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December 2018Volume 17, Issue 4
PRAIRIE INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCE CENTER, Inc.The Voice of PILR
There is a delightful chill in the air and family is coming together from near and far. This signifies the beautiful start of winter and the holiday season. Thanksgiving has passed and the first day of Winter is December 21st. We have Kwanza, Hanukah and Christmas in December. The winter and holiday season quickly becomes very busy for so many people. PILR wants to wish everyone a very happy Holiday season and thank you for your continued support. We hope that during this busy time you have a chance to be with those you love and truly enjoy the blessings of the holidays.
Please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and look for us on LinkedIn! We would love to keep you updated with special events and we have a weekly blog posted every Friday at www.pilr.org/blog. If you have an idea for a blog or newsletter article, please send it to our Executive Director, Chris: [email protected].
Kudos KornerAll of our DMD Volunteers – 2018Special thank you to:Cindy Nolte, Heartland Credit UnionKohl’s Associates that CareDianna WilsonLoretta DiekerRSVP – volunteersThe mentors that took time out of their busy schedule to help us make this year successful.Pastor Tim Carey for donating Emanuel Lutheran Church where we held the breakfast and afternoon reception.Emanuel Lutheran Church’s custodian Neil, who set up all the tables for the event.
WE NEED YOU!Prairie Independent Living Resource Center provides a wide variety of important services to people with
disabilities in Kansas. As a nonprofit we are mostly grant funded and these grants don’t always cover necessary costs to run our programs. We would greatly appreciate any amount you could donate to our
organization to ensure our sustainability to continue to serve residents of Kansas with disabilities. With the introduction of tax reform this year, you may be wondering about your best options for contributing to PILR.
One option is to give from your IRA (if age 7-1/2 or older): Regardless of whether you itemize your taxes, this gift helps you fulfill your required minimum distribution and is not considered tabled income. Please consult
with your tax or financial advisors to determine the best charitable giving strategies for you.Please send your generous donation to: PILR Development Department 17 S. Main St Hutchinson, KS 7501
CALENDAR OF EVENTSDecember 2018
3rd- 1stDay of Hanukah10th – Last Day of Hanukah
24th --Christmas Eve Day, All PILR Offices Closed25th – Christmas Day, All PILR Offices Closed.31st – New Years Eve, All PILR Offices Closed
January 20191st -- New Years Day, All PILR Offices Closed
9th – Low Vision Support Group, 1:30pm Delos Smith Senior Center,
The PINK Room15th – PILR’s 22nd Anniversary!
21st-Martin Luther King Jr. Day/All PILR offices ClosedFebruary 2019
2nd- Ground Hog Day4th -Rosa Parks Day
13th -- Low Vision Support Group, 1:30pm Delos Smith Senior Center,
The PINK Room18th – Presidents Day
http://www.pilr.org/contact-us/calendar/
HOPE ClosetThe Dodge City PILR Office houses the Hope Closet. HOPE closet provides interview ready and career clothing to those in need. A simple referral from a partnering agency is all that is required to obtain the desired outfits.For more information please contact Tasha at
620-371-7690, in Dodge City.In Pratt, call Linda at 620-672-9600.
*The Pratt PILR office also carries a small inventory of clothing for interviews.*
LOAN CLOSETPILR has durable medical equipment available to loan to people. Equipment is loaned to individuals for a minimal application fee. All equipment is not available at all times; please contact our offices for equipment availability.
PILR also has limited personal hygiene items available.
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENTThinking of getting rid of that medical equipment you no longer need? If so, please consider donating it to PILR. Our consumers need wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, shower seats, CCTVs, video magnifiers, and canes. If you have any of these items or others you would like to donate, please call 620-663-3989.Your donation will be appreciated!
