2021 DSNWK News

12/20/2021

Heartland Foundation supports DSNWK residential locations

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be getting new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to a $7,200 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation. The AEDs will be utilized in four of its residential living locations in Ellis County that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The AEDs will allow DSNWK staff to be better equipped for cardiac arrest-type situations should they occur. Having AEDs in all DSNWK locations helps increase the ability to implement EMS advice on-site to save the life of someone as they wait for an emergency responder to arrive on scene. All DSNWK staff are trained to use the AED devices through its staff training program.

“DSNWK hopes never to be put into a situation where an AED is needed,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “This grant will help us secure these life sustaining devices. With them we are better prepared for these time sensitive situations with the right equipment to ensure the best care and response, especially as our population continues to age.”

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.

12/17/2021

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Edwards Family Foundation

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce the receipt of a $12,000 grant from the Beach Edwards Family Foundation. Terry Edwards, daughter of Ross and Marianna Beach, continues their legacy with this grant award to support DSNWK’s efforts to replace the roof on DSNWK’s Kid-Link office in Stockton.

The DSNWK Kid-Link program provides a full range of early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth through two years of age in their natural living environment who have a diagnosed disability, are delayed in one or more developmental areas, or are at risk of developmental delay. Services are offered in Norton, Osborne, Philips, Rooks, Russell and Smith counties.

“The Beach Edwards Family Foundation has been a valuable source of help for DSNWK for many years,” expressed Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “We greatly appreciate their continued support and generosity.”

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.

11/23/2021

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Family Foundation

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce the receipt of a $20,980 grant from the Beach Family Foundation. Jane Hipp, daughter of Ross and Marianna Beach continue their legacy with this grant award to support DSNWK’s efforts to remodel and retool its workshop used to produce refurbished furniture and craft items for its new Custom Creations store in downtown Hays. Having a fully functional workshop will provide greater opportunities for new skill development and additional custom created projects for persons served by DSNWK.

DSNWK’s Custom Creations store officially opened its doors in October of this year. The store, located at 1107 Main Street in Hays, is now open to the public and is also used for learning, collaborating and developing talent, as well as sharing the creations of the people they serve with the community. Donations of solid wood furniture and other items from the community support the creation of unique items and custom created and restored furniture by people served through DSNWK.

“With the ability to work in a fully operational and safe environment, persons served will learn

about the function of different tools, what they are capable of doing with each, and the innovative products they can produce,” 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.

11/17/2021

Golf tournament raises funds for DSNWK group homes

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $13,000. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, October 8th at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used to benefit DSNWK group homes Hays. DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.

11/08/2021

DSNWK receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award of $100,000 from Dane G. Hansen Foundation for the replacement of vehicles.

With the grant funds, DSNWK will replace several vehicles that have high mileage or excessive age with newer, gently used vehicles. The replacement of these identified vehicles will improve the safety and reliability of the everyday transportation needed for individuals served as they go to medical appointments, work, day centers, activities, and home.

“Reliable transportation is essential for DSNWK’s services,” expressed Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “Nearly 70% of the vehicles in our fleet are high mileage or excessive age. Newer vehicles reduce maintenance costs, improve fuel efficiency and provide current safety features, which will have a direct impact on transportation expenses each year.”

DSNWK would like to thank Dane G. Hansen Foundation for their generosity and support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

10/29/2021

DSNWK Celebrate Achievement

For the second time in two years, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas held its awards ceremony as a virtual event on October 19th. The event was made virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. Staff, individuals served by DSNWK and community people were given recognition through a live stream presentation and a special video that both appear on the DSNWK website www.dsnwk.org.

Those staff recognized and listed by location, were:

Atwood - April Dunker, Denni Rehmer

Hays - Greg Askins, Sara Biggs, Deb Braun, Carrie Brungardt, Leanna Carrier, Tanner Flinn, Courtney Gumtau, Dan Hecker, John Kreutzer, Amanda Lawson, Jerry Michaud, Paige Niernberger, Jake Reynolds, Michelle Seib, Sue Stephens, Christopher Stricker, Les Wilson, Lance VanKooten, Nathan Young

Hill City - Connie Yakish

Hoxie - Linda Pope

Russell - Randy Housen

Stockton - Michelle Storz

Special recognition was also paid to four staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. Brandy Bell, Hays, Kayla Kuntzsch and Herb Shumaker, Russell and Denni Rehmer, Atwood will be presented with the Employee of the Year Award.

