Michiana is home to Andrew Kaser. He serves his community as part of Rhyme & Reason, Inc., a ministry based out of South Bend, Indiana. It’s not the first time he’s worked in a non-profit position, however.
As he puts it, Kaser retreated for 12 years into the corporate world before re-aligning back into his passion and calling. He has been in his current role for almost a year, working as Rhyme & Reason’s Director of Social Program and Events. The mission is to help those with emotional, behavioral, and social challenges make sense of their lives and find their purposes.
“The driving force of our individual care is to help participants flourish.” he said. “We believe that the community element is critical in helping them make sense of themselves, so that it becomes all about how they can live a life that’s bigger than they are. Once we believe in our divine identity, it changes everything."
Considering his duties as director, Kaser creates programming for his fellow staff and clinicians to incorporate into the work they do with their clients. This creates a safe space to walk through a participant’s challenges together. He offers individuals room to shine, showing them how rewarding it can be to dedicate time to focus on themselves. He understands that reward can be very satisfying to any and all dealing with their troubles as they do what they can to overcome them.
In addition to addressing the technical, everyday matters, Kaser also helps create and direct that 1,000-foot view of Rhyme & Reason’s big picture. He strives to work through the reasons an event he’s planning must go on versus why it shouldn’t.
“I have some great teammates. Incredible people who are committed to create and execute the vision,” Kaser said. “I'm a part of creating the road map and it's critical I have my eyes on where we are, and where we are going with our program. We want our events to be diverse and inclusive so that we create space for them to expand into who they are and are called to be. I'll add this; we are also going to smile, laugh, and enjoy this adventure of life together."
Kaser has always been empathetic. He doesn’t neglect or forget those he serves. Instead, he’s always looking through their eyes and filling their shoes. He does so to create security for participants. His enthusiasm for what he does reveals itself through his events. He said; "I get fired up high fiving and bringing the energy." It’s all ultimately planned and done to uplift the people he serves.
“From the moment they register for an event, I want participants to feel excited about it. In other words, I want it to be something that looks appealing to them and brings an energy they want to be a part of because joy is a big deal to me,” Kaser said. “We want people to let loose and have fun because we all know the power of joy in combating an often hard, isolated, and challenging world."
While Rhyme & Reason does not have a physical location, Kaser doesn’t let that challenge — or any others — stop him. Having to operate through a private funded Program is challenging, too, but it allows him to find ways to be creative with the resources he has.
Others in Kaser’s life have helped show him the way during difficult times. He’s where he is because of the efforts of his family, friends, and even strangers, some of whom he calls his “Mighty Men.” His personal drive is made up of a desire to walk alongside individuals, paying it forward in a way, considering his path.
“My heart is bent toward those who feel like underdogs. That’s where I thrive best, trying to be around people who are in a challenging spot in life, whether it’s by their own doing or through something not even of their choosing. Trying to help them see that there is a force of good conspiring in their favor and that there is purpose in suffering and pain is what I’m driven toward,” he said. "Every great story has an antagonist. Overcoming them is where heroes are made. There's a hero in all of us."
Though it’s somewhat part of his job, in his free time Kaser loves to continue to have those deep spirited conversations with people. You can often find him coaching and helping those inside Rhyme & Reason as well as privately as a Life Expansion Coach. He cites his children as the reason he strives to be the best version of himself. He’s into fitness, and he enjoys nature, especially hiking. Looking for that next awesome trail is part of the fun and grounding of being outdoors.
Kaser’s home of South Bend and the larger Michiana community surrounding it is his place of living, working, and being. He greatly enjoys the community in which he lives.
“This is where I feel that I’m supposed to contribute. It’s always good to retreat away from here on occasion, but the truth is, this is home, and this is where I feel I’m called to make a difference,” he said. “I love being a part of organizations like Rhyme & Reason and South Bend City Church because we courageously focus on inclusion and the divine common good. I want to be that and bring that everywhere I go.”