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Community Events

2013-02-01 09:16:03

Mosaic’s founders held a strong conviction for a better way of life for people with disabilities. Their passion and dedication to that mission drew others to help. Through the years, the mission evolved and grew and now provides the highest quality services for people with intellectual disabilities in communities across the country. The founders and those who followed—including us today—are all a part of Mosaic’s historical fabric. Save the Dates: February 19, 2013 – Official kick-off of our 100th Anniversary June 28, 2013 – Centennial Festival at Mosaic at Bethphage Village in Axtell, Neb. October 24, 2013 – Centennial Gala in Omaha Additional ways to celebrate our 100th year will be announced soon.

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Community Events

2013-02-01 09:13:05

Girard Area Who/What: GMC Foundation Valentine’s Dance. When: February 2nd. The cocktail hour and silent auction starts at 7:00. The dance starts at 8:00 and the Shane Duling Band will be playing. Tickets are $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Where: Triple S Steakhouse in Girard. Why: Each year the Girard Medical Center Foundation sponsors a Valentine Dance to raise funds to support hospital projects for health and wellness and to purchase needed equipment for our district hospital. This year the funds will go toward the Campaign for Life which will purchase a digital mammography machine. If you have any questions please contact Ronda Ison, Foundation Executive Director, at 620-724-5192 or rison@girardmedicalcenter.com. Shop Girard Winners Announced The Girard Area Chamber of Commerce held the drawing for the Shop Girard promotion on Friday, January 4th. The prizes this year included a $300 cash prize, a $150 cash prize and a $50 cash prize. Winners were: $300 Cash – Rick Coon, Girard; $150 Cash – Heather Short, Girard; $50 Cash – Mary Kay Mason, Girard. While the Shop Girard program has been a long standing incentive in the Girard area, the program was revamped in 2012. Instead of collecting tickets at participating businesses and matching up numbers, this year the program included a “Shop and Win” card in which shoppers collected stickers at participating businesses. Once the card was full (20 stamps), it could be entered into the drawing. The promotion ran Dec. 1st – 31st, 2012. Over 500 cards were collected throughout the month of December. “The response to the revamped program was terrific,” said Julie Smith, Executive Director, Girard Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our community participation was outstanding.” Twenty-six businesses participated this year, up from about 12 in the previous year. The Girard Area Chamber would like to thank those businesses for their participation. They include: Ace Hardware, Alco, Breneman's Auto Supply, Brumback Service Center, Chicken Annies Girard, Derailed Commodity, Girard Medical Center Gift Shop, Heidrick's Appliance, John's Jewelry, Mathis Drug Store, NAPA Auto Parts, Opies/Video West & East, Petes of Girard, Producers Coop Farm Store, Sonic of Girard, Triple S Steakhouse, Community National Bank, Exchange State Bank, First National Bank, Girard National Bank, American Family Insurance, Craw Kan Telephone, Farm Bureau Financial Services, State Farm Insurance, Heartland Electric, and McClelland Sanitation. The prize drawing may be viewed on you tube and can also be seen on Craw Kan's “The Cube.”

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Community Events

2012-11-19 11:35:55

The Girard Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, December 6th at 6:30 pm on the Girard square.

Community Christmas Caroling featuring the RVH Haderlein singers will begin at 6:00. Lighting of the tree will be at 6:25. Breakfast with Santa will be held at the GHS Cafeteria on Saturday, December 8th from 8am – 10:30am. Bring your own camera and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free admission – free pancake and sausage breakfast. Event sponsored by Class LTD and Appraisals Plus – Randy Pommier. Organized by Celebrate Girard! Events Committee.

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Community Events

Hillary Houston

2012-11-19 11:34:41

Q- I always put off my holiday shopping until the last minute-- partly because I really hate shopping and partly because most of those on my list are sisters, aunts, and nieces and I have no idea what to get any of them. Do you have any ideas that can help me get this done quickly and painlessly, and still give them something they would actually like?

A- Yes, I have an idea that will keep you from wandering the malls and will let you come away with wonderfully original gifts that will make you a holiday hero. Try your local boutiques. Boutiques offer a large array of gifts that you cannot find anywhere else, are high quality, and are always meaningful. In a boutique, you can satisfy nearly everyone on your list. For example, for the guys, you could get custom screen-printed shirts (you could even design them yourself!), or find a great retro piece for their home or office. For the women, boutiques offer fabulous jewelry with many original hand made offerings. Look for the silver charms and other silver jewelry that is so popular right now. Also popular with women are the refurbished furniture pieces like the ones that you might see on Pinterest. When you get the pieces at the boutique, they can have the look they want without having to spend forever on a DIY project. For little girls, you could find fabulously frilly tutus that will have your nieces feeling like the most beautiful ballerinas in the world. Even after your trip to the boutique, you still may have others on your list who are harder to buy for. The trick is to think outside the box. Another great place to find gifts with less hassle is the home improvement store. During the holiday season they often have traditional gifts like small appliances, and other gifts that you might not find in the department stores, like fountains, sundials, wind chimes, stepping stones, and of course specialty tools. Good luck in your shopping and have a wonderful holiday season!

