2020 DSNWK News

Collaborative Arts Project going strong during COVID19

12/30/20

Normal activities seem impossible during the coronavirus as we must maintain our distance and wear masks, but the Collaborative Arts Project has continued to be a great program with good participation; even as it has moved online. Amy Schmierbach, a Professor of Art and Design at Fort Hays State University has taken on the task of sharing her love for art with others through a digital lens. The Collaborative Arts Project continues to provide art workshops for the individuals served at DSNWK, but it looks a little different. Amy says about the new virtual atmosphere, “My students and I have been hosting drawing workshops over zoom on Tuesdays for one hour. It is going well. Much different than when we were working at Employment Connections, but we have some good things developing. We have participation from many who have not worked with us before and it seems that most are really focused on their drawings during the entire hour. Our drawing content is different, more focused on subject matter that the clients have suggested and lots of holiday themed. They are doing some really great work. We wish we were in person, but it is nice to connect to everyone and we are all drawing. We see this as a win during this crazy time.” Amy plans to continue these zoom workshops throughout the Spring 2021 semester and is working on new ideas that will make the virtual environment feel as personable and inviting as possible.

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Family Foundation

12/29/2020

A $16,000 grant from the Beach Family Foundation will help Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas support their efforts to “energize the brand of DSNWK”.

DSNWK will be utilizing the grant to update our building signage across northwest Kansas to reflect the new logo and clearer messaging of DSNWK.

“The goal is for the new, stronger messages and images to create better recognition across the 18 county area, attract more job applicants, foster inclusion and grow the donor base, primarily within the counties we operate but also beyond our borders,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.

DSNWK would like to thank the Beach Family Foundation for their continued support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas.

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

Heartland Foundation supports DSNWK residential location

12/17/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Heartland Community Foundation in the amount of $7,155.00 to benefit one of DSNWK’s residential living locations.

DSNWK will be utilizing the grant to install an automatic door opener and an awning in one of our homes in Hays. The door opener will allow for greater independence for the residents in the home who require adaptive equipment to enter and exit more independently. The awning will improve the quality of life for those individuals in the home who enjoy spending time outside.

“As the individuals in our programs grow older, accessibility and quality of life in our residential locations must be addressed. These improvements make the home safer, more accessible, and satisfying to the individuals who live there,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

DSNWK’s Kobler Developmental Center benefits from Graham County Community Foundation

12/03/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Graham County Community Foundation (GCCF) in the amount of $6,800.00 to benefit Kobler Developmental Center in Hill City.

DSNWK will be utilizing the grant toward the purchase of replacement equipment (a sublimation setup) for the DSNWK Employment Connection’s Engraving program. This equipment will greatly improve the engraving program at the Kobler Center and remain a local resource in Graham County and the surrounding area.

“Employment Connections in Hill City has always worked to provide meaningful work opportunities for the people we serve. Our engraving service has been a useful resource to the community, and this new setup will allow us to not only continue this valuable service but also it will provide more options for our customers,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.

In 2005, DSNWK received an in-kind donation of a rotary engraver which helped to launch the DSNWK Employment Engraving program in Hill City, providing meaningful work opportunities to persons with disabilities. Since the machine has aged, DSNWK has turned towards a sublimation printing option as a more affordable alternative to sustain the program.

Over the years the program has engraved and assembled trophies, medals, awards, license plates, name plates and business signs. The program is able to engrave on wood, rocks, glass, marble, brass plates, acrylic and aluminum plates.

To inquire about your printing project in the Graham County area, please contact Sherri Jackson at 785-421-5035.

DSNWK garners support from RCACF

11/17/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) in the amount of $2,991.00 to benefit Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell.

DSNWK will be utilizing the grant toward the purchase of a mobile monitoring device at Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell. This equipment can monitor systolic and diastolic noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse rate, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Having this equipment ready to go on wheels allows for a more rapid response by staff when an individual is sick or having a medical emergency, especially in the COVID environment.

