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Newsletter for
Mar/Apr 2007
Volume 4 - Issue 3 - Page 1 |
General Operations
Ladeska (Decky) Makings, Chief
Operations Officer
It has already been a busy spring here at Sunflower. We have
had requests for number of tours including families, teachers,
prospective clients and manufacturing customers, and the area
Council of Community Members. We consistently receive high
praise for our work and support programs with expressions of
surprise at the comprehensive scope of our services and level of
accomplishment of those we serve.
Paws in the Park was a great day that we plan to
continue as an annual event. The weather was a little ‘iffy’ all
day but we had a great turn out of dogs and their people
enjoying the activities, displays, informational booths,
demonstrations and contests. Thanks to all the participants and
volunteers that made this event a success!
I was asked to participate in the annual spring Assistive
Technology Expo in Topeka and to explore options to become
more involved in the state equipment exchange programs. I have
taken the first step to become involved with other agencies
across the state in sharing durable medical equipment and have
begun further investigation into the prospect of becoming
involved in the electronic exchange portion of the program.
There was good information provided concerning emergency
preparedness, adaptive equipment and employment, and education
as well as demonstrations of the very latest technology and
computer software. I also attended a very informative session
defining best practices in procuring funds for necessary
adaptive equipment and made some new contacts that should prove
valuable to us in our ongoing work to ensure everyone we serve
has the best equipment available.
Once again I feel a need to express our gratitude to the amazing
people that work for Sunflower Diversified. In addition to
several direct service professional positions we have had
several other key positions open recently due to illness or
resignation. My sincere gratitude to the many people who have
assumed responsibilities other than their own in order to ensure
necessary functions are performed. It is your dedication that
continues to make this a great place to be. Many of the folks
who continually step up when needed are a part of our management
staff so an old quote from Robert Frost came to mind:
By working faithfully eight hours a day, you may
eventually get to be the boss and work
twelve hours a day!
Advocacy/Training/SHC/CE
Amanda Urban/Jenni
Welsch
SHC
We only have a couple of hours that need filled in Supportive
Home Care to be fully staffed and otherwise, all is going well.
We are working with a family who is new to services, and it is
very exciting to see the improvement in such a short period of
time.
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UP-COMING HAPPENINGS |
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May 11 |
Glass Blowing at Buhler |
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May 16 |
Work Ethics Class |
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May 18 |
Family Guardian Lunch |
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May 22 |
Venture Crew Meeting |
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May 23 |
Work Ethics Class |
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May 30 |
Work Ethics Class |
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May 30 |
Aktion Club Meeting possible tour? |
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June 1 |
TUFF Meeting |
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June 7 |
Venture Crew Meeting |
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June 10 |
Texas Hold'Em Tournament |
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June 27 |
Aktion Club Meeting |
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June 29 |
Venture Crew Meeting |
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June 29 |
Indian Center at Abilene |
Advocacy
The concession stand at
Paws in the Park was a hit! The three advocacy groups worked
together doing various jobs – a couple worked in the concession
stand the entire time, while others were out picking up trash,
handing out coloring books, helping with the drawing and many other
jobs. Jeanna Gowdy operated the popcorn machine, Jenni Welsch and
Seth Orebaugh did different tasks throughout the day. Everyone’s
hard work is much appreciated and I would like to thank them for
their participation in this event.
The petition drive has come to an end and we collected over 1300
signatures! The advocacy groups also participated in this venture
and brought back many full sheets. Kyle Ratcliffe is the son of
Angie Ratcliffe, day service staff at the plant. He collected over
500 signatures by going door to door and coming up with different
ways to get more signatures. He really went above and beyond for the
cause, - thank you Kyle. By signing the petition, we made a
statement to the State of Kansas asking them to recognize the need
for funding in the field of developmental disabilities.
Community
Activities/Community Employment
One individual has been
placed in a community job. He has just started and loves it! The
business is family owned and operated, with not many employees. His
hours will vary weekly, 15-20 hours/week, the longer he is there the
more he will learn new tasks, the more tasks he learns the more
money he will make. The employer is very happy with him and is
looking forward to having him around a long time.
I have also been job searching with other individuals; we have many
applications out and are waiting to hear back from employers. I have
been in the community making business contacts. I have some
employers interested but they have no openings at this time. There
are a couple of businesses that are major chains and they would like
to build a position, and are checking in with their supervisors to
see what can be done.
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