2016 DSNWK News

Dillons Community Rewards Program Benefits DSNWK

Your normal grocery shopping could make a big impact at DSNWK!

1/6/16

If you participated in this program last year, you will need to re-enroll for 2016 in order for your regular purchases to continue benefiting DSNWK. You need to log in to your account and select DSNWK on your community rewards page. Step-by-step directions are provided below. If you did not sign up in 2015, take a few minutes to enroll online. Your regular purchases will benefit DSNWK all year long! You can easily help us earn funds by registering your existing Plus Shopper’s Card! Enrollment is fast and simple. We encourage you to follow the below instructions to sign up now. Dillons will be paying out $500,000 at the end of each quarter to non-profits based on shoppers’ purchases during that quarter. We hope that DSNWK employees, parents, guardians and supporters will take full advantage of the program.

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! Important Notes about Dillons’ Community Rewards Program: You will start earning rewards right away on qualifying purchases made using your Plus Shoppers Card (Restrictions include: Fuel, Dillons gift cards, postage stamps, reloadable gift cards such as VISA or Mastercard gift cards, alcohol, tobacco, sales tax and lottery tickets) Gift cards NOT redeemable at Dillons such as for restaurants, Amazon, iTunes, etc. COUNT AS QUALIFYING PURCHASES! There is no cost to enroll, and the Community Rewards enrollment will not affect your fuel points or coupon discounts. Please keep in mind that you will need to re-enroll every January.

ACCESS Unveils New Bus

1/11/16

ACCESS Public Transportation unveiled it’s newest bus which includes a new design and colors. The new design, which keeps part of the original ACCESS blue with the addition of the color green, is the first step in a special “Go Green” awareness campaign. ACCESS hopes Hays residents will consider utilizing ACCESS rather than their own vehicles in an effort to keep the air clean. ACCESS has initiated discussion with some Hays city staff members regarding the feasibility of a fixed route system in Hays. ACCESS has also been working with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the KU Transportation Center on an updated study for a fixed route system. This system would create a schedule allowing more people the opportunity to save money, time and air quality by getting on a bus at the same time everyday and dropped off at another bus stop at the same time everyday.

DSNWK Receives Grant from Dane G. Hansen Foundation

1/12/16

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) was recently announced as the recipient of a $90,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The grant award will be used for a new roof at Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood, three new air conditioning units for the Administrative offices in Hays and the construction of a Hygiene Room at Frontier Developmental Center in Norton. The need for a roof at Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood has been put on hold for many years. This roof has never been replaced since DSNWK purchased the building in 1986 and is in dire need of replacement due to age and deterioration. The new air conditioning units are needed due to excessive age as these units are among the original units installed when the building was constructed in 1984. Due to the growing accessibility needs of the individuals served at Frontier Developmental Center in Norton, DSNWK has needed to renovate space within the Center where personal care and laundry supports can be better provided to meet the needs of the individuals served there. This new fully accessible Hygiene Room would include a roll-in shower, service sink, toilet, sink and washer and dryer equipment.

“We are always very appreciative of the Hansen Foundation for their on-going support of DSNWK and the people we support with developmental disabilities. This grant award is a tremendous support of our Mission of providing the highest in quality services for northwest Kansans with developmental disabilities,” stated Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is a private, not for profit organization serving individuals with intellectual and 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 grant from Sheridan County Area Community Foundation after Match Day

1/14/16

DSNWK is proud to announce that the Sheridan County Area Community Foundations has awarded DSNWK $400.00. The money donated will go to support services for people with developmental disabilities in the Sheridan County area. This grant provided by their Community Initiative Fund was made available thanks to the first Sheridan County Community Foundation Match Day. DSNWK would like to thank the Sheridan County Area Community Foundation for this generous contribution and for their continuous support and to those who donated the matching dollars which enabled DSNWK to receive this grant.

DSNWK Receives Lions Club Grant

2/3/16

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.

Pizza Hut to Donate 15 Percent to DSNWK

2/12/16

Kid-Link and Pizza Hut are working together to raise money to support 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. Below are the restaurants participating, dates and times of the event. Norton Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 23rd, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Smith Center Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 23rd, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Plainville Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 23rd, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Osborne Pizza Hut, Tuesday February 23rd, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Stockton Pizza Hut, Thursday February 25th, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 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. Services are offered in six north-central counties; Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Russell and Smith.