“This generous grant from the Russell County Area Community Foundation will allow us to provide more efficient care for the people we serve in Russell,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “This equipment can help detect or diagnose a problem much quicker and provide a higher quality work experience for our staff.”

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community. Through the efforts of the 40 staff members working in the Russell community, DSNWK currently serves nine children in Russell county and 19 adults with I/DD in DSNWK’s day and residential services.

DSNWK Celebrates Successes

11/9/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas held its first ever awards ceremony as a virtual event on October 20th. The event was made virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. Staff, individuals served by DSNWK and community people were given recognition through a special video that is on the DSNWK website www.dsnwk.org.

Those staff recognized and listed by location, were:

Atwood - Amber Barnett, Roger Prideaux, Martina Urban, Barb Wolters

Hays - Robert Begler, Michelle Bland, Janet Bolander, Derek Crabtree, Tammy Dreiling, Terri Farrington, Connie Fross, Sandra Garner, Timothy Gohl, Jeremy Goodale, Lacy Goodwin, LeAnne Kroeger, Christopher McCullough, Cheryl Morgan, Jared Normandin, Julie Quakenbush, Brina Robinson, Leah Schlyer, Edward Shiltz, Lance Sprick

Hill City - Karla Morgan, Vince Walker

Russell - Geneva Darty, Kathryn Garrett, Tamara Lynch, Harley Ricketts

Special recognition was also paid to four staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. Michelle Bland, Dustin Olsen, Leanna Carrier of Hays, and Lennice Hope of Hill City were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award.

Two $100 scholarship awards were presented to Anna Barrett and Brietta Wheeler of Hays. This award was given from the Jerelyn Becker Memorial Scholarship Fund for employees studying in higher education in a field related to serving people with developmental disabilities.

Several awards were given to individuals served by DSNWK for achievement through employment. Those receiving awards and listed by location were:

Atwood - Janey Engleman, Judy Leiker

Hays - Ethan Asuncion, Jessica Boeckner, Marie Brier, Lakin Eckroat, Joshua Finger, Matthew Green, Jack Hashenberger, Jacob Houghton, Jeanne Jones, Nicholas Leis, Joshua Rupe, Theron Schmidt, Asia Schonthaler

Hill City - Gerald Hasenbank

Russell - Glen Geschwentner, Kylie Reddig, Brooke Schroeder, Orrin Stephenson

DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. Brextyn New of Jennings and Jamie McMurtrie of Hays were presented these awards which go each year to one youth and one adult who have shown tremendous individual progress throughout the year.

DSNWK plans to recognize several members of area communities in the near future with special awards. McDonalds in Hays will receive DSNWK's Employer of the Year Award for their outstanding support of people with disabilities in the workforce. The Community Support Award will be presented to Haley Nixon with the Hays Recreation Commission for their outstanding support to individuals served by DSNWK with their specially designed classes for special populations. Recognition will be made to two individuals with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Awards. Alvin Bieker, individual served in Atwood was recognized for his community involvement and Beverly Medley in Hays was recognized for her personal support of the people served by DSNWK.

Finally, DSNWK recognized Adrian Wolf of Hays as an outgoing member of DSNWK’s Board of Directors.

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

Midwest Energy grant supports DSNWK’s Kid-Link program

11/4/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently awarded a $1000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc. The grant will be used in DSNWK’s Kid-Link program to purchase books and evaluation items for families and children as they reach developmental milestones. The items help identify a need, as well as, help children to learn a new skill or maintain skills once learned.

The DSNWK Kid-Link Early Intervention Program provides a system of services to help infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have a developmental delay, diagnosed disability, or are at risk for a developmental delay including vision and hearing impairments. These services are provided in the child’s natural living environment. Kid-Link covers six north-central Kansas counties: Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Russell and Smith.

For more information about DSNWK’s Kid-Link program contact Tammy Dreiling at 785-625-5678 or tammy_dreiling@mydsnwk.org.