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Community Events

2012-11-09 08:14:07

Want to get an early start on your holiday shopping? Well here’s your chance! The 2nd Annual Holiday Shopping Expo will be held on Saturday, November 17th, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites in Pittsburg, KS. Our one-day shopping event will bring a variety of merchants and holiday shoppers together under one roof. More than 30 vendors including direct sales companies, individuals with handmade items, and a few local businesses will be available to offer you their products and services. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list and maybe even pick up a little something for yourself! Admission is FREE and there will be Door Prize Drawings so bring your friends. For more information on our event please visit our website at www.holidayshoppingexpo.webs.com or find us on Facebook: Pittsburg, KS Holiday Shopping Expo.

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2012-11-09 07:50:24

Benefit slated for BJ Harris Family

A benefit concert will be held Saturday, Nov. 3rd at McCarthy's Pub in Pittsburg, KS, to support the BJ Harris Family. BJ and his wife Leslie recently welcomed baby Delylah who was born with a heart defect that requires surgery in the coming months. CLEAN SLATE and COUSIN EDDIE will be performing. Free will donation at the door with all door money collected going to BJ and Leslie. There will also be a silent auction held with many great items and McCarthy's will give a portion of drink sales to the benefit. 2012 Chamber Dinner Announced. The annual Girard Area Chamber Business and Recognition Dinner will be held Thursday, Nov. 29th at Triple S Steakhouse. Awards will be presented for Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Tickets are $18 each and the event is open to the public. Please contact the Chamber at 620.724.4715 for more information. Upcoming events: December 6th – Girard Christmas Parade December 8th – breakfast with Santa

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2012-10-03 10:27:17

Girard Homecoming kicks off Thursday, Sept. 29th with a Community Wide Pep Rally and Meet the Trojans night starting at 8pm at the Bus Barn west of Girard. Free BBQ will be served courtesy of Celebrate Girard! Events Committee. The public is invited to attend and the senior atheletes will be signing autographs.

Friday night the Girard Trojans take on the Colgan Panthers at 7pm at Frank Jameson Field. Booster Club Tailgate party starts at 4pm. Saturday, Sept. 29th is filled with a day full of fun homecoming activities! The day kicks off with a 5K/1Mile fun run at 7am to benefit the Geramie Kirby Memorial Scholarship and a Lions Club Pancake feed at 7:30am. The Girard Homecoming Parade begins at 10:00 am and the theme is “Reflecting on our Hometown Businesses.” Grand Marshalls will feature numerous long time businesses in the Girard area. PLEASE NOTE that the Parade Route will run along OZARK street from St. John to Prairie. Highway 7 (summit) will NOT be closed this year during the event. Other activities going on throughout the day include a Senior Class Cake Walk, Farm Tractor Show, Rollin Nostalgia Car Show sponsored by Bradshaw Collision Center, Kids Bouncers, HOT SHOT Basketball Tourney, CASI Chili Cookoff, Cupcake Wars, Washer Tournament, Pie Eating Contest, Dog Show Sponsored by Girard Animal Hospital, Free Bean Feed, Girard's Amazing Race sponsored by TJ Belcher Insurance, Punt Pass & Kick Competition, Alumni Baseball Game and more. Evening events include the Senior Homecoming Drawing at 6pm. Grand Prize is an Ipad donated by Craw-Kan Telephone and a Kindle Fire donated by Girard American Family, Farm Bureau and State Farm Agents. Many other great prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets are available for a $1 Donation. Come out for the drawing and stay for the Downtown Concert and Street Dance Sponsored by Girard National Bank, featuring music by COUSIN EDDIE, starting at 8pm . Beer Garden will also be open starting at 4pm. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Trunk or Treat – Girard, KS – Oct. 31st on the East side of the Girard Square

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2012-10-03 08:57:25

Q- Why do non-profits ask for financial gifts? Aren't people who have disabilities supported by the government?

