KETCH Helping people with disabilities live and work in the community

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Mission
To promote independence for persons with disabilities through innovative learning experiences that support individuals’ choices for working, living and playing in their community.

History
Since its beginning, KETCH has stood as a leader in the rehabilitation industry, serving more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities. Much has changed since our beginning, but one thing remains the same—our commitment to help people with disabilities live and work in the community.

In 1962, a group of parents of adult children with mental retardation formed the organization now known as KETCH. In an era when institutions were the only option for people with disabilities, these parents believed that their adult children were capable of more. They opened the “ Wichita Training Center for the Retarded,” a workshop to serve nine men. Here, they hoped to train and prepare their sons for jobs in the community. The program’s success led to a second center for women the following year. Unfortunately, both centers were under-funded and faced a bleak future.

The Kansas Elks Association adopted the center as its major philanthropic project in 1964 and took over the operations. The center was renamed the Kansas Elks Training Center for the Retarded. By early 1966, the first nine enrollees were placed in community jobs, and later that year, private housing was made available. By 1975, services were extended to persons with a variety of disabilities. The center’s name was changed to the Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped, Inc. (KETCH).

The 1980s were a decade of growth for KETCH. Job placement offices were established in 17 cities across Kansas. By 1982, KETCH expanded services to include job placement for people age 55 and older. Several small group homes in Wichita were also made available for persons served by KETCH.

The 1990s and beyond have meant an increase in choice for persons served. Today, families can choose to have their child served in their home, individualized apartments or small group homes. And those who desire to leave institutional settings can now choose to experience life in the community. Improvements in technology, medicine and rehabilitation practices have meant increased independence for many.

Awards

In 1971, KETCH became the first organization in Kansas to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the national accrediting body for organizations serving people with disabilities.
In 1982, KETCH was awarded one of the nation’s top eleven “Awards for National Excellence” by President Ronald Reagan.
In 1988, KETCH receives the American Legion “Employer of the Year” award.
In 1989, KETCH became the first not-for-profit to receive the Wichita Chamber of Commerce “Over the Years” award. This annual award is bestowed upon a business contributing significantly to the economic well being of south central Kansas.
In 1995, KETCH’s Projects With Industry program received the “Outstanding Projects With Industry” award from the Inter-National Association of Business, Industry and Rehabilitation in Washington, DC.
In 2000, Ron Pasmore, president and CEO, was named “Professional of the Year” by The Arc of Sedgwick County.
In 2000, Lois Humphrey, vocational trainer, was named “Direct Care Staff of the Year” by The Arc of Sedgwick County.
In 2007, Larry Skinner, vocational trainer, was named "Direct Support Professional of the Year" by ANCOR's National Advocacy Team.
In 2007, Ron Pasmore, KETCH President/CEO, received the Mark D. Elmore award for his distinguished career from InterHab.