CARES Act grant supports Part C, Kid-Link program

10/28/20

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a grant through Phase Two of the funding Kansas received from the CARES Act. This $11,553.00 grant will go to support families in DSNWK’s Part C, Kid-Link program with much needed learning technology.

Due to COVID-19, in-home services for families were limited due to the lack of necessary technology. Because services to these children are imperative, the need for telehealth has become the best option for families. The tiny-K Part C Program is free to every child that qualifies, despite the family's resources. 38 children are currently being served in this program that are unable to connect virtually due to lack of equipment and connectivity. Having this kind of access to telehealth will also provide opportunities with their physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DSNWK partnered with Nex-Tech Wireless in providing the devices and connectivity needed to enable families to use telehealth services at a reduced price. DSNWK would like to thank Nex-Tech Wireless for their support.

DSNWK’s Part C covers six counties in rural north central Kansas to provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth up to three years of age.

Golf tournament raises funds for new cabinets in group home

10/23/20

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised more than $15,000.00. This will go toward new cabinets for the Circle Drive home. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 25 at the Ellis Golf Club. DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success. DSNWK serves people with developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.

Kobler Center Ribbon Cutting to be held on September 1st

8/25/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be holding a special ribbon cutting on September 1st for the newly renovated exterior of its Kobler Developmental Center location in Hill City. The ribbon cutting at the Kobler Center, 100 W. McFarland, will also include the movement and rededication of a time capsule that was buried within the building in 1982. The time capsule was uncovered during the renovation of the building and will be moved and rededicated in a prominent section of the building and opened in the future.

The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will include the ribbon cutting by the Hill City Chamber of Commerce, a look at the outside of the building and refreshments.

For more information contact:

Steve Keil

Director of Development

(785) 625-5678

2020 DSNWK Awards Ceremony Will Be Virtual

08/20/2020

DSNWK’s Annual Awards Ceremony will look a little different this year, with the event going to a virtual format as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. “Although the ceremony will be virtual, we still believe that it will be a special afternoon as we will recognize both staff and persons served by DSNWK,” states Steve Keil, Director of Development. Although details about the ceremony are still being worked out, DSNWK plans to recognize employees for years of service, as well as achievements made by men and women in DSNWK services. The ceremony is set for Tuesday, October 20th.

For more information, contact Steve Keil at steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or 785-625-5678.

ACCESS Public Transportation to return to normal hours of operation

08/06/2020

ACCESS Public Transportation is pleased to announce that we will be returning to normal operations starting on August the 12th. Normal operational hours are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week. ACCESS phone lines will be open from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm seven days a week for you to book rides. You can book rides two weeks in advance and are encouraged to do so. Call: 785-628-1052 to book your ride.

ACCESS Public Transportation requests all riders wear masks or face coverings when riding public transportation. We ask that all riders maintain the required six foot social distancing. ACCESS will be allowing only two riders at a time on the bus to allow for the six foot social distancing.

ACCESS will clean the buses as often as possible to help maintain the spreading of COVID-19 virus.

Safe Ride will remain closed at this time and until further notice.

For more information, contact ACCESS Transportation at 785-628-1052.

Stealing The Show

07/22/2020

Annie Wasinger, a senior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, has taken initiative to spread love and kindness in the best way she knows how. Annie has been involved in the Hays Community Theatre since she was three years old and has continued to practice the art of theatre ever since. Annie’s brother, Joel Wolcott has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Understanding that there aren’t many opportunities for individuals like her brother to participate in theatre, Annie transformed her passion into something especially great by starting a theatre camp for individuals with disabilities called The Center Stage Theatre. After seeing the joy it brought to the participants, Annie was determined to continue the camp and share her love for theatre while encouraging others to try new things.

