Latest News

Stealing The Show

07/22/2020

Annie Wasinger, a senior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, has taken initiative to spread love and kindness in the best way she knows how. Annie has been involved in the Hays Community Theatre since she was three years old and has continued to practice the art of theatre ever since. Annie’s brother, Joel Wolcott has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Understanding that there aren’t many opportunities for individuals like her brother to participate in theatre, Annie transformed her passion into something especially great by starting a theatre camp for individuals with disabilities called The Center Stage Theatre. After seeing the joy it brought to the participants, Annie was determined to continue the camp and share her love for theatre while encouraging others to try new things.

Obviously, the COVID - 19 pandemic has put a damper on many things, but Annie has gone above and beyond to ensure that she can continue to teach theatre tactics to her campers. She started a Facebook page and YouTube channel that would allow the participants to meet virtually. Starting on June 15th, Annie was able to utilize the online programs by releasing various videos. She started these virtual platforms as a way to interact with her campers during COVID - 19, but has decided to utilize online aspects year round in order to stay connected and keep up with how everyone is doing. Annie still plans to hold the camp in person from August 3rd through August 7th because many individuals have missed out on several annual events and she wants to make sure that her camp isn’t one of them. If for some reason it is deemed unsafe to hold the camp in person, Annie has made arrangements for the event to go virtual. It is apparent that this camp is near and dear to Annie’s heart as she has put much time and effort into it, but it is also clear that she has been personally impacted by the joy that comes along with serving others. Annie expressed, “Center Stage Theatre Camp is really a cumulation of all of my hopes and dreams. The campers I have had the privilege to work with have become like family to me”.

Dash 4 Disabilities Fast Approaching

07/15/2020

DSNWK is proud to sponsor the 8th Annual Dash for Disabilities Fun Run. The run is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m.

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before July 29th. Day-of registration will be a $12 entry fee. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.

The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Steve Keil at 785-625-5678, steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org.

PDC happy to have new vehicle

07/06/2020

A 2019 white Ford Fusion pulled into a parking stall in front of Prairie Developmental Center on Tuesday. A welcome sight for PDC staff and individuals served at the Center. Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas was able to purchase this new vehicle thanks to the generosity of several Atwood community members. DSNWK held a special barbeque lunch for those donors and gave them first look at the new vehicle. “We were happy to deliver this new car to PDC today, as well as take some time to visit with and show our appreciation to the donors who made it all possible,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “It is people like these that make Atwood such a special place to live.” The new vehicle replaces a car for PDC which was lost due to excessive mileage and complete engine failure. DSNWK would like to thank Atwood Circle of Friends, The Rawlins County Thrift Shop, Atwood Masons Lodge and Jean Ann Wagner for making this possible. DSNWK serves persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the 18 counties of northwest Kansas including the community of Atwood.

DSNWK benefits from United Way COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

06/24/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is grateful for a $500 grant award from the United Way of Ellis County from their COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The grant award helped to offset costs for the necessary supplies to implement preventative policies for the safety of staff and individuals in all DSNWK’s locations in Ellis County. These preventive efforts included the purchasing of personal protective equipment (PPE), following the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

DSNWK would like to thank the United Way of Ellis County for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

The Butterfly Project

6/22/2020

It is apparent that COVID-19 has provoked people all over the world to feel trapped and a little stir crazy as we are forced to stay in our homes. For the individuals in our group homes, this dangerous virus has been nothing short of frustrating. The pandemic guidelines have made DSNWK case manager, Tiara Espinosa especially worried about the potential lack of mental stimulation that our individuals so heavily rely on. In order to help, Tiara took to Google in search of possible ways to alleviate the frustrations of being stuck at home for individuals in the Douglas group home. She eventually came across the “bug farm” idea and contacted Brina Robinson, the Residential Coordinator for the Douglas home, so they could brainstorm some possible ideas. Spiders and ants were mentioned as possible contenders, but the ladies eventually settled on butterflies. Tiara did some online shopping and found a habitat that she was able to have mailed directly to the home in Douglas. She even found some caterpillars online and waited for the weather to warm up so that they would survive shipping. Once everything had arrived, the residential staff helped the individuals set everything up and before long, beautiful butterflies were born!

Tiara stated about the project, “I was really happy with the turnout - the butterflies are so pretty, and the guys seemed to be interested in the different stages of development. All in all it was a really fun little project! I'd love for them to do it again next year, or to send the habitat around to other group homes with folks who are interested”.

The late Harriet Richardson matches Midwest Energy grant

6/18/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce their receipt of a generous contribution from the late Harriet Richardson to the renovation project of DSNWK’s Hoxie Developmental Center. We were saddened at Harriet’s passing and touched to learn of her wishes to support DSNWK and this project. The donation will be utilized as part of the match needed for the $15,000 matching grant received from Midwest Energy.