A- People who have disabilities often do receive some type of government support, but it is limited. Alone, that income would have them living far below the poverty line. Many people with disabilities live in group homes of four or five people. Living with that many roommates helps make housing affordable. Some of the homes may be subsidized, such as HUD housing, which limits the amount someone can pay for rent. Even with subsidized housing, a person whose disability makes it difficult or impossible to find competitive employment, has little money remaining to pay for the expenses of daily life. After utilities, food, etc., it is not uncommon for people with disabilities to have between $30-$50 a month remaining to pay for personal needs such as clothing, personal care items, and maybe some entertainment now and then. That's where the gifts to organizations can make a difference. Gifts often make the difference for someone to have new clothing when needed, or sometimes even food and daily care items. Gifts also help pay the difference for people who aren't able to live in subsidized housing but still have limited income. Additionally, many people would not be aware that government funding and insurance often does not cover items such as wheelchairs, incontinence supplies, and adaptive equipment, the types of tools that make daily living easier for people with disabilities. Adaptive equipment might be something like a communications device for people with limited verbal abilities, or a transfer lift to help them move from a bed to a chair. There are also many helpful therapies that are not covered by government funding. Gifts help provide all of those items. Gifts also help provide services that are not paid by any outside source. Depending upon their disability, a person receives specified numbers of service hours to have people support them with the activities of daily life. But the funding for those service hours doesn't include funding for transportation. Organizations have to maintain fleets of vehicles to get people to and from doctor appointments, church, community activities, family visits, etc. They also must find a way to make the reimbursement funds they receive for services cover staff wages, overhead, transportation, staff benefits, and more.

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2012-08-30 08:33:34

Paint It, Black was a number one hit for The Rolling Stones in 1966, but in the Pittsburg area we like to Paint It, Red. In fact, every year we like to Paint the Town Red in celebration of Pittsburg State University’s first home football game. The excitement of seeing the Pittsburg area covered with crimson and gold, split face logos and gorilla statues has made Paint the Town Red one of the most widely anticipated community events in southeast Kansas. Now in its seventh year, Paint the Town Red has garnered national attention from the NCAA and was identified as a model event for other communities looking to engage their Division II universities.

Throughout the days leading up to Paint the Town Red, area businesses transform into symbols of gorilla pride with painted windows and decorated lawns. The business decorating contest generates fierce competition amongst area businesses, and for the first time ever, a Community Favorite Award will be chosen by area residents. The chamber is also excited to announce that residents can join in the competition this year by decorating their homes in an attempt to win the first ever Residential Decorating Award. Residential contest decorating forms (available online) must be submitted in order to have a house judged. A full lineup of events will take place Wednesday, September 5 through game day on Saturday, September 8. Residential and campus decoration judging will take place on Thursday, along with a community pep rally at Gorilla Village at 6 p.m. Friday’s events will include the business contest judging, PSU Athlete Autograph Session and Official Paint the Town Red Balloon Launch for all third grade students in Crawford County. Voting for the Community Favorite Award (business decorating contest) will be available at PittsburgAreaChamber.com beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday and will close at noon on Friday. Friday evening, everyone is invited to downtown Pittsburg for a Meet & Greet the Gorillas event. Numerous PSU student athletes will be signing autographs at downtown stores, and the PSU National Championship DVD: Champions – The Road to Florence will be playing throughout the evening in the parking lot of M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group. Saturday is game day, and the PSU Students in Free Enterprise will start the day off with a 5K run. The highly anticipated home opener kicks off at 6 p.m. with PSU playing host to Central Oklahoma. Winners from each division of the business decorating contest will be announced at the game and presented with the Paint the Town Red travelling trophies. The Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to participate in the festivities. For a full schedule of events, and contest entry forms, visit www.pittsburgareachamber.com or call 231-1000. Devin Gorman is Marketing and Communications Director for the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. The Pittsburg Area Chamber is the leading advocate for the business community and is supported by a membership of over 500 businesses, organizations and individuals committed to the growth and economic livelihood of the Pittsburg area. For additional information, call 620-231-1000 or visit www.pittsburgareachamber.com.

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2012-08-29 15:51:00

The event kicks off at 7am with the Geramie Kirby Memorial 5K/1Mile Fun Run. (for more info, visit www.gwkmemorial.com). Pancake feed sponsored by the Lions Club at GHS Cafeteria.