Stramel’s use of technology earns her special award

2/23/16

Infinite potential through assistive technology is the motto of the Kansas Infinitec Program. For Adelyne Stramel, her use of assistive technology and the growth she has displayed has awarded her with one of their Outstanding Student Technology Awards for the state of Kansas. Adelyne has used an Ipad for communication for the past five years as a student at Hays High School. She has well over a hundred icons that have pictures and words that help her put sentences together. According to her teacher, Andrea Zody, Adelyne really blossomed over the past year in her use of the Ipad. Because a new student entered the classroom who also uses an Ipad to communicate, Adelyne was motivated to share her thoughts and ideas. “It just goes to show that patience and perseverance and the power of one can really change lives,” said Zody. Her parents, Wes and Marie Stramel, are not only thrilled with her award, but are extremely proud of Adelyne’s accomplishments. “This award has been a big boost to her self esteem and we cannot say enough good things about her teachers,” stated the Stramels. Adelyne also receives services through DSNWK and her ISC, Tammy Lawson agrees that her growth has been amazing. “Adelyne has been fortunate to have wonderful parents and a great educational team that worked to find the right communication technology for her. Adelyne’s use of the iPad/iPod and the programs, have shown what others have known all along; that Adelyne has something to say and she will express her wants and needs when given the opportunity!”

Pizza Hut raises money for Kid-Link

3/10/16

On two separate nights, Kid-Link and Pizza Hut worked together to raise almost $600 to support children across the area. Several area Pizza Huts donated 15 percent of their proceeds to DSNWK’s Kid-Link program. The Pizza Hut locations that participated were; Norton, Smith Center Plainville, Osborne and Stockton. DSNWK would like to thank Pizza Hut for their support of the services provided by Kid-Link.

VISTA Positions Available

3/11/16

DSNWK has received a grant for 3 Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) Positions. The 3 positions are Food Bank Support and Services VISTA Volunteer, Grant Search, Grant Writing and Social Media VISTA Volunteer, and Employment Support Vista Volunteer. VISTA Volunteers receive a living stipend of approximately $11,700 per year plus an end of service stipend.

If you know anyone who would like more information or is interested in becoming an AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer, please send them to the VISTA website: http://www.nationalservice.gov/ programs/americorps/americorps-vista or contact Allen Schmidt at Allen_Schmidt@DSNWK.org or 785-621-5327.

Hundreds to Rally at State Capitol to Support Kansans with Disabilities

3/24/16

Hundreds of Kansans with disabilities, along with their families, their support staff and advocates, rallied at the Statehouse on March 23, to call for legislative priorities such as protecting funding for Medicaid and early childhood services, closer monitoring of KanCare, and requesting a freeze on plans to overhaul programs they rely on to continue living independently. This year more than 600 people joined InterHab at their annual Push Day event. The event focused on empowering Kansans with disabilities to make their voices heard and remind legislators of the power of this large and active community of voters. The group used the message #myvotecounts through the Statehouse and social media. The event included visits with legislators, and observing the proceedings in both legislative chambers.

PDC Replaces Roof - Thanks to Dane G. Hansen Foundation

4/11/16

The roof at Prairie Developmental Center is getting a much needed replacement thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. PDC’s need for a roof replacement has been put on hold for many years. This roof has never been replaced since Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas purchased the building in 1986 and was in dire need of replacement due to age and deterioration. Over the years, DSNWK has needed to make numerous repairs to the roof to prevent leaking. The new roof will have a higher peak which will not only better shed snow, but will allow DSNWK to install new insulation and make the building more energy efficient.

The project is part of a $90,000 grant awarded to DSNWK from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Besides the new roof at PDC, the grant will provide three new air conditioning units for the Administrative offices in Hays and the construction of a Hygiene Room at Frontier Developmental Center in Norton. DSNWK President Jerry Michaud is grateful for the grant award and knows that the roof replacement was along time coming. “We have been aware of issues with the roof for several years and have patched it the best we could. Thanks to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, we can finally get the new roof we have desperately needed,” stated Michaud.

Frontier Developmental Center gets Hygiene Room - Thanks to Dane G. Hansen Foundation

4/13/16

Frontier Developmental Center is getting a new Hygiene Room thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The need for a special Hygiene Room was apparent due to the increasing needs of the individuals served in Norton by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. The room will better serve individuals who require showering and laundry support to meet their daily personal needs. This new fully accessible Hygiene Room would include a roll-in shower, flushing service sink, toilet, sink and washer and dryer.

