12/18/24

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Family Foundation

A $22,677.52 grant from the Beach Family Foundation will help Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas purchase two new mobile health stations, six Spot Unit Monitors, and 16 Withings Blood Pressure machines and contactless thermometers. This equipment, which is used to measure and monitor the vitals of an individual will replace outdated mobile health stations.  

“This advanced equipment significantly improves the ability to monitor the health of the individuals we serve, ensuring accurate and timely assessments,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “This new and improved equipment will help DSNWK continue to provide a safe and efficient healthcare environment.”

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

12/18/24

Room Dedication Celebrates Galen & Karen Huffman’s Impact on Community and Faith

The room dedication on November 20th was a poignant tribute to Galen & Karen Huffman whose lives embodied humility, generosity, kindness, and unwavering faith. As the plaque was unveiled, those present were reminded of the lasting impact these remarkable people had on their community, always serving others without seeking recognition. Their quiet strength and deep compassion shaped countless lives, offering support to those in need and fostering a spirit of unity and love. This room, now a lasting tribute, stands as a reminder of their extraordinary legacy—one built not on accolades, but on a heart for others and a commitment to living out their faith through everyday acts of goodness. We were fortunate to have two of Galen and Karen’s children, Jana and Jeff, present for the event, and their younger brother Eric’s room mate, Sid Toll. Eric Huffman was an individual served by DSNWK for many years.

12/17/24

A Heartfelt Celebration of Transformative Impact and Community Support brought to life by DSNWK's Night of Inspiration

Night of Inspiration offers an exciting opportunity for donors to witness firsthand the transformative work of our organization. Through heartfelt stories, interactive demonstrations, and powerful testimonials, attendees saw how our programs foster independence, promote inclusion, and create meaningful opportunities for those we serve. This special evening is designed to highlight the impact of their support, showcasing the extraordinary potential of individuals with I/DD and the life-changing difference their contributions make.

This year’s event, held at The Venue at Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill on November 20th, was a perfect blend of joy, warmth, and inspiration, filled with laughter that echoed through the room, creating a truly uplifting atmosphere. Guests savored delicious food while being captivated by heartfelt stories of resilience and triumph. Three stories were shared at the event highlighting the different stages a person served may go through in services starting with early intervention and continuing on through adulthood into retirement. Each story was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, reminding everyone of the power of community and support. As the evening unfolded, it became clear that beyond the smiles and shared meals, the real magic was in the connections made and the inspiring moments that left everyone feeling energized and hopeful for the future.

12/5/24

Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Over $13,500 for DSNWK Group Home Renovation

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $13,500. The 4 person scramble tournament was held on Friday, October 11th at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used for the renovation of one of DSNWK’s group living homes in Hays. A total of 21 teams participated in the event that included flight and raffle prizes and lunch on the course.  DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.

11/19/24

DSNWK Celebrates Successes at Awards Luncheon

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 - Keith Huntington, Sheena Luedke

Hays -  Eileen Anderson, Joshua Balman, Brandwyn Bell, Courtney Brungardt, Nakayah Davis, Dale Haag, Tami Jantz, Jessica Johnson, Steve Keil, Deanna Leiker,  Kirsten Phlieger, Joshua Robben, LeeAnn Schmidtberger, Nolan Schuckman, Tammy Slayton, Denise Stritt, Angela Wahlmeier, Paul Wildeman

Hill City - Lester Fry, Justin Hrabe, Karla Morgan

Norton - Stefan Bollack-Schott, Ashley Van Eaton

Russell - Valerie France, Destiny McQueen, Dawn Rose, Herb Shumaker, Kimberly Shumaker

Recognition was made to eight people who retired from DSNWK over the past year.  They were; Barbara Wolters of Atwood, Cindy Harwood, Jan Nosekabel, and Les Wilson of Hays, Marla Baker and Connie Yakish of Hill City, Will Underwood of Norton and Mary Workman, Stockton.  

Special recognition was also paid to four staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities.  John Kreutzer, Alison Krier and Melissa Neil of Hays and Laquita Smith of Norton were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award. 

