2015 DSNWK News

ARC and TMP-Marian make Christmas a Success Story

1/6/15

The holiday season is always a little brighter for many of the people served by DSNWK as the ARC of Central Plains and students at TMP-Marian High School purchase gifts for them to open on Christmas. Each year, the project supports those 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. “This is always a very rewarding project. I know the individuals we serve really appreciate the kindness of the ARC and TMP,” stated Steve Keil, Director of Development.

Dillons Stores’ Ending Gift Card Program; New Community Rewards Program will Benefit DSNWK

1/9/15

Dillons is ending the “Neighbors” gift card program and launching “Community Rewards” on February 1. You can easily help DSNWK earn funds by registering your existing Plus Shopper’s Card! Enrollment is fast and simple. Signing up is simple, and you won’t have to do a thing except use your Dillons plus shopper’s card when purchasing items. To designate DSNWK to receive funds from Dillons based on your purchases, just follow the the instructions below.

1. Make sure you have a Dillons Plus Shoppers Card

2. Visit : https://www.dillons.com/communityrewards

3. Sign in to your account or create an account if you do not yet have one

4. Click “Enroll Now”

5. Type the first three letters of “Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas” in the search box or search using DSNWK’s Community Rewards Number: 10111

6. Select Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas in the search results and click “Enroll”.

You will need to complete this process once each year. We will send a reminder when it is time to re-enroll for next year. Thank you!

Pizza Hut + Kids-Link

1/27/15

Kid-Link and Pizza Hut are working together to raise money to support the vision needs of children across the area. Several area Pizza Huts will be donating 15 percent of their proceeds to DSNWK’s Kid-Link program. Enjoy a great pizza and support the services provided by Kid-Link at the same time. Kid-Link plans to use the proceeds to purchase a Spot Pedia Vision Screener. This special screener can assess a child’s eyes even when they are as young as 6 months. It is easy to use and detects vision problems, screening both eyes at the same time. Below are the restaurants participating, dates and times of the event. Norton Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 3rd, 5:00 p.m. to close Smith Center Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 3rd, 5:00 p.m. to close Plainville Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 3rd, 5:00 p.m. to close Osborne Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 3rd, 5:00 p.m. to close Stockton Pizza Hut, Thursday February 5th, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Kid-Link provides full early intervention services to children ages birth through two years in their natural living environment. These services are for those who have a diagnosed disability, are delayed in two or more developmental areas, or are at risk of developmental delay.

“Our Place” Home Complete

2/4/15

After more than a year of renovations, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas ‘Our Place’ home is now completed. The renovation project began on the home located at 1113 Eisenhower in Norton in October 2013. ‘Our Place’ is a home for six individuals served by DSNWK and replaced the two story home that DSNWK utilized at 602 N. Grant Street since the late 1980’s. The project became necessary due to the accessibility needs of the individuals living there.

A one level home, renovated to suit their needs, became a must. Providing the safest and healthiest living environment possible was the motivation behind ‘Our Place.’ ‘Our Place’ features 6 bedrooms on the main floor with a partially finished basement and sits on a single lot. The home also includes two baths, each with a roll-in shower, a large kitchen, living room, laundry room and medical support room. ‘Our Place’ is a fully accessible home and includes all the necessary Fire/ Life safety equipment to meet the needs of the persons served there. The individuals that reside at ‘Our Place’ receive services and supports 24 hour a day, every day of the week. DSNWK is planning to have a special open house to be held in the Spring giving the Norton community an opportunity to tour the home and ask questions.

PDC Receives Grant from 2nd Century Fund

2/13/15

Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood secured a grant for $5500 from the 2nd Century Fund to enlarge the concrete cut out in front of the entrance of their building. This cut out will improve accessibility to PDC for individuals served by DSNWK who use wheelchairs and walkers. This will also improve accessibility for those community members who use a wheelchair or walker that benefit from the community room. DSNWK would like to thank the 2nd Century Fund for it’s continued support and generosity of PDC.