Envista Credit Union Reno County Central Democratic CommitteeDisability Rights Center of Kansas, Inc. Reno County Communities that CareHutch Ambucs Bell Credit UnionCentral Bank and Trust Credit Union of AmericaFirst National Bank Kansas Youth Empowerment AcademyRealty Executives 4Results, Inc. Hutchinson Community FoundationConrade Insurance Open MortgageHutchinson Noon Lions ClubIndividual Cash DonationsRuth Menzer Shirley AlpersJan Rich Tim and Rosetta SheltonDavid and Valerie Hederstedt Kelly Miller and Josh DaviesVictor and Cheryl Moser Candace Anderson DixonClaude and Adrienne Moore Karrlita SmithLoretta DiekerDonated items:HUBCO Open MortgageKFC Taco John’sMidway Motors Midwest FordConklin Cars Central Bank and TrustNex-Tech Wireless Credit Union of AmericaFirst National Bank Chic-fil-aCity Beverage Hutchinson Regional Medical CenterThe Alley Hickory StixFee Insurance AmerigroupBold Inc. Heartland Credit UnionCentral Kansas Roller Derby Yellow Brick Rollers JR Roller DerbyBell Credit Union Suicide Coalition
PILR would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donation to Pratt DMD 2018Corporate Sponsors – Cash Donations Donated Items The Peoples Bank Balloons & More
Wal-Mart KMMM RadioSunflower Wheat State Signs
RSVP- Pratt
Pilot Club- Pratt Haskins Life Skills Amerigroup
Dodge City PILR office getting into the Fall Festivities.
On October 27 the PILR Office in Dodge City participated in the Trick or Treat down town and Scarecrow Contest. Even though we did not win the Scarecrow Contest we had a lot of fun dressing up for Halloween and seeing all of the Trick or Treaters that came. This was the first year that PILR was a part of the Trick or Treat Downtown. We saw around 250 Trick or Treaters this year. We hope to see more in the years to
come!Here is a picture of our Scarecrow, she enjoyed taking pictures with a lot of the Trick Or Treaters that came to visit here. We hope that we are able to be a part of the Trick or Treat Downtown and Scarecrow Contest again in years to come!
15 YEARS and CountingBy Lowell Schrag
Well it’s been 15 years since I walked into the old PILR office at 915 S. Main in Hutchinson. Can you believe it? While, many people have come and gone, there are still a few of us that have been here most of that time. I haven’t ran everybody off, although, I do run employees over with my wheelchair every once in a while. Right, Heather?
DMD from a new perspective By Rachael Thompson
This was my 1st year getting to experience DMD. It was the absolute best experience I could have hoped for. Getting ready on the administrative side is different. There is a lot riding on it when you really want to make sure the students get the best day possible. The night before was so exciting. It was like Christmas Eve, there’s an excited energy in the air, everyone is finalizing last minute details and you’re just too excited to sleep. I honestly think I set 4 different alarms so I could get up early to go get the 22 dozen doughnuts and do my makeup in enough time. Walking around early and seeing the excited faces of the employers as they waited for their students was wonderful. I could really tell they were excited and happy to be involved in something so great and beneficial. We had a few first time employers this year and some that have been involved for most of the 17 year run of DMD. Everyone had an excited smile and just a touch of nervous energy with them. Then the students arrived. The excited energy jumped up to an excited pulse. There was a low hum of whispers that turned into a strong but quiet wave of voices as the students talked to the employers and students from other schools they had not seen since last year. There were handshakes and high fives and hugs all around. Our MC’s took the stage to thank our sponsors and give a run down of the day. Then just as quickly as they arrived they all left, flooding the parking lot to the waiting Fire Marshall trucks, Police cars and Military vehicles. One of the many businesses to
Envista Credit Union Reno County Central Democratic CommitteeDisability Rights Center of Kansas, Inc. Reno County Communities that CareHutch Ambucs Bell Credit UnionCentral Bank and Trust Credit Union of AmericaFirst National Bank Kansas Youth Empowerment AcademyRealty Executives 4Results, Inc. Hutchinson Community FoundationConrade Insurance Open MortgageHutchinson Noon Lions ClubIndividual Cash DonationsRuth Menzer Shirley AlpersJan Rich Tim and Rosetta SheltonDavid and Valerie Hederstedt Kelly Miller and Josh DaviesVictor and Cheryl Moser Candace Anderson DixonClaude and Adrienne Moore Karrlita SmithLoretta DiekerDonated items:HUBCO Open MortgageKFC Taco John’sMidway Motors Midwest FordConklin Cars Central Bank and TrustNex-Tech Wireless Credit Union of AmericaFirst National Bank Chic-fil-aCity Beverage Hutchinson Regional Medical CenterThe Alley Hickory StixFee Insurance AmerigroupBold Inc. Heartland Credit UnionCentral Kansas Roller Derby Yellow Brick Rollers JR Roller DerbyBell Credit Union Suicide Coalition
