Winter Newsletter 2016

Inside This Issue:
Gentle Bond...............................Pg. 4
Life Reflections..........................Pg. 4
Through My Eyes.......................Pg. 2
Staff Kudos.................................Pg. 4
ISL Wish List................................Pg. 5
New Faces, New Roles...............Pg. 6
Vol. 3
Issue 1
Winter 2016
OUR JOURNEY
New Beginnings
CDD consolidates with Special Neighbors, Inc.
A
fter several months of detailed discussions
and careful thought processes, Center for
Developmentally Disabled (CDD) has the
great pleasure of announcing that we consolidated services with Special Neighbors, Inc.
(SNI). The consolidation took effect on January 27, 2016.
CDD then became an organization that employs more
than 340 people and supports 205 individuals over the
age of 16 with developmental disabilities in the Jackson
County area.
City metro area,” she said. “CDD looks forward to our
on-going work in ensuring that the individuals are striving toward life goals that highlight their strengths and
preferences.”
The new company will combine two organizations
similar in size and culture, with strengths that are highly
complementary. Both organizations pride themselves
on the quality of their programs and providing a quality
of life and community access for people with developmental disabilities. The newly formed organization will
continue to focus on providing a positive, gentle and
caring quality of living for all individuals.
Etta said she chose to partner with CDD because of the
stability of the company and the number of resources it
has to sustain the services provided.
The two organizations will operate under the name of
CDD with Sarah Mudd as the Executive Director and the
former Executive Director for SNI, Etta Mitchell, as a
transition consultant for a six-month period. The main
office will be in Kansas City with a branch office in Independence.
Sarah said she is looking forward to expanding CDD and
its services and assures everyone that the quality of care
will remain the same.
“I hope you will join us in celebrating this major milestone as it provides a tremendously exciting opportunity
for CDD to expand our footprint in the greater Kansas
Both organizations are well established in Jackson County and share similar missions to provide persons with
developmental disabilities opportunities to achieve their
fullest potential and to engage in their communities.
Both organizations are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
“CDD truly celebrates the lives of the individuals,” she
said. “…We have to make sure that everyone is committed to helping people have a great life. CDD has a stable
and grounded infrastructure that will allow growth,
training and development for the staff and participants.”
As both organizations move forward to become one, the
processes will undoubtedly take time to mesh, but the
overall goal is to bring everyone together in a smooth
transition.
Through My Eyes
Dreams do come true. At least for one
of CDD’s individuals they did. David
Wisdom has been with CDD since 2006.
In that time and, according to David,
for as long as he can remember, he has
wanted to get a passport and travel outside the country. As many of us do, he
had seen Jamaica in magazines and on
television, and heard stories from family
and friends and thought it seemed like
an amazing place to visit. The idea of
Jamaica being an island was really interesting to David, as he had never visited
such a place. He also really liked the
idea that it is warm all year!
Pictures, television and stories over
the years led David to begin asking for
help in getting a passport so he could
travel. For at least three years, it was
in David’s Person-Centered Plan to get
a passport. For Christmas 2015, that
dream was finally achieved. He vividly
remembers going to have his picture
taken and turning in his paperwork. He
asked his father several times a week
about his passport until it arrived. When
his passport arrived, he described it as a
little travel book that no one could take
because it has his picture in it.
of fun going to the market. He said that
the market in Jamaica is very different
from the ones in Kansas City. David also
spent much quality time with his dad.
One of his favorite things about Jamaica
was eating at all of the different restaurants on the island.
David’s dad surprised him at Thanksgiving with news of their trip to Jamaica
over Christmas. David was very excited,
and it was all staff could do to keep him
from packing a month early. When the
time came, staff helped David pack for
his trip and reviewed his travel arrangements with him. His family picked him
up and headed to the airport. David enjoyed flying and looked out the window
to see the landscape transform beneath
him from land to water.