Obviously, the COVID - 19 pandemic has put a damper on many things, but Annie has gone above and beyond to ensure that she can continue to teach theatre tactics to her campers. She started a Facebook page and YouTube channel that would allow the participants to meet virtually. Starting on June 15th, Annie was able to utilize the online programs by releasing various videos. She started these virtual platforms as a way to interact with her campers during COVID - 19, but has decided to utilize online aspects year round in order to stay connected and keep up with how everyone is doing. Annie still plans to hold the camp in person from August 3rd through August 7th because many individuals have missed out on several annual events and she wants to make sure that her camp isn’t one of them. If for some reason it is deemed unsafe to hold the camp in person, Annie has made arrangements for the event to go virtual. It is apparent that this camp is near and dear to Annie’s heart as she has put much time and effort into it, but it is also clear that she has been personally impacted by the joy that comes along with serving others. Annie expressed, “Center Stage Theatre Camp is really a cumulation of all of my hopes and dreams. The campers I have had the privilege to work with have become like family to me”.

Dash 4 Disabilities Fast Approaching

07/15/2020

DSNWK is proud to sponsor the 8th Annual Dash for Disabilities Fun Run. The run is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m.

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before July 29th. Day-of registration will be a $12 entry fee. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.

The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Steve Keil at 785-625-5678, steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org.

PDC happy to have new vehicle

07/06/2020

A 2019 white Ford Fusion pulled into a parking stall in front of Prairie Developmental Center on Tuesday. A welcome sight for PDC staff and individuals served at the Center. Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas was able to purchase this new vehicle thanks to the generosity of several Atwood community members. DSNWK held a special barbeque lunch for those donors and gave them first look at the new vehicle. “We were happy to deliver this new car to PDC today, as well as take some time to visit with and show our appreciation to the donors who made it all possible,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “It is people like these that make Atwood such a special place to live.” The new vehicle replaces a car for PDC which was lost due to excessive mileage and complete engine failure. DSNWK would like to thank Atwood Circle of Friends, The Rawlins County Thrift Shop, Atwood Masons Lodge and Jean Ann Wagner for making this possible. DSNWK serves persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the 18 counties of northwest Kansas including the community of Atwood.

DSNWK benefits from United Way COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

06/24/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is grateful for a $500 grant award from the United Way of Ellis County from their COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The grant award helped to offset costs for the necessary supplies to implement preventative policies for the safety of staff and individuals in all DSNWK’s locations in Ellis County. These preventive efforts included the purchasing of personal protective equipment (PPE), following the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

DSNWK would like to thank the United Way of Ellis County for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

The Butterfly Project

6/22/2020

It is apparent that COVID-19 has provoked people all over the world to feel trapped and a little stir crazy as we are forced to stay in our homes. For the individuals in our group homes, this dangerous virus has been nothing short of frustrating. The pandemic guidelines have made DSNWK case manager, Tiara Espinosa especially worried about the potential lack of mental stimulation that our individuals so heavily rely on. In order to help, Tiara took to Google in search of possible ways to alleviate the frustrations of being stuck at home for individuals in the Douglas group home. She eventually came across the “bug farm” idea and contacted Brina Robinson, the Residential Coordinator for the Douglas home, so they could brainstorm some possible ideas. Spiders and ants were mentioned as possible contenders, but the ladies eventually settled on butterflies. Tiara did some online shopping and found a habitat that she was able to have mailed directly to the home in Douglas. She even found some caterpillars online and waited for the weather to warm up so that they would survive shipping. Once everything had arrived, the residential staff helped the individuals set everything up and before long, beautiful butterflies were born!

Tiara stated about the project, “I was really happy with the turnout - the butterflies are so pretty, and the guys seemed to be interested in the different stages of development. All in all it was a really fun little project! I'd love for them to do it again next year, or to send the habitat around to other group homes with folks who are interested”.

The late Harriet Richardson matches Midwest Energy grant

6/18/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce their receipt of a generous contribution from the late Harriet Richardson to the renovation project of DSNWK’s Hoxie Developmental Center. We were saddened at Harriet’s passing and touched to learn of her wishes to support DSNWK and this project. The donation will be utilized as part of the match needed for the $15,000 matching grant received from Midwest Energy.

