1975
Community rehabilitation services for mentally retarded adults began when a group of parents of handicapped children (ARC) realized that there would come a time when their children would become too old to be served by the school system and that there was a need for some type of activity when their children reached that point.
The only service that existed at that time, besides special education, was the Skill Development Center which provided adult life skills types of training to USD #442 students and was located in the Seneca City Hall basement. The director of the Skill Development Center was Mrs. Nancy Olson. Mrs. Olson was primarily responsible for writing the initial grant that began what is known today as NCTC. The grant was awarded from the Kansas Developmental Disabilities Counsel to hire an individual to develop an information and referral service for the handicapped adults of Nemaha County. Dave Raney, who was employed by Cottonwood, Inc., a community rehabilitation center in Lawrence, was the individual hired for the job. Dave set up office in the City Hall basement in the same area where the Northeast Kansas Community Action Program was located. Alice Lackey was operating the NEK-CAP Center at that time.
Dave set to work gathering data, searching records, talking to Nemaha County Residents, etc. trying to locate all handicapped individuals in the County and trying to establish what services were needed and what were already available. Dave’s efforts resulted in an established need for a work training and activity program for adults.
At that point, a new corporation was formed under the name of the Nemaha County Training Center, Inc. The first meeting of the Nemaha County Training Center Governing Board was held August 19, 1975. Major problem areas discussed were the education of the public, job contracts, and relationship with County Commissioners. Dave Raney was hired as the Executive Director and Sherri Brown hired as the assistant. The first location of the center was the City Hall basement in what was currently being used as the city electrician’s workshop.
The first clients were from the Goff Nursing home and then from Mapleview Nursing Home. Transportation was provided by staff and volunteers (2 staff, 7 clients). There was no State or Federal funding at that point so it is assumed that the center operated on ARC donations and dollars from the grant. The County Commissioners did approve $5,000 for operating.
Job contracts consisted first of packaging pliers for Wilde Tool and then assembly of shutter hanging strips for Flairfold (Hiawatha) which was a contract shared with Cottonwood. NCTC lost this contract around 1982 because Cottonwood pulled out (both agencies were losing money on it).
1976
Sherri Brown resigned to move out of town and Alice Lackey was hired to replace her. At that time, the Center was moved to a new location on Main Street (most recently where the craft store is now). Work included assembly and grinding of factory second pliers for Wilde Tool. NCTC also purchased and resold some of the pliers through their own company (The Lost in the Field Pliers Company). They were also still hanging strips and had started jobs around the community. NCTC began working with NEK-CAP in an effort to purchase transportation services from them because staff were averaging 500 miles per month on their own vehicles providing client transportation
The first Title XX funds (what is now Social Service Block Grant) was received in the amount of $46,281. In 1987, $130,000 was received and in 1999, $318,920 in State Grant funds was received.
1977
The first regular county funding was obtained in the form of a .25 mill levy.
In May, Joyce Heiman was hired part-time under a CETA contract to begin developing the program portion of the services offered. The major focus up to that point in time was production. This brought the total staff to 3. The client caseload was approximately 15. Work then included assembly of hanging strips, factory second pliers, sunflower seed packaging, and recycling or reconditioning Coke cases.
1978
In May, Dave Raney resigned to pursue a career in journalism. Alice Lackey was hired as Executive Director and Joyce as assistant. A third person was hired to help with operation. Alice worked as administration and client supervisor, Joyce as program management and client supervisor, and Joan Wittmer was client supervisor.
1980
NCTC began providing transportation with a bus donated by KDOT/NEK-CAP and Phyllis Kramer was hired as a driver and client supervisor.
A larger building was needed and a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant was applied for through the City of Seneca. The city was willing to donate a site on which to build. The grant was not approved.