The GRAND PARADE begins at 10am. PLEASE NOTE, the Parade route has changed due to the construction on Highway 47. This year, the parade will begin at Ozark and 47 and continue South down Ozark to Prairie. Please line up to watch the parade on Ozark from Prarie to hwy 47. Other scheduled events include the BOB BRADSHAW COLLISION Car Show featuring the Rollin' Nostalgia Car Club, an Antique Tractor Show, DOG SHOW sponsored by GIRARD ANIMAL HOSPITAL, Cupcake Wars sponsored by WESTHOFF IMPLEMENT, Kids games & all day bouncers, vendors, school fundraisers, a HOT SHOT Bball tourney at the Sports Complex, a PUNT, PASS & KICK contest and much, MUCH MORE! For the first time in several years, a HOMECOMING RAFFLE DRAWING will take place on the courthouse lawn at 6pm. Bring your lawn chairs and your tickets and get ready to win great prizes donated by Girard Area Businesses! The GHS Senior Class is selling raffle tickets for $1 each. Don't miss the Street Dance! Music begins at 8pm and features Girard's own COUSIN EDDIE band. Beer garden brought to you by the GHS Class of 1979.

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2012-06-01 14:58:53

Q: My 20-year old son is developmentally disabled and looking for work. Unfortunately, with the economy, getting a job, any job is harder than ever. Times are so very hard even people with higher education are spending nights working second jobs wherever they can find work. What can I do to help my son have a competitive chance at getting in the workplace?

A: Very good question and this is a question we are hearing often. First, might I say, jobs are hard to find now with the economy in the situation it is in currently, but resources for individuals with developmental disabilities are higher than ever before. The positive effect a job has on a person with developmental disabilities is remarkable. It changes their life considerably for the better. It is also a well known fact that individuals with developmental disabilities are hard working, reliable, ethical, and perfectionists. If your son is receiving any kind of services through agencies like Mosaic, Class LTD, or New Hope then your son has a huge support base to assist with a job search. First thing he needs to do is express his desire for employment. Your son’s Direct Support Manager will assist in searching for the precise job match with skills and personality. The Direct Support Manager as well as your son’s Case Manager will work together until this correct match is found. Sometimes it takes awhile because of setting your son up for success. Now if your son does not receive services through a local agency, my advice to you as parents is to take him to Vocational Rehab, or Kansas Work Center. They are both extremely helpful in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities find a job. Again, this does not happen overnight, because the right job match must be found for a successful outcome for both your son and his new employer. Your son will need to follow up with his application and the staff at both of the above organizations. Showing persistence shows desire. For all of us looking for a job we must follow up often. My last bit of advice for you as a parent, get to know your community. Visit your Chamber events and other local gatherings, such as church events, community social events, and local job fairs. You and your son should get to know your community and become involved. The participation alone will show your son’s ability and desire to work. While volunteering in the community you will get to know many people with businesses. This is a way to reach out to people who will reach out to others to assist in your son’s job search. Best of luck to you and your son in his job search. I hope these tips will be helpful.

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Community Events

Jessica Dutton

2012-06-01 11:23:08

Q: What is Foster Care Month?

A: While this issue and article will reach your hands at the end of May, it is still a timely matter. Each May, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of the more than 400,000 children and youth in the foster care system. This month’s recognition - raises awareness about the urgent needs of these young people and encourages people from every walk of life to get involved – as foster or adoptive parents, volunteers, and mentors With the help of dedicated people, many formerly abused or neglected children and teens will either reunite safely with their parents, be cared for by relatives or be adopted by loving families. Thanks to the many advocates, child welfare professionals, elected officials and support groups around the country, the total number of children in foster care has decreased over recent years. But more help is needed. Every year, approximately 30,000 young people leave the foster care system without lifelong families – most at age 18. These young adults must navigate on their own. There are fewer jobs and less support for vital services such as housing. They need – and deserve – caring adults who love and support them. We call on all to join us in helping to change a lifetime of a child or youth in foster care. No matter who you are or how much time you have to give, you can help create permanent, lifelong connections for these children and youth. All children — including the 408,000 American children and youth in foster care — deserve a safe, happy life. Young people in foster care especially need nurturing adults on their side because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them. The family is the cornerstone of our society. More than any other force it shapes the attitude, the hopes, the ambitions, and the values of the child. And when the family collapses it is the children that are usually damaged. When it happens on a massive scale the community itself is crippled. “So, unless we work to strengthen the family, to create conditions under which most parents will stay together, all the rest – schools, playgrounds, and public assistance, and private concern- will never be enough.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2012-04-20 15:27:05

Q: We are in the process of adopting a child from Russia. Although he is only 12, he spent 3 years in an adult facility because he has some “physical and intellectual limitations” and I believe the environment contributed to those limitations. Having no prior experience in caring for anyone with special needs, I have no idea of where to begin, what services should I seek out, support, or anything? Also, I would like information from a long-term sort of view. Please tell me where I can start.

