en-us Fri, 18 May 2012 06:58:18 -0500 Fri, 18 May 2012 06:58:18 -0500 www.ketch.org http://www.ketch.org/rss/news.xml http://www.ketch.org/rss/news.xml webmaster@www.ketch.org (Managing Editor) 60 News Articles Congratulations to Charles Patrick on their awards! Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-clients-interhab-awards-2011-video.html#1337342298 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-clients-interhab-awards-2011-video.html Congratulations to all the Award Winners! Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-annual-awards-2012-video.html#1337342299 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-annual-awards-2012-video.html KETCH To Hold Rededication Ceremony for Country Acres Apartments Organization Celebrates Completion of First Phase in Building a Future of Success Campaign KETCH will celebrate the reopening of its recently rehabilitated Country Acres apartment complex in west Wichita by holding a rededication ceremony on July 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. The three 10-unit apartment buildings have been under construction since early 2010. Immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the new Country Acres apartment complex will be provided. The apartments were originally constructed in 1984 as a two-building complex. The complex was expanded to include a third 10-unit building on the property in an effort to increase the number of affordable and supportive housing units available for adults with developmental disabilities. The people we serve have very low income. On their own, they cannot afford quality housing, said Ron Pasmore, president/CEO, KETCH typically has to subsidize their housing costs. With the renovations the buildings will have a higher efficiency rate allowing KETCH to focus more resources on services to individuals served in the residential program. KETCH will be able to more efficiently provide residential services in these new settings, said Pasmore. The 2.3 million dollar project near Central and Tyler was funded by several resources including the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts tax credit exchange program for low-income housing. An additional 150,000 grant was also awarded by the Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka as part of the Affordable Housing Program. KETCH has also been able to secure 15,000 through the Spirit Aerosystems Good Neighbor Fund for the commons areas in each apartment building. The Goebel Family Star Lumber Charitable Trust also contributed 20,000 towards the project. Other contributions include 22,000 from the Kansas Elks Association Ladies Major Project and 10,000 from Women of Wichita. KETCH currently serves 161 adults with developmental disabilities in its residential program. Through this residential program individuals are taught daily life skills such as cooking and cleaning. The organization is making a consorted effort to provide affordable and accessible housing as the private housing market cannot meet all of these needs at a cost individuals with developmental disabilities can afford. Individuals will benefit by having access to a home setting that is attractive, designed to meet their needs, and affordable, said Pasmore. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/country-acres.html#1337342300 http://www.ketch.org/news/country-acres.html Savor the night at Palette to Palate A night filled with fine wine and great art. Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped, Inc. (KETCH) will be holding its first annual wine tasting and art auction, Palette to Palate. The event will be at the Wichita Scottish Rite on Saturday, Feb 19. The night will begin with an exclusive meet-the-artist hour, where guests will have a chance to speak with the artists and talk about their art pieces. The wine tasting and art auction will follow. The honorary co-chairpersons are Bonnie Bing, fashion and event writer for the Wichita Eagle, and Herb Krumsick, Executive Vice President of J.P. Weigand Sons, Inc. and a wine connoisseur. Bing will also emcee the event with Tracy Cassidy of The Brett and Tracy Morning Show on B98 FM and Johnny Q the Classics will provide the entertainment. Costs are 60 for the all-inclusive admission, which includes the meet-the-artist hour, and 50 for just the wine tasting and silent and live auctions. All proceeds will benefit KETCH, a not-for-profit organization which provides services to nearly 500 Kansans with disabilities every day. Kim Roskam, director of development and community relations, explains, On many occasions, persons served at KETCH have monetary needs involving rent, utilities, food, toiletries, transportation, medical expenses and necessities that most of us dont think about. KETCH must raise funds to support all of these additional needs and a myriad of others. The funds raised from Palette to Palate will help to fund these needs. Thus far KETCH has received tremendous community support through sponsorships from companies like Glazers, Pratt Industries, Allied Roofing, donations from talented artists and food vendors, and ticket sales. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Ashley Ruckman, special events and public relations coordinator, at 316.383.8889 or aruckman@ketch.org. Tickets are also available at www.palettetopalate.eventbrite.com. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.ketch.org/news/savor-night-palette-palate.html#1337342301 http://www.ketch.org/news/savor-night-palette-palate.html InterHab to recognize KETCH employee at conference Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped, Inc. (KETCH) employee, Robin Johnson, was awarded Outstanding Service Achievement by InterHab, a resource network for Kansans with disabilities. This award recognizes those in the Direct Care Service industry who go beyond their responsibilities to care for the disabled. She truly understands and embodies the ideals of a direct support professional and job coach, said Stephen Shaughnessy, the co-worker who nominated her for the award. Johnson works as a job coach where she is responsible for assessing the requirements of the job, as well as the clients capabilities and needs on the job. She also provides various levels of training and support for the client on the job site. Johnsons co-workers boast about her dedication to her job. She once worked every Saturday and Sunday for two months to assure one of her clients learned his job. She strives to do what is best for the person served, said June Schneider, manager of Community Employment. Johnson will be recognized at the InterHab Annual Conference on Oct. 15 at the Art and Awards Ceremony. