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Collaborative Arts Project going strong during COVID19
12/30/20
Normal activities seem impossible during the coronavirus as we must maintain our distance and wear masks, but the Collaborative Arts Project has continued to be a great program with good participation; even as it has moved online. Amy Schmierbach, a Professor of Art and Design at Fort Hays State University has taken on the task of sharing her love for art with others through a digital lens. The Collaborative Arts Project continues to provide art workshops for the individuals served at DSNWK, but it looks a little different. Amy says about the new virtual atmosphere, “My students and I have been hosting drawing workshops over zoom on Tuesdays for one hour. It is going well. Much different than when we were working at Employment Connections, but we have some good things developing. We have participation from many who have not worked with us before and it seems that most are really focused on their drawings during the entire hour. Our drawing content is different, more focused on subject matter that the clients have suggested and lots of holiday themed. They are doing some really great work. We wish we were in person, but it is nice to connect to everyone and we are all drawing. We see this as a win during this crazy time.” Amy plans to continue these zoom workshops throughout the Spring 2021 semester and is working on new ideas that will make the virtual environment feel as personable and inviting as possible.
DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Family Foundation
12/29/2020
A $16,000 grant from the Beach Family Foundation will help Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas support their efforts to “energize the brand of DSNWK”.
DSNWK will be utilizing the grant to update our building signage across northwest Kansas to reflect the new logo and clearer messaging of DSNWK.
“The goal is for the new, stronger messages and images to create better recognition across the 18 county area, attract more job applicants, foster inclusion and grow the donor base, primarily within the counties we operate but also beyond our borders,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.
DSNWK would like to thank the Beach Family Foundation for their continued support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas.
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.
Heartland Foundation supports DSNWK residential location
12/17/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Heartland Community Foundation in the amount of $7,155.00 to benefit one of DSNWK’s residential living locations.
DSNWK will be utilizing the grant to install an automatic door opener and an awning in one of our homes in Hays. The door opener will allow for greater independence for the residents in the home who require adaptive equipment to enter and exit more independently. The awning will improve the quality of life for those individuals in the home who enjoy spending time outside.
“As the individuals in our programs grow older, accessibility and quality of life in our residential locations must be addressed. These improvements make the home safer, more accessible, and satisfying to the individuals who live there,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.
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’s Kobler Developmental Center benefits from Graham County Community Foundation
12/03/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Graham County Community Foundation (GCCF) in the amount of $6,800.00 to benefit Kobler Developmental Center in Hill City.
DSNWK will be utilizing the grant toward the purchase of replacement equipment (a sublimation setup) for the DSNWK Employment Connection’s Engraving program. This equipment will greatly improve the engraving program at the Kobler Center and remain a local resource in Graham County and the surrounding area.
“Employment Connections in Hill City has always worked to provide meaningful work opportunities for the people we serve. Our engraving service has been a useful resource to the community, and this new setup will allow us to not only continue this valuable service but also it will provide more options for our customers,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.
In 2005, DSNWK received an in-kind donation of a rotary engraver which helped to launch the DSNWK Employment Engraving program in Hill City, providing meaningful work opportunities to persons with disabilities. Since the machine has aged, DSNWK has turned towards a sublimation printing option as a more affordable alternative to sustain the program.
Over the years the program has engraved and assembled trophies, medals, awards, license plates, name plates and business signs. The program is able to engrave on wood, rocks, glass, marble, brass plates, acrylic and aluminum plates.
To inquire about your printing project in the Graham County area, please contact Sherri Jackson at 785-421-5035.
DSNWK garners support from RCACF
11/17/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) in the amount of $2,991.00 to benefit Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell.
DSNWK will be utilizing the grant toward the purchase of a mobile monitoring device at Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell. This equipment can monitor systolic and diastolic noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse rate, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Having this equipment ready to go on wheels allows for a more rapid response by staff when an individual is sick or having a medical emergency, especially in the COVID environment.