The project is part of a $90,000 grant awarded to DSNWK from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Along with the new Hygiene Room, the grant will replace three, thirty year old air conditioning units for the Administrative offices in Hays and the construction of a new roof for Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood. DSNWK President Jerry Michaud is grateful for the grant award and knows that the Hygiene Room will be a much needed improvement for both staff and persons served. ”This new room will give the individuals greater accessibility, will better address health and safety. Frankly, it is both practical and functional,” stated Michaud.

DSNWK Adminstrative Offices get HAC Units - Thanks to Dane G. Hansen Foundation

4/14/16

DSNWK’s Administrative Offices is getting some much needed air conditioning units thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The need for three replacement units was apparent due to age and decrease in function of the current thirty year old units. The project is part of a $90,000 grant awarded to DSNWK from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Along with the new air conditioning units, the grant will allow for the construction of a Hygiene Room at Frontier Developmental Center in Norton and the construction of a new roof for Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood.

PDC Receives Grant from 2nd Century Fund

4/15/16

Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood secured a grant for $960.00 from the 2nd Century Fund to purchase several items for their Community Room. The money will go toward the purchase of a new dishwasher, two commercial sized electric roasters and two light duty plastic tables. All of these items will enhance the use of the room for Atwood citizens who utilize it for community events. DSNWK would like to thank the 2nd Century Fund for it’s continued support and generosity of PDC.

Concern is in the Air Common-sense Action Required

4/18/16

Looking through the lenses of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), whether from a national perspective or a state perspective, there are concerns in the air. As a starting place, let me begin on the national front. I will focus on one upcoming Department of Labor rule impacting Community services and supports for persons with disabilities. From there I’ll circle back and touch on the corresponding Kansas connection.

The Department of Labor (DOL), is implementing a rule change that will impact how all businesses and non-profits pay overtime for salaried employees. Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is a non-profit and an employer of nearly three hundred and fifty staff throughout Northwest Kansas. Like most businesses, we have both hourly and salaried employees and this DOL change touches those who are salaried in a major way. The DOL website would provide the details, but in keeping it simple I’ll focus on the core issue. There are several conditions that must be met for a position to be appropriately classified as salaried, one of which includes a salary ‘floor’. Such a position must have an annual wage greater than $23,660. The trouble brewing relates to the DOL rule change that proposes to more than double this salary floor for this employee group, a 113% spike. With the stroke of a pen, a mandate will begin impacting every industry with salaried workers whose annual wage is under the new salary floor of $50,400. The proposed overtime exemption rule threatens to put unreasonable strain on already overstrained providers like DSNWK, who provide community based supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have long-desired to elevate the wages of our hardworking hourly and salaried employees. We are primarily funded by state and federally matched Medicaid dollars. Most do not realize this, but we do not set the rates for those dollars needed for our services. For us, the rates are set by the State of Kansas. DSNWK, and providers like us, have been hindered for nearly a decade with stagnant reimbursement rates (no adjustments since 2008) and to worsen matters, reductions in resources have been experienced. So the Perfect Storm strikes when costs are mandated by law to increase while there is no corresponding mechanism nor mandate to increase the rates to remain legally compliant. That Perfect Storm is set to strike in the near future with troubling effects nationally and here in the heartland, Kansas.

This storm has been on the horizon for months and we’ve seized opportunities to provide public comment sharing our concerns with the DOL (in September 2015) as well as with our members of Congress along the way. Let’s shift from a national focus to Kansas. (over) We are all quite aware of Kansas’ current and significant budget challenges. Legislators know the important work that lay ahead and what it takes to solve that challenge. Several legislators from NW Kansas have advocated with us and with persons with IDD, stressing that we not solve the budget problem on their backs or on the backs of their support system. That support system is made up of people supporting people - men and women who’ve made it their careers to support others. These dedicated support workers deserve a living wage. The stagnant rates for the services that we provide have hampered our ability to keep pace for this noble work done every day. The reality of deficit budgets on top of receiving no rate adjustments has created a no-win situation. Looking back as far as 1999, the cost of living (ie. the inflation rate) in Kansas has risen by nearly 43% while service reimbursement rates have only risen by 17.8% over that same period! How many businesses can continue under such challenges? We must! I believe action is needed to now to correct our course. I’m reminded of a quote from Mahatma Gandhi that is spot on for us here in Kansas. He shared, “The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members”. People with IDD have the same inherent value as you and I, where each is welcome and all belong.