A: First of all I would like to thank you in advance for considering to change the life of an individual with intellectual disabilities. Your first step in this process would be to contact your local CDDO- Community Developmental Disability Organization, which is located at Class LTD in Columbus, Kansas at 1-877-449-8999. After your initial phone contact they would meet with you and your child to determine if he/she qualifies for services. If he/she qualifies they would give you list of area service providers in which you can choose a case manager that will work very closely with you and your child to assist you in services you may need, such as; advocacy, IEP’s, and if needed Positive Support Plans. Your case Manager is a very important choice for you and your child with Intellectual or physical disabilities. The case manager also assists with local resources in the community. Unfortunately, there is a waiting list for services in Kansas. This list of Kansas residents awaiting services number in the thousands, and it typically takes 4-6 years to move from the waiting list. After coming off the waiting list he/she will be provided with services such as In Home Supports, Residential Service, Day Services, and later Employment Services, as determined by need. For more information please refer to the CDDO web-site www.CDDOSEK.org.

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Community Events

Jessica Dutton

2012-04-20 15:17:58

Q: What should you consider before becoming a foster parent?

A: Assessing the impact is vital to your decision in fostering. How is this going to affect your family? It is truly like adding a newborn to your family. The birth order will change, and with that the family dynamics change. Are your own children willing to adjust? With all that being taken into consideration, it is important to realize that the child needs to be able to adjust too. Foster parents need to be able to see the child, as if they were looking through the child’s eyes. These children often come from abuse, neglect and poor living conditions. The foster family should be able to recognize that they aren’t going to get a perfect child. The child may come from nothing, and move into a completely different environment. In addition, the hardest concept for families is to understand the child’s bond to the biological parents. Even though the child has come from a bad situation, doesn’t mean that the child no longer desires to be with the bio parent’s. The bond, the feeling of love for the bio parent doesn’t change. It is vitally important that families take that into consideration. At any given point in time, the family will need to be able to support the child’s return home. On the flip side, the foster family will also need to prepare for the emotional response of the child’s return home. Taking the financial piece into consideration is important as well. There is free medical insurance that is provided for the child, a daily reimbursement rate, and clothing vouchers that are given twice a year. This truly doesn’t take a lot to figure out. If you can provide a safe, loving, nurturing environment for a child, you will have what it takes to be a successful foster family. The same things that you would want and desire for your own children.…

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2012-03-27 10:19:38

Q: I am recently retired and completely bored. Although I was glad to retire, I do miss feeling as if I accomplished something worthwhile at the end of the day. We’ve done the cruise and everything else one does when they retire, but I want something a bit more fulfilling to add to my day. Can you provide some suggestions?

A: Have you ever thought about working with children or possibly individuals with intellectual disabilities? There are so many ways to contribute to their lives. If you are a caring, loving, and passionate person, who needs the feeling of accomplishment in regards to a worth while feeling, consider how easy it is to make a difference in the life of an individual with a disability. You could do as little as you wish by volunteering at a group home on the weekend, or at the work center during the week. All agencies across Kansas have programs set up for volunteers to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. This is a meaningful contribution to caring and wonderful people who may have no one aside from the staff that care for them. Or you can jump in with two feet by being a Host Home Provider. This entails caring for the individual in service in your home, like a foster care provider, with supports and training from the agency. Host Homes are found to be very rewarding for the individual as well as the person hosting.

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Community Events

Jessica Dutton

2012-03-26 16:54:08

Q: How has foster care evolved over time?

