Newsroom
Latest News
03/23/23
Capital Campaign Goal Reached - Mission Propelled
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have reached their $5 million goal in their first ever capital campaign. The goal was reached thanks to a gift from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.
Gary Shorman, Trustee of the Schmidt Foundation, presented a check to President and CEO Jerry Michaud which officially marked the successful completion of the DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together campaign.
“We are forever grateful to all of the supporters of our capital campaign who believe in our mission and who have shown it by their financial support. Our special thanks is extended to the Schmidt Foundation for helping us reach the finish line. It is through all of this support and generosity that has allowed us to achieve our goal,” stated Michaud.
The money raised through this campaign was strategically targeted to benefit people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities we serve by improving the group homes and developmental centers where they live, learn and cultivate skills with purpose. In addition, we improved energy efficiency, strengthened security and safety through needed upgrades; and enhanced the effectiveness of service settings by completing much needed facility repairs, renovations, technology upgrades and accessibility improvements.
DSNWK would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Stronger Forever Together Capital Campaign.
03/01/23
DSNWK benefits from the support of the United Way of Ellis County and the CARE Council
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is grateful to announce that The United Way of Ellis County has allocated $27,000 for the Job Placement Follow-along program for the FY 2023 budget year. Follow-along services are provided to individuals who complete DSNWK's Job Placement Program for support to maintain employment and for additional training in the future. DSNWK’s Job Placement Follow-along program can provide timely support before the individual loses his or her employment and helps reduce the dollars spent on job procurement, training new employees, and unemployment or disability payments.
The United Way of Ellis County has also allocated $35,000 to DSNWK’s Kid-Link program for its Early Intervention Services for FY 2023. This program enhances the development of infants and toddlers, from birth through the age of three with disabilities, minimizes potential developmental delays, and reduces the educational costs by minimizing the need for special education services.
ACCESS Public Transportation was informed by the CARE Council of Ellis County that they have recommended an allocation to the Hays City Commission for an award of $77,000 for transportation services from the City of Hays Social Service Funds for the 2024 budget. ACCESS provides general public transportation services to the people of Hays and Ellis County.
DSNWK would like to thank the United Way of Ellis County, and all who give to the United Way, for their continued support of people with developmental disabilities and to the Care Council for recommending an allocation to the City of Hays for ACCESS general public transportation.
DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit organization 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.
01/03/23
TMP-Marian and ARC make Christmas Bright
Christmas is always a little brighter for many of the people served by DSNWK thanks to the generosity of the ARC of Central Plains and students at TMP-Marian High School. For the past 20 years, the ARC and TMP have purchased gifts for those served by DSNWK who have limited family contact and get little for Christmas. In some cases, ornaments are made and placed on Christmas trees with a list of the items that each person would enjoy receiving.
Kathy McAdoo, Director of the ARC of Central Plains says that the project is one that they enjoy being a part of. “The DSNWK Christmas gift project is one that we look forward to all year long. It is like stepping into Santa’s shoes and making dreams come true for some very special people,” states McAdoo.
“This is always a very rewarding project. I know the individuals we serve really appreciate the kindness of the ARC and TMP. We can’t thank both of these great entities enough for taking both their time and resources to make Christmas special for many people,” stated Steve Keil, Director of Development.
11/11/22
Midwest Energy grant supports DSNWK Employment Connections expansion
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a $1,000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc. This grant award will be used to support DSNWK’s efforts to improve storage capacity at its Employment Connections location in Hays.
This additional storage will house many of the generous furniture donations that DSNWK receives for its Custom Creations store. DSNWK will be creating the additional storage space by adding onto its current building, located at 660 Commerce Parkway in Hays. This additional storage will create a safer and more secure environment for the donations.
“Since the opening of our downtown store, Custom Creations, there has been tremendous growth in items created by the people we serve with many of these items created through furniture donations from the community.” stated Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “The Employment Connections building provides the place for us to store the furniture and for the individuals to create these one of a kind furniture pieces.”
DSNWK would like to thank Midwest Energy for their generosity and support.
11/07/22
DSNWK to wrap up capital campaign at the end of the year
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is in the final stage of its first ever capital campaign with its conclusion set on December 31, 2022. To date, DSNWK Stronger Forever Together capital campaign has raised over $4 million toward its $5 million goal.
The money raised through this campaign has helped DSNWK in a variety of ways by improving energy efficiency in its homes, centers, and offices; strengthening security and safety through needed upgrades; and enhancing the effectiveness of service settings by completing overdue facility repairs, renovations, technology upgrades and accessibility improvements.
“We are very hopeful that we are going to achieve our goal,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “A number of people have made estate gifts and have informed us of their intent to do so. We believe there are additional donors with a desire and intent to support DSNWK.”
There are a number of ways donors are able to support the campaign. “Donations may come through a life insurance policy, as beneficiary, or through a planned estate gift as two examples” states Michaud.
DSNWK invites anyone interested in donating to the campaign or including DSNWK in their estate plan to contact Allen Schmidt or Michael Berges, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officers at 785-625-5678.