Richardson, a long time supporter of DSNWK, passed away on May 11th. She was a parent of two sons who receive services at the Center. She, along with her husband Bill, were also generous donors to DSNWK and helped to advance services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Hoxie area. “Harriet was a strong advocate and promoter of services in Hoxie and beyond,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “This gift from her in her final days is just another example of how important the continuation of our services and supports were to Harriet.”

The renovation underway will make the center more functional, accessible, and community focused for the people we serve in Sheridan County and surrounding counties who have developmental disabilities. The renovation will change the floor plan to make room for much needed accessible bathrooms, a utility room, larger classroom space and a larger dining room and community room area. While making these changes, a storm shelter is also hoped for as part of this plan.

DSNWK would like to publicly thank all those involved in support of this project. A great spirit of generosity is reflected in the support from the late William and Harriet Richardson and from Pete Henry through his Foundation’s trustees who carry on his powerful legacy. Both have been instrumental in maximizing the generous matching grant opportunity provided for by Midwest Energy in their initial contribution toward the renovation of the DSNWK developmental center in Hoxie.

DSNWK offers new service called Fam-Link

06/11/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to offer a new service to families called Fam-Link. DSNWK has teamed up with LiveWell Northwest Kansas, Inc. to focus on nurturing and supporting families to improve outcomes for children in northwest Kansas using Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) intervention. This intervention is designed to help families develop critical skills leading to better outcomes for children and thus family preservation.

Fam-Link service at DSNWK is offered to parents and caregivers of babies who are between 6 and 24 months old. Fam-Link strengthens the relationship with the child, while helping the child to learn to regulate behaviors and emotions. DSNWK’s Fam-Link program helps to identify and respond to a baby's signals. As a result, the relationship between parent and child is one that helps to protect him or her from stress, early challenges and adversity.

For more information about DSNWK’s Fam-Link program, contact Sara Biggs at 785-621-5329 or sara_biggs@mydsnwk.org.

DSNWK receives grant from Norton County Community Foundation

5/27/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a grant from the Norton County Community Foundation in the amount of $4,750. The grant will be utilized for the replacement of the front door and kitchen cabinets in one of DSNWK’s Norton residences. These improvements will allow the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), who live in this home to enjoy much needed upgrades to their home. The upgrades to the Norton home will allow the individuals living there to continue to have a pleasant living environment for years to come. These upgrades will also increase the outside appearance of the home as the front entrance will be more aesthetically appealing. The kitchen cabinets will provide more functional space, allowing staff and individuals to have greater use of the kitchen. DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

DSNWK receives grant from Smith County Community Foundation

5/21/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award of $2,471.00 to go toward the purchase of a new Tympanometer for it’s Kid-Link program thanks to the support of the Smith County Community Foundation.

The new tympanometer will be used by DSNWK’s Kid-Link staff to test children’s hearing and will be used for initial screenings and upcoming community screens that will be provided free of charge to the families and children in Kid-Link’s catchment area. It will also allow for hearing screenings to continue in a timely manner. Hearing screenings allow for Kid-Link professionals to assess the child’s needs and if necessary, refer them to specialty services. Without these screenings, a child’s hearing challenges may go unnoticed and their development be negatively affected. This is part of Kid-Link’s early intervention services provided in northwest Kansas.

The DSNWK Kid-Link program provides a full range of early intervention services to eligible infants/toddlers from birth up to 3 years of age. Services are provided in the child’s home or other natural environments. Kid-Link services are offered in the six north-central counties; Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Russell and Smith.

PDC Receives Grant from Second Century Fund

5/12/2020

Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood secured a grant for $2000.00 from the Second Century Fund to purchase and install an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood and the purchase of AED equipment needed to train staff on how to properly use the machine in case of an emergency. The AED being installed at PDC will not only be available for the individuals we serve but for community members as well. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in America. As the population with I/DD we serve continues to age, the need for AED capability becomes even more pronounced. DSNWK wants to be prepared to best serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in any situation. DSNWK would like to thank the 2nd Century Fund for its continued support and generosity of PDC.

Latest News

Golf Tournament raises money for Hays group homes

12/10/2019

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised approximately $9,800.00. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, August 3rd at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used to benefit DSNWK group homes Hays. DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.

DSNWK benefits from local community foundations

12/06/2019

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce several grant awards from local community foundations.

The Sheridan County Community Foundation awarded DSNWK $2,888.00 for Hoxie Accessibility Improvement. With the funds, DSNWK was able to install a 14 ft x 32 ft concrete pad in the parking lot located at the front entrance of Hoxie Developmental Center. With approaching inclement weather, this pad will allow individuals served, specifically those using wheelchairs and walkers, smoother access to the building.

The Norton County Community Foundation awarded DSNWK $2,558.25 for accessibility improvements at Frontier Developmental Center in Norton. The money from this grant will go to purchase a new shower chair and a portable body lift. Both of these items will provide a safer and more pleasant bathing experience for individuals served, as well as, decrease mobility concerns, improve quality of care, and minimize injuries.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation awarded DSNWK $2,500.00 toward the expansion of a Kid-Link office at Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell. This renovation will result in more offices for staff, a conference room to hold confidential meetings, and increased efficiency in other areas of the building.