“Day at the Capitol” Set for March 19th

2/25/16

InterHab is sponsoring the “2015 Day at the Capitol” on March 19th in Topeka. InterHab member agencies including Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will have staff, parents, persons served and board members attending the event. InterHab has dubbed the theme “Kansas Families” for the event and has organized a day that will give attendees opportunities to participate in activities and discuss the issues that face the disability population with their legislators

DSNWK Benefiting from AmazonSmile Donations!

3/3/15

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers. Click on the link and go directly to smile.amazon.com and support DSNWK! http://smile.amazon.com/ch/48-0757621

Donations Needed for Benefit Sale

4/10/15

DSNWK’s Employment Connections is gearing up for their annual benefit sale and is in need of donations. This is a great way to clean out your storage closet and support people with disabilities at the same time! Contact Employment Connections at (785) 626-2018 if you have something to donate and to arrange a pick up time.

Push Day Set for April 30th

4/14/15

InterHab is hosting its annual Push Day rally outside the Kansas Capitol to demonstrate concerns for pressing issues affecting Kansans with developmental disabilities. This year, we invite advocates to come to the Capitol for a rally. We want to send a strong message to our legislators that our concerns have NOT been addressed and that they MUST do all they can during the omnibus session to address our issues. All are welcome to join us on April 30th from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in support of Kansans with developmental disabilities.

Area Kids Ready for Unified Softball 2015

4/20/15

April marks the beginning of one of the most inspirational event of the year - DSNWK’s Unified Softball. Unified Softball is a unique opportunity for children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers to join together and participate in a game of softball. Often times children with disabilities are delegated to the sidelines, rarely having the chance to play. Unified Softball offers them the opportunity to finally get out of the stands and onto the field. Area teams will participate in several days of fun and true sportsmanship. The games are scheduled to begin on April 26th. All games will be held at the Dusty Glassman Fields in Hays.

After providing each child with a team shirt and trophy, all additional funds raised will go into DSNWK’s Children’s Special Needs Fund. The Children’s Special Needs Fund helps families who have children with disabilities. Families who have limited resources can access this fund to help pay for the high costs of equipment and other needs associated with their child’s disability. If you would like to support Unified Softball with a contribution, just send your check to DSNWK, P.O. Box 310, Hays, KS 67601 and state Unified Softball in the memo line.

Hundreds rally at statehouse to support social services

5/6/15

Hundreds of disabled individuals, along with their families and their advocates, rallied at the Statehouse on Thursday to call for full funding of social services that they rely on to continue living independently. Many of those attending were people with physical and developmental disabilities that are so severe they qualify under Medicaid to live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. But with certain kinds of non-medical assistance known as “home and community based services,” they are able to live on their own or with their families. Those services include things like help with personal hygiene, house cleaning, and monitoring a person’s sleep and medication.

Although Kansas lawmkers have not yet proposed cuts to those services — in fact, the state’s total social services budget is expected to grow by $138 million — advocates for those individuals say they worry that cuts could be right around the corner as lawmakers grapple with trying to fill a $422 million budget hole for next year. “When we see looming problems in achieving a tax package that could pay the bills, one of the things you have to think about is where they can cut,” said Tom Laing, executive director of Interhab, a Topeka-based organization that advocates for the rights of people with developmental disabilities. “And with Medicaid being such a big chunk of the budget, we don’t want to see them balancing the budget on the backs of Medicaid.

Dash for Disabilities Set for June 6th!

5/19/15

The 4th Annual Dash for Disabilities is right around the corner! The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th at 9:00 a.m. Preregistration is due by June 3rd. Entry Fee is $10.00, $12.00 after the deadline. 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.