In the last several years we’ve been navigating and adapting to the new KanCare system which began in 2013. We are on now on the cusps of yet another major system overhaul looming in Kansas, called Waiver Integration. Because of space limits here, I’ll reference a piece of legislation, HB 2682 and a corresponding article, calling for a slowing down of that process. The KHI article, by Andy Marso, was dated 4/1/16 (http://www.khi.org/news/article/brownback-administration-sendsmixed-messages-on-waiver-integration).

We are in an “Action-Required” zone right now and need the support from all our elected leaders representing us both in Kansas and in Washington. The please ‘prevent-further-harm-of-our system’ message must transform to please also ‘address-the-critical-erosion-of-the-community service-system’. I thank each citizen for becoming more informed. Knowledge and understanding leads to both responsible citizenship and action. I am also grateful to all our elected leaders who advocate with us and those we support. We have reached out on all levels, locally, at the state level and on the national level and will continue to do so moving forward. In closing, let me suffice to say that Concern is in the Air - requiring common-sense Action. At DSNWK we remain committed to helping our community and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow and be recognized for their inherent value and importance. Our gratitude is extended to all who join us in this great work. Most Sincerely, Jerry Michaud President/CEO

Unified Softball Set to Begin on April 24

4/19/16

DSNWK’s Unified Softball is set to take the field! 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 participate in several days of fun and true sportsmanship. The first game is set for Sunday, April 24th at 1:30 p.m. at the Dusty Glassman Fields in Hays. Money raised for the games will provide 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.

DSNWK Receives Grants from Russell County Area Community Foundation

4/26/16

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce that the Russell County Area Community Foundation has awarded two grants to the organization. The first grant is a $3000 grant to Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell for the purchase of an interactive touch board. This training device will provide interactive technology to DSNWK’s College for Living program which serves persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Russell County. This interactive touch board technology will provide both learners and educators with new levels of training capabilities and interactive stimuli. The touch board is a powerful learning tool which will provide a distinctive education program to the individuals served by DSNWK. The second grant is a $580 grant to Kid-Link and will be used to purchase books to utilize with the children Kid-Link serves in the Russell County area. These books will be a integral part of Kid-Link’s focus on early intervention, the importance of development and identifying children who have a delay or concern. The books will teach how a nutrient rich diet works together with the child’s development to meet milestones. Kid-Link is a program that serves the Russell County area for children age birth through 3 years of age. This infant and toddler program serves children free of charge who have developmental delays and special needs. DSNWK would like to thank the Russell County Area Community Foundation for their support of both children and adults with developmental disabilities in the Russell area.

ACCESS transportation makes changes

By MIKE KESSINGER mkessinger@dailynews.net

5/9/16

ACCESS Public Transportation will have somewhat of a new look to itself in Hays and the surrounding area. Not by its appearance, though. The 11 buses ACCESS has still will be the recognizable white. The look will be more of an internal appearance. Communication between dispatcher and driver will be different, with the end goal of making how the bus runs as far as time management more efficient. It also will give the transportation company opportunities for the future — all of it coming through a computerized system through Reveal Management Services in Overland Park. It’s the type of dispatch system ACCESS Transportation Manager Anna Findley has been looking forward to since she started six years ago. Now, the company will be able to begin some of its newest progression starting Tuesday, when it goes live with the system in the community for the first time. “It’s been a while,” Findley said of getting the system implemented.

The overall purpose of Reveal is to make the transportation company they are working with more efficient. “We implement technology into transportation,” said Jake Walker, one of the two sales associates from Reveal in Hays helping to install and train the staff on the new system. “Our main goal is to help ACCESS Transportation run more efficiently, and thereby creating more rides and more opportunities for the riders here in Hays.” With the system implemented, each driver will have a tablet on the bus. It will have its own setup next to the driver so they will not have to hold or have any distractions with the tablet while driving. What the tablets provide drivers with is a GPS system, scheduled pickup times, addresses and a way to keep in contact with dispatch. The dispatcher will be able to send drivers messages of pickups to be made or send an emergency alert the driver can read and respond to. The dispatcher and drivers will have use of Google Maps. Dispatchers will be able to watch from a satellite visual of where the buses are and to use it for time management to be able to see if traffic flow will be of any concern. Basically dispatch will be able to help the driver in ways they have not in the past. If the dispatcher receives a call from someone who has reserved a ride saying the bus has not arrived, dispatch can find the bus on the computer screen and tell the rider or driver just how far they are from the point. “What our (system) does is it helps reduce the miles driven on the road,” Walker said. “It helps with group pickups together. The efficiency of the system is what is going to create more time in these routes and give more rides.”