Two $100 scholarship awards were presented to Destiny Bergstesser and Emma Pfannenstiel 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 and listed by location were: 

Atwood - Tyler Britt, Danny Clark, Janey Engleman, Cheryl Hartzog, Scott Holub, Marci Hrnchir, Cheri Hutchison, J. Lynn Lohoefener

Hays - Chris Couse, Lynn Dietrich, Tisha Dole, Josh Finger, Gary Harbers, Bobby Heard, Ryan Hoag, Jeanne Jones, Josh Leiker, Jeremy Pugh, Cole Robben, Eric Rome, Will Ryan, Sid Toll, Darlene Unrein, Michael Wittman

Hill City -  Tallas McNabb, Dustin Splattstoesser

Hoxie - Cade Zimmerman

Osborne - Brayden McNeal

Phillipsburg - Alexander Weishaar

DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK.  Megan Aita of WaKeeney and Eric Mickelson 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.  White’s Foodliner in Phillipsburg 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 A-1 Plank and Scaffold of Hays for their support of DSNWK’s Employment Connections.  Posthumous recognition was made to Pastor Timm Meyer of Norton with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Award. Meyer spent many years volunteering his time and providing ministry to the individuals served by DSNWK in Norton.

Finally, DSNWK recognized two long-time advocates of DSNWK for their support with its Vision of Hope Awards.  Andy and Paula Beck of Hays and the Al and Barbara Rietcheck Family  formerly of Seguin were honored.  DSNWK paid tribute to them for their outstanding support over the years for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

9/12/24

Midwest Energy supports DSNWK with $5,000 grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc.  This award will be used to purchase three Digital Chair Scales and two Hoyer Lifts.

The Digital Chair Scale ensures precise weight measurement, enhancing both care and monitoring. The Hoyer Lifts with an additional battery for each lift will provide critical support for safe transfers, ensuring safety, portability and comfort for both individuals and staff. Individuals living in the homes where this equipment is needed have varying degrees of developmental challenges that increase as they age.

“Many individuals within services are prescribed medications requiring daily weights and monitoring for fluid retention." states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.  “This equipment will significantly bolster our capacity to deliver high-quality, efficient, and safe services.”

This project focuses on the safety of persons served within three residential homes in Hays and those served at the Kobler Developmental Center in Hill City. 

DSNWK would like to thank Midwest Energy for their generous support of the people we serve.

6/25/24

Heartland Foundation supports DSNWK training

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Heartland Community Foundation in the amount of $2,929.94. The grant will go toward the purchase of manikins and training supplies for the benefit and safety of individuals served by DSNWK in the Hays area.

DSNWK employees participate in various training sessions throughout the year to meet the needs of the individuals receiving services. These trainings include First Aid (FA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) provided by DSNWK certified trainers through the American Heart Association (AHA), and MANDT Training (a behavioral crisis interaction training) which teaches prevention and de-escalation concepts to help them safely manage behavior so that everyone can be safe in their environment. 

“DSNWK serves many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may also have complicated health challenges,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “Having the requested supplies and equipment will enhance the quality of the DSNWK training program in Hays and allow our employees to respond to emergency situations as they arise.”

6/18/24

Hays Lions Club supports DSNWK with grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $1,000.00 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.

6/4/2024

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Edwards Family Foundation

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce the receipt of a $60,000 grant from the Beach Edwards Family Foundation. The grant award will be received by DSNWK over three consecutive years. The Beach Edwards Family Foundation continues the legacy of the late Ross and Marianna Beach with this grant award. This award will be used to support DSNWK’s efforts in replacing appliances across their service area. 

DSNWK has 25 different service locations across Northwest Kansas that utilize appliances such as; washers, dryers, dishwashers and more.  “Appliances are an essential tool for the provision of quality service,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.  “The level of our use, however, is well beyond what might be experienced in a typical family home. It doubles or triples when there are six to eight individuals served using them.  We have washers and dryers running constantly, which leads to both repairs and more frequent replacement.”  

DSNWK would like to thank the Beach-Edwards Family Foundation for their continued support of our mission.

5/20/24

Dash 4 Disabilities is Fast Approaching

The Hays Recreation Commission’s 13th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner. The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th 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. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 5th. Cost after June 5th is $12.

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.

Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

5/14/24

DSNWK benefits from generosity of RCACF

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) in the amount of $1,000.00. The grant will go toward the purchase of manikins and training supplies for Pioneer Developmental Center in Russell.  

DSNWK employees participate in various training sessions throughout the year to meet the needs of the individuals receiving services. These trainings include First Aid (FA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) provided by DSNWK certified trainers through the American Heart Association (AHA), and MANDT Training (a behavioral crisis interaction training) which teaches prevention and de-escalation concepts to help them safely manage behavior so that everyone can be safe in their environment. 

“DSNWK serves a highly vulnerable population of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “Having the requested supplies and equipment will enhance the quality of the DSNWK training program in Russell and allow our employees to respond to emergency situations as they arise."