PILR would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donation to Pratt DMD 2018Corporate Sponsors – Cash Donations Donated Items The Peoples Bank Balloons & More
Wal-Mart KMMM RadioSunflower Wheat State Signs
RSVP- Pratt
Pilot Club- Pratt Haskins Life Skills Amerigroup
15 YEARS and CountingBy Lowell Schrag
Well it’s been 15 years since I walked into the old PILR office at 915 S. Main in Hutchinson. Can you believe it? While, many people have come and gone, there are still a few of us that have been here most of that time. I haven’t ran everybody off, although, I do run employees over with my wheelchair every once in a while. Right, Heather?
Success from the Independent Living Department By Erica Rivera
During State Fiscal Year 2018 the Independent Living department, along with their consumers were busy achieving goals. We had 235 goals achieved, how exciting is that? Our consumers set their desired goals and the Independent Living Specialist worked with them on learning new skills and achieving them. Although, each goal achieved is a success story, here are a few successes that have stood out to staff. We look forward to this next year and all the successes of our consumers. A 60-year-old homeless Veteran contacted PILR to assist with locating housing and getting his Kansas identification. Consumer and staff looked at available housing options and consumer decided on an apartment. The consumer was also working with The Salvation Army Veteran’s Services who would provide some financial assistance with housing and utilities. The consumer was approved for the apartment which allowed him to get off of the streets and into his own place. The consumer was also in need of identification so that he could become employed. Staff assisted the consumer in obtaining his identification at the DMV. The consumer is still in his apartment and currently employed.A 93-year-old woman contacted PILR to request assistance with obtaining an amplified telephone. Staff demonstrated multiple phones for the consumer to determine which phone would best meet her needs. The consumer and staff completed a Telecommunication Access Program (TAP) application and the consumer was approved for an amplified phone. Staff provided installation of the phone and training. The consumer was happy with her choice and the fact that it allows her to keep in contact with her children and grandchildren that live in other states.One goal of a consumer was to find a way to keep track of appointments after losing more vision and not being able to see more than just light. Staff had a Jenda talking calendar that she took to the consumer to see if we could mark the surface in a way to work for her as the surface was completely flat and there was no way to tell what each button was. After going over the layout and describing it to the consumer, they came up with what they thought would work for them to be able to use it. The staff then took the calendar and marked each button with puffy paint. Today the consumer can now keep track of all appointments and knows what she has going on for the day because of the Jenda talking calendar and the puffy paint.My 19-year old consumer, who was living with his grandparents, began to have issues living there. He was becoming an adult and wanted to do his own thing, but couldn’t under the rules of their home. He ended up being kicked out due to being rude and not following rules. Staff was able to help him secure low-income housing. He has now been living on his own for the first time in his life for about 6 months and loves it. He has also maintained his employment and rekindled his relationship with his grandparents. Staff was referred a consumer from the Crisis Center in July. When she came to PILR she had to be out of the crisis center in about a week and a half. We worked very hard and were able to find housing and funding for her. We also were able to find furniture for her new apartment. She is living on her own for the first time in her life and is now looking for a part-time job to help supplement her income.Staff was working with a consumer to find new housing because he was having complications with his former landlord. The consumer and ILS team member worked as a team to find housing that his wife and he would like. Considering, they had issues with an infestation of bugs and also a little dog in the household, it was challenging at first! The new landlord was nice enough to wait for the deposit and work with them towards getting the apartment. Staff worked on budgeting with the consumer due to still having to pay last month’s rent of the previous apartment. Good news….The consumer is happy with the new apartment and enjoys his neighbors.