“This generous grant from the Russell County Area Community Foundation will allow us to provide more efficient care for the people we serve in Russell,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “This equipment can help detect or diagnose a problem much quicker and provide a higher quality work experience for our staff.”
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. Through the efforts of the 40 staff members working in the Russell community, DSNWK currently serves nine children in Russell county and 19 adults with I/DD in DSNWK’s day and residential services.
DSNWK Celebrates Successes
11/9/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas held its first ever awards ceremony as a virtual event on October 20th. The event was made virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. Staff, individuals served by DSNWK and community people were given recognition through a special video that is on the DSNWK website www.dsnwk.org.
Those staff recognized and listed by location, were:
Atwood - Amber Barnett, Roger Prideaux, Martina Urban, Barb Wolters
Hays - Robert Begler, Michelle Bland, Janet Bolander, Derek Crabtree, Tammy Dreiling, Terri Farrington, Connie Fross, Sandra Garner, Timothy Gohl, Jeremy Goodale, Lacy Goodwin, LeAnne Kroeger, Christopher McCullough, Cheryl Morgan, Jared Normandin, Julie Quakenbush, Brina Robinson, Leah Schlyer, Edward Shiltz, Lance Sprick
Hill City - Karla Morgan, Vince Walker
Russell - Geneva Darty, Kathryn Garrett, Tamara Lynch, Harley Ricketts
Special recognition was also paid to four staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. Michelle Bland, Dustin Olsen, Leanna Carrier of Hays, and Lennice Hope of Hill City were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award.
Two $100 scholarship awards were presented to Anna Barrett and Brietta Wheeler of Hays. 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 - Janey Engleman, Judy Leiker
Hays - Ethan Asuncion, Jessica Boeckner, Marie Brier, Lakin Eckroat, Joshua Finger, Matthew Green, Jack Hashenberger, Jacob Houghton, Jeanne Jones, Nicholas Leis, Joshua Rupe, Theron Schmidt, Asia Schonthaler
Hill City - Gerald Hasenbank
Russell - Glen Geschwentner, Kylie Reddig, Brooke Schroeder, Orrin Stephenson
DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. Brextyn New of Jennings and Jamie McMurtrie of Hays were presented these awards which go each year to one youth and one adult who have shown tremendous individual progress throughout the year.
DSNWK plans to recognize several members of area communities in the near future with special awards. McDonalds in Hays will receive DSNWK's Employer of the Year Award for their outstanding support of people with disabilities in the workforce. The Community Support Award will be presented to Haley Nixon with the Hays Recreation Commission for their outstanding support to individuals served by DSNWK with their specially designed classes for special populations. Recognition will be made to two individuals with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Awards. Alvin Bieker, individual served in Atwood was recognized for his community involvement and Beverly Medley in Hays was recognized for her personal support of the people served by DSNWK.
Finally, DSNWK recognized Adrian Wolf of Hays as an outgoing member of DSNWK’s Board of Directors.
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.
Midwest Energy grant supports DSNWK’s Kid-Link program
11/4/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently awarded a $1000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc. The grant will be used in DSNWK’s Kid-Link program to purchase books and evaluation items for families and children as they reach developmental milestones. The items help identify a need, as well as, help children to learn a new skill or maintain skills once learned.
The DSNWK Kid-Link Early Intervention Program provides a system of services to help infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have a developmental delay, diagnosed disability, or are at risk for a developmental delay including vision and hearing impairments. These services are provided in the child’s natural living environment. Kid-Link covers six north-central Kansas counties: Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Russell and Smith.
For more information about DSNWK’s Kid-Link program contact Tammy Dreiling at 785-625-5678 or tammy_dreiling@mydsnwk.org.
CARES Act grant supports Part C, Kid-Link program
10/28/20
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a grant through Phase Two of the funding Kansas received from the CARES Act. This $11,553.00 grant will go to support families in DSNWK’s Part C, Kid-Link program with much needed learning technology.