Memorial Donations give needed boost to DSNWK programs

5/20/15

Honoring the memory of loved ones through memorial gifts is always a great way to ensure their memory lives on and continues to make an impact in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Throughout the year, Developmental Services receives memorial gifts from individuals who wish to give to our programs and services, as well as honor the memories of loved ones. We are always pleased to receive these gifts and preserve the memory of friends and family members. Most memorial gifts are designated to Project Rose which supports our general fund at DSNWK. However, any memorial contribution can be restricted to benefit a specific program or location. In some cases, the memorial donations supported one of our many funds established to benefit the lives of the people we serve such as the Medical Fund, Personal Needs Fund or Children’s Special Needs Fund.

Other memorials were established to support a specific group home, developmental center or department, such as the College for Living. Regardless of where the money is designated, DSNWK will always send acknowledgements to all donors and notify family members of gifts received. Memorial donations are a lasting way to express your love in more than words. It becomes a meaningful remembrance as it works to help DSNWK provide the excellent, quality support of people with disabilities in northwest Kansas.

DSNWK Receives Grant from Heartland Community Foundation

6/5/15

Thirty-two grant recipients representing organizations from Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties were honored recently by the Heartland Community Foundation at their Annual Awards Reception in Hays. Heartland presented grant checks totaling over $106,000 to nonprofit organizations during the event. “We received 60 applications for grants and our Grants Selection Committee was charged with the difficult task of sorting through the applications to choose who would be awarded funds during this grant cycle.” said Heartland President Brandon Prough. DSNWK received $2500 for technology expansion.

Russell Area Community Foundation Supports Kid-Link with Grant

6/5/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas was recently announced as the recipient of a $2,500 grant from the Russell County Area Community Foundation. The grant award will be used to help in purchasing a tympanometer for DSNWK’s KidLink program. A tympanometer is used to test the function of the middle ear. “We are thankful of the grant award from the Russell County Area Community Foundation. Their support of DSNWK and of the children we serve is very much appreciated,” stated Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.

Our Place Open House Set for June 30th

6/15/15

DSNWK will be holding an open house on June 30th at their newly renovated group living arrangement called Our Place in Norton. The open house will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will last until 7:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting by the Norton Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to take a tour of the home, enjoy refreshments and learn more about DSNWK and the services that they provide in the Norton community. This home accommodates six individuals served by DSNWK and replaced a two story home that DSNWK utilized at 602 N. Grant Street since the late 1980’s. The project became necessary due to the accessibility needs of the individuals living there.

DSNWK Awards Luncheon Set

6/22/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will host its annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays. Awards will be presented to DSNWK employees for years of service with one recognized with the Employee of the Year honor. Recognition will also be made for the achievements made by men and women in DSNWK services. These awards will be for employment and independent living accomplishments, with special awards giving for individual achievement. DSNWK will also present awards to several community members for their support of people with disabilities through opportunities in employment and other community support.

Invest an Acre

7/2/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is introducing a new donation program through the Kansas Food Bank called Invest an Acre. Through the Invest An Acre program, a farmer can donate an acre or any portion of crop proceeds to help feed hungry families in their own communities including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A farmer, as well as, any business, organization or individual can also simply write a check to Invest An Acre and route it to the Kansas Food Bank. Every dollar donated to Invest an Acre will be matched, dollar for dollar by a donation from Monsanto, doubling the impact. 100% of the individuals contribution to Invest an Acre will come right back to their home community giving them the opportunity to specify their gift to be used for DSNWK. All donations are tax deductible. The Kansas Food Bank will route the donation to Feeding America who will qualify the donation for matching funds from Monsanto. Feeding America will then return 100% of the donation, plus the matching funds to the Kansas Food Bank to be used for the specific program that is selected.

Feeding America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS and your donation to the Invest An Acre program is tax deductible.

If you are interested obtaining a form or would like more information about the program, contact Allen Schmidt or Steve Keil at 785-625-5678.

Gnarly Neon 5K is Back for 3rd Time!

7/3/15

The Gnarly Neon 5K is coming back again to Hays! Hays’ most fun 5K is a run for all speeds and ages. Runners rock out to the sounds of a live, local DJ and get their gnarly on while being showered in neon colors throughout the course, finishing up at the after party where the colorful chaos erupts! The color starts flying at 9am on August 29th at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. Gnarly sunglasses, temp tattoos and headbands will be handed out prior to the fun. Just show up in your whitest whites; run, skip, hop or dance through the colorful chaos; then party your face off at the Gnarly Neon after party!