Richardson, a long time supporter of DSNWK, passed away on May 11th. She was a parent of two sons who receive services at the Center. She, along with her husband Bill, were also generous donors to DSNWK and helped to advance services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Hoxie area. “Harriet was a strong advocate and promoter of services in Hoxie and beyond,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “This gift from her in her final days is just another example of how important the continuation of our services and supports were to Harriet.”

The renovation underway will make the center more functional, accessible, and community focused for the people we serve in Sheridan County and surrounding counties who have developmental disabilities. The renovation will change the floor plan to make room for much needed accessible bathrooms, a utility room, larger classroom space and a larger dining room and community room area. While making these changes, a storm shelter is also hoped for as part of this plan.

DSNWK would like to publicly thank all those involved in support of this project. A great spirit of generosity is reflected in the support from the late William and Harriet Richardson and from Pete Henry through his Foundation’s trustees who carry on his powerful legacy. Both have been instrumental in maximizing the generous matching grant opportunity provided for by Midwest Energy in their initial contribution toward the renovation of the DSNWK developmental center in Hoxie.

DSNWK offers new service called Fam-Link

06/11/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to offer a new service to families called Fam-Link. DSNWK has teamed up with LiveWell Northwest Kansas, Inc. to focus on nurturing and supporting families to improve outcomes for children in northwest Kansas using Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) intervention. This intervention is designed to help families develop critical skills leading to better outcomes for children and thus family preservation.

Fam-Link service at DSNWK is offered to parents and caregivers of babies who are between 6 and 24 months old. Fam-Link strengthens the relationship with the child, while helping the child to learn to regulate behaviors and emotions. DSNWK’s Fam-Link program helps to identify and respond to a baby's signals. As a result, the relationship between parent and child is one that helps to protect him or her from stress, early challenges and adversity.

For more information about DSNWK’s Fam-Link program, contact Sara Biggs at 785-621-5329 or sara_biggs@mydsnwk.org.

DSNWK receives grant from Norton County Community Foundation

5/27/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a grant from the Norton County Community Foundation in the amount of $4,750. The grant will be utilized for the replacement of the front door and kitchen cabinets in one of DSNWK’s Norton residences. These improvements will allow the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), who live in this home to enjoy much needed upgrades to their home. The upgrades to the Norton home will allow the individuals living there to continue to have a pleasant living environment for years to come. These upgrades will also increase the outside appearance of the home as the front entrance will be more aesthetically appealing. The kitchen cabinets will provide more functional space, allowing staff and individuals to have greater use of the kitchen. DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

DSNWK receives grant from Smith County Community Foundation

5/21/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award of $2,471.00 to go toward the purchase of a new Tympanometer for it’s Kid-Link program thanks to the support of the Smith County Community Foundation.

The new tympanometer will be used by DSNWK’s Kid-Link staff to test children’s hearing and will be used for initial screenings and upcoming community screens that will be provided free of charge to the families and children in Kid-Link’s catchment area. It will also allow for hearing screenings to continue in a timely manner. Hearing screenings allow for Kid-Link professionals to assess the child’s needs and if necessary, refer them to specialty services. Without these screenings, a child’s hearing challenges may go unnoticed and their development be negatively affected. This is part of Kid-Link’s early intervention services provided in northwest Kansas.

The DSNWK Kid-Link program provides a full range of early intervention services to eligible infants/toddlers from birth up to 3 years of age. Services are provided in the child’s home or other natural environments. Kid-Link services are offered in the six north-central counties; Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Russell and Smith.

PDC Receives Grant from Second Century Fund

5/12/2020

Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood secured a grant for $2000.00 from the Second Century Fund to purchase and install an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood and the purchase of AED equipment needed to train staff on how to properly use the machine in case of an emergency. The AED being installed at PDC will not only be available for the individuals we serve but for community members as well. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in America. As the population with I/DD we serve continues to age, the need for AED capability becomes even more pronounced. DSNWK wants to be prepared to best serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in any situation. DSNWK would like to thank the 2nd Century Fund for its continued support and generosity of PDC.