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/interhab-recognize-ketch-employee-conference.html#1337342302 http://www.ketch.org/news/interhab-recognize-ketch-employee-conference.html KETCH receives generous contribution from Spirits Good Neighbor Fund The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped (KETCH) is one step closer to completing a low-income housing project for persons with developmental disabilities thanks to a generous 15,000 contribution from the Spirit Good Neighbor Fund. KETCH is in the process of rehabilitating the Country Acres apartment complex at 351 and 355 Country Acres in Wichita, utilizing tax credits awarded by the State of Kansas under the Low Income Rental Housing Tax Credit program. In addition, KETCH is building a third 10-unit apartment building on the same property under the same program in an effort to increase the number of affordable and supportive housing units available to adults with developmental disabilities. We are truly grateful for this assistance from the Spirit Good Neighbor Fund. As we get close to completion of the first group of apartments, our consumers are very excited to move into their new homes. This donation will make it possible to equip the common areas of the building to meet our clients needs, said KETCHs CEO/President Ron Pasmore. The donation will be used to help furnish the commons areas in each 10-unit complex. Furnishings will include used and/or new indoor furniture, kitchen equipment, as well as outdoor items such as grills and bicycle racks. Spirit employees are proud to be able to help KETCH with a donation from the Spirit Good Neighbor Fund, said Debbie Logsdon, President of Spirits Good Neighbor Fund. Even in challenging economic times, the disabled in our communities continue to need support in order to become independent and learn new skills. We appreciate the work KETCH does to improve lives in our communities. KETCH currently serves 148 individuals with developmental disabilities in its residential program. Through this residential program individuals are taught daily life skills such as cooking and cleaning. High occupancy and low turnover rates are indicative of the need for affordable housing. Life expectancies are increasing therefore as new individuals enter services more housing must be provided. The demand for affordable and accessible housing cannot be met by the private housing market due to cost as most individuals with developmental disabilities live on an income 20 percent below the average median income for Sedgwick County. Two apartment complexes built in 1985 are being renovated and a third 10-unit apartment complex is expected to be completed by the end of the year. KETCH will begin a new housing project for individuals with challenging behaviors early next year Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-receives-generous-contribution-spirit-s-good-neighbor-fund.html#1337342303 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-receives-generous-contribution-spirit-s-good-neighbor-fund.html KETCH receives donation from Cargill Cares People with developmental disabilities have an increased nutritional risk and thankfully, someone understands that. Cargill Cares has donated 20,000 to the Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped (KETCH) to assist in providing persons with disabilities adequate nutritional food. Most adults with developmental disabilities receive about 160 each month for food. Thats a little over 5.00 per day. We use as many programs as we can to stretch their dollars, but we still struggle to purchase perishable food items. This money will help the individuals we serve a great deal, said Kim Roskam, Director of Development and Community Relations. Laura Roberds, VP over Community Living said, persons with developmental disabilities are at increased nutritional risk due to metabolic disorders, drug-nutrient interactions, decreased mobility, feeding problems and they also have a higher risk of developing secondary illnesses. Proper nutrition helps to offset the risks of acquiring these conditions typically caused by a poor diet. KETCH will use the money to purchase nutritional healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and it will also help to keep the individuals pantries stocked. This donation will have a positive impact on the lives of the 150 people, served in the Community Living program at KETCH, with increased learning abilities, job opportunities and quality of life. Our committee, Cargill Cares, took a tour of the KETCH campus [manufacturing and other day programs] and saw first hand the work that is done to support adults with disabilities. The KETCH organization uses an approach that provides a good model we believe in. We could see the great need for their services for the people served and for the Wichita community, said Allan Young, from Horizon Milling at Cargill Corporation. Young volunteers on the Cargill Cares Committee, which is made up of several staff members from across the various companies under Cargill Corporation. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/cargill-cares-donates-20k-ketch.html#1337342304 http://www.ketch.org/news/cargill-cares-donates-20k-ketch.html KETCH awarded Ad Astra Award by Kansas Housing Conference The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped (KETCH) was awarded an Ad Astra Award for Special Achievement in Affordable Housing Development by the Kansas Housing Conference. They received the award for their housing development, Richmond Place. The 20-unit development provides nice, accessible studio apartments for individuals with developmental disabilities. KETCH is very grateful to all of our partners in the development of Richmond Place, said KETCHs CEO/President Ron Pasmore. The Ad Astra Awards honor those who demonstrate outstanding excellence in developing affordable housing, shaping housing policy and creating innovative housing solutions to the daily needs of low and moderate-income Kansans. The acceptance ceremony was held on Sept. 9, 2010 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Pasmore accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Developer/Contractor Mark Cox, of Vintage Construction, and Midwest Housing Equity Group, who served as the syndicator, also accepted the award. Housing developments like Richmond Place are designed to serve the poorest of the poor and those least able to help themselves, but when you attend a ribbon cutting ceremony you see KETCH clients look like the happiest people on Earth, said Cox. Thanks to Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and our other partners, we have a second development with KETCH currently under construction and a third set to start soon. Aside from Richmond Place, KETCH provides housing in 21 single-family homes and two apartment buildings. Continuing to be a leader in the rehabilitation industry, KETCH has provided services to more than 35,000 people with developmental disabilities. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-receives-ad-astra-award.html#1337342305 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-receives-ad-astra-award.html Kansas Elks Association Donates 20K to KETCH The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped, Inc. (KETCH) recently received a donation totaling more than 26,000 from the Kansas Elks Association (KEA). The donation comes from an annual fundraising initiative spearheaded by the ladies of the Elks, a group of women associated with the KEA since 1972. Each year, for the past 38 years, the ladies hold a fundraiser for KETCH. As the KEAs statewide project KETCH is receives the funds. The money raised this year will go towards the purchase of vehicles. KETCH currently has a fleet of approximately 50 vehicles that are used for daily routes and to transport persons served to different activities including to and from various day programs, medical appointments and community outings. According to the Ladies Major Project Chair, Rosie Boone, various fundraising activities were utilized such as pink ticket sales The ladies are said to have mailed out over 8,000 envelopes containing 10 tickets each. The recipient of the mailing could then make a donation or keep the tickets and be entered into an opportunity to win great prizes. In turn, the Ladies received 8,484 in donations. Some of the other fundraising activities included a silent auction, various prize drawings, 50-50 jars, and a Queen of Hearts game. The Kansas Elks Association adopted KETCH as their major project in the early 1960s and have since continued to provide board governance and monetary contributions. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/kansas-elks-association-donates-20k-ketch.html#1337342306 http://www.ketch.org/news/kansas-elks-association-donates-20k-ketch.html KETCH Raises Nearly 20,000 from Champions Golf Tournament The swing was in the air at the Seventh Annual KETCH Champions Golf Tournament on Monday, May 24. More than 115 golfers teed off at Tallgrass Country Club to show their support for adults with developmental disabilities. The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped raised nearly 20,000 from the event. All of the funds raised go directly towards programs and services provided to adults with developmental disabilities. KETCH provides services that allow many of the persons served to be contributing, tax paying citizens which in turn helps put money back into the local economy. It is very gratifying to know that so many people value the work KETCH does in our community, said Ron Pasmore, President and CEO of KETCH. Major activities of the day included a putting contest sponsored by Hardman Benefit Plans, silent auction which grossed approximately 1,900, a delicious lunch sponsored by Carrabbas Italian Grill, four-person scramble, and dinner and awards ceremony. A cash prize of 10,000 was also up for grab at the hole-in-one contest sponsored by A-Ok Pawn Shop. Golfers had a chance to mingle with a few of the persons served by KETCH at the hospitality tent where they could draw for door prizes and bid on silent auction items. Goody bags and other great prizes were given out including Coleman RoadTrip Grills, luxurious hotel stays, and rounds of golf at the Tallgrass Country Club. Other sponsors who helped contribute to the success of the tournament are CBIZ/Mayer Hoffman McCann, Hampel Oil Distributors, Advanced Welding Technologies, Digital Office Systems, 100.5 The Wolf, DonLevy Lithography, ING, Wichita Vending, House of Schwan, Coleman Company, Taco Bell, Star Lumber, Hardman Benefit Plans, Weber Associates, Bobs Transmission, HRN Management, and Senior Care Pharmacy. I am very thankful for all the wonderful support our tournament has received over the years, from our sponsors and our golfers, said Pasmore. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-raises-nearly-20000-champions-golf-tournament.html#1337342307 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-raises-nearly-20000-champions-golf-tournament.html KETCH to honor persons served, community members The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped (KETCH) will honor several persons served for their outstanding achievements as well as several community members for their service Friday, May 7, during the KETCH Annual Meeting and achievement awards ceremony held at the Wichita Airport Hilton. Ken Haun will be honored with the Achievement at Home award. Haun has come a long way in the past year. In the past he has wanted to do everything on his own which is something KETCH tries to promote with our persons served. However, as Hauns health has declined he has not been able to care for himself or his home. After several attempts by Hauns team, this past year he agreed to let someone come in and help him with daily hygiene, shopping, cleaning, and cooking. He