While ACCESS is for general public use, the system Reveal will be able to give them a chance to look into putting a fixed route system for the city and Fort Hays State University. It’s something Findley said they have been looking into. “I’m currently in conversation with some city members, local leaders, on trying to establish a plan and get the funding in line to do something like that,” Findley said. “My personal goal would probably about be a four-year mark to get a fixed route system here in Hays. I think that will attract many from our young people who don’t want to be bothered with driving while they can be working on their phone or tablets, to other people who don’t want to use their cars anymore. They might not want to have to spend money maintenancing their car for travel to and from work.” With the Reveal system, ACCESS has made changes.

The cancel time now will be an hour prior to the scheduled ride. There now will be a half-hour pickup window, meaning if a scheduled ride is at 8 a.m., the bus could arrive anywhere between 7:45 to 8:15. The ACCESS phone lines are open from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. Safe Ride runs from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Game nets cash for DSNWK

By JUDY SHERARD jsherard@dailynews.net

5/16/16

Thomas More Prep-Marian High School students filed into Al Billinger Fieldhouse for a final basketball game Friday afternoon. It was seniors versus faculty in the second annual charity basketball game hosted by John Montgomery’s leadership and spirituality class. The idea came from Montgomery’s students in last year’s class. “We were able to raise a really nice amount of money and donated it to DSNWK (Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas),” he said. Students this year had the option of doing the basketball game again or coming up with another event.

“They chose to continue it. They wanted to support DSNWK again,” Montgomery said. It’s challenging for a group of high school students to plan a school-wide event, “but they’ve done a tremendous job,” Montgomery said. Ten senior girls and 15 senior boys competed. Kelsie DeWitt signed up to play because her friends were, and it was for a good cause. “I think we did pretty good as a team because we beat the teachers, so that’s all that matters,” DeWitt said. “The teachers came out really strong,” Annaka Applequist said. “It was a lot of fun getting to play against them.”

The game is fun, TMP math teacher Jake Befort said. “It’s just to make memories for these senior guys, just to get out there and run around with them,” he said. Barb Smiley’s granddaughter is a TMP junior high student, so she came to watch the game “and give some money. It’s a great thing for the kids to see, too, service.” Students were asked to pay admission to attend the game, and for an additional amount, they could wear sweats to school. At halftime of the girls’ game, the class presented a check for $2,250 — plus donations collected in the lobby — to Allen Schmidt on behalf of DSNWK. Schmidt said he was a 1971 graduate of TMP. “I want to let you know how proud I am of you for what you’ve done for DSNWK,” he said.

DSNWK Awards Luncheon Set

5/18/16

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will host its annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays. Awards will be given out to DSNWK employees for years of service. Recognition will also be made for the achievements made by men and women in DSNWK services. Special awards to several area businesses and organizations for their support and the employment opportunities they provide for persons with disabilities will also be a part of the afternoon activities

Memorial Donations Gives Needed Boost to DSNWK Programs

5/25/16

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.

Dash for Disabilities Set for June 18th!

5/26/16

The 5th Annual Dash for Disabilities Fun Run is right around the corner! The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th at 9:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. Entry fee deadline is June 15th with a fee of $10.00, $12.00 fee 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. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.

We hope that you will participate in this great event and support people of all abilities in our community. Sponsors for the event are: DSNWK, The ARC of Central Plains, and HESS Services.

Projects made possible through Dane G. Hansen Foundation completed

6/9/16

The projects made possible through a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation are now complete. A new Hygiene Room at Frontier Developmental Center in Norton will better serve the individuals who require showering and laundry support to meet their daily personal needs. The fully accessible room includes a roll-in shower, flushing service sink, toilet, and washer and dryer. A new roof for Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood features a higher peak which will not only better shed snow, but allowed DSNWK to install new insulation making the building more energy efficient. PDC’s roof had never been replaced since the building was purchased in 1986 and has undergone many repairs to prevent leaking. The third project completed was the replacement of three, thirty year old air conditioning units for the Administrative offices in Hays. DSNWK would like to thank the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for their continued support

Dreaming Big Interview with President Jerry Michaud

7/5/16

Unified Softball raises over $4000!