A: I will answer this question as unbiased as possible, but from the perspectives of what I know, through our own company (TFI Family Services) and how it has shaped over time... 1960’s The Farm, Inc. began in 1965 as a summer camp ran by Maxine Johnson and her family on a farm near Admire, Kansas. After several years of successfully running the summer camp, the Lyon County juvenile judge and county welfare director approached the Johnsons, asking if they would consider taking children all year long. The Farm’s story was only beginning. 1960 through 1970’s During our first years, The Farm specialized in long term residential care with the capacity to care for 24 children at a time and often keeping brothers and sisters together. The girls lived in a big re-modeled farm house and the boys in a ranch style lodge. The children learned to fish, swim, camp, and to appreciate all the aspects of living on a farm while attending public school and a local church. The Johnsons encouraged the children to be active in their school and community. In school, they participated in sports, cheerleading, plays, band, and as class leaders. They were also involved in 4-H and state fairs. As a family they took canoe trips, vacations, and celebrated graduations. Support for The Farm came from the local Jaycee and Elks’ organizations. 1980’s This was the decade of change for The Farm. Child welfare began moving more toward permanency for children in smaller, family-like settings and adoption was being explored as a case plan goal for children. Residential stays were seen only as a short-term alternative care. In 1985, the founding mother of The Farm, Maxine Johnson, passed away. After 20 years of caring for the children, Maxine’s husband and sister retired and Peggy S. Martin, LMSW became the second Executive Director in The Farm, Inc.’s history. In the late 1980’s, the agency moved from its rural location to a facility called J- Max in Emporia, Kansas, which had formerly been a group home for United Methodist Youthville. The Farm used the Boy’s Town Achievement Place program model. A year later, The Farm opened an emergency shelter in Emporia for boys and girls called the Oakes House. 1990’s Another decade of significant change. The Farm saw children completing its program model at J-Max with nowhere to go and children having long stays in its emergency shelter. SRS was now allowing child welfare agencies the ability to sponsor foster families. In response, The Farm started up its own family foster care program, and in doing so, developed a model that broke all the old rules. The Farm assigned a social worker 24/7 to the foster family. There were foster care training retreats, monthly support meetings, and monthly newsletters. With the popularity of this model, The Farm‘s sponsorships exploded throughout Kansas, fostering office expansions in southeast, south central, northeast, and southwest Kansas. In 1996, Kansas became the first State in the Union to privatize its foster care/reintegration, adoption, and family preservation services. The Farm became one of the largest state wide subcontractors for a variety of family foster care homes and adoption services. It was also at this time, The Farm made the painful decision to end its residential services in order to put its time and resources in the development of its family foster care program. 2000’s As we embark into the 21st century we entered into an era of privatization with a contractual relationship with the State of Kansas to provide an array of case management services to achieve permanency in a life of a child through family preservation, family reintegration, and adoption. We maintained our accredited programs through the National Council on Accreditation (COA) for Adoption, Foster Care Services, Kinship Services, Case Management, Family Preservation Services, Counseling, Support and Education, and Services for Substance Related Disorders. We continued to develop new programs to meet the needs of Kansas children and families through our Douglas County Visitation and Exchange program and achieving Hague Accreditation through COA for an International Adoption program. All the while, we have lead the state in the sponsorship of family foster care homes. As we evolved into a statewide organization in order to develop programs to better serve Kansas families and children, we realized we were no longer that small rural agency in Northern Lyon called The Farm, Inc., but that we had grown into TFI Family Services, Inc.

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2012-02-28 12:08:28

Q: Recently in the local area I have heard mention of Host Homes in regards to individuals with disabilities. Can you tell me more about Host Homes?

A: Currently individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities live either with a family member, in a residential group home or in state operated facilities. Host Homes are a foster care like environment for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Host Homes are a better choice for many of the individuals in service. By having the opportunity to enjoy life in a Host Home, individuals learn skills to transition to their own homes or provide a life long companionship to prevent living alone and being isolated from the world. A person who is providing a Host Home for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, provides a service to them of a family or roommate like setting. This has been proven to help achieve the highest degree of life satisfaction and personal growth for the individuals. Host Homes are a great option for everyone involved. Host Homes match a person who has a disability with someone who provides the assistance needed for daily living in a family setting. The provider works as an independent contractor, receiving full support to ensure a successful and satisfying experience. Host Home providers are well trained, offered a continuous support system and monitoring, as well as 24 hour access to emergency support and respite when needed. Being a provider is a life changing, skill-building, satisfying and rewarding experience. The benefits of becoming a Host Home provider are endless for the Individual in service as well as the provider. As stated by a current Host Home provider, “If you have the heart for it and can do it, do it. This is so rewarding.” To become a Host Home provider you will be helping someone else achieve more in life while you earn a good income and enjoy the independence of working from home.

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2012-02-28 08:35:38

Q: What’s new in or around Crawford County this month?

A: The chamber is excited to announce the 2012 Biz Expo will take place on Friday and Saturday, March 30-31, at Meadowbrook Mall in Pittsburg. The public is invited to attend this annual event that showcases a wide variety of products and services from area businesses. Many vendors will have free product samples, giveaways and prize drawings. We have an exciting theme for this year’s expo, “The Place is Right: Shop the Pittsburg Area,” which will have booths decorated in a game show theme. Every year vendors show off their creative skills in an attempt to win the coveted “Best of Show” award. The 2012 Biz Expo will kick off on Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. with a Chamber Coffee hosted by Custom Awards Plus, Inc. The 2012 Biz Expo is sponsored by KOAM TV 7, KKOW Radio and KFJX-FOX 14 TV. For additional information on the 2012 Biz Expo, or if your business is interested in reserving a booth space, contact the chamber at 620-231-1000 or visit www.PittsburgAreaChamber.com.

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Community Events

Jessica Dutton

2012-02-27 16:42:38

Q: Recently I heard information about the overwhelming need for foster homes in Southeast Kansas. Is there truly an emergent need?

