2023

11/30/2023

DSNWK Awarded Additional Community Service Tax Credits

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) has been awarded an additional $16,629.00 in Community Service Tax Credits at the 50-percent rate through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The tax credits are available to donors on a first come, first served basis with donations needing to be made by December 31, 2023.

Tax credits are an incentive for donors, businesses or individuals, to give to DSNWK. When applied to your year-end taxes, tax credits will lower the amount of Kansas income taxes you owe. If the tax credits are greater than the tax you owe, you will receive the balance as a refund. The minimum amount that can be donated to receive tax credits is $250.00.

“We are pleased to have been given an opportunity to offer these additional tax credits from the Department of Commerce,” said Jerry Michaud, President/CEO of DSNWK. “People who utilize these credits by donating to DSNWK help support us in our efforts to make additional upgrades, repairs and accessibility improvements.”

Individuals or businesses interested in obtaining tax credits should contact Michael Berges at (785) 625-5678 or michael_berges@mydsnwk.org.

11/27/23

Graham County Community Foundation Grant

A grant in the amount of $4,250.00 has been awarded to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas by the Graham County Community Foundation. The grant will be used to construct a concrete patio at the Kobler Developmental Center in Hill City. The patio will serve as a versatile space for therapeutic, recreational, and social activities, significantly enhancing the well-being of the individuals served by DSNWK.

“The patio will be a much welcomed addition to Kobler Center”, states President Jerry Michaud. “Having an outdoor area where individuals can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine will enhance the overall well-being of the people we serve in Hill City. I believe it represents our dedication to holistic care, community enrichment, and our mission to enhance the lives of those we serve. We are so thankful for the support from the Graham County Community Foundation for helping us make this outdoor space a reality.”

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.

11/10/23

DSNWK Celebrates Successes at Awards Luncheon

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on October 17th. 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 were: Marla Baker, Eric Barrett, Matthew Basgall, Roseanne Benabdallah, Nicole Brocklehurst, Joseph Cole, Gertrude Deges, Jamie Diggs, Teresa Garcia, LaVonne Giess, Troy Haney, Mellissa Holloway, Gimmie Jo Jansonius, Kyle Kreutzer, Ruth Lang, Jacqueline Lattin, Dawn Marlett, Zelda Merz, Gina Nichol, Jan Nosekabel, Dustin Olsen, Rene Readle, Kimberly Richard, Laquita Smith, Norma Tripler, William Underwood, David Whalen, Breanna White, Rod Windholz, Angelina Younger

Recognition was made to seven people who retired from DSNWK over the past year. They were; Marsha Eastep, Sherri Jackson, Jeannie Komarek, Patty Littrel, Kelly Miller, Ron Staab and Valarie Strobel.

Special recognition was also paid to three staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. Jessica House, Keith Huntington and Kirsten Pflieger were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award.

Two $100 scholarship awards were presented to Destiny Bergstresser and Lisa Raudis who are attending Fort Hays State University. 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 were: Betty Bieker, Treyshawn Blackmon, Tim Brier, Preston Browning, Kelly Fisher, Guy French, Olivia Hueneke, Brian Johnson, Neil Kuhn, Alyssa Logue, James Lynn, Melisa Mong, Nelda Owens, Bonnie Reeves, Edward Rybeck, Dallas Rupp, Jeff Saindon, Robert Skeers, Brett Skinner, Trenton Uhl, Garrett Williams

DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. Caitlyn Merritt of Russell and Ian Collins of Norton were presented these awards which go each year to one youth and one adult who have shown tremendous individual progress throughout the year. Recognition was also made to Patrick Hagen, individual served by DSNWK in Norton with one of DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Awards. Hagen was recognized for his volunteer efforts in the community.

Awards were presented to members of area communities during the afternoon. Bright Minds Academy in Hays 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 Grace Kastens of Atwood for her support to individuals served by DSNWK through her Next Chapter Book Club. Recognition was made to volunteer Margaret Thompson of Norton with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Award. Thompson volunteers her time taking an individual served by DSNWK to church each week.

