggs and peachicks soon! Also added were a pair of Golden Pheasants. …

Q: How long have you worked at the Purple Cat and what do you do and or like about it?A: I’ve worked in the kitchen at Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket since October of 2018. I like being able to prepare salads and socialize with friends. Q: What city do you live in?A: Boardman Q: Who is…

On January 20th, 2019, the splendor of the Purple Cat farm at Farmer Casey’s Ranch was on full display.  The waning afternoon sun splashed its warmth on the chickens and guinea fowl in the hen house.  The “frizzle” chickens appreciated the warmth.  The “supermoon” (eclipse and wolf moon) illuminated the night.  We are thankful to…

How many years have you worked/volunteered at Purple Cat? A long, long time ago, like 5 years. If you could have any job in the world what job would you want? Ooh, Doctor, have witch hazel, band aids, rubbing alcohol. Name someone from Isle, Purple Cat or Golden String that you like to hang out…

Richie R. turned “the big 50” in November. He celebrated in style with his family and friends at his church. He enjoyed a bicycle themed cake and chocolate covered Oreos and Nutter Butters. Way to go “Bike Man”! Richie works at the farm and is in charge of all bike repairs within the ISLE/Purple Cat…

Gay and Debbie reside together in Poland, Ohio and often work together at the Purple Cat. Currently they work together at the Morley Theater site. They are often hand in hand and help each other on and off the van daily. They are exuberant and full of life. Dancing, singing, art and saying “I love…

Our sewing program at Pearl Street Is growing! We picked up one more used sewing machine so we can make ALL THE THINGS! I can’t wait to see what the Purple Catters want to make for the holidays! Thank you to everyone that has purchased pillows in the past week! We are so happy and…

On September 16, 2018, four of our Nigerian Dwarf goats visited Downtown Youngstown for Oh Wow’s “Silly Science Sunday”. The goats were fed their orchard grass by dozens of children. Thank you to Gaba (for loaning out her goats), Tina M. for getting supplies ready, and Jill P. and Howard Martin for clean up. The…

Q: How long have you worked at the Purple Cat and what do you do and or like about it? A: Over a year. I like to do the dishes at Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket. Q: What city do you live in? A: Farrell, Pa Q: Who is your favorite staff and why? A: Gil Pagan…

Susan collects pennies at all our Purple Cat locations for St. Jude Children’s Hopital! She collects, rolls, and keeps the pennies in a special bank account and donates throughout the year. Today she got a donation cashier’s check written out for the amount of 700 dollars! Next time you see Susan around town tell her…