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Community Service Tax Credit program a boost to DSNWK capital campaign effort
Community Service Tax Credit program a boost to DSNWK capital campaign effort
1/09/2020
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce that all awarded Community Service Tax Credits have been claimed.
In 2018, DSNWK was awarded a $250,000 grant in Community Service Tax Credits at the 50-percent rate through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The tax credits were available to donors on a first come, first served basis, raising a total of $500,000.
The ability to offer tax credits to donors was very beneficial to DSNWK’s $5 million Stronger Forever Together capital campaign goal which will help support DSNWK’s programs serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
“We are grateful to our many donors who took advantage of these community service tax credits and supported our capital campaign,” said Jerry Michaud, President/CEO of DSNWK. “These donations will allow for much needed facility upgrades and repairs, renovations and accessibility improvements, which are outside of normal funding streams.
For more information about DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together Capital Campaign, visit www.dsnwk.org and click on the Stronger Forever Together campaign logo.
DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 50 years from the counties of Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego and Wallace.
DSNWK benefits from local community foundations
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.
Dechant recognized by InterHab
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.
Dancing Together for DSNWK is a unique opportunity for young dancers from the community to participate in a special dance recital with individuals served by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. DSNWK, Styles Dance Centre and FHSU Leadership 310 students joined together to put on the special event not only to raise money, but build awareness and community support.
Dancing Together for DSNWK has proven to not only be an amazing display of inclusion in the community, but also has provided education and awareness to the young dancers and the communities throughout the northwest Kansas area.
In addition to Dechant’s award, the artwork of Cecilia Higgins, person served by DSNWK in Hays, was selected by InterHab and was presented to one of the award winners at the conference.
InterHab is the oldest and largest association of developmental disability service providers in Kansas. They are the premier entity in the Midwest for advocacy on behalf of intellectual and developmental disability issues.
DSNWK Recognizes Success at Awards Luncheon 2019
DSNWK Recognizes Success at Awards Luncheon 2019
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. 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 - Sheena Brogan, Marsha Eastep, Keith Huntington, Kimberly Leitner, Stephanie Pelkey
Hays - Eileen Anderson, Jeff Baczkowski, Joshua Balman, Jonathan Baumfalk, Jeremy Grizzle, Dale Haag, Dustin Harman, Cindy Harwood, Patti Hoffman, Terry Hunt, Steve Keil, Jeannie Komarek, Deanna Leiker, Dan Miller, Joshua Robben, Tami Rummel, Ryan Ruth, LeeAnn Schmidtberger, Nolan Schuckman, Denise Stritt, Valarie Strobel, Mark Tomanek, Cedric Venard, Angela Wahlmeier, Troy West, Paul Wildeman
Hill City - Kelly Dobberstein, Justin Hrabe, Troy West
Hoxie - Avis Herl
Norton - Mary Ahlemeyer, Kathy Plummer, Lisa Shearer
Russell - Marsha Niehoff, Dawn Rose, Herb Shumaker
Stockton - Kristi Luetters
Herbie Shumaker, program coordinator in Russell was recognized for his honorable mention for ANCOR’s 2019 Direct Support Professional of the Year Award.
Special recognition was also paid to three staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. Tammy Dreiling of Hays, Kathy Plummer of Norton, and Marcie Vrbas of Atwood were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award.
Two $100 scholarship awards were presented to Karli Beck and Brianna Martin 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, James Goscha, Cheryl Hartzog, Cheri Hutchison
Hays - Taylor Barrett, Treyshawn Blackmon, Justin Boden, Tim Brier, Preston Browning, Ryan Hoag, Neil Kuhn, Brittany Molnar, Bo Neeley, Ben Rose, Dallas Rupp, Shannon Sander, Justyn Staab, Chuck Stansbury, and Garrett Williams
Hill City - Tallas McNabb, Myriah Penrod
Phillipsburg - Ed Rybeck
Russell - Steven Madsen
DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. Lucas Albers and Brian Rietcheck 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.
Awards were presented to members of area communities during the afternoon. Schnee’s Hometown Brand Center in Atwood 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 Hoxie Hotrodders - Lions Club for their outstanding support to individuals served by DSNWK with their Cruise Night event. Recognition was made to two area thrift stores with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Awards. The Rawlins County Thrift Store in Atwood and The Trinity Methodist Thrift Store in Russell were recognized for their support of the people served by DSNWK and community involvement.