A: Now more than ever, there is an overwhelming shortage of foster and adoptive parents. This raises concerns, when trying to place a child in their home county. When there is a child who is removed from their home for their safety, the need arises for foster homes within their own community. These children are placed out of home, when there has been a decision made by the court. The child at that time is found to be a child in need of care. This decision is based on the facts alleged by law enforcement and the local SRS. As of February 14, 2012, there are 84 children from Crawford County living in out of home placement. Out of these, only 31 are placed within Crawford County. The others are away from their family, school, and friends. In Crawford County, the greatest need for local foster families is for teenagers, sibling groups, and children with special needs. What are the qualifications for a resource foster care or adoptive parent? •Be 21 years or older and have a permanent residence •Have an outside source of income •Have housing space to provide a separate bed for each foster child •Complete PSP – MAPP (Partnering for Safety and Permanence Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting) training. This is a free, 10 week course designed to help you make an informed decision about becoming a resource parent •Provide three personal references •Pass the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Child Abuse Registry background checks. •Your home will need to pass inspection by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to ensure your home is safe and suitable for children Parenting experience is not required. Becoming a resource foster parent, you are giving an opportunity for children to stay closer to the community they know.

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2012-01-30 12:52:28

Q: What can I do to get some relief from income taxes?

A: One great way to lower your tax burden is to give to qualified charities. There are many different ways to give, most of which will have a beneficial effect on your taxes. Popular gifts that offer you a variety of tax and other benefits include: Direct Gifts Gifts made to a qualified charitable organization are tax-deductible if you itemize your return. Not every organization that seeks gifts is a qualified charity, so if you’re seeking to use the gift as a tax deduction, make certain that the organization qualifies. (Interestingly, donations to certain government areas can be tax-deductible)! Charitable Gift Annuity An irrevocable agreement between you and the charity that provides you with a guaranteed annual payment for the rest of your life. There is often an immediate and long-term tax benefit to charitable gift annuities. Charitable Remainder Trust A trust arrangement between you and a trustee that pays you an income for life or a term of years. At the end of the trust term, the remaining assets are distributed to the charity. Life Insurance A creative, yet easy, way to make a significant impact through a new or existing policy. The cash value of the policy and premium payments are tax deductible. IRA/Retirement Plan Qualified retirement accounts are an ideal asset to leave to a charity since they bear income taxes if left to an individual. There are many other kinds of planned gifts, so it is wise to work with a professional to determine which options are the most effective for you.

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2012-01-26 15:18:42

Q: Anything new in or around Crawford County this month?

A: This month, we are encouraging everyone to stay informed, get involved, and CONNECT! The Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau are excited to bring you the Community Connection. A weekly radio show airing Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. on 860 AM KKOW. The show will feature upcoming events in the area, introduce new businesses and discuss topics affecting our community. Each show will feature new guests, so be sure and tune in each week. The goal of the show is to help listeners stay informed, involved and connected to our community. The Community Connection is a great way for businesses to promote ribbon cuttings, open houses, new services and new products. For additional information about being a guest on the show, contact the chamber at: 620-231-1000. If your business or organization has a large community event taking place in the area, contact B.J. Harris, Crawford County CVB Director, at 620-231-1212.

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2011-12-27 14:39:03

Q: Why do non-profits ask for financial gifts? Aren’t people who have disabilities supported by the government?

A: People who have disabilities often do receive some type of government support, but it is limited. Alone, that income would have them living far below the poverty line. Many people with disabilities live in group homes of four or five people. Living with that many roommates helps make housing affordable. Some of the homes may be subsidized, such as HUD housing, which limits the amount someone can pay for rent. Even with subsidized housing, a person whose disability makes it difficult or impossible to find competitive employment, has little money remaining to pay for the expenses of daily life. After utilities, food, etc., it is not uncommon for people with disabilities to have between $30-$50 a month remaining to pay for personal needs such as clothing, personal care items and maybe some entertainment now and then. That’s where the gifts to organizations can make a difference. Gifts often make the difference for someone to have new clothing when needed, or sometimes even food and daily care items. Gifts also help pay the difference for people who aren’t able to live in subsidized housing but still have limited income. Additionally, many people would not be aware that government funding and insurance often does not cover items such as wheelchairs, incontinence supplies and adaptive equipment. (The types of tools that make daily living easier for people with disabilities). Adaptive equipment might be something like a communications device for people with limited verbal abilities, or a transfer lift to help them move from a bed to a chair. There are also many helpful therapies that are not covered by government funding. Gifts help provide all of those items. Gifts also help provide services that are not paid by any outside source. Depending upon their disability, a person receives specified numbers of service hours to have people support them with the activities of daily life. But the funding for those service hours doesn’t include funding for transportation. Organizations have to maintain fleets of vehicles to get people to and from doctor appointments, church, community activities, family visits, etc. They also must find a way to make the reimbursement funds they receive for services cover staff wages, overhead, transportation, staff benefits and more.