5/7/24

Graham County Community Foundation supports DSNWK with wheelchair drum scale

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be getting a wheelchair drum scale thanks to a $1,528.99 grant from the Graham County Community Foundation. The scale will be utilized by individuals receiving services at the Kobler Developmental Center in Hill City. 

The drum scale will allow individuals with mobility issues to use either a wheelchair or walker while their weight is obtained. Not only will individuals remain comfortable in their wheelchair or while standing with their walker, but they will also maintain a greater level of safety. 

“The use of the wheelchair drum scale will assist those with ambulatory or standing issues and will be safer due to the ramp, a larger platform, and a handle for individuals to hold on to,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “The scale will also provide a precise weight of individuals, which will aid in accurate prescription and dosage of medications.”

Additionally, the wheelchair drum scale will help individuals reach health and fitness goals. By measuring precise weight, the nurse and medical assistant within the day center will help individuals determine health goals based upon their weight.

4/28/24

DSNWK benefits from generosity of RCCF

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce a grant award from the Rawlins County Community Foundation in the amount of $681.04.  The grant will go toward the purchase of medical supplies and equipment for training in Atwood.  

DSNWK employees participate in various training sessions throughout the year to meet the needs of the individuals receiving services. These trainings include First Aid (FA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) provided by DSNWK certified trainers through the American Heart Association (AHA), and MANDT Training (a behavioral crisis interaction training) which teaches prevention and de-escalation concepts to help them safely manage behavior so that everyone can be safe in their environment. 

“DSNWK serves a highly vulnerable population of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “Having the requested supplies and equipment will enhance the quality of the DSNWK training program in Atwood and allow our employees to respond to emergency situations as they arise.”

4/26/24

Pete Henry Foundation supports DSNWK’s Hoxie Location

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Pete Henry Foundation in the amount of $1,520.53.  The grant will go toward the  purchase of manikins and training supplies for DSNWK’s Hoxie location. 

DSNWK employees participate in various training sessions throughout the year to meet the needs of the individuals receiving services. These trainings include First Aid (FA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) provided by DSNWK certified trainers through the American Heart Association (AHA), and MANDT Training (a behavioral crisis interaction training) which teaches prevention and de-escalation concepts to help them safely manage behavior so that everyone can be safe in their environment. 

“DSNWK serves a highly vulnerable population of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “Having the requested supplies and equipment will enhance the quality of the DSNWK training program in Hoxie and allow our employees to respond to emergency situations as they arise.”

4/24/24

PDC Receives Grant from Second Century Fund

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce a grant award of $519.20 from the Second Century Fund for the purchase of four Call for Assistance Kits for Prairie Developmental Center (PDC) in Atwood that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The four Call for Assistance Kits will be utilized in the bathrooms located in the back of the PDC building.  These devices emit an alarm/flashing light to indicate the need for help during a medical emergency.  

“Having these kits will provide greater safety and security for the people we serve who may find themselves in a situation where they need assistance quickly,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.  “DSNWK would like to thank the Second Century Fund for its continued support and generosity toward DSNWK and the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve”.

4/12/2024

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 books for DSNWK’s Kid-Link program.

These books will be provided to parents and caregivers which will offer opportunities for engagement and guidance with children, such as potty training and speech language concerns. 

“This will be a great benefit to the approximately 175 children that we serve in eight counties," states Tammy Dreiling, DSNWK Family Services Manager.  “This will allow us to provide books to parents and children for the next year.”

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. 

If you would be interested in or have questions about these services, please contact Tammy Dreiling at (785) 621-5332 or email tammy_dreiling@mydsnwk.org.

3/27/24

Dancing Together for DSNWK raises more than $20,000!

A check for over $20,000 was presented by Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Center on Friday, March 22nd. The donation was made through the efforts of the popular Dancing Together for DSNWK event held on February 25th at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays.  

Styles Dance Centre has hosted the event for several years with this year raising the most money of any other year.  A large raffle with a variety of donated prizes was also a contributing factor to the success of the recital.

36 individuals served by DSWK participated in the recital which featured dances by both the dancers at Styles as well as special group dances featuring individuals served by DSNWK. 

“We fell in love with doing this show and fell in love with DSNWK,” said Dechant.  “It just continues to get better every year and it’s something we all look forward to doing.”