David would love to go back to Jamaica so he could to take lots of pictures
because he did not take any this time
around.
Once in Jamaica, David had the opportunity to swim in the ocean, lie on the
beach and enjoy the sun. He had a lot
Staff Kudos
The following is an e-mail sent to CDD
by the parent/guardian of a person supported at Kinbrook Apartments recognizing the many staff who help support
her son – Jackson Talbert.
Dear Debbie:
So many things have happened over the
last few months and all of them extremely positive. We had a dear family
friend who visited Jackson recently and
she could not stop raving about the staff
and everything about Kinbrook. She is
someone who loves Jackson as though
he were her own so this was quite
emotional for her and she left feeling
wonderfully about everything. She met
a number of the staff and spent quite a
bit of time talking with Helen.
Speaking of Helen, she is incredible. Her
relationship with Jackson is astounding. He hugs her, looks for her when he
is not around, he really wants to please
Pg. 2
By: Jennifer Downs and
Kelsey Brazelton
her and she just has developed a bond
with him that we have only seen with
three to four other people throughout
his 21 years. She is one very special
lady and constantly goes above and
beyond. I feel so very fortunate to have
Helen caring for and working with Jackson. Helen and I regularly communicate
about Jackson and she tells me wonderful stories or his little “victories.”
And, of course, Ms. Bertha—her attitude is incredible, she is so helpful
when I call and she and Jackson have
such a warm relationship. She just has
a “light” around her that gives me great
peace that she is caring for and encouraging my special son.
I see Sharon and Mr. Arthur on weekends and they act as though it is so
special to see us each week and want
to do anything and everything to make
our visit special. They also take time to
tell us such positive things about Jack-
“I was too excited and having too much
fun to remember to get out a camera,”
he said.
David said he understands that he may
not get to go back to Jamaica very soon
because it is a very expensive trip, but
that he has hopes that he will get to go
again in the future. If he doesn’t get to
Story cont’d on page 3
By: Denise Talbert
son—how wonderful that is to hear. My
parents visited for the second time
recently and my mom was in absolute
tears when
she talked
about the staff
at Kinbrook
and how she
prayed for
them each
day and was
so thankful
for the people
who surrounded Jackson.
I truly believe
all of this love
comes from
the example
Connie sets. I
probably text
Connie dai-
Jackson hangs out with
his staff Bertha in his
apartment.
Story cont’d on page 3
Through my
Eyes cont’d
Jamaica perhaps another location in the
world would suit him.
“Maybe next time my dad will take me
to Italy,” he said.
Staff Kudos cont’d
ly—there is no detail or question too
small for Connie to take the time to
answer. She is always there for Jackson
and our family. She came in on Saturday just to be able to meet my parents,
that’s how much she cares about the
folks who live at Kinbrook. She has
spent time during off hours working to
decorate Jackson’s apartment. I’m not
sure how she juggles it all because, at
times, it seems that Jackson must be
the only resident because of all the
time she dedicates to him. I knew from
the first moment I met Connie that she
was an exceptional person and that in
her care is where I wanted my son. That
has turned out to be truer than I could
have imagined.
Jackson sits on the couch with Connie, Manager at Kinbrook. He has lived at Kinbrook
since summer 2015.
I’ll never be able to demonstrate my
thanks for the great gift these folks give
to me—they love my son, they encourage my son and they keep him safe!
David and his family friend, Sal,
spend time together in Jamaica.
David spent the Christmas holiday
on the tropical island.