Due to COVID-19, in-home services for families were limited due to the lack of necessary technology. Because services to these children are imperative, the need for telehealth has become the best option for families. The tiny-K Part C Program is free to every child that qualifies, despite the family's resources. 38 children are currently being served in this program that are unable to connect virtually due to lack of equipment and connectivity. Having this kind of access to telehealth will also provide opportunities with their physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DSNWK partnered with Nex-Tech Wireless in providing the devices and connectivity needed to enable families to use telehealth services at a reduced price. DSNWK would like to thank Nex-Tech Wireless for their support.
DSNWK’s Part C covers six counties in rural north central Kansas to provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth up to three years of age.
Golf tournament raises funds for new cabinets in group home
10/23/20
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised more than $15,000.00. This will go toward new cabinets for the Circle Drive home. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 25 at the Ellis Golf Club. DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success. DSNWK serves people with developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.
DSNWK unveils new logo, slogan and website
10/13/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, provider of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas, announced the launch of its redesigned logo, slogan and website. These changes came through DSNWK’s strategic planning process and a special Innovation Team with the charge to “Energize the DSNWK Brand.” “Not only do we believe this logo represents what we do, but it will create brand consistency and for all of our programs,” stated Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “The new logo evokes a feeling of inspiration and shows love and compassion, which is truly what we are all about.” DSNWK also created a new slogan “Live with Purpose” that ties into the overall concept. “We created a video that was launched to our staff and the individuals we serve on September 29th,” stated Steve Keil, Director of Development. “The video asked the question, ‘what does it mean to live with purpose.’ We then answer that question in a variety of ways throughout the video.” For more than 53 years, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has served both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSNWK serves more than 500 individuals with mild to severe disabilities in communities throughout the 18 counties of northwest Kansas. For more information and to watch the Live with Purpose video, visit DSNWK’s new website www.dsnwk.org. For more information, contact Steve Keil at 785-625-5678 or steve_keil@mydsnwk.org.
Kobler Center Ribbon Cutting to be held on September 1st
8/25/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be holding a special ribbon cutting on September 1st for the newly renovated exterior of its Kobler Developmental Center location in Hill City. The ribbon cutting at the Kobler Center, 100 W. McFarland, will also include the movement and rededication of a time capsule that was buried within the building in 1982. The time capsule was uncovered during the renovation of the building and will be moved and rededicated in a prominent section of the building and opened in the future.
The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will include the ribbon cutting by the Hill City Chamber of Commerce, a look at the outside of the building and refreshments.
For more information contact:
Steve Keil
Director of Development
(785) 625-5678
2020 DSNWK Awards Ceremony Will Be Virtual
08/20/2020
DSNWK’s Annual Awards Ceremony will look a little different this year, with the event going to a virtual format as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. “Although the ceremony will be virtual, we still believe that it will be a special afternoon as we will recognize both staff and persons served by DSNWK,” states Steve Keil, Director of Development. Although details about the ceremony are still being worked out, DSNWK plans to recognize employees for years of service, as well as achievements made by men and women in DSNWK services. The ceremony is set for Tuesday, October 20th.
For more information, contact Steve Keil at steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or
785-625-5678.
ACCESS Public Transportation to return to normal hours of operation
08/06/2020
ACCESS Public Transportation is pleased to announce that we will be returning to normal operations starting on August the 12th. Normal operational hours are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week. ACCESS phone lines will be open from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm seven days a week for you to book rides. You can book rides two weeks in advance and are encouraged to do so. Call: 785-628-1052 to book your ride.
ACCESS Public Transportation requests all riders wear masks or face coverings when riding public transportation. We ask that all riders maintain the required six foot social distancing. ACCESS will be allowing only two riders at a time on the bus to allow for the six foot social distancing.
ACCESS will clean the buses as often as possible to help maintain the spreading of COVID-19 virus.
Safe Ride will remain closed at this time and until further notice.
For more information, contact ACCESS Transportation at 785-628-1052.
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.
Inside DSNWK 5-15-20.pdfFamily Insert-Quarterly Newsletter Q2.pdfLatest 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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
News Archive
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.
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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.