Two $100 scholarship awards will be presented to Destiny Bergstresser and Anyela Valenzuela-Rosales 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 will be given to individuals served by DSNWK for achievement through employment. Those receiving awards and listed by location were:

Hays - Taylor Barrett, Michail Bird, Treyshawn Blackman, Tim, Brier, Preston Browning, William Dornon, Michael Fawcett, Don Furrey, LaVerne Gitchel, Duane Gross, Wesley Higdon, Tyler F. Jones, Tyler S. Jones, Neil Kuhn, Brittany Molnar, Derrick Morton, Jennifer Paramore, Brian Rietcheck, Alan Roberts, Ed Rybeck, Ramona Schmitt, Avon Smith, Kurtis Steckline, Trenton Uhl, Garrett Williams

Hill City - Jenny Cronn, Rebecca Rohr

Norton - Justin Bainter

DSNWK will be presenting two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. Darrell Trail of Atwood and Jeremy Pugh 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 with special awards. Holiday Inn Express and Suites 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 the Ellis County Health Department for their outstanding support to DSNWK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognition will be made to a Hoxie community member with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Award. Tom and Leanna Sloan will be recognized for their personal support of the people served by DSNWK.

Finally, DSNWK will be recognizing Jim and Rose Blume, Aurora, CO and Jim and Sally Stansbury, Hays with the Vision of Hope Award. This award was created to recognize those individuals who have been the guiding light along DSNWK’s 50 year history creating long lasting opportunities in services and support for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

11/17/2021

Golf tournament raises funds for DSNWK group homes

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $13,000. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, October 8th at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used to benefit DSNWK group homes Hays. DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.

DSNWK receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award of $100,000 from Dane G. Hansen Foundation for the replacement of vehicles.

With the grant funds, DSNWK will replace several vehicles that have high mileage or excessive age with newer, gently used vehicles. The replacement of these identified vehicles will improve the safety and reliability of the everyday transportation needed for individuals served as they go to medical appointments, work, day centers, activities, and home.

“Reliable transportation is essential for DSNWK’s services,” expressed Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “Nearly 70% of the vehicles in our fleet are high mileage or excessive age. Newer vehicles reduce maintenance costs, improve fuel efficiency and provide current safety features, which will have a direct impact on transportation expenses each year.”

DSNWK would like to thank Dane G. Hansen Foundation for their generosity and support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DSNWK benefits from Sunderland grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $79,667.00 grant award from The Sunderland Foundation for parking lot repairs at three locations in Hays.

The grant will support DSNWK’s efforts to improve the access points to the physical facilities to ensure the safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their staff and families, and visitors. The grant will allow DSNWK to repair parking lots at DSNWK’s Reed Developmental Center, 317 W. 13th, DSNWK’s Administrative Offices, 2703 Hall Street, and DSNWK’s Employment Connections, 660 Commerce Parkway.

“Improvements to these parking lots will give DSNWK much-improved accessibility”, states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “DSNWK has a responsibility and duty to remove barriers for both those we serve and their families, visitors, and other community members at large.”

DSNWK would like to thank The Sunderland Foundation for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

Hays Lions Club supports DSNWK’s Custom Creations Store

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $1,350.00 grant award from The Hays Lions Club for the new Custom Creations store located in downtown Hays. The grant will support DSNWK’s efforts to make the store safe and secure by allowing DSNWK to purchase security system equipment for the store. DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.

Esther McMurtrie Golf Tournament Set

DSNWK is excited to announce that the date has been officially set for the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held on Friday, October 8th at the Ellis Golf Club. This 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, and a chance to win a golf cart with a hole in one. If you would like to form a team, be a hole sponsor or support the tournament with a contribution, contact Steve Keil at 785-625-5678.

