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02/19/2026

Dancing Together for DSNWK set for March 1 in Hays

By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post

Once the music starts, the stage won't be big enough to hold the joy at Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Organizers with DSNWK and Styles Dance Centre said the show is an inclusion-focused performance and fundraiser.

The event brings together Styles dancers and individuals served by DSNWK. Sarah Biggs, DSNWK director of programs and services, said the partnership brings many smiles to everyone involved.

"It's just a great mix," she said. "Interacting with them in the studio is so much fun."

The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. on March 1 at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University. Admission is by free-will donation, and raffle tickets will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting DSNWK.

Alyssa DeChant, owner of Styles Dance Centre, said she has helped coordinate the event for several years, and this year’s performance will include 50 DSNWK participants.

"Some are traveling from all over Kansas this year to participate," DeChant said. "It's a really great way for my kids to work with individuals with disabilities and bring them together into the studio."

Their first rehearsal on Monday prepared dancers for the show, which will end with a grand finale featuring cheerleaders and dancers from the Arc, Hays High School and FHSU. Participants practiced in large and small groups.

DSNWK participants are traveling from surrounding areas, including as far away as Norton. With the large number of performers, organizers said audience members can expect to see dancers in the aisles.

"You can just feel the whole auditorium moving, and it's a pretty cool piece," Biggs said.

Allison Dreiling, a Styles Dance Centre alumna, is again choreographing and leading rehearsals this year. The annual event began as a project in an FHSU leadership class and now fosters year-round connections.

"It's created such a community for my dancers that they may not have ever been introduced to if it weren't for this show," DeChant said. "We see these individuals out in the community and at other events. They remember us, they know our names and we know theirs."

Trudi Mapes, a DSNWK client and dancer, said she enjoyed the rehearsal and that it wasn't her first rodeo.

"I've done this lots of times—about four or five times," Mapes said.

The song she is learning to dance to is "You Don't Know You're Beautiful" by One Direction.

Biggs thanks the moms who work extra hours to make the event possible and the businesses that donated to the 20 raffle baskets.

DeChant said the show precedes her dancers’ upcoming competitions and offers an opportunity to practice while working with individuals with disabilities.

01/19/26

DSNWK Receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation Grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The Hansen Foundation awarded DSNWK $100,000 for the purchase of two ramp-accessible vehicles to address the increasing demand for accessible transportation. With the addition of these two fleet vehicles, DSNWK remains committed to providing reliable, dignified, and inclusive transportation for individuals with evolving mobility needs.

These vehicles will be used for essential transportation for individuals served by DSNWK, including rides to medical appointments, employment, classes, shopping, and participation in community activities. The majority of the individuals in these service settings require accessible transportation due to mobility issues (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.) and who will directly benefit from the use of a ramp-accessible vehicle. 

“We are so grateful to the Hansen Foundation for their support. These vehicles will benefit some of the most vulnerable passengers in northwest Kansas,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Transportation is an essential component to a strong and inclusive community and for the people we serve, it is even more important because they rely on DSNWK for their transportation needs.”

01/12/26

Sheridan County Community Foundation supports DSNWK with grant award

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to have received a grant in the amount of $1,128.99 from the Sheridan County Community Foundation. The grant will be used at DSNWK’s Hoxie Developmental Center, for a gazebo, a Laguna shower chair and a transport chair. 

The requested gazebo is an important addition for creating an outdoor recreational area where staff can lead activities, meals, and social gatherings in a protected environment outside of the center. This is an essential part of DSNWK's commitment to promoting a person's desired lifestyle, independence, and outdoor activity, while promoting healthy choices. 

The shower chair is needed to meet the daily needs of some of the individuals in Hoxie, improving personal care and minimizing the risk of injury. The transport chair will be used to meet the mobility needs of those served in participating in community activities, and reducing the physical strain on staff as they assist with movement throughout the day. 

“The project will significantly impact our organization and community by providing both safer, dignified indoor care and a comfortable, sheltered outdoor area,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.

12/21/25

Heartland Foundation grants DSNWK for Otoscopes

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Heartland Community Foundation in the amount of $905.28. The grant will go toward the purchase of two otoscopes for DSNWK’s nursing staff based in the Hays area.

The otoscopes, which are used to visualize and examine the ear canal and eardrum, will be used by DSNWK nurses to evaluate and monitor the auditory health of individuals during routine check-ups, contributing to current health monitoring practices.  “We are grateful to the Heartland Community Foundation for this grant award,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Having this type of equipment allows DSNWK to meet the health needs of those we serve.”

12/10/25

DSNWK benefits from generosity of RCCF

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce a grant award from the Rawlins County Community Foundation in the amount of $5,000. The grant will go toward climate control and safety upgrades for its Plumb Street home in Atwood.  