Early registration guarantees you a white T-shirt. Proceeds will benefit the Hays Recreation Commission and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas as they create activities for those with disabilities. Activities and programs are designed for any individual, youth or adult, with a mental or physical disability to develop, enhance, and/or maintain leisure skills, motor skills, socialization, and overall well-being as well as to promote fun and enjoyment.

DSNWK Receives Grant from Russell County Area Community Foundation

8/5/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas was recently announced as the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Russell County Area Community Foundation. The grant award will be used to replace heating and air conditioning units at Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell. “We are thankful of the grant award from the Russell County Area Community Foundation.

Their support of DSNWK and of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is very much appreciated. They not only make a tremendous difference in the lives of the people we serve, but in the lives of many throughout the area,” stated Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is a private, not for profit organization serving more than 500 individuals with developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas. DSNWK has been providing quality services and programs to the area for over 45 years.

DSNWK Receives Grants from Sheridan and Rawlins County Area Community Foundations

8/10/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce that the Sheridan and Rawlins County Area Community Foundations has each awarded grants of $4,760 for the purchase of an interactive touch board and hand held iPad devices. Both of these training devices will provide interactive technology to DSNWK’s College for Living program which serves persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Sheridan and Rawlins County. This interactive touch board technology will provide both learners and educators with new levels of training capabilities and interactive stimuli.

The addition of these proven and powerful learning tools will provide distinctive education programs to the individuals served by DSNWK. DSNWK is greatly appreciative to the both the Sheridan and Rawlins County Community Foundations for helping the organization embark on this exciting technology

Golfers Set to Tee Off in McMurtrie Tournament

8/12/15

Teams are forming now for he Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament. The event is scheduled for Friday, September 25th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ellis Golf Course. Proceeds to benefit DSNWK’s group homes in Hays. The tournament is a 4 person scramble and is being organized by Friends of DSNWK. The event will include a chance to win a Golf Cart with a hole in one. Other activities taking place during and after the tournament include lunch on the course and flight prizes for the top three teams.

If you would like to form a team, be a hole sponsor or support the tournament with a contribution, contact Jodie Brazda or Bethany Herreman at 785-628-3169 or Steve Keil at 785-625-5678.

DSNWK Receives United Way Grants

8/13/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that The United Way of Ellis County has allocated $24,563 for the Job Placement Follow-along program for 2016. This allocation is contingent upon The United Way reaching their campaign goal of $490,000. Follow-along services are provided to all individuals who complete DSNWK’s Job Placement Program for support to maintain employment and for additional training in the future. Follow-along can intervene before the individual loses his or her employment and reduces the dollars spent on job procurement, training new employees, and unemployment or disability payments. DSNWK would like to thank the United Way of Ellis County for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

Support People with Developmental Disabilities through Dillons Community Rewards Program

8/17/15

You can support people with developmental disabilities with a simple swipe of your Dillons card. How? Just register your existing Plus Shopper’s Card! Signing up is simple, and you won’t have to do a thing except use your Dillons plus shopper’s card when purchasing items. Signing up for the community rewards program with your Dillons card has no bearing on your ability to accumulate or use fuel points for yourself. To designate DSNWK to receive funds from Dillons based on your purchases, just follow the the instructions below.

1. Make sure you have a Dillons Plus Shoppers Card

2. Visit : https://www.dillons.com/communityrewards

3. Sign in to your account or create an account if you do not yet have one

4. Click “Enroll Now”

5. Type the first three letters of “Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas” in the search box or search using DSNWK’s Community Rewards Number: 10111.

6. Select Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas in the search results and click “Enroll”.

You will need to complete this process once each year. We will send a reminder when it is time to re-enroll for next year. Thank you!