Finally, DSNWK recognized two long-time advocates of DSNWK for their support with its Vision of Hope Awards. Bart Betzen of Chicago, Illinois and the late Bill and Harriet Richardon formerly of Hoxie were honored. DSNWK paid tribute to them for their outstanding support over the years for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

11/8/23

DSNWK benefits from generosity of Russell County Area Community Foundation Grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they received a grant from the Russell County Area Community Foundation in the amount of $1,500.00. The grant will be used to purchase a specialized wheelchair drum weight-scale to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell.

By allowing individuals to remain in their wheelchairs or stand with the support of their walkers while being weighed, the wheelchair drum scale eliminates the need for potentially risky transfers to standard scales. This significantly reduces the risk of falls or injuries during the weighing process, ensuring a greater level of safety for individuals with mobility challenges.

“DSNWK places a high priority on the safety and well-being of the people we serve in Russell”, states President Jerry Michaud. “The acquisition and usage of the wheelchair drum scale offers a practical solution with a range of benefits that contribute to the individual’s safety and overall comfort during weight assessments.”

11/1/23

McMurtrie Golf tournament raises over $16,900

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $16,900. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 8th at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used for window replacement at one of DSNWK’s group living homes in Hays. DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.

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 or dsnwk.giftlegacy.com to learn more about services and ways to support DSNWK’s work with individuals with developmental disabilities throughout northwest Kansas.

10/21/23

DSNWK has speakers available for your club or organization

Are you in need of a speaker for your club or organization? Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) has people who are ready to present with a variety of programs including DSNWK’s newest service Shared Living.

Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This newly-opened Shared Living model is an individualized Family-style form of residential services. This extended family atmosphere plays a significant role in supporting people with special needs in their everyday lives.

If you are interested in having someone talk about Shared Living or one of our other programs, contact Steve Keil at steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or 785-625-5678.

10/20/23

DSNWK’s Custom Creations winner of

Kansas Commerce Business Award

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that their Custom Creations Store was the recipient of The Kansas Department of Commerce’s ‘To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards for 2023’. Custom Creations was the award winner of the North Central Regional Award in the category of Non-Traditional Talent Pool for its innovation of supporting people with developmental disabilities.

DSNWK’s Custom Creations accepted the award at The Department of Commerce’s Statewide Awards Banquet on October 12 in Wichita.

The Kansas Business Awards recognize the many businesses and business people throughout the state that are working hard to build their companies and at the same time contributing to their community as valuable resources.

Governor Laura Kelly in her correspondence to DSNWK states, ``Your company was nominated because you are creating job opportunities, products and services, innovating and diversifying the local marketplace, building community identity, and so much more. You have made an impact in your community and that impact has been noticed.”

“We applaud all the businesses recognized in Kansas and particularly our neighbors here in northwest Kansas. The businesses in northwest Kansas were represented well among the Award recipients and we are honored to be among those recognized and honored, states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.” “It makes us proud to know that all the hard work and opportunities that enable others with disabilities to succeed were not only noticed, but valued and appreciated.”

DSNWK’s Custom Creations collaborates and develops the special talents of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who then earn money as they share their amazing creations with the community. The Custom Creations store has been open since October 2021 and is located at 1107 Main Street in Hays.

09/29/23

DSNWK benefits from generosity of Rawlins County Universal Grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they received a Rawlins County Universal Grant award in the amount of $1,530.00. The grant will be used to purchase a specialized wheelchair drum weight-scale to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood.

“DSNWK places a high priority on the safety and well-being of the people we serve at PDC”, states President Jerry Michaud. “The acquisition and usage of the wheelchair drum scale offers a practical solution with a range of benefits that contribute to the individual’s safety and overall comfort during weight assessments.”

