Newsletter for Sept/Oct 2007
Volume 4 - Issue 6 - Page 1

General Operations
Ladeska (Decky) Makings, Chief Operations Officer
As I reviewed last quarters CS department summaries I was pleased to see so many signs of continuing growth in our agency and in the lives of the people we serve.  People are working more hours for higher average wages, more people are employed in the community, more materials are coming in for recycling, participation in area events and projects have increased - signs of increasing independence, productivity, inclusion in the community and increased self-advocacy skills are everywhere.  What a great career that provides the privilege of being a part of so many lives.

One of the women we have served for over a decade has realized her dream of being closer to family by moving to Medicine Lodge.  Her progress over the years has created opportunities to become independent enough to have her own apartment and a job in the community.  We will miss her and wish her well but as she leaves we welcome a young woman recently graduated from high school into our residential supports and look forward to assisting her in realizing her hopes and dreams.

Leon Ostrander has graduated from the state DD Council's Partners in Policymaking class in Topeka.  Completion requires several months of class attendance, homework assignments, and hard work in supporting and developing self-advocacy skills on local, state, and federal levels.  Watching and listening to Leon and his classmates as they talked about their experiences at the graduation ceremony reminded me of just how far people with disabilities have come in taking their rightful places as fully contributing members of society with the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities as all citizens.  There is still much work to be done but with the determination of people like Leon the future looks bright. 

You can hardly pick up a paper or see a news broadcast recently without being reminded of the shortage in our labor markets - locally and on a state and national level.  Sunflower is affected by the same staffing difficulties as other local businesses.  Residential management staff recently asked if we could sponsor an event to let potential employees know what a great place this is to work stating that they believed we could attract good, dedicated people if we could just let them know about the benefits and satisfaction of supporting the people we serve.  The result (in addition to their comments making me feel pretty good about our agency) will be our first
Employment Opportunity Event held at our facility at 1521 K-96 Highway on November 16th.  From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM we will be providing information and opportunities to apply along with a live radio remote, door prizes, snacks, and a chance at winning the grand prize flat screen TV.  If you have an interest in a career in the Developmental Disabilities field we hope you will stop by.



Residential Supports
Brenda Uselton/Angel Morgan
Several people participated in the Hoisington Labor Day Parade and enjoyed handing out balloons and taking in all the events offered in Hoisington.  This is a popular opportunity for people to participate in area community events.

With autumn upon us the individuals here at SDS are excited about some of the activities that are offered.  Everyone looks forward to the Halloween dance and to see all the clients excited about picking out their costumes is so gratifying to see. 

Another activity that was offered was the Harlem Rockets Comedy Basketball game at Great Bend High School was a big hit.  This year's SACK conference has been enjoyed by a growing group of people for the past 4 years and this years record number of attendees came back with wonderful experiences and stories to share.  Our staff deserves a big thanks for the extra effort in providing transportation and support at these events.

 

    UP-COMING HAPPENINGS

Nov. 14 Circles Class
Nov. 16 Employment Opportunity Event
Nov. 17 Home for the Holidays Parade
Nov. 21 Client Thanksgiving Dinner
at the Plant & CHS
Nov. 28 Circles Class
Dec. 3 Residential Staff Christmas Party
1:30 pm @ Elks
Dec. 3 Day Service Staff Christmas Party
4:30 pm @ Elks
Dec. 7 SDS Christmas Party @ The Page-6:30pm
Dec. 9 SDS 7th Texas Hold'Em Tournament
Dec. 20 Plant Christmas Reception 1-5pm
Dec. 21 Client Christmas Party @ Bowling Alley
Jan. 27 SDS 8th Texas Hold'Em Tournament
Feb. 16 Bus Tour Prairie Band Casino
Mar. 8 3rd Annual Charity Gala
Mar. 16 SDS 9th Texas Hold'Em Tournament
Apr. 20 PAWS in the Park
May 4 SDS 10th Texas Hold'Em Tournament
Sept. 18 SDS Hosted Chamber Coffee
Sept. 18 Chris Cakes Pancake Feed

Advocacy/Training/SHC/CE
Amanda Urban/Jenni Welsch
Advocacy
Fifteen of the people we serve here at Sunflower attended the Self Advocacy Coalition of Kansas Conference (S.A.C.K.) this year.  Although the fee had gone up to $100, it was a record breaking year for attendance across the state.  This year the conference was focused on super heroes - teaching people that taking charge of their lives, and voicing what each individual person wants is like being a super hero.  It takes courage, bravery, hard work, and dedication.  The response of the crowd when being asked, "Self advocates are you ready to take charge?" gave new meaning to the phrase 'a crowd gone wild'.  It is breathtaking and very emotional.  Fortunately I only cried once, it is so powerful to be in a room full of people who want or may already be taking charge of their lives.  I am so thankful that I work for such a wonderful place that this philosophy is not just what we say, it is what we support people in accomplishing.  Needless to say we all had a wonderful time, and we are already planning for next year's trip.

Disability Mentoring Day went well, we had 43 individuals placed in the community with over 25 businesses participating.  There were not as many mentees as last year only because there were several other events happening for folks of transition age.  A big thanks to all the businesses who participated, without them this event would not be possible.  Mayor Allison came and read the proclamation, proclaiming the 3rd Wednesday of October DMD which everyone thought was pretty cool.  This year we had a panel of people that are employed in the community that have had some kind of services giving proof to people that they can achieve what you work hard to get.  Everyone asked questions, and learned allot. 

Community Activities
We had several VR participants at Disability Mentoring Day this year.  Everyone was very happy with the job shadowing, enjoyed the experience and were eager to fill out an application with hopes of employment.

I enjoyed working with all the participating businesses.  A common comment made by participating business people was "I didn't realize that adults with disabilities are willing to work so hard with no complaints!"

I would like to thank all of the individuals that have been so patient with me being gone on maternity leave.  And I would like to thank all of the staff that helped out with CE while I was gone.  I was excited to return to work to get into a routine again.

 

©2005 Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc.
Pictures Courtesy of Portraits by Shane - Web Design by CPCIS.net