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2011-11-21 12:08:26

Q: What are some things I, as a community member, could do to assist our individuals with intellectual disabilities?

A: As a member of the community there are a variety of ways you can make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. One of the easiest ways is to stop by and talk to the Community Relations Manager at any agency. They can invite you to the next informational event, or to the next seasonal party. If you would like to get to know some of the fantastic people which are being served by service agencies, you can adopt an individual, or even a house for the holidays. This requires a little time but makes for a lasting difference; bringing them treats and visiting, helping them decorate, or even bring a small birthday gift, building lasting friendships. As we all are, the individuals we serve are very excited about holiday events and other celebrations throughout the year. By adopting a person or a house you are showing your support and making a difference at the same time. Another way to assist is by donating much needed items. Many times these agencies are non-profit and numerous items are needed but can not be purchased. These items may consist of new bedding, curtains, toiletries, games, or other small items for their homes or the workshops. These little tokens of support go a long way. Another way to support individuals with intellectual disabilities is to be an advocate. Located on most agencies websites are directions to assist via email or hand written letters to our local legislators, stating the importance of funding our neighbors who may have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Most times, you can sign up and they will send you updates and information to assist. A visit or a call to your local agency, who serves individuals with intellectual disabilities, and visiting their Community Relations Manager will give you a better idea on how you as a community member can build lasting friendships and provide assistance at the same time.

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2011-11-17 15:54:33

Q: What’s new at the Chamber?

A: As we touched base on last month, (and as I have revisited and updated as a reminder below for this month) the chamber is excited to announce the return of our Christmas Cash campaign! The campaign offers shoppers the chance to win $250 worth of gift certificates by visiting participating merchants in the Pittsburg area this holiday season. Shoppers who visit participating businesses can fill out an entry ticket to be entered in the drawings. A total of $1,000 in gift certificates will be awarded to four lucky winners. Drawings will be taking place each week leading up to Christmas. The goal of the Christmas Cash campaign is to encourage consumers to shoplocal. One of the best ways to support our community is to patronize local businesses. Money spent out of the area or online with non-local businesses provides no benefit to our community. Support our local merchants this holiday season and you may even receive an early present, a $250 gift certificate! Visit www.pittsburgareachamber.com for a full list of participating merchants and for exclusive Christmas Cash campaign coupons! Keep up to date with chamber events be becoming a fan of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.

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Community Events

Stephanie Webb

2011-10-24 11:36:23

Q: I have recently seen Mosaic’s name in our community. What does Mosaic do?

A: Mosaic supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live as independently as they possibly can. Since every individual is different, the amount and types of support we offer vary for each individual. Mosaic’s model of service focuses on the desires and needs of each person. Through annual “Personal Outcome Measure” interviews with the individual and their guardian, we determine what that person wants to accomplish. We then set up supports to help them work toward achieving their goals. Examples of our supports include: workshops where people learn vocational and life skills; job coaching that help people become successful in employment; and various therapies to help meet medical needs. We also provide housing for people. Some people need 24-hour/7-day living support so we provide group homes that are staffed at all times. Other people may only require staff to help with daily living activities like bathing or dressing. Everything depends upon the needs of the individual and we are as creative as possible in finding the best way to help. Mosaic has only been in Southeast Kansas since 2010, but the organization will celebrate its centennial in 2013. It has offered services in other areas of Kansas for more than 25 years.

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Community Events

Devin Gorman

2011-10-20 10:28:39

Q: What’s new at the Chamber?

A: The chamber is excited to announce the return of our Christmas Cash Campaign! The campaign offers shoppers the chance to win $250 worth of gift certificates by visiting participating merchants in the Pittsburg area this holiday season. Shoppers who visit participating businesses will need to fill out an entry ticket to be entered in the drawings. A total of $1,000 in gift certificates will be awarded to four lucky winners. Drawings will begin the last week of November, with one drawing taking place each week leading up to Christmas. The goal of the Christmas Cash Campaign is to encourage consumers to shop local. One of the best ways to support our community is to patronize local businesses. Money spent out of the area or online with non-local businesses provides no benefit to our community. Support our local merchants this holiday season and you may even receive an early present, a $250 gift certificate! If your business would like to join the Christmas Cash Campaign, please contact the chamber at 231-1000 for more details. We encourage participating merchants to offer coupons during the campaign, which will be available at www.pittsburgareachamber.com. Remember to “Like” Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.