3/4/24

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 $28,000 for the Job Placement Follow-along program for the FY 2024 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 their 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 2024. 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. Through early intervention services, DSNWK’s Kid-Link program can also help reduce 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 $80,000 for transportation services from the City of Hays Social Service Funds for the 2025 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.

2/28/24

DSNWK receives grant from Sheridan and Norton County Community Foundations

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be getting a Hoyer Portable Lift System for both its Hoxie and Norton locations.  

The lift system in Hoxie is thanks to the Sheridan County Community Foundation while the lift for Norton comes through a grant from the Norton County Community Foundation.  Both are Affiliates of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, and Dane G. Hansen Foundation.   The lift systems will be utilized at Frontier Developmental Center and Hoxie Developmental Center. 

This special lift and sling will support staff who need to perform transfers of individuals in services who require routine lifting and transferring to help them navigate their environment and meet their daily needs. The lift will also enable a single staff member to perform transfer supports with reduced physical stress and risk of injury. 

“This has been a pressing need that will help improve the overall well-being of the individuals receiving services and the staff who support them,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “The design of the lift system will ensure that individuals receiving services feel safe and secure during these necessary transfers.”

1/23/2024

Kansas Masons Partner With Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas To Aid Children in Decatur County

As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and individuals. In recent years, Kansas Masons have displayed their commitment to the success of local communities by supporting various charitable endeavors, contributing over $200,000 worth of scholarships annually to local students, offering free cancer screenings to Kansas residents through the Masonic Cancer Alliance, sponsoring the Kansas Entrepreneurial Challenge, and participating in the Kansas Community Empowerment Program. 

Most recently, the Kansas Masonic Foundation has remained committed to implementing new health initiatives in local communities around the state. This year, the Kansas Masonic Foundation, in partnership with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK), has established a special fund for children residing in Decatur County, Kansas, who have physical disabilities. 

The new fund, named the Mountain Slope Masonic Lodge Special Needs Fund for Decatur County, was made possible through a generous donation by the late Brother Dr. Larrick, a member of Mountain Slope Lodge No. 186 in Oberlin, Kansas. 

“This is a great opportunity for Decatur County families who have a child with a physical disability and have no other options to be able to get necessary equipment or make modifications to meet their child’s needs,” said Jerry Michaud, President of DSNWK. “It is our hope to align this generosity to help these children in Decatur county, to help make their lives a little brighter.”

Any party interested in receiving funding must live in Decatur County, be 18 years or younger, and be diagnosed with a physical disability. The request for funds may be submitted by an organization that serves Decatur County (i.e., Oberlin School District, DSNWK, LINK, Oakley Service Center, Medical provider, etc.) To view a comprehensive list of criteria, please visit www.dsnwk.org. 

About the Kansas Masonic Foundation:

As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit https://kansasmasonic.foundation/.

About Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc.:

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 northwesternmost counties of Kansas. The organization advocates 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. For additional information about DSNWK, please visit www.dsnwk.org.

1/15/2024

DSNWK awarded grant from Beach Family Foundation

A $16,033 grant from the Beach Family Foundation will help Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas add a separate, enclosed paint booth to its Custom Creations woodshop.  This addition will provide a well ventilated and designated space for the painting and finishing of furniture for Custom Creations, designed to improve the overall environment for all of our Custom Creation workers.

“With the growth of the woodshop and the increased demand it is clear that a proper painting space was needed,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “With the steady growth of our Custom Creations store and the volume of products created each day by our woodshop crew, it is imperative that we provide an appropriate space for the painting and finishing of furniture and other items.”

DSNWK would like to thank the Beach Family Foundation for their continued support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas.  Their support continues to provide individuals the opportunity to express their creativity in remarkable, innovative, and productive ways.

1/3/2024

DSNWK receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be acquiring some much needed Fire and Safety equipment thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.  DSNWK announced they have received a grant award of $100,000 which will go toward enhancing fire safety measures in four DSNWK locations.  

With the grant funds, DSNWK will install essential fire safety equipment such as sprinkler systems, fire alarm panels, and dialers in locations in Hays, Hill City, Norton, and Victoria. By investing in these measures, DSNWK will enhance the safety for both the people it serves, as well as its employees. These enhancements will also protect community assets, quicken emergency response and include employee education and awareness.  

“This project not only strengthens DSNWK resilience against fire-related disasters but also fosters a healthier and safer environment for the individuals we serve and the employees who provide care,” expressed Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President and CEO. “By investing in comprehensive fire safety measures, DSNWK will experience a significant improvement in safety, infrastructure protection, emergency response capabilities, and overall quality of life.”