DMD from a new perspective By Rachael Thompson
This was my 1st year getting to experience DMD. It was the absolute best experience I could have hoped for. Getting ready on the administrative side is different. There is a lot riding on it when you really want to make sure the students get the best day possible. The night before was so exciting. It was like Christmas Eve, there’s an excited energy in the air, everyone is finalizing last minute details and you’re just too excited to sleep. I honestly think I set 4 different alarms so I could get up early to go get the 22 dozen doughnuts and do my makeup in enough time. Walking around early and seeing the excited faces of the employers as they waited for their students was wonderful. I could really tell they were excited and happy to be involved in something so great and beneficial. We had a few first time employers this year and some that have been involved for most of the 17 year run of DMD. Everyone had an excited smile and just a touch of nervous energy with them. Then the students arrived. The excited energy jumped up to an excited pulse. There was a low hum of whispers that turned into a strong but quiet wave of voices as the students talked to the employers and students from other schools they had not seen since last year. There were handshakes and high fives and hugs all around. Our MC’s took the stage to thank our sponsors and give a run down of the day. Then just as quickly as they arrived they all left, flooding the parking lot to the waiting Fire Marshall trucks, Police cars and Military vehicles. One of the many businesses to
New Faces at PILRI am Rachael Thompson. I have lived in Kansas for 9 years with my husband and 2 wonderful children. I stay busy with my daughter who is a Senior in High School, getting ready to join the United States Army and visiting my son who is in the United States Marines. I am blessed to be the new Administrative Assistant and HR coordinator at PILR. You can also get to know me by reading the blogs I write for PILR posted every Friday.
Hello, my name is Nicole Scott from Hutchinson, Kansas.I am the new Independent Living specialist here at PILR. I have a double associate’s in arts and science with Hutchinson Community College. I have a twelve year old son who is very active in sports. Currently, I have three dogs and three chickens. I love gardening, exercising, and spending time with the family.
Mission Statement: The purpose of Prairie Independent Living Resource Center (PILR) is to achieve the full inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities through education and advocacy. PILR is a Non-Profit organization.
Vision Statement: A world of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and choices are honored.
HOW TO GET (OR NOT GET) A JOBBy Dan Owens
So you’re looking for a job or a promotion and you find one that looks just right, or at least kind of right, and you want to apply for it. By the time you spot that job in the newspaper or on the internet forty or fifty people have probably already seen it and have the same idea. No kidding, that’s the world we live in, it’s very competitive. It isn’t going to be easy and it isn’t going to be a sure thing. You are going to have to give it everything you have if you want to beat out the other forty or fifty people that have the same idea.
My name is Dan and I’m an employment specialist at PILR. I’ve been asked to give you tips on how to reach that employment goal. I have a BS in business and an MS in counseling but most of all I have many years of experience in the world of hard knocks. I’m going to use all of these plus thoughts obtained from a variety of books to give you some tips before you go in for that interview.
You’ve already sent in that great resume and terrific cover letter and they were impressive enough to get you an invite for an interview. Go in! If you don’t go in you’re not going to get the job. If you have been offered a job by another employer be sure to call the employer that has offered you the interview and let them know you won’t be coming in. Don’t burn bridges. You probably have already seen enough of life to know that those sure things don’t always turn out to be so sure.
Ok, you’ve walked in the door and the receptionist is looking at you. I sure hope you have clean clothes on and look neat. I guarantee that before you get to see the employer for your interview that receptionist is going to have told her exactly what she thinks of your appearance. Be nice to her and be friendly. Think of this as the pre-interview.
