Message From President Ron Pasmore

Dear Friends of KETCH:

KETCH recently lost two people who were instrumental in starting this organization over 40 years ago. Wilma Martin pioneered the development of services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities in Wichita as founder and the first president of the ARC of Sedgwick County. She passed away October 23, 2006 at the age of 95. In the early 1960's Wilma developed a sheltered workshop for adults with mental retardation that eventually became KETCH. Wilma retired from KETCH in 1976. She was honored at KETCH's 40 th anniversary with the unveiling of the Wilma Martin Pioneer Award, designated to recognize those who have advanced the cause of supporting persons with disabilities to live and work in the community.

The first person recognized with the Wilma Martin Pioneer Award was John Kirkwood. John was a social worker for SRS for 35 years and the Area SRS Director in Southeast Kansas. John was also an Elk. In 1964, John served on a special committee of the Kansas Elks to select a charitable project for the Kansas Elks to support. His committee reviewed many organizations across Kansas and eventually chose the program started by Wilma and other parents of adult children with mental retardation. John passed away at the age of 86 on August 14, 2006. John had a passion for KETCH's mission throughout his life.

Monday morning, November 13, 2006 we found out first thing that John Strong, a person served by KETCH, had suddenly passed away at the age of 64. John was a remarkable person, some might say a genuine character. He was one of those persons who wasn't much in to participating in a program - he insisted on being a part of the organization. John loved to sit in our lobby with his friend, Nancy, our receptionist. He loved to help her with anything she asked him to do. John was usually one of the first persons anyone new at KETCH met. He relished Mondays to see who the new staff were who were starting at KETCH. It was not unusual for John to stick his head in a conference room and cheerfully announce to everyone inside "Meeting today?" John was so excited and proud when he accepted his award last May at KETCH's annual meeting for Achievement in Day Activity.

I never cease to be amazed at how so many lives are touched in so many positive ways because of our pioneers who fought hard over the years to make life in the community possible for people with disabilities. Our lives are so rich for having had the honor to be friends with John. Had it not been for the efforts of people like Wilma Martin, John Kirkwood, and many others, the community would not be as good of a place for you or me. We wouldn't have the opportunity to have known John and the many hundreds of other persons with disabilities who we live with in our community.

Sincerely,

Ron Pasmore

President/CEO