has blossomed, said Delcie Chappuis, targeted case manager for KETCH, He showers daily, keeps his clothing clean, and keeps his apartment as clean as possible. Kevin Wilken will be honored with the Achievement at Work award. Wilken attends the Alternative Behavioral Learning Environment (ABLE) program at KETCH. The program was recently re-organized to focus on work, volunteer, and community activities. At first staff were not sure how he would adapt to the changes in his program as he has a history of behavioral outbursts. Wilken has actually adapted well and even earned his first paycheck in several years. Kevin seems to be proud of the work he has been doing in his day program, said Wendy Seymour, director of behavioral services at KETCH. Leah Williams will be honored with the Achievement in the Community award. When Williams first started working with KETCH sixteen years ago she was very shy, quiet, and wouldnt make eye contact. Over the past sixteen years Williams has flourished. She has learned to advocate for herself and has become very involved in the community. She has developed and matured into an active member of the community, said June Schneider, manager of Community Employment at KETCH, She is no longer the timid person who didnt want to be seen or heard but a dynamic person who has striven to make her life better. Ron Jones will be honored with the Achievement in Employment Services award. Although it is uncommon for a person served by KETCH, Ron works full time and receives full time benefits. Ron has had to work on his temper through the years but has still managed to build a strong work history. Ron currently works at Dillons. He has overcome his temper problems and learned to provide excellent customer service. In 2005, Dillons awarded Jones with the Gold Star Award for his excellent customer service skills. I observed Ron retrieving carts in the rain but stopped and helped a customer who was putting her groceries in her car, said Patty Waters, job coach at KETCH. Ray Baty of West Acres Bowling Center will be honored with the Employer of the Year award. Baty has partnered with KETCH since 2008 when the first client was hired to work at West Acres Bowling Center. Since then Baty and his staff have worked together to help each client they work with become as successful as possible. Baty and his staff go above and beyond by offering transportation for the KETCH client when needed. West Acres has been very supportive of persons with disabilities, said Patty Waters, job coach at KETCH. Pauletta Raines will be honored with the Wilma Martin Pioneer award for her volunteer efforts at KETCH and in the community. Raines, who has a daughter receiving services from KETCH, was chosen this year for the strong advocacy role she plays. At every opportune moment she not only writes to her legislators but visits them in their Topeka offices. She writes tirelessly to her local newspaper speaking on behalf of those with disabilities who may otherwise go unheard and unseen. Raines also serves on several committees in the community including the Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organizations Community Council, ACT of South Central Kansas, and volunteers several hours for the KETCH Champions Golf Tournament committee. Zona Price of Goodland is receiving a plaque to recognize her three years of service on the Board of Directors and Lorenze Karmann of Clay Center is receiving a plaque to recognize his six years of service. Frank Springer of Chanute is receiving a plaque recognizing his service as board chairman for the last two years. He also previously served as Chairman from 2003-2005. Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-honor-persons-served-community-members.html#1337342308 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-honor-persons-served-community-members.html KETCH awarded 3K from fundraiser The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped (KETCH) was one of four organizations to benefit from the CJ Memorial Golf Tournament held in September. The KETCH Program for Adaptive Care and Environment (PACE) program was recently awarded 3,000 from the fundraiser. This is the third year PACE has been awarded funds from the tournament. This year PACE will use the funds towards the installation of a kitchen. The kitchen will be used to teach daily skills such as washing dishes and cleaning off the table. Staff and clients will also be able to prepare better lunches. It is going to teach [the clients] more life skills and help them grow in that aspect, said Bily Curless, PACE Program Coordinator. Something so [routine] to you and I is an accomplishment to [the clients]. Construction on the kitchen is set to begin in the next month. The kitchen will feature polished concrete floors, natural duct work, stove, sink and refrigerator. To honor CJ the kitchen has been named CJs Kitchen and will be recognized on a plaque. CJ will always be a part of PACE, said Curless, my clients benefit from him to this day. The golf tournament is a fundraiser held by Frank Seitz in memory of his son, CJ Seitz, who attended the PACE program prior to his passing three years ago. The funds raised are awarded to organizations that were dear to CJ. Other award recipients include the Derby Free Sprits, Rainbows United, and the ARC of Sedgwick County. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-awarded-3k-fundraiser.html#1337342309 http://www.ketch.org/news/ketch-awarded-3k-fundraiser.html New PR Coordinator announced The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped (KETCH) recently announced the promotion of Ashley Ruckman to Special Events/Public Relations Coordinator. In this position Ruckman will be responsible for organizing the KETCH Golf Tournament and other special events as well as spearheading public relations efforts. Ruckman graduated from Wichita State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She brings with her several years of experience working in the non-profit sector. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.ketch.org/news/new-pr-coordinator-announced.html#1337342310 http://www.ketch.org/news/new-pr-coordinator-announced.html