Now the receptionist is walking you into the interview room and the people doing the interview are standing up and smiling and waiting to shake your hand. I sure hope you have done your research and know what this outfit is all about. All you had to do is spend a little time on the internet researching the company and finding out what they are all about. At PILR our philosophy is that people with disabilities have the right to make their own decisions and be independent. If you walk in and brag about how much you like to take care of the poor folks with disabilities you are already done. No reason to go on with the rest of the interview. I’ve seen it happen. That’s the way it is anywhere you go. Know who you are talking to and what they are all about. The interview isn’t a friendly get together. There will be other folks interviewing and the employer is weeding out the folks they aren’t interested in.
The final step in this interview process is going to be the questions. They are usually pretty much the same everywhere you go. Why should I hire you? Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your future plans? Why do you want this job? What’s going on in your personal life? You need to stand in front of a mirror or a friend and practice answering these questions before you go in. Be prepared. I’ve walked into an interview where seven people were sitting around a table waiting to hit me with those questions. My mind went blank. I just sat there like a deer in the headlights. I didn’t get the job. Being prepared should help you get through that but if your mind goes blank anyway take a deep breath and try to relax.
We have several employment specialists working at PILR in Hutchinson, Newton, Pratt and Dodge City. We also have independent living specialists that can work with people with disabilities seeking employment. We accept referrals through DCF Vocational Rehabilitation Services. We offer employment services to people 55 or older through our OKEP program. If you are a person with a disability or a person over 55 seeking employment talk to us about it.
PILR Staff~Hutchinson~
Chris Owens, Executive DirectorAndy Reichart, Assistant Director
Debbie Goertz, Accounting CoordinatorErica Rivera, Independent Living Services Coordinator Heather Jones, Independent Living Specialist/Counselor
Tammy Fuhr, Independent Living Specialist/OIBNicole Scott, Independent Living Specialist
~Pratt~Tasha Konrade, Service Coordinator
Chelsey Rose, Independent Living SpecialistTom Harrison, OKEP Employment Specialist
Linda Adelhardt, Information & Referral Specialist
Adam Fortna, Employment SpecialistDan Owens, Employment Specialist
Cindy Daniels, Employment SpecialistMegan Hayse, Employment Specialist
Anthony Frischenmeyer, Employment SpecialistRachael Thompson, Administratve Assistant/ HR
Lowell Schrag, Receptionist
~Dodge City~Tasha Konrade, Service Coordinator
Mignon Luckey, Independent Living Specialist/OIB
Congratulations to our PILR Stars of the Month
September Star Employee of the Month: Debbie Goertz works in our Hutchinson office as our Accounting Coordinator. Debbie is a kind and considerate person who is always willing to help! Thank you Debbie!
October Star Employee of the Month: Cindy Daniels works in our Hutchinson office as an Employment Specialist. Cindy goes out of her way to welcome staff and consumers to the office. Thank you Cindy!
November Star Employee of the Month: Tasha Conrade works in our Pratt and Dodge City offices as a Service Coordinator. Tasha goes above and beyond to help her consumers and fellow PILR employees. Way to go Tasha!
PILR’s Stars of the Month
HOW TO GET (OR NOT GET) A JOBBy Dan Owens
So you’re looking for a job or a promotion and you find one that looks just right, or at least kind of right, and you want to apply for it. By the time you spot that job in the newspaper or on the internet forty or fifty people have probably already seen it and have the same idea. No kidding, that’s the world we live in, it’s very competitive. It isn’t going to be easy and it isn’t going to be a sure thing. You are going to have to give it everything you have if you want to beat out the other forty or fifty people that have the same idea.
My name is Dan and I’m an employment specialist at PILR. I’ve been asked to give you tips on how to reach that employment goal. I have a BS in business and an MS in counseling but most of all I have many years of experience in the world of hard knocks. I’m going to use all of these plus thoughts obtained from a variety of books to give you some tips before you go in for that interview.
You’ve already sent in that great resume and terrific cover letter and they were impressive enough to get you an invite for an interview. Go in! If you don’t go in you’re not going to get the job. If you have been offered a job by another employer be sure to call the employer that has offered you the interview and let them know you won’t be coming in. Don’t burn bridges. You probably have already seen enough of life to know that those sure things don’t always turn out to be so sure.