DSNWK garners support from RCACF

4/29/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) in the amount of $1,500.00 to benefit Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell. DSNWK will be utilizing the grant toward the purchase of new tables and chairs for both it’s current and new conference rooms. Replacing the current furniture has become essential due to its poor condition and age. It is especially important for persons with limited abilities. These conference rooms and furnishings are important for staff and professionals to conduct meetings, training, and consultations. “We would like to thank the Russell County Area Community Foundation for this award and for their continuous support of our program serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Russell community,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “DSNWK frequently needs the conference rooms for a variety of purposes and having functional tables and comfortable chairs are fundamental parts of successful, productive meetings and training.” DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community. Through the efforts of the 40 staff members working in the Russell community, DSNWK currently serves nine children in Russell county and 19 adults with I/DD in DSNWK’s day and residential services.

DSNWK receives $4,000 matching grant from Pete Henry Foundation

4/14/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. was recently announced as the recipient of a $4,000 grant from the Pete Henry Foundation. This grant award will be used to support a matching grant by Midwest Energy and be used toward the renovation of DSNWK’s developmental center at 733 9th St., Hoxie. The renovation will make the center more functional, accessible, and community focused for the individuals who receive services there with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The renovation will make room for much needed accessible bathrooms, laundry room, larger classroom space and a larger dining room area. As the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) population ages, the need to address growing accessibility needs has become one of DSNWK’s top priorities being addressed in their Stronger Forever Together capital campaign. While making these changes, a storm shelter is also planned. This developmental center, which was built in 1972 and opened by DSNWK in 1995, is home to DSNWK’s College for Living program. The College for Living provides structured learning opportunities for individuals on life skills and opportunities to participate in classes and subjects that interest them. If you would be interested in supporting this effort and donating toward the match of this renovation project, contact DSNWK at P.O. Box 310, Hays KS 67601, 785-625-5678 or steve_keil@mydsnwk.org. DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

DSNWK receives $5,000 grant from Phillips County Community Foundation

4/03/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has a new SPOT Vision Screener for our Kid-Link program thanks to the support of the Phillips County Community Foundation. This grant was made possible through the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Grant Fund. The new screener will allow Kid-Link professionals to better provide timely vision screens to children aged 0-3 in Phillips county and the surrounding area. These screenings allow for Kid-Link professionals to assess the child’s needs and if necessary, refer them to specialty services. This equipment will also be used annually to perform scheduled vision screenings. Without these screenings, a child’s deficiencies may go unnoticed and their development will be negatively affected. DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.

Access Receives KDOT Grant

3/19/20

ACCESS Public Transportation is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a $87,166.00 grant from Kansas Public Transportation (KDOT). This grant will be utilized for two projects targeted by ACCESS; facility and equipment upgrades, as well as, a new maintenance vehicle.

These two projects were out of a total of 33 transit projects across the state that have been selected as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s new Access, Innovation, and Collaboration program. More than $74 million dollars was awarded by KDOT.

ACCESS provides on demand transportation in Hays and Ellis County and is partially funded by the City of Hays, Ellis County, FHSU and Partnership for a Safer Community.

DSNWK appreciates the support of the United Way of Ellis County and the CARE Council

3/12/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that The United Way of Ellis County has allocated $23,000 for the Job Placement Follow-along program 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.

ACCESS Public Transportation was informed by the CARE Council of Ellis County that they have recommended an allocation to the Hays City Commission for an award of $80,000 for transportation services from the City of Hays Social Service Funds for the 2021 budget. ACCESS provides general public transportation services to the people of Hays and Ellis County.

DSNWK would like to thank the United Way of Ellis County for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities and to the Care Council for recommending an allocation to the City of Hays for ACCESS general public transportation.