Finally, DSNWK recognized two long time supporters of DSNWK for their support with it’s Vision of Hope Awards. Don and Chris Bickle and Rick and Gail Kuehl, both of Hays were honored. DSNWK paid tribute to both of these couples for their outstanding support over the years for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dechant recognized by InterHab
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.
Dancing Together for DSNWK is a unique opportunity for young dancers from the community to participate in a special dance recital with individuals served by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. DSNWK, Styles Dance Centre and FHSU Leadership 310 students joined together to put on the special event not only to raise money, but build awareness and community support.
Dancing Together for DSNWK has proven to not only be an amazing display of inclusion in the community, but also has provided education and awareness to the young dancers and the communities throughout the northwest Kansas area.
In addition to Dechant’s award, the artwork of Cecilia Higgins, person served by DSNWK in Hays, was selected by InterHab and was presented to one of the award winners at the conference.
InterHab is the oldest and largest association of developmental disability service providers in Kansas. They are the premier entity in the Midwest for advocacy on behalf of intellectual and developmental disability issues.
VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders
VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders
9/11/19
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.
VISTA Volunteers Tom Fuhrmann and Sami Montgomery coordinated the event as an opportunity to say thank you. “We thought the anniversary of 9-11 was the perfect time to thank these local heroes for their service to the Hays community,” stated Montgomery.
This is the second year that the VISTA Volunteers coordinated a special event to recognize First Responders in the area.
VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders
VISTA Volunteers recognize first responders
9/11/19
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.
VISTA Volunteers Tom Fuhrmann and Sami Montgomery coordinated the event as an opportunity to say thank you. “We thought the anniversary of 9-11 was the perfect time to thank these local heroes for their service to the Hays community,” stated Montgomery.
This is the second year that the VISTA Volunteers coordinated a special event to recognize First Responders in the area.
DSNWK receives grants to renovate, expand group home
DSNWK receives grants to renovate, expand group home
7/11/19
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.
The renovation and expansion of the home will allow for needed updates, and increase the service capacity from 5 to 7 individuals. This group home is one of 15 in DSNWK’s residential services.
The grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation will also go towards replacing parts of the roof at Frontier Developmental Center in Norton, and at the DSNWK administrative offices in Hays. All the grant money from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation will go towards the group home renovation.
These grants further the efforts of DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together campaign. One of the priority areas of the campaign is to make needed repairs and improvements to aging facilities.
In addition, DSNWK received grants from Heartland Community Foundation to sustain the Collaborative Art Project, and Norton County Community Foundation to purchase a portable body lift system and shower chair.
DSNWK is a 501(c)3 Non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit www.dsnwk.org to learn more about services and ways to support.
Making learning fun at Reed Developmental Center
Making learning fun at Reed Developmental Center
7/1/19
DSNWK NEWS -- Virtual Glasses Story.pdfMeet the DSNWK Americorps VISTAs
Meet the DSNWK Americorps VISTAs
6/28/19
DSNWK NEWS -- Meet Our Vistas.pdfBiggest crowd yet to support Dash 4 Disabilities
Biggest crowd yet to support Dash 4 Disabilities
6/24/19
The 8th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities Run/Walk held on June 15 has its highest turnout yet! This Run/Walk was created in order to help minimize costs for participants in the many programs that Hays Recreation Commission offers for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Programs include: arts/crafts, bingo nights, movie nights, putt-putt, bowling, gross-motor activities, gardening classes, and cooking classes. Hays Recreation works with DSNWK to provide community classes as well. These include: chair yoga, fitness activities, gross-motor games, leisure activities, and an open gym class every Friday morning. Individuals also have the opportunity to attend social events such as, picnics, dances, and an annual Halloween Party. With proceeds from Dash 4 Disabilities, most class costs are $1-$3 and some classes and social events, such as bingo and the Halloween Party, are even completely free! Haley Nixon, Program Director of Adult & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Leisure of Hays Recreation Commission, shares, “I cannot thank my sponsors enough for helping make this event what it is! I love being able to keep program costs very minimal in hopes that I can reach more persons served and better their quality of life through leisure activities. We had a lot of individuals served participate in this year’s Dash! It was so much fun to watch them come through the finish line, always encouraging each other and enjoying themselves.”
Crowd turns out to support benefit sale
Crowd turns out to support benefit sale
6/18/19
Employment Connections just had their big annual Benefit Sale on June 7-8. The back area of Employment Connections was completely full with furniture, books, kitchenware, and a multitude of different items. Over $2000 worth of these items was sold. An additional $600 worth was sold of EC Custom Creations. LaVonne Geiss, Employment Services Manager of Employment Connections, shared, “I think the biggest impact for me was getting our EC creations out there more for people to see and continue to look for ways to increase ways for the community to know about this project. The response was overwhelming on what everyone thought of the work.” The proceeds from the sale go towards appreciation events for the individuals employed by Employment Connections. One of their biggest events is the annual Christmas party held for the individuals.