Ok, you’ve walked in the door and the receptionist is looking at you. I sure hope you have clean clothes on and look neat. I guarantee that before you get to see the employer for your interview that receptionist is going to have told her exactly what she thinks of your appearance. Be nice to her and be friendly. Think of this as the pre-interview.
Now the receptionist is walking you into the interview room and the people doing the interview are standing up and smiling and waiting to shake your hand. I sure hope you have done your research and know what this outfit is all about. All you had to do is spend a little time on the internet researching the company and finding out what they are all about. At PILR our philosophy is that people with disabilities have the right to make their own decisions and be independent. If you walk in and brag about how much you like to take care of the poor folks with disabilities you are already done. No reason to go on with the rest of the interview. I’ve seen it happen. That’s the way it is anywhere you go. Know who you are talking to and what they are all about. The interview isn’t a friendly get together. There will be other folks interviewing and the employer is weeding out the folks they aren’t interested in.
The final step in this interview process is going to be the questions. They are usually pretty much the same everywhere you go. Why should I hire you? Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your future plans? Why do you want this job? What’s going on in your personal life? You need to stand in front of a mirror or a friend and practice answering these questions before you go in. Be prepared. I’ve walked into an interview where seven people were sitting around a table waiting to hit me with those questions. My mind went blank. I just sat there like a deer in the headlights. I didn’t get the job. Being prepared should help you get through that but if your mind goes blank anyway take a deep breath and try to relax.
We have several employment specialists working at PILR in Hutchinson, Newton, Pratt and Dodge City. We also have independent living specialists that can work with people with disabilities seeking employment. We accept referrals through DCF Vocational Rehabilitation Services. We offer employment services to people 55 or older through our OKEP program. If you are a person with a disability or a person over 55 seeking employment talk to us about it.
Counties Served:Independent Living Older BlindBarber CountyClarke CountyComanche CountyEdwards CountyFord CountyHarper CountyHarvey CountyHodgeman County
Kingman CountyKiowa CountyMcPherson CountyNess CountyPratt CountyReno CountyStafford County
Hutchinson Office: Barber, Barton, Cloud, Comanche, Edwards, Ellsworth, Harper, Harvey, Jewel, Kingman, Kiowa, Lincoln, McPherson, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Republic, Rice, Rush, Russell, Saline, Smith, Stafford.
Dodge City Office:Cheyenne, Clark, Decatur, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita.
B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r sC a m m i e R u m b a c k - P r e s i d e n t
C a r l o t a P o n d s - V i c e P r e s i d e n tL a r r y F o u l k - T r e a s u r e r
F r a n c e s G a r c i aB o n n i e L o y d
B i l l y T h o m p s o nD a v i d M u l l i n s
D a v e H e d e r s t e d t
Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Inc.17 South Main St,
Hutchinson, Kansas 67501PHONE: (620) 663-3989
1-888-715-6818FAX: (620) 663-4711
VIDEO PHONE: (620) 860-0140
PILR - Pratt214 S Main St.
Pratt, Kansas 67124PHONE:
(620) 672-9600
PILR – Dodge City207 West Spruce St,
Dodge City, KS 67801PHONE:
(620) 371-7690
PILR – Newton120 West 6th, Suite 140
Newton, KS 67114PHONE:
(316) 201-83131-888-715-6818
*By Appointment Only*
E-MAIL:[email protected]
Website: www.pilr.org
Letters to the editor are welcome. Please send to Chris Owens at:[email protected]
The editor reserves the right to edit or omit letters. Views stated in this column are not necessarily the views of PILR.
PILR receives funding from Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education, grants, contracts,
and fees for services. Private donations are appreciated.
PILR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider.
PRAIRIE INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCE CENTER, INC17 SOUTH MAINHUTCHINSON, KANSAS 67501
D E D I C A T E D T O T H E F U L L I N C L U S I O N O F P E O P L E W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S
The Voice of PILR Newsletter
November 2018: Volume 17, Issue 4