7/11/16

DSNWK had another successful season of Unified Softball raising $4230.00. The proceeds go to put on the games which includes T-shirts and trophies for all the children. Once expenses are paid, the remaining money goes to support DSNWK’s Children’s Special Needs Fund. 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. A total of four teams participate in several days of fun and true sportsmanship

VISTA Grant provides support to DSNWK

7/27/16

DSNWK is proud to welcome two new people to the organization. Sophia Young and Cecilia Morse are now working for DSNWK and are located at the Administrative Offices in Hays. Having them on board is thanks to a special grant award from VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Below are profiles of each of the new VISTA’s and what they will be doing for DSNWK.

Sophia Young moved to Hays in 2013 from Lenexa. In 2014 she had her first child, Theodore Rivera, and is expecting her second January 2017. Young joined the Americorps VISTA program because of a Peace Corps volunteer she met in middle school. Since then, Young has wanted to dedicate herself to service. Young said that the Americorps is often referred to as the domestic Peace Corps and staying local helps her fulfill both dreams of service and motherhood. Young received her Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Fort Hays State University this past May. Throughout her studies she interned as a technical writer for Lexmark, as a public relations coordinator for the Hays Public Library, and as a communications coordinator for Midwest Energy. Young founded the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at FHSU, wrote a state award-winning PR campaign, and worked as a writer for FHSU’s University Relations and Marketing. Sophia will be providing support to DSNWK through grant research and grant writing, as well as, coordinating DSNWK’s social media projects and other marketing efforts.

Cecilia Morse was born and raised in LaCrosse and has lived in Russell since 2001. She has two grown children. Cecilia became interested in working at DSNWK because she has a close family member who is served by the organization. Cecilia obtained a degree from Barton County Community College and has worked many jobs and possesses many skills. In her free time she loves to cook, and sew. Cecilia will be coordinating the Food Bank for DSNWK. The Food Bank has been a tremendous program as it has reduced the food budgets within the group homes and have allowed those individuals residing in their own apartments to continue to meet the high costs of living due to a reduction in own personal food budgets.

Grant to provide video conferencing equipment for DSNWK

8/4/16

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a special grant award of $3,240.00 to benefit Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood. The grant is from the Rawlins County Advisory Committee and administered by the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation. This grant will install video conferencing equipment at PDC and expand communication for the organization. DSNWK would like to thank both the Rawlins County Advisory Committee and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for their support of people with developmental disabilities in the Rawlins County area.

For more information contact: Steve Keil Director of Development Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas 785-625-5678

DSNWK begins five year contract to ‘End Dependence,’ welcomes Sakil to the team

8/9/16

Employment Connections signed a five year contact agreeing to the “End Dependence Kansas (EDK)” initiative through the Department of Children and Families, which aims to increase the employment of Kansans with disabilities. DSNWK’s goal is to increase the successful closures in competitive, integrated employment from 60-percent to 75- percent. The contract began July 1 and will end June 30, 2021, and welcomes a new employee, Jackie Sakil.

Sakil serves as the marketing manager for Employment Connections. Sakil relocated to Hays from the Salt Lake City area. She spent 20 years volunteering in the deaf community and previously worked as a vocational counselor and job coach. The goals of the contract include empowering disabled Kansans, building the capacity and infrastructure with community partners, decreasing the reliance of people on the public benefit system, developing effective support systems, and improving the employment outcomes of Kansans with disabilities. Seventy-percent of Sakil’s time is spent meeting with businesses and securing internships, and 30-percent is spent working with families, persons served and the Department of Children and Families’ benefit specialist.

In addition, Sakil will collaborate with mental health agencies, the Department of Corrections and provide other support needed for successful employment closures and maintenance of long term support. Current Employment Specialists Becky Rupp, Denise Stritt and Connie Yackish will dedicated 50-percent of their time to this project. LaVonne Giess, Employment Services Manager, serves as the project manager

Teams forming now for Esther McMurtrie Golf Tournament

8/29/16

DSNWK is excited to announce that the date has been officially set for the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament. Friends of DSNWK are sponsoring and coordinating the tournament to be held on Friday, October 7th at the Ellis Golf Course. The golf tournament is a four person scramble beginning at 9 a.m. and will once again benefit the group homes of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Teams are forming now and will include flight prizes for the top three teams

DSNWK Awards Luncheon Set

9/9/16

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will host its annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 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 two recognized with Employee of the Year honors. 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.