09/07/21

Safe Ride in state of transition

As community partners, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) / ACCESS Transportation, along with the Partnership for a Safer Community are collaborating in the transition away from the Safe Ride service operated by DSNWK/ACCESS Transportation since 2005. Safe Ride has been a free service available and benefiting the entire community, providing more than 240,000 rides since the service began 16 years ago.

With the desire to keep our community safe, appreciation is extended to everyone for their understanding during this difficult time. The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented limitations, including the operation of Safe Ride. Safe Ride has not been operational during the last seventeen months due to the Federal Transit Administration's requirements that all passengers on public transportation must wear a face mask. “Under the circumstances, the Safe Ride bus concept simply does not work under the pandemic. The necessary temporary closure must transition to an alternative that can work in these challenging times”, said Jerry Michaud, President of DSNWK. The Partnership for a Safer Community and all involved in the Safe Ride service realize a transition is needed so a choice can be offered that helps keep the roads safe.

“Our gratitude is extended to DSNWK/ACCESS transportation for their service to the community over the last sixteen years”, said Ed Howell, Chief of Police at FHSU. The Partnership for a Safer Community is exploring an alternative approach to Safe Ride.

Hoxie Center Ribbon Cutting to be held on May 18th

5/5/21

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m. on May 18th for it’s newly renovated developmental center at 733 9th Street in Hoxie.

The public is invited to attend the open house and learn more about DSNWK’s programs and services in Hoxie. The event will include a ribbon cutting by the Hoxie Chamber of Commerce, refreshments and tours of the renovated building.

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.

DSNWK benefits from generosity of RCACF

4/27/21

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) in the amount of $2,350.00 for the purchase of a Chromebox for Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell.

This special video conferencing technology will support the newly expanded Kid-Link program in Russell County. The Chromebox will provide staff the ability to meet virtually with Russell County families, save on travel expenses and can provide a safe way to continue to hold meetings even if COVID-19 requires restrictions.

“To better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, DSNWK must always have efficient communication tools available for staff, volunteers and board members to communicate important issues when face-to-face availability is limited by time or travel,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Having this technology available will provide better communication and will lead to better services for children and families.”

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas. DSNWK provides services to 63 individuals who are from Russell County and employs 40 staff in Russell at several locations. At Pioneer Developmental Center, 18 individuals attend the College for Living adult day services, and currently, 16 children are served by the Kid-Link program from Russell County.

DSNWK’s Hoxie Center Receives Grant from Sheridan County Community Foundation

3/30/21

A $3,227.00 Dane G. Hansen Community Grant, a fund of Sheridan County Community Foundation, will support Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas in improving outdoor living space by adding patio furniture at Hoxie Developmental Center, 733 9th Street. This new furniture will provide another opportunity for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy being outside and add beautification to the corner lot building.

“The patio will be a desirable, beautiful outdoor spot for individuals to use”, states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “It can be to eat lunch outside, soak in the sun, do an outdoor activity, or simply retreat outside to a peaceful space and fresh air.”

The long-lasting wrought iron patio furniture will be used on an existing concrete patio slab on the west side of the building. Useful outdoor spaces, in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, add both value and options.

The DSNWK Hoxie Developmental Center has gone through major renovations to maximize its learning and leisure space to be better suited for the people it serves and supports. DSNWK would like to express our gratitude to the Hoxie community and the Sheridan County Community Foundation for all their support.

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.

PDC Receives Grant from Second Century Fund

3/15/21

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce a grant award of $2000.00 from the Second Century Fund for the refurbishing of its sign located at Prairie Developmental Center (PDC) in Atwood. DSNWK recently rebranded and plans to update the sign at this location that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DSNWK’s previous logo and branding has been in existence since 1976 when DSNWK went through a name change to reflect the 18 county service territory. The launch of the new branding was announced in September 2020 to better reflect “what” DSNWK does more so than the geography of “where” services are provided.

Developmental Services will be updating the existing sign with a new faceplate containing the fresh look of the new branding. The sign currently has fluorescent lighting and will be upgraded to a more energy efficient LED lighting, and the structure of the sign will be repainted to give it a fresh appearance and complement the new logo.

DSNWK would like to thank the Second Century Fund for its continued support and generosity of PDC.

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.