The grant will be used for the installation of a heating/air unit in the garage area of the home. This important facility upgrade is needed to convert usable space in a portion of the converted garage area to ensure temperature stability for food pantry items, storage of personal items, and a working area for our maintenance personnel. 

“With the number of individuals residing in this home, it has become necessary to convert this last remaining unfinished space by adding climate control capacity for this area,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “This will be better for essential inventory, including pantry items, donated food, and resources secured through bulk purchases.”

11/25/25

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Family Foundation

A grant for more than $20,000 was received by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas from the Beach Family Foundation to enhance communication, improve community engagement and support its Custom Creations work environment. 

Specifically, this grant will be instrumental in enhancing DSNWK’s public presence and communication through electronic displays at their office locations throughout its service area. The displays will showcase achievements, program updates, community events, and information about services which will improve communication with visitors, families, and the public.

The grant will also be used to upgrade Custom Creations workspace with new cabinets, new display photos and merchandise display racks. These additions to our  downtown Hays store will better showcase the exceptional work and talent of DSNWK’s many artists.

Finally, the Beach Family grant will be used to replace outdated manufacturing technology, and improve the overall work environment for Custom Creations. DSNWK will purchase two additional Cricut machines, a Cricut Autopress, a Glowforge Pro, a sublimation machine, and new work tables.

“Adding these items to our creative options allows DSNWK to provide a more comprehensive, effective, and modern environment that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential and foster greater connections and understanding in our community,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.

11/18/2025

McMurtrie Golf tournament raises over $16,900 

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $16,900. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 12th at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used for the renovation of one of DSNWK’s group living homes in Hays. A total of 20 teams participated in the event that included flight and raffle prizes and lunch on the course.  DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.

11/13/2025

DSNWK Celebrates Successes at Awards Luncheon

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on October 21st. Awards were given throughout the afternoon to staff, persons served, and community members.  The first awards of the afternoon were given to employees of DSNWK for their years of service. Those staff recognized and listed by location, were:

Atwood - Amber Barnett, Martina Urban

Hays -  Robert Begler, Janet Bolander, Derek Crabtree, Tammy Dreiling, Terri Farrington, Timothy Gohl, Jeremy Goodale, Michael Greene, Kathrine Hampton, Hazen Hance, Timothy Herman, Magdalen Housman, Madeline Hutchins, LeAnne Kroeger, Vanessa Moore, Cheryl Morgan, Jared Normandin, Alicia Preston, Leah Schlyer, Terry Schmeidler, Lance Sprick

Hill City - Cynthia Bauer, Kelly Granger, Dawn Powell

Norton - Deirdre Nelson

Russell - Tamara Lynch, Sandra Nietzke

Recognition was made to six people who retired from DSNWK over the past year.  They were; Connie Fross, Dale Haag, Deanna Leiker, Denise Stritt, Audrey Ummel and Paul Wildeman.  

Special recognition was also paid to three staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities.  April LeJuene of Atwood, Dilene Reinhardt of Hays, and Dawn Rose, of Russell were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award. 

A $100 scholarship award was presented to Alyssa Cole who is attending Fort Hays State University.  This award was given from the Jerelyn Becker Memorial Scholarship Fund for employees studying in higher education in a field related to serving people with developmental disabilities.

Several awards were given to individuals served by DSNWK for achievement through employment.  Those receiving awards and listed by location were: 

Atwood - Kelly Fisher, Judy Leiker

Hays - Jimmy Brungardt, Matthew Green, Jacob Houghton, Olivia Hueneke, Anthony Morgan, Derrick Morton, Dallas Rupp, Asia Schonthaler, Tyrone Schumacher, Trenton Uhl

Hill City -  Alyssa Logue, Val Stradel

Plainville - Haley Ciarallo

DSNWK’s newest awards recognized contractors through its Shared Living program.  Those receiving awards for one year were: Kiera Goodwin, Kimberly Griffith, Gloria Johnson, Tabitha Madden, Casey Whitley and Landon Williams of Goodland.

DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK.  AeraAna Austin Oder of Lucas and Jared Barnes of Hill City were presented these awards which go each year to one youth and one adult who have shown tremendous individual progress throughout the year.  

Awards were presented to community individuals and businesses.  Master Cleaners in Hays received DSNWK's Employer of the Year Award for their outstanding support of people with disabilities in the workforce.  The Community Support Award was presented to U-Save Pharmacy of Hays for their support of DSNWK’s Employment Connections.  Recognition was made to Martin Jimenez of Hays with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Award for his outstanding volunteerism.  

Finally, DSNWK recognized two long-time advocates of DSNWK for their support with its Vision of Hope Awards.  The Scheopner Family of Goodland and Connie Weber and the late Allan Weber of Oakley were honored.  DSNWK paid tribute to them for their outstanding support over the years for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.