The Heartland Community Foundation awarded $3000.00 for the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in two DSNWK group homes in Ellis county. The grant will also allow for the purchasing of AED equipment needed to train staff on how to properly use the machines in case of an emergency.

November 5, 2019

DSNWK Receives grant from Hays Lions Club

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $500.00 grant award from The Hays Lions Club for the vision needs of the people they serve who have developmental disabilities.

DSNWK Recognizes Success at Awards Luncheon

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on October 22nd. Awards were given throughout the afternoon to staff, persons served, and community members.

November 1, 2019

Dechant Recognized by InterHab

Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre in Hays, was recognized by InterHab with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019. The award was presented at InterHabs’ Annual Power Up Conference in Wichita on October 19th at the Hyatt Regency. Dechant was recognized for her work in creating the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held each April at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

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September 11, 2019

VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders

A large crowd of First Responders filed into DSNWK’s Schoepner Room at the Administrative Offices on September 11th as DSNWK hosted a luncheon in appreciation for their dedication and service.

Latest News

December 3, 2019

DSNWK Receives grant from Hays Lions Club

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $500.00 grant award from The Hays Lions Club for the vision needs of the people they serve who have developmental disabilities. The grant will go to support DSNWK's Consumer Medical Fund which assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid such as eye glasses and other vision needs. DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

November 5, 2019

DSNWK Recognizes Success at Awards Luncheon

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on October 22nd. Awards were given throughout the afternoon to staff, persons served, and community members.

November 1, 2019

Dechant Recognized by InterHab

Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre in Hays, was recognized by InterHab with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019. The award was presented at InterHabs’ Annual Power Up Conference in Wichita on October 19th at the Hyatt Regency. Dechant was recognized for her work in creating the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held each April at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

____

September 11, 2019

VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders

A large crowd of First Responders filed into DSNWK’s Schoepner Room at the Administrative Offices on September 11th as DSNWK hosted a luncheon in appreciation for their dedication and service.

Latest News

November 5, 2019

Dechant Recognized by InterHab

Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre in Hays, was recognized by InterHab with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019. The award was presented at InterHabs’ Annual Power Up Conference in Wichita on October 19th at the Hyatt Regency. Dechant was recognized for her work in creating the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held each April at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

____

September 11, 2019

VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders

A large crowd of First Responders filed into DSNWK’s Schoepner Room at the Administrative Offices on September 11th as DSNWK hosted a luncheon in appreciation for their dedication and service.

____

July 11, 2019

DSNWK receives grants to renovate, expand group home

A $279,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and a $50,000 grant from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation will help Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas make needed repairs and improvements, the most costly being the renovation and expansion of an Ellis County group home.

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Latest News

September 11, 2019

VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders

A large crowd of First Responders filed into DSNWK’s Schoepner Room at the Administrative Offices on September 11th as DSNWK hosted a luncheon in appreciation for their dedication and service.

____

July 11, 2019

DSNWK receives grants to renovate, expand group home

A $279,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and a $50,000 grant from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation will help Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas make needed repairs and improvements, the most costly being the renovation and expansion of an Ellis County group home.

____

July 1, 2019

Making learning fun at Reed Developmental Center

The Reed Center is finding new ways to share the fun of learning! Through a grant awarded by the Beach Family Foundation, DSNWK was able to purchase virtual goggles to be used in the classroom.

Latest News

September 11, 2019

VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders

A large crowd of First Responders filed into DSNWK’s Schoepner Room at the Administrative Offices on September 11th as DSNWK hosted a luncheon in appreciation for their dedication and service.

____

July 11, 2019

DSNWK receives grants to renovate, expand group home

A $279,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and a $50,000 grant from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation will help Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas make needed repairs and improvements, the most costly being the renovation and expansion of an Ellis County group home.

____

July 1, 2019

Making learning fun at Reed Developmental Center

The Reed Center is finding new ways to share the fun of learning! Through a grant awarded by the Beach Family Foundation, DSNWK was able to purchase virtual goggles to be used in the classroom.

Latest News

December 3, 2019

DSNWK Receives grant from Hays Lions Club

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $500.00 grant award from The Hays Lions Club for the vision needs of the people they serve who have developmental disabilities. The grant will go to support DSNWK's Consumer Medical Fund which assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid such as eye glasses and other vision needs. DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

November 5, 2019

DSNWK Recognizes Success at Awards Luncheon

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on October 22nd. Awards were given throughout the afternoon to staff, persons served, and community members.

November 1, 2019

Dechant Recognized by InterHab

Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre in Hays, was recognized by InterHab with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019. The award was presented at InterHabs’ Annual Power Up Conference in Wichita on October 19th at the Hyatt Regency. Dechant was recognized for her work in creating the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held each April at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

____

September 11, 2019

VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders

A large crowd of First Responders filed into DSNWK’s Schoepner Room at the Administrative Offices on September 11th as DSNWK hosted a luncheon in appreciation for their dedication and service.