Latest News

05/21/25

Dash 4 Disabilities Fast Approaching

The Hays Recreation Commission’s 14th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner.  The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th 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.  This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk. 

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 4th. Cost after June 5th is $12. 

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.  

Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

05/01/25

DSNWK benefits from generosity of RCCF

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce that they are the recipients of a Rawlins County Universal Grant: “A Seat at the Table” in the amount of $649.95. The grant will go toward the purchase of new chairs for DSNWK’s College for Living program at Prairie Developmental Center (PDC) in Atwood. 

As College for Living participants age, they require additional mobility support to remain engaged and as independent as possible. The need for new chairs was identified through staff observations and participant feedback, highlighting the importance of having seating with armrests for easier transitions between sitting and standing.

“Many of the persons served at PDC face mobility challenges as they age and the current chairs do not provide the needed support because they lack the arm rests,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Having chairs with arm rests aid in their transition from sitting to standing and also minimize fall risks.”

04/14/25

Dancing Together for DSNWK raises more than $21,000!

A check for $21,306.45 was presented to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas from the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held on Sunday, March 2nd at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr along with Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre presented the check on Thursday, April 3rd.

Styles Dance Centre has hosted the event for several years with this year raising the most money of any other year. A large raffle with a variety of donated prizes was also a contributing factor to the success of the recital.

37 individuals served by DSNWK participated in the recital which featured dances by both the dancers at Styles, HHS Cheer, FHSU Tiger Debs as well as special group dances featuring individuals served by DSNWK. 

“This event is really inspiring,” said Dechant. “ It's truly my favorite show of our season.”

04/07/25

Hays Lions Club supports DSNWK with grant

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. This Fund assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid, items such as eye glasses and other vision needs. The Hays Lion’s Club has consistently supported our mission for 17 years and impacted many individuals whom we have served.  DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.