Colorful run smaller but still fun

By JUDY SHERARD jsherard@dailynews.net

8/31/15

Color was the object of the Gnarly Neon 5K Saturday morning at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. But participants weren’t competing for speed, and they weren’t wearing school colors. Participants of all ages and athletic abilities were welcome and most started the event sporting sunglasses and wearing identical white T-shirts with the Gnarly Neon logo. As they crossed the finish line in the color run, the patterns were different, but they were drenched in pink, orange, blue, yellow and green. The colorful powder thrown as the “runners” passed the stations is corn starch with biodegradable and nontoxic food dye, said Jason Brines, owner and operator of Mobile Game Den Inc. Proceeds from the event benefits the Hays Recreation Commission and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. It fits in with the Hays Rec wellness program’s objectives, said Dave Quillin, HRC wellness director.

The 5K course had three stations, and the same layout as last year. DECA students from Hays High School served as volunteers again this year. “They had an absolute blast, and I’m hoping that the runners had more color on them than what the kids had on them,” DECA sponsor Shaina Prough said of those at the color stations. “We usually work in conjunction with the Rec on this one and the turkey trot in November, so we just come and help. It’s good for community involvement.” About 15 students in all volunteered. Besides the color stations, some help with archery or laser tag games after the run. “It’s nice and organized, and they have this game den stuff, which is a lot of fun,” Prough said. It’s family time for Kent and Shawnda Werth. They came with sons Drew, 10, and Easton, 7. Shawnda is a runner who has competed in other races, but the color run is a little different. “They don’t time it or anything, so it’s just for fun,” she said. “It’s more laid back,” Kent said. Shawnda and Drew finished the 5K course. “I ran a condensed form of it with my little guy,” Kent said.

Kay Brin came to watch her daughter Brianne Brin and friends. None are runners. “They just decided to come out and have fun,” Brin said of the girls. Since they left their phones in the car, Brin was the group’s official photographer. Parker Goldsberry, Hays, was first to cross the finish line about 23 minutes after the race began. He was a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School runner, and cross country coach Matt Dumler was a mentor. “He’s the reason I can run like that,” Goldsberry said. “I was just going for fun, but I saw one guy ahead of me, so I just said all right. The color makes me run faster because I see people cheering for me.” Soon after he crossed the finish line, he cheered as his running partner Cassandra Armbruster, Hays, finished.

About 150 signed up for the event this year compared to about 350 last year. Brines blamed the fewer participants this year on a number of competing events this weekend. Next year he’s planning a different look — a new design and different course. “There will be some surprises next year,” he said.

DSNWK Sports Auction is Underway!

9/3/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas’ On-line Sports and Celebrity Auction is now underway! You can bid on autographed items from a wide variety of athletes and celebrities. For a complete list of all the items that will be up for bid, go to www.dsnwk.org. All items being auctioned are listed with eBay for a one week period and will follow the normal requirements of eBay. Each week, DSNWK will select several new items from their list that will be up for bid.

All proceeds from the Sports and Celebrity Auction will benefit the special needs of both children and adults with developmental disabilities, such as a winter coat, shower chair or portable ramp.

DSNWK Celebrates Successes at Awards Luncheon

10/13/15

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on September 29th. 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, Karen Focke, Betty Hafer, Roger Prideaux, Martina Urban, Barbara Wolters Hays - Kathyrn Beckley, Robert Begler, Charmane Besperat. Derek Crabtree, Matthew Detherage, Terri Farrington, Amber Farrell, Anna Findley, Connie Fross, Sandra Garner, Jeremy Goodale, Connie Hendrix, Jenna Jacobs, Abu Kaba, LeAnne Kroeger, Tammy Lawson, Edward Olden, Janet Pfanenstiel, Jeff Saindon, Leah Schlyer, Linda Schoenthaler Hill City - Deena Newell, Vincent Walker Russell - Sheila Bosch, Tamara Lynch, Julie Quakenbush Stockton - Ann Forell

DSNWK gave special recognition to six staff members who made successful efforts in coming to the aid of persons served by DSNWK in need and providing emergency assistance. Those recognized were: Jesse Babcock of Hill City, Bri Robinson of Hays, Dawn Rose of Russell, Kelsey Obermiller and Maria Tipton and Jessica Zink of Norton.