Final pieces in place for new vehicle for PDC

3/3/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that the final pieces of the puzzle for a replacement vehicle for Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood have been put in place.The Atwood Masons Lodge has agreed to match the $2000 gift offered by the Rawlins County Thrift Shop. This generous gift brought the donations to just $1000 shy of meeting its goal. Then after seeing the article in the Rawlins County Square Deal, Jean Ann Wagner of Phillipsburg called DSNWK and offered to donate the remaining $1000. DSNWK would like to first thank the Rawlins County Thrift Shop for starting this fundraising effort back in September with their matching donation. This was followed by another amazing donation from the Friends of the Disabled which elevated the donations by over $10,000 for the vehicle. In the final stretch, the Masons Lodge and Jean Ann Wagner, joined these others with their financial support which carried this project across the finish line. As reported earlier, PDC lost a Dodge Intrepid due to excessive mileage and complete engine failure. This vehicle was used to support the staff and people served at PDC with going to doctor appointments, community outings, meetings and more. “We continue to be amazed by the generosity and kindness of the Atwood community and beyond,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Having the support of people like these, well, they are among our greatest assets.” DSNWK serves persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the 18 counties of northwest Kansas including the community of Atwood.

Midwest Energy Grant supports DSNWK renovation in Hoxie

2/27/2020

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a $15,000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc. This matching grant award will be used to support the renovation of the developmental center in Hoxie.The renovation will make the center more functional, accessible, and community focused for the people we serve in Sheridan County and surrounding counties who have developmental disabilities. The renovation will change the floor plan to make room for much needed accessible bathrooms, laundry room, larger classroom space and a larger dining room area. While making these changes, a storm shelter is also planned.“This generous grant award is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant opportunity. We are so grateful to Midwest Energy for supporting us with this grant. We extend our thanks to all who will join us in this matching effort. This project, when complete, will have a practical and personal impact on the people we serve as well as the Hoxie community. Those interested in supporting our efforts, we are a phone call or an email away,” stated Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. For more information or to contribute to the renovation project, contact Steve Keil at 785-625-5678 or steve_keil@mydsnwk.org.