The Collaborative Art Project featured in FHSU’s ROAR Magazine
The Collaborative Art Project featured in FHSU’s ROAR Magazine
6/13/19
DSNWK -- The growing art program between Developmental Services and Northwest Kansas, and Fort Hays State University, called The Collaborative Art Project, is a featured story in the spring/summer 2019 edition of FHSU’s ROAR Magazine.
The featured story is titled Communicating in a Different Way and starts on page 12. An online version of the magazine is available.
Employment Connections Benefit Sale
Employment Connections Benefit Sale
660 Commerce Parkway
5/13/19
We are having our annual sale on June 7th and 8th. The sale will be from 7 am to 7 pm on Friday and 8 am to 12 pm on Saturday. We have lots of nice items for sale. Many new and collectible items!! We will be adding items throughout the day. We have furniture, books, household items, decorating items, holiday decorations, kids items and many many more too numerous to mention!! The money made from the sale is used to benefit those with disabilities. Thank You!!
Ribbon cutting held for The Collaborative Art Project
Ribbon cutting held for The Collaborative Art Project
4/26/19
A large crowd gathered at DSNWK’s Employment Connections location in Hays for a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the collaborative art project between Fort Hays State University students and individuals served by Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. The event, which took place on April 23rd, included several speakers including FHSU President Tisa Mason.
The project which was started by Amy Schmierbach, FHSU professor of art and design is based on the model of Socially Engaged Art. This model is designed to create art with communities for their benefit and for the benefit of public arts.
Schmierbach and FHSU students collaborate and create art with individuals served by DSNWK, providing workshops for structured art experiences revolving around weaving, drawing and photography. The project has provided opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work with college students all while enjoying the arts and creating something beautiful.
The artwork is now on display at the Hays Public Library library with some of the completed projects for sale. Funds from the sale of the artwork will go toward the continuation of the collaborative effort between Fort Hays State and DSNWK.
Dash 4 Disabilities is June 15th
Dash 4 Disabilities is June 15th
4/22/19
DSNWK is proud to sponsor the 7th Annual Dash for Disabilities Fun Run. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th 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. Entry fee is $10.00 on or before June 14th and $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.
For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Steve Keil at steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or Haley Nixon at haley@haysrec.org.
Pizza Hut raises money for Kid-Link
Pizza Hut raises money for Kid-Link
4/3/19
On two separate nights, Kid-Link and Pizza Hut worked together to raise over $850 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; Russell, Phillipsburg, Norton, Smith Center Plainville, Osborne and Stockton. DSNWK would like to thank Pizza Hut for their support of the services provided by Kid-Link.
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.
For more information contact: Steve Keil, Director of Development (785) 625-5678
DSNWK's PDC receives grant from Atwood's 2nd Century Fund
DSNWK's PDC receives grant from Atwood's 2nd Century Fund
3/21/19
Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood secured a grant for $2,000 from the 2nd Century Fund to purchase and install new vinyl laminate flooring for the kitchen area for their Community Room. The kitchen flooring that is currently being used is the original flooring from when the community room was constructed in 1994. The community room is a heavy utilized space in the Atwood community. DSNWK utilizes the space daily for instruction and classes for our College for Living program. Several Atwood organizations also use the room for various meetings and events, as well as, families who access the room for gatherings and reunions. DSNWK would like to thank the 2nd Century Fund for its continued support and generosity of PDC.
United Way of Ellis County supports DSNWK's Employment Connections program
United Way of Ellis County supports DSNWK's Employment Connections program
3/18/19
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that The United Way of Ellis County has allocated $23,000 for the DSNWK Employment Connections program for job placement follow-along for 2020. 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.
Dancing Together for DSNWK Benefit Performance
Dancing Together for DSNWK Benefit Performance
3/13/19
2019316 Dancing Together for DSNWK Flyer.pdf
Recognizing AmeriCorps VISTA during Americorps Week
Recognizing AmeriCorps VISTA during Americorps Week
3/5/19
AmeriCorps Week 2019 is March 10-16, and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) would like to recognize its AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers.