Sincerely,
Denise Talbert
2015 Donor List
Middendorf Insurance
Angela Kuhlman (American Century)
Tracy Ross
Genoa Healthcare
Betty & Steven Chellgren
Tom & Ellen Bodine
The Family of Michael Bradley
Jim Johnson
Reta Roe
MITC
Rebecca Antey
Richard Ropp
Ronald Neal
President: Jerry Wheeler
Vice President: Karrie Duke
Treasurer: Angela Kuhlman
Secretary: Megan Hover
Ela Johnson
Jane Campbell
David & Lindsay Vance
Shaun Powers
Josie Brown
Paula Panarisi
Arnie & Judy Eichorst
Joseph Pace
Gene & Peggy Godsy
Mary Mitchell
Sarah Mudd
Debbie Pfeifer
Kelsey Brazelton
Donisha Carter
Members: Peter Frick
Jim Breed
Peter Hartweger
Vonzel Sawyer Jane Connolly
Mary Copenhaver
Kathy & John Ross
Kathleen Harlow
Tim and Barbara Quinn
Fred & Linda Bonadonna
EJ Navarrete
Jenny Kemp
Jody Michael
Elma Warrick
Damisha Williams
Pg. 3
Gentle Bond
One individual and a staff share a special relationship
Gentle Teaching is displayed in the way
the staff and individuals supported interact with one another as well as how
people are treated at CDD.
When new staff come to CDD, they are
trained in Gentle Teaching. The process
of Gentle Teaching starts with showing
the staff the importance of ensuring
the individuals supported feel safe and
loved. Once they feel these things, the
ultimate goal is for the individuals to
show the same feelings toward others.
Eventually, this leads to the individuals
becoming engaged or actively participating in their lives.
While many staff display Gentle Teaching, one relationship in particular shines
above others. Brian Brackett has lived at
Elms House for 21 years. Gentle Teaching techniques are used to re-direct
Brian when he gets upset.
On most days, Brian spends his evenings
sitting in “his” chair in the house, quietly observing all of the interactions of the
people around him. One staff in particular, Deborah Rowe, has worked with Brian for a couple of years and has formed
a special bond with him. Deborah has a
very soft, caring voice and always uses
Gentle Teaching techniques to greet the
individuals she supports in her special
way when she comes to work. However, when she greets Brian, their bond
shines. He likes to grab her hands and
press his forehead to hers. She always
smiles and looks at him warmly while
holding his hands and saying, “Hi…Hi,
Friend…” over and over again until Brian
is ready to let go.
Deborah is off a couple days during the
week, but when she returns, Brian is
often found bouncing up and down in
his chair, smiling, laughing and reaching
Life Reflections
CDD unexpectedly loses a beloved individual
Albert Meeks, 57 of Grandview Mo.,
entered into life Feb 17, 1958 and into
rest Jan 2, 2016. Albert came to CDD
in March of 2006 where he lived in
Grandview at the Southern Road Group
Home. But when the group home
closed its doors in 2010, he moved to
Kinbrook Apartments and became
roommates with his longtime friend
Michael “Mikey” Smith.
County Public Administrator’s Office,
Developmental Disability Services of
Jackson County—eitas, and countless
other people who were a part of his
daily life. Albert’s roommate, staff and
friends wish to convey our most sincere
appreciation for many expressions of
love, concern, kindness, and support
during this time as we reflect on Albert’s life and celebrate his rest.
Albert enjoyed spending time exploring
sensory objects and would often be
found in his room surrounded by them.
When Albert was able he also enjoyed
attending his church’s Abounding Love
program as well as other activities in
the community with his roommate and
friends. He will be truly missed by his
roommate as well as the staff and other
individuals at Kinbrook.
Albert is survived by his roommate Michael Smith, his friends at CDD, Jackson
Pg. 4
Albert Meeks at prom.
By: Nicke Briscoe and
Kelsey Brazelton
his arms out towards her.
Nicke said that she is touched each
time Deborah comes on shift and greets
Brian with open arms.
“He cannot contain his excitement, seeing his friend and advocate,” she said.
“I know that she has reached the level
of engagement with Brian. Because of
Deborah’s efforts, Brian is able to feel
safe and loved.”
Deborah greets Brian. They touch foreheads to show affection.