PLANNING FOR A CHILD OR DEPENDENT

WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

10/11/16

When: October 24th, 2016 at 7:00pm

Where: 2703 Hall Street, Hays, KS (South parking lot entrance - Look for balloons on the doors!)

Please plan to join us for this informative presentation! Handouts, materials and refreshments will be available.

This workshop will provide you with information on topics such as social security, special needs trusts, and guardianship. There are unique circumstances along with many decisions to be made that can impact your child’s/dependent’s quality of life. A special needs plan can help avoid common mistakes and oversights that could jeopardize the lifetime supports of a person with special needs.

Please RSVP if you are in need of childcare for this event so we can plan accordingly. RSVP by Oct. 17th to 785-621-5295 Nancy Duffy-Auer

Presenter: Kacy Seit, CLTC, Financial Advisor / Fiduciary from Kansas City

Parent and mom to a daughter who has complex medical needs.

Hosted by: Northwest Kansas Down Syndrome Society, Autism Family Support Group of Hays, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK), Kid-Link, and Hays Area Children’s Center

DSNWK Celebrates Success at Awards Luncheon

10/14/16

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on September 27th. 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 - April Dunker, Dale Merz, Denni Rehmer Hays - Greg Askins, Howard Barnes, Sara Biggs, Deb Braun, Corey Brooks, Carrie Brungardt, Janet Brungardt, Leanna Carrier, Peter Cochran, Kasey Dreiling, Donna Fay, Dan Hecker, Ashley Howell, John Kreutzer, Amanda Lawson, David Lawson, Virginia Linenberger, Gerard Michaud, David Musgrove, Murrae Rebarchek, Christopher Schmidt, Kathleen Spears, Sue Stephens, Brian Street and Zahariah Utley, Lance Van Kooten, Coletta VonFeldt, Les Wilson Hoxie - Linda Pope Hill City - Darryl Clark, Connie Yakish Norton - Kristi Chesterman Russell - Christina Bourland, Shonna Leiker Stockton -Michelle Storz

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: Jasmine Bright, Gwen Klaus, Jacqueline Lattin and Emma Williams of Hays, and Vicky Chessmore and Karen Focke of Atwood.

Special recognition was also paid to two staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. Ann Forell of Stockton and Herbert Shumaker of Russell were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award. A $100 scholarship award was presented to Alex Bergmeier 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 - Tyler Britt Hays - Dean Boeckner, Don Furrey, Richard Graf, Duane Gross, Jacob Houghton, Tyler F. Jones, Michael Lee, Bill Legleiter, Eric Legleiter, Anthony Morgan, Cindy Munsinger, Crystal Oborny, Brian Rietcheck, Alan Roberts, Ramona Schmitt, James Shelor, Bret Skinner, Avon Smith, David Smith, Joshua Smith, Kurtis Steckline, Sid Toll, Jason Watkins, Linda Wildeman Hill City - Jenny Cronn, Rebecca Rohr, Alexander Weishaar, Sabrina Young Norton - Justin Bainter, Dustan Daniels, Bill Hadley Russell - William Dornan Phillipsburg - Renee O’Rourke WaKeeney - Michail Bird

DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. Riley Green of Hays and Kelly Fisher of Atwood were presented these awards which go each year to one youth and one adult who have shown tremendous individual progress throughout the year. Vickie Shelor of Hays was presented with the Fitness Award for her dedication to exercising, losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. Awards were presented to members of area communities during the afternoon. Chartwell’s - McMindes at FHSU, 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 the Russell Sunrise Kiwanis for their outstanding support to individuals served by DSNWK in Russell.

Golf Tournament Raises $9,000 for DSNWK

11/3/16

Organizers of the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament are pleased to announce that over $9,000 was raised from the event. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, October 7th at the Ellis Golf Club and organized by “Friends of DSNWK”. Proceeds are being used to benefit Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. DSNWK serves people with developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.

DSNWK Receives Lions Club Grant

12/6/16

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.