1981
The County was convinced to levy a .25 mill for building purposes and asked the City if they would still be willing to donate the site. The site was then appraised and the City wanted $12,000 for it, which was the exact amount of what the first year’s levy brought in. NCTC could simply not afford it. The building NCTC was currently in went on the market at the same time and was sold. NCTC was trapped with nowhere to go. The Sabetha Industrial Development Corporation (SIDC) then became involved offering to help purchase a site in Sabetha plus additional funds to help with remodeling and job contracts. This resulted in a hot and heavy controversy involving both communities with the Board becoming split.
Staff recommendation was to relocate in Sabetha primarily due to job contracts and the interest of the SIDC in the program. The vote of the Board, by a narrow margin, was to relocate to Sabetha; however, the County Commissioners forced the Board to keep the facility open in Seneca and open a satellite facility in Sabetha for a two-year trial period. The County provided $45,000 for the trial period from 1982-84. What appeared as going to be an unmanageable situation that was going to cause unnecessary additional expense, has turned out to be a positive situation. Our client caseload doubled, public awareness increased, donations and public support increased, and job contracts increased.
1982
In November, the Seneca Center moved to a rented building on the Highway and the Sabetha Center opened at 831 Main. Judy Emert and Carolyn Krehbiel were hired to operate the Sabetha Center. The County purchased the Sabetha Center building at the end of the two-year trial period from the Summer’s family of Sabetha.
1983
In June, Joyce Cox resigned and moved to Emporia. Judy Emert filled in as acting Program Coordinator from June to August until Jana Meyer-Strahm accepted the position.
Residential services were an issue that the Board began to consider in the early 80’s. The Board set up a subsidiary corporation, Nemaha County Residential Services, Inc., and applied for a HUD 202 loan in late 1982 which was approved in late 1983. This was for two 7-bedroom group homes – one in Seneca and one in Sabetha. Judy Emert was hired in January on a special grant to develop program services.
1984
The ground-breaking ceremony was held in the Spring, with some of the Board Members and residential applicants present. The homes were completed in the early fall and the first resident moved in on September 30. Four full-time and two part-time staff were hired as home supervisors approximately two weeks before the first individual moved in.
1987
In 1987 & 88 the Agency began concentrating efforts in supported employment and in particular, community job placement.
1988
The Governing Board began again to “push” for a new facility. The County Commissioners applied for and received a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant to build with the County matching the grant. The Seneca Vocational Center moved to its present location in April 1989.
1990
In May, Nemaha County Commissioners signed a lease purchase agreement with the Sabetha Industrial Development Corporation to build a building in Sabetha to house the Sabetha Vocational Services.
Supported Living Services were implemented serving three clients in their own homes. Tara Gugelman-Hundley was the Supported Living Specialist. Services were made possible through an MH&RS Special Purpose Grant.
In August, the first annual NCTC Ice Cream Social was held.
1991
On February 22, Sabetha Vocational Services moved to its present location (329 North 11th Street).
On July 1, NCTC began providing day services to Lakeside Terrace ICF/MR clients. NCTC also began offering case coordination services.
1992
In April, the first annual NCTC fundraising golf tournament was held at the Seneca Golf Club. Rick Olberding and NCTC staff, Mary Rose Sudbeck, worked together organizing the event that raised a net amount of $1381. In September of 1996, NCTC hosted a second golf fundraiser in Sabetha. These are each now held on an annual basis.
Major changes were made to the group home staffing patterns. The biggest change was switching from a sleep over staff position to an overnight, awake position. This change added two full-time positions to the staffing pattern but was done in an attempt to decrease turnover in staff thus increase consistency in the provision of services to people living in the group homes.
1993
In March, Betty Haug was hired to fill the newly created Personnel Manager position. The position was funded 50% by the State Department of SRS Mental Health and Retardation Services Division for which they expected training of direct service staff to take place utilizing the Introduction to Developmental Disabilities course that was developed by UAP out of Parsons. The other 50% of the position was paid for out of NCTC’s general operating funds with the responsibilities to be personnel management. Tracy Rusche took over this position in November of 1994.