Care workers in need of pay increase

2/14/2020

Paraprofessional Amy Neeley has worked full time as a caregiver at the Reed Center in Hays for two years and four months. She works for the nonprofit Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Inc., helping adults with intellectual disabilities.The money isn’t great, with base pay starting at $9 an hour. But the clients and staff are like a happy family, Neeley said Thursday morning while helping clients get organized to play Monopoly.Neeley teaches four classes this semester at the Reed Center: Health and Safety, Holidays, American Sign Language and Ancient Cultures.“I am blessed enough that my significant other makes a wage that allows me to work here,” said Neeley, of Hays. “I couldn’t do it on my own.”Many of DSNWK’s 350 employees are the caregivers who work in group homes or provide day help throughout 18 counties in northwest Kansas. Kaitlyn Wagle, of Hays, is a program services coordinator and has worked at DSNWK for nearly eight years.“I’ve had two or three jobs up until recently,” Wagle said, noting that others who work there do the same to make ends meet. “If you’re living on your own, it’s just not possible on this wage. No one is a fan of the wage, but the people who work here want to stay, that’s why they get two jobs. They don’t want to leave here.”It shouldn’t be that way, and won’t be, if Allen Schmidt gets his way.The fate of direct support professionals is a concern to Schmidt, explaining that these are the home health workers, nurse aids and personal care workers seen in nursing homes, assisted living centers, at DSNWK and in other places where the elderly and disabled are cared for.It’s critical to up the level of pay, Schmidt said, “so that you can get them out of poverty.”A retired Army and Medical Service Corps colonel, Schmidt moved back to western Kansas a few years ago to find himself first filling an unexpired Kansas senate seat, then named to the Kansas Board of Regents, and now working at DSNWK, 2703 Hall St., to establish an endowment and planned giving program.As a result, revitalizing rural Kansas and the aging population of western Kansas have become two of his concerns, particularly who will care for the aging, namely direct support workers."There’s a shortage of these workers, which is going to directly impact our parents, and eventually you and me as we get older,” said Schmidt on Saturday, who questioned state legislators at the Legislative Update sponsored by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce in the Ballroom at Fort Hays State University.“The projection right now, and this is a national prediction, is that there’s going to be 74,000 positions short by 2026 in Kansas,” Schmidt said after the update program. “When you look at the nation, the national level, it’s in the millions. It may be the number one or two employed position in Kansas in 2026. That’s why I’m interested.”As a state senator, he saw the problem firsthand.“There are people aging so fast in these communities, that when I represented, for example, Smith County, that was in my senate district, they were 22% over age 65 at that time,” he said. “Now we’re talking about many of these counties going to 35% and 40% over the age of 65.”“We’ve waited too long to deal with this whole aging population,” Schmidt said. “People in western Kansas are going to move someplace where there’s care, eventually, when they can’t care for themselves because their kids aren’t there.”Schmidt’s mission is to see direct support professionals get credit for their work in the form of academic credit leading to higher wages, a professional license, a degree or even a better occupation.Such a program could be modeled after a paraprofessional-to-teacher program developed at Wichita State University, which gives academic credit to paraprofessionals in the classroom, enabling them to work toward a teaching degree.“I’m thinking of that model for direct support professionals, because if I’m going to be a nurse, occupational therapist, doctor, does it not make sense that when I’m starting into the workforce that I’d do work like this?” Schmidt asks. “Why don’t I get academic credit for that? That’s where higher education is going, applied learning, learning in the workplace.”Schmidt is working on building a task force, meeting with WSU and gauging interest from FHSU President Tisa Mason.But the first step, he said, is to get the position included in the Standard Occupational Classification of the U.S. Department of Labor. For that, he asked Rep. Roger Marshall for help at Saturday’s session.“The first thing we need to do is understand why direct support professionals don’t have a category in the Labor Department,” Schmidt said. “We call them direct support professionals, but until they get a labor code, it’s going to be hard to do all the technical things, like develop the curriculum and professionalize them.”Direct support workers don’t make a living wage as it is now, said DSNWK executive director Jerry Michaud, also at the Legislative Update. That’s despite the fact they get training and certification to do their jobs.“They’ve got skills, they are required skills to do that well,” Michaud said. “If it’s professional and it’s trained, then it should be compensated beyond what it is today.”Low pay means people leave for more money, Michaud said. As of Dec. 31, he had 25 open positions at DSNWK throughout the 18 counties. Losing staff affects the clients, he said.“Say I’m the person that needs support, and I’ve got a relationship with you on the staff, and you leave,” Michaud said. “Any transition and turnover as it relates to the individual served is a pretty big deal.”On Thursday at the Reed Center, Wagle handed the Monopoly dice to DSNWK client Michael Karlin, who threw doubles, then high-fived Wagle with a big hoot and holler.Wagle and Neeley helped him count out eight spaces on the board and move his ship token to Chance.“They have a lot of come-and-go in their lives,” said Neeley, nodding to Karlin, David Werth and Jimmy Tucker, sitting at the table around the Monopoly board.“It’s so hard because these guys have so many people come and go out of their lives,” Neeley said.“It can cause trust issues,” Wagle said. “They can develop some anger, aggression, depression.”“It’s like any family,” Neeley added. “You bond, there’s no way around it, and these guys are like anyone else, when they lose someone special.”

Beach Family Foundation Grant benefits DSNWK

1/16/2020

The Beach Family Foundation, Derby, has awarded Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) a $21,150 grant. This will allow DSNWK to begin the multi-step process of installing access control technology systems within 10 of 16 residential homes in Hays, Russell, Victoria, Atwood, Hill City, and Norton.

The first phase of this project will consist of installing magnetic locks and keypads on the main doors within each home. DSNWK has previously installed these keyless locks in two residential homes where there is a higher risk of elopement. Installing this infrastructure hardware will allow the organization to eventually achieve the overall goal of electronic keyless access control into all homes and office buildings. The organization has made this goal a priority in order to promote safety and ease of access by those persons who receive support in these settings and those staff who help them each day.

DSNWK would like to thank the Beach Family Foundation for their generosity and support which helps DSNWK improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas.

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.