08/25/2023

DSNWK now offering Shared Living

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to offer a new service called Shared Living. Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In Shared Living, one or two individuals share a home with a family or single adult’s family. The family (or contractor) provides support to individual(s) in accordance with their person-centered support plan. DSNWK provides training and ongoing support every step of the way by ensuring a good and rewarding experience.

This newly-opened Shared Living model is an individualized Family-style form of residential services. This extended family atmosphere plays a significant role in supporting people with special needs in their everyday lives. “DSNWK will work to match individuals with a family who have similar interests and lifestyles,” states Sara Biggs, Director of Programs and Services. “Our goal is to now offer persons with disabilities this model of individualized support, love, and learning in a family environment.”

Shared Living homes give people (contractors) the opportunity to earn a living while helping someone else live their best life. This opportunity will also give these independent contractors the ability to be home more, spend more time with family, and make a meaningful difference in their community and in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

If you are interested in becoming a Shared Living Contractor or if you would like more information about DSNWK’s Shared Living program, contact Sara Biggs at 785-621-5329 or sara_biggs@mydsnwk.org or Scott Stults at 785-621-5328 or scott_stults@mydsnwk.org.

06/22/23

Heartland Foundation supports DSNWK with $1,500 grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award of $1,500 from the Heartland Community Foundation. The grant will be utilized for the purchase of construction materials and supplies essential for the relocation and expansion of our Custom Creations craft room at DSNWK’s Employment Connections' location at 660 Commerce Parkway in Hays,

This larger and better-defined area will optimize the efficiency of operations, making it easier to locate and utilize workspace and materials when needed.

“The crafting room will be better situated in the building and become an ideal space for the people we serve to use their talents to create custom home decor pieces that customers seek out,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “It will give them a more functional space to dream, work and create.”

The custom decor pieces that are created are sold at DSNWK’s Custom Creations store located at 1107 Main Street in downtown Hays. Custom Creations collaborates and develops the special talents of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who then earn money as they shares their amazing creations with the community.

06/06/23

Hays Lions Club supports DSNWK with grant

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. This Fund assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid, items 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.

04/21/23

DSNWK receives grant from Norton County Community Foundation

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be receiving updated technology thanks to a $2,171.50 grant from the Norton County Community Foundation. The technology will be utilized at their Frontier Developmental Center location and group living locations which serve people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities in Norton.

DSNWK will benefit from upgrades in its Google Meet hardware, Wi-Fi tablets, and Security gateway & switches. This technology will help bridge the distances within the eighteen county region served by DSNWK. The experiences discovered in the recent pandemic further proved the need to meet and conduct appropriate aspects of services virtually. Because technology is ever evolving, these updated hardware and devices will make DSNWK less vulnerable to security threats.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our facilities and address the needs of both the people we serve and the staff who serve them,” states Jerry Michaud, President. “These technology improvements will directly influence their lives.”

04/14/23

PDC Receives Grant from Second Century Fund

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce a grant award of $3,000.00 from the Second Century Fund for the purchase of two items for Prairie Developmental Center (PDC) in Atwood that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The first improvement is a Bottle Filling Station to be located in PDC’s Community Room. This Bottle Filling Station supports the health and wellness of the people served by DSNWK. By providing a means for people to reuse bottles, we can help them save money, stay hydrated, reduce spread of disease, and protect the environment, all at once.

The second improvement is Google Meet Video Conferencing Hardware. This hardware will allow staff and persons served in Atwood to "stay connected" to other service locations by not only shrinking the travel distance virtually but also enhancing the ability of staff to provide services.

“DSNWK would like to thank the Second Century Fund for its continued support and generosity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.

04/06/23

Midwest Energy grant supports DSNWK’s Kid-Link

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a $1,000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc. This award will be used to purchase transition backpacks.

The backpacks include early learning materials and activities that are developmentally appropriate for 3 year old children and teach valuable concepts they need to know for school success. Backpacks provide caregivers and parents activities for children that encourage engagement and learning.

