Newsletter for March 2006 Volume 3 - Issue 3 - Page 1

Director's Notes
Ladeska (Decky) Makings
We have been taking advantage of the usual seasonal manufacturing slowdown that occurs this time of year by doing some sprucing up in the Plant. We’ve had several crews prepping and painting the walls. It is looking great and everyone is feeling very good about the results of their hard work.

We have gradually been replacing our antiquated software with more user friendly, effective tools. It’s been fantastic for us to be able to ask for information sorted any way we like and receive a simple, useable report. This has significantly increased our ability to manage efficiently, quickly respond to or avoid possible problems and in many cases rapidly demonstrate that no problem actually exists.

One piece of new software (along with some new hardware) has made it possible for us to economically produce company identification cards for our staff to carry. With 170 staff positions in nearly 50 locations this will be a useful tool for our staff and managers. ID cards will also be one more method of ensuring compliance with HIPPA requirements.

You will see in the Residential and Day Service sections of this newsletter that a new position has been created designed to enhance even further the opportunities the people we serve have for inclusion in the community. Community Activities Specialist is a position we have been considering for some time and we’re happy that since implementation there has been a significant increase in the number and variety of events people are attending.

Kimberly Becker has rejoined our team and is now working as the Goal Achievement Facilitator. She works with individuals and their teams in the planning and monitoring process to identify goals and the best methods for achievement. She is also doing staff site training and competency testing. In the few short weeks she has been back, she has simplified and clarified programs, developed and implemented competency identification tools that are efficient and effective. Staff, clients and supervisors are very pleased with the results. We are all very happy to have her back with us.

Thomas Birdeno, Community Employment Manager, will be leaving us this week and making a move to Hutchinson. We wish him well and are pleased that he will remain on our sub list and will be back to see us from time to time. Amanda and Kimberly both have experience working in Community Employment and will be, at least temporarily, filling the position as needed.

The First Annual Sunflower GALA was held on March 4th and was a fabulous success. The food was delicious, service exemplary, company enjoyable, entertainment great – as one guest told me it was “a wonderful departure from the usual boring, rubber chicken fund raising dinner”. Connie O. and Glennda, ensured every detail was attended to which helped create a wonderfully fun and relaxing atmosphere. Thanks so much to our many supporters who bought tickets, volunteered their time, contributed items and/or made cash donations. As a non-profit organization we rely on the support of our communities and because of that support we had a net profit of $12,542.31 from this single event. All funds will be used in further enhancing the quality of life for those we serve.

We’ll have a booth at the Spring Expo – stop by and say Hello! Mark your calendars for our next big event – the Sunflower Roundup on April 23rd. We’re planning a day full of contests, activities, food, fun and surprises for people of all ages. Hope to see you there!