Since 2016, DSNWK has recruited six full-time Americorps VISTAs to volunteer as program support, grant writers, and foodbank coordinators. In summer 2018, DSNWK recruited five Americorps VISTAs to support DSNWK, the Area Agency on Aging, and Learning Cross Preschool.
The main duties of VISTA, which stands for Volunteer in Service to America, is to provide sustainable support to nonprofits to help lift people out of poverty. VISTAs work full-time for a year and provided a stipend from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
On top of their regular volunteer duties, VISTAs with DSNWK held a banquet for first responders on 9/11, visited nursing homes on Veterans Day, and presented programs on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Kansas Day.
Currently, two Americorps VISTAs have made a year-long commitment to DSNWK.
Mathew Vickery, York, Penn., is an AmeriCorps VISTA with DSNWK’s foodbank and pursuing his LPN from NCKTech.
Thomas Fuhrmann, St. Louis, Mo., is retired and volunteering as an AmeriCorps VISTA for DSNWK’s College for Living program, which provides day services to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
AmeriCorps VISTA positions to assist with grant writing, events, and software development with DSNWK are currently available.
Help DSNWK thank these volunteers during AmeriCorps Week.
Pizza Hut to donate 15-percent of sales to Kid-Link
Pizza Hut to donate 15-percent of sales to Kid-Link
3/4/19
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 sales to DSNWK's Kid-Link program. Kid-Link plans to use the proceeds to purchase “Kits for Kids” which are bags of learning toys to share with children who are having a developmental evaluation.
Below are the restaurants participating, dates and times of the event.
Phillipsburg Pizza Hut, Tuesday March 5th, 5:00 p.m. to closing
Norton Pizza Hut, Tuesday March 5th, 5:00 p.m. to closing.
Smith Center Pizza Hut, Tuesday March 5th, 5:00 p.m. to closing
Plainville Pizza Hut, Tuesday March 5th, 5:00 p.m. to closing
Russell Pizza Hut, Tuesday March 5th, 5:00 p.m. to closing
Osborne Pizza Hut, Tuesday March 5th, 5:00 p.m. to closing
Stockton Pizza Hut, Thursday March 7th, 5:00 p.m. to closing
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.
For more information contact: Steve Keil, Director of Development, (785) 625-5678
Practice dates for Dancing Together for DSNWK 2019
Practice dates for Dancing Together for DSNWK 2019
by FHSU Leadership 310 & Styles Dance Center
2/18/19
Practice Days: 2/18/19 & 3/20/19
1:30-2:30 at SDC, 1501 Main St, Hays, KS 67601
Performance: 4/7/19, 3 PM at Beach/Schmidt at FHSU
Dancers will need to arrive early, more information will be coming out soon. Please contact Kaitlyn Wagle or Tammy Dreiling to sign up. There are new release forms that Kaitlyn & Tammy have available for each individual or guardian to sign. There will be Dancing With DSNWK T-Shirts available for purchase for staff and can be ordered through Kaitlyn & Tammy.
Local grants support DSNWK’s camera systems project
Local grants support DSNWK’s camera systems project
1/22/19
DSNWK -- Camera systems will be placed at Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas locations in Atwood, Hays, Hill City, Hoxie, Norton, Stockton, and Russell with the help of community foundation grants and a $21,000 grant from The Beach Family Foundation, Derby.
The purpose of the cameras will be to monitor behaviors of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). “Many persons with I/DD have challenges with verbal communication and so they often communicate through their behaviors,” said DSNWK President Jerry Michaud. “For example, aggressive behaviors could mean the individual is in pain.”
Camera systems will provide an opportunity for staff to review recordings to better understand the complex behaviors an individual may be exhibiting and to collaboratively work with the person's team to create a personalized plan to address their needs. “This is the ‘picture worth a thousand words’ playing out,” said Michaud. Actual video accounts can also serve as a teaching tool when training and preparing personal assistants. The protection of each individual’s privacy is strictly defined and protected in DSNWK policy. “Camera systems are part of most every aspect of the world we live in today,” said Michaud.
At DSNWK, these camera systems will also help monitor facilities to provide improved security and safety of the facility, people coming and going, and the company vehicles. DSNWK provides services out of 26 facilities and residential homes agency-wide. Community foundations that have helped to support this project are Sheridan County Community Foundation, Rawlins County Community Foundation, and Graham County Community Foundation. Roughly $4,500 is still needed to fully fund the project.
DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to advocate with 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 receives grant from Hays Lions Club
DSNWK’s receives grant from Hays Lions Club
1/2/19
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. DSNWK is a 501c3 non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18 northwest Kansas counties since 1967.
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