By: Connie Johnson
Through my eyes (Poem)
Through my eyes I could see the Love of
those surrounding me
I could feel your hands as you cared for
me your gentle touch to comfort me
Through my eyes I could see the eyes of
those who connected me to places in
my community
Through my eye I could see how you
took the time to listen to the words that
I could not speak
Through my eyes I could see that you
were my voice and my words to the
world around me
Through my eyes I was more than a
consumer, client, resident I was a person and you knew me by name: Albert
Meeks.
Now through your eyes I want you to
see that my spirit and soul have been
set free and I’m resting in eternity.
ISL
WISH LIST
We want to thank you all for your donations. We have been
able to stock apartments and homes of the people who need
it. We are always looking to have items for the people we
bring to CDD, so any items you are looking to give away or get
rid of, please consider donating to CDD for people in need.
We ask a lot from our staff, and they always rise to the occasion. Sometimes though, we all need a little help. We would
like to ask our newsletter readers to consider helping with
donations for our ISL program.
Please consider donating either through our Web site at
www.cddkc.org, sending a check with the envelope in this
newsletter, or just calling the office at (816) 531-0045. Your
donations can help make an apartment into a home.
We are also looking for some of the following items:
• Dishes
• Cookware
• Silverware
• Decorations
• Pots and Pans
• Kitchen Utensils
• Dish soap
• Personal hygiene products
• Paper towels
• Gift cards
Please give us a call at (816) 531-0045 if you have questions. Thanks again for all the past support!
CDD frequently has openings in our apartments, group
homes and individualized homes in various areas of the
community. If you or someone you know is interested in
being supported by our agency, please contact us.
CDD is a private, not-for-profit organization.
We are designated as tax exempt by the Internal
Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3).
All donations to CDD are tax-deductible. We have a
restricted account for donors to assist the individuals
with financial needs, travel and recreation. If you wish to
contribute, please send your check or money order to:
CDD Donor Account
1010 W 39th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Check us out on our Web site at www.cddkc.org
Additional information about the agency will be made
available upon request.
Pg. 5
Center for Developmentally Disabled
1010 W 39th St.
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-531-0045
Fax: 816-756-5612
Website: www.cddkc.org
E-mail: [email protected]
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New Faces, New Roles
CDD welcomes new staff and old staff take on new roles
As CDD continues to grow and our
needs evolve, the more people we need
to bring on board and help us continue
on our journey. If you have called up to
the front office, you may have noticed a
new voice on the phone or if you have
called over to Birch or Cedars Houses
recently, you may have heard new voices there as well.
CDD welcomed Roma Prins to the main
office as the new receptionist in December 2015. She came to us after working
in law offices and a variety of other
businesses for many years. Roma has
been a key asset to the team. She files
paperwork for several departments;
she also processes a lot of paperwork
for the programming department,
coordinating activities for the people
we support and much more. As her
workload has grown since starting just a
couple months ago, needless to say she
has lightened the load for many people
in the main office.
One other familiar face added to the
CDD team is the new Manager for Birch
House, Lasha Thompson. Lasha is not
so new to CDD as she has been a staff
since fall 2014. She started as a Lead
Direct Support Professional (DSP) for
Elms House and spent nearly a year at
that home and then moved to Summit
Apartments to be the Lead DSP at that
home as well. Then in late 2015, the opportunity came about for a new Manager at Birch House and Lasha jumped
at the chance. We welcome her to the
administrative staff of CDD.
The last not-so-new face to join the
administrative team is Anita Okai. Anita
became the new Manager for Cedars
House in early 2015 as well. She started
with CDD in fall 2014 and has worked
in the ISL department and decided
to make her way to the group home
setting.
By: Kelsey Brazelton
CDD welcomes all of these ladies to the
administrative staff and we look forward to continued growth in the future.
Roma Prins,
Receptionist
Lasha Thompson,
Birch House Manager
Anita Okai, Cedars
House Manager