Special recognition was also paid to one staff member for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. Jeannie Komarek of Hays was presented with the Employee of the Year Award. Two $100 scholarship awards were presented to Rikki Krejci of Russell and Mary Wise of Stockton. These awards were 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 and independence. Those receiving awards and listed by location were: Atwood - Janey Engleman, J. Lynn Lohoefener Ellis - Homer Edwards Hays - Jessica Boeckner, Marie Brier, Kacey Dannels, Jackie Hashenberger, Bobby Heard, Shad Jay, Judy Leiker, Nicholas Leis, Raylynn Lumpkin, Ramona Schmitt, Asia Schonthaler Hill City - Gerald Hasenbank Russell - Glen Geschwentner, Steven Madsen, Orrin Stephenson

Three individuals served by DSNWK received their Improvement Awards. This award recognizes individuals served by DSNWK who has demonstrated greater independence by moving to a less restrictive living enviroment. Jenny Cronn, Val Stradal and Sabrina Young of Hill City received the awards. DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. Lakin Eckroat of Hays and Joe Newton of Russell were presented these awards which go each year to one youth and one adult who have shown tremendous individual progress throughout the year.

Chris Beckman of Oakley was presented with one of DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Awards for his community volunteer efforts. Annette Norman of Hays was presented with DSNWK’s Fitness Award for her dedication to exercising, losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle.

Several awards were presented to members of area communities during the afternoon. They were: Graham County EMS of Hill City, who 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 both the ARC of Central Plains and TMP-Marian High School of Hays for the outstanding support that they display to the individuals that DSNWK serves through their Christmas project.

Finally, DSNWK’s second Good Neighbor Award was presented to Phyllis Strecker of Hays who has shown outstanding support to an individual served by DSNWK.

Fallfest Set for November 3rd

10/22/15

DSNWK’s Fallfest celebration for it’s staff, parents,and persons served by DSNWK has been officially set for November 3rd. Thanks to the generosity of Nex-Tech, Conrade Insurance and Hays Tees, Fallfest returns to the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays. Fallfest will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will include a variety of games, bowling, a dance, and barbecue lunch. “We are truly grateful to our sponsors for their support of this special event. Fallfest is one of DSNWK’s most anticipated days of the year for the people we serve,” stated Steve Keil, DSNWK Director of Development.

Golf tournament raises funds for DSNWK homes

10/26/15

Organizers of the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament are pleased to announce that approximately $11,000 was raised from the event for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 25th at the Ellis Golf Club and organized by “Friends of DSNWK”. Proceeds are being used to benefit several DSNWK group homes. DSNWK serves people with developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.

Fallfest brings entertainment, socialization

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT mgebhardt@dailynews.net

11/5/15

It was a morning full of laughter, dancing and games as friends reunited during Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas’ annual Fallfest on Tuesday. The event was at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, where entertainment including games, projects and dancing was provided for individuals served by DSNWK. Hays Recreation Commission and Centennial Lanes also participated and provided activities.

“Fallfest is a gathering of the people we serve with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Allen Schmidt, planned giving officer for developmental studies. “It’s to get them all together to have a great time, and they always have a blast.” Reaching 18 counties, DSNWK serves hundreds of individuals with mild to severe disabilities. “We have individuals from all over, like Atwood, Norton — places like that,” said Steve Keil, director of development. “This really is the one time of the year where a lot of our individuals get to see everyone.”

Approximately nine members make up the Fallfest Committee, who started working up the details for this year’s event approximately three months ago. “We basically kind of divide and conquer,” Keil said of the committee. Thanks to the planning and preparation, guests enjoyed entertainment and games including bingo, crafts, face-paintings, balloon animals, temporary tattoos, beanbag toss and a photo booth. Additionally, music was played during the duration of the event, with a large area designated for the dance floor. “Did you see my balloon hat? I really like it,” Richard Graf, Hays, said with a big smile on his face. Graf is an individual served by DSNWK. “I like seeing all my friends,” he said. “It’s so fun.”