“We are very excited to be able to supply families with these special backpacks," states Tammy Dreiling, DSNWK Family Services Manager. “These will support both children and families by helping the children use the tools they developed while at Kid-Link for a smooth transition to their next level of education.”

DSNWK would like to thank Midwest Energy for their generous support of the children and families we service through Kid-Link.

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 multiple north-central Kansas counties: Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Russell, Smith, Ellis, and a portion of Rush.

03/31/23

Local Student and Community Benefit DSNWK Food Bank

A special service project by Hays High student Wyatt Grabbe benefited DSNWK with over 2200 food items for its food pantry. Grabbe organized a food drive in Hays which allowed Dillons patrons to donate a variety of much needed items. Grabbe also teamed up with the Ellis County Farm Bureau Association and Carrico Implement who donated money to the project.

As an affiliated member of the Kansas Food Bank, DSNWK is able to provide individuals served by DSNWK access to a variety of food items.

DSNWK would like to thank Wyatt for making DSNWK the focus of his service project. We would also like to thank Dillons, Carrico and the Farm Bureau Association for their generosity.

03/23/23

Capital Campaign Goal Reached - Mission Propelled

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have reached their $5 million goal in their first ever capital campaign. The goal was reached thanks to a gift from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.

Gary Shorman, Trustee of the Schmidt Foundation, presented a check to President and CEO Jerry Michaud which officially marked the successful completion of the DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together campaign.

“We are forever grateful to all of the supporters of our capital campaign who believe in our mission and who have shown it by their financial support. Our special thanks is extended to the Schmidt Foundation for helping us reach the finish line. It is through all of this support and generosity that has allowed us to achieve our goal,” stated Michaud.

The money raised through this campaign was strategically targeted to benefit people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities we serve by improving the group homes and developmental centers where they live, learn and cultivate skills with purpose. In addition, we improved energy efficiency, strengthened security and safety through needed upgrades; and enhanced the effectiveness of service settings by completing much needed facility repairs, renovations, technology upgrades and accessibility improvements.

DSNWK would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Stronger Forever Together Capital Campaign.

03/01/23

DSNWK benefits from the support of the United Way of Ellis County and the CARE Council

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is grateful to announce that The United Way of Ellis County has allocated $27,000 for the Job Placement Follow-along program for the FY 2023 budget year. Follow-along services are provided to individuals who complete DSNWK's Job Placement Program for support to maintain employment and for additional training in the future. DSNWK’s Job Placement Follow-along program can provide timely support before the individual loses his or her employment and helps reduce the dollars spent on job procurement, training new employees, and unemployment or disability payments.

The United Way of Ellis County has also allocated $35,000 to DSNWK’s Kid-Link program for its Early Intervention Services for FY 2023. This program enhances the development of infants and toddlers, from birth through the age of three with disabilities, minimizes potential developmental delays, and reduces the educational costs by minimizing the need for special education services.

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 $77,000 for transportation services from the City of Hays Social Service Funds for the 2024 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, and all who give to the United Way, for their continued 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.

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.

01/03/23

TMP-Marian and ARC make Christmas Bright

Christmas is always a little brighter for many of the people served by DSNWK thanks to the generosity of the ARC of Central Plains and students at TMP-Marian High School. For the past 20 years, the ARC and TMP have purchased gifts for those served by DSNWK who have limited family contact and get little for Christmas. In some cases, ornaments are made and placed on Christmas trees with a list of the items that each person would enjoy receiving.

Kathy McAdoo, Director of the ARC of Central Plains says that the project is one that they enjoy being a part of. “The DSNWK Christmas gift project is one that we look forward to all year long. It is like stepping into Santa’s shoes and making dreams come true for some very special people,” states McAdoo.

“This is always a very rewarding project. I know the individuals we serve really appreciate the kindness of the ARC and TMP. We can’t thank both of these great entities enough for taking both their time and resources to make Christmas special for many people,” stated Steve Keil, Director of Development.

2023

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