Providing an opportunity to reunite with friends and simply having fun were the main goals of Fallfest organizers, who said the event has been ongoing for more than 20 years with that same concept in mind. “This is like their vacation for the year,” Keil said. “It’s important to them, and that’s what drives us. We know they love it.”

DSNWK Excited about New Touchboards

11/16/15

Staff members train on the new interactive touch board technology that DSNWK received through the Sheridan and Rawlins County Area Community Foundations. The touchboards will provide interactive technology to DSNWK’s College for Living program. The addition of these proven and powerful learning tools will provide distinctive education programs to the individuals served by DSNWK.

Kid-Link Receives Grants

12/14/15

DSNWK’s Kid-Link program is proud to announce that they have received two separate grant awards to benefit their programs. The Russell County Area Community Foundation has awarded Kid-Link with a grant of $565 for a new printer for their OAE Hearing Screener.

The second grant award was from the Stockton Community Fund. This grant was in the amount of $400 and will go toward the creation of brochures. DSNWK would like to thank the Russell County Area Community Foundation and the Stockton Community Fund for their continuous support.

Community gathers for Employment Open House

12/17/15

Employment Connections in Hays held a special Open House and Employer Appreciation on Friday, December 11th. The event was a way for staff to thank all the employers for their support of the individuals who are job placed in the community and provide a fun activity for families during the Christmas season.

The open house included cookie decorating, making s’mores over an outdoor fire pit and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. LaVonne Giess, Employment Services Manager, believes having this event is important on many levels. “We believe strongly in good working relationships with our employers and the community. The open house gives businesses a chance to see all that we have accomplished, as well as, how we can help a them find a great employee and give back to our community. All of my staff take great pride in this event and look forward to it each year,” states Giess.

Making Christmas bright

By JUDY SHERARD jsherard@dailynews.net

12/21/15

Students and staff at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and Arc of the Central Plains are helping make Christmas a little brighter for those receiving services from Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. “We have a lot of individuals that we serve that may not get a lot for Christmas. They may not have a lot of family contact,” said DSNWK Director of Development Steve Keil.

DSNWK serves individuals in 18 counties. Arc and TMP have joined together for several years and have created ways for those gifts to be bought, he said. A Christmas tree in the student center at TMP has ornaments with initials and gift ideas for DSNWK clients, said Barbara Wagoner, TMP campus ministry and the project coordinator. “Students, faculty and staff can take an ornament from the tree and buy a gift for that person,” Wagoner said. It’s a community service project for students and the school, she said. The Arc receives a list of about 60 DSNWK individuals for whom to buy presents.

This year, there were 62 names on the list. With a budget of $30 for each gift, those served by the Arc usually shop for the gifts, Arc Director Beth Pfeifer said. “Working with budgets is always interesting.” Money for the gifts comes from the Arc Thrift Shop. This year there were scheduling conflicts, and there wasn’t enough staff for a shopping trip, so Pfeifer did the shopping. The Arc clients helped with the wrapping. Many of those served by Arc know those at DSNWK.

“I think it’s a great project because we’re able to have our individuals that we serve give out Christmas presents that they might not have had the money to buy,” Pfeifer said. The gifts are distributed at a DSNWK staff meeting to take back to the different group houses. Each home where those receiving services live has its own Christmas celebration. “It’s a great project. We’ve done it for several years,” Keil said. “Christmas is not just about receiving. It’s about giving, too.”

Remember DSNWK this Christmas

12/22/15

As Christmas approaches, we at Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hope that you will remember us and people with intellectual disabilities this season. Whether you remember DSNWK with a generous contribution of money or you keep the people we serve in your thoughts and prayers, we appreciate your support of our mission and the services we provide. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.