The KU Barnstormer Basketball Fundraiser was held in Sabetha netting $904. The Barnstormer team was made up of KU senior basketball players and KU alumni who used to be on the team. Playing the Barnstormers were area high school seniors who had made the all league team.
The Children’s Inclusionary Project began with a grant from the State Department of SRS, Mental Health & Retardation Services Division. Roxie Schmitz (parent/advocate), Teddy Bear Childcare (Deb Haverkamp, owner), Joan McKinley, and the Nemaha County Training Center, Inc. worked together to create an inclusionary learning environment for children. The goal of the grant was to cause teachers in all settings (service providers, parents, etc.) to become more conscience of the importance of creating inclusionary environments for all children to benefit from learning together. This grant and collaboration with additional daycare providers in the County still continues.
The first Introduction to Developmental Disabilities class was held. These classes were college credited by Highland Community College. This course is taught by the NCTC Personnel Manager.
In the fall, the Board approved funds to hire a horticulture therapist and to build a greenhouse. After conferring with Dr. Matson at K-State, construction started in the spring of 1994. Polly Pageler was hired in September of 1994 as the Horticulture Therapist/Greenhouse Manager.
1994
Staff and Board began to discuss issues regarding the continued vacancies at the group homes. Various options were brainstormed and discussed. NCTC also began to work with HUD on the problem.
The Developmental Disabilities Reform Act was passed by the Kansas Legislature. This caused a major change in the way services were provided in the State of Kansas. Community Development Disability Organizations (CDDOs) were established and the State transferred over to them the responsibility of operating the Developmental Disability Service System. It was at this time that the State Department of SRS established the rules and regulations that implemented the law. NCTC was designated as the CDDO for Nemaha County. On October 25, the first meeting of the Council of Community Members (a requirement of the DD Reform Act) was held.
May – the Board voted to close one of the group homes when total occupancy of both homes reached seven.
In November, NCTC was awarded the contract to clean the KDOT rest area at the Highways 75 & 36 junction.
1997
A Consumer Advisory Council, made up of individuals receiving services from NCTC, began meeting with the Executive Director to provide input regarding agency activities.
In January the NCTC Board approved “loaning” funds to the HUD project to meet operating expenses due to lack of rental income. In November, the Board voted to no longer “subsidize” the loan payment on the HUD project in order to force HUD to take action on requests to separate the current note and help solve the financial problems of the project. In December, three individuals remained in the Sabetha house and staffing was reduced, creating more of a semi-independent living arrangement.
A contract was entered into with the home health department for medication administration monitoring and oversight in August.
1998
In January, the Board decided to have staff assist the two individuals remaining in the Sabetha house to find other living arrangements and to close the house.
The snack box contract was developed and initiated. Staff also developed an herb kit to be marketed over an internet “store front” on Galaxy Mall.
1999
In February, NCTC received approval from HUD to sell the vacant group home in Sabetha. HUD could not split the loan as had been previously requested but did agree to work with NCTC to set the rent subsidy high enough to cover expenses and pay the mortgage. Bids were accepted and the house was sold to an individual in July.
NCTC, along with other providers in Northeast Kansas, began to work together on a grant from SRS to secure a behavioral specialist to be accessible to all providers in Northeast Kansas. Funding was approved in May.
In the spring, NCTC Contracts Manager, Laurie Wilson, wrote a business plan for a thrift store to be operated by NCTC. The Board gave approval to proceed with the thrift store. Laurie was assigned the responsibility for the project. The store opened for business in December 1999. The response from the public has been very good.
In November, NCTC received additional funding from the County to provide residential services to an individual in crisis.
2000
In the spring, the NCTC Management Team set up a task force to research alternative residential options, particularly in the Sabetha area. Current service options include a 7-bedroom group home in Seneca and independent supported living in Sabetha and Seneca. There is a need to offer a small group setting in the Sabetha area. Through further research and work by this committee, a house was located and purchased in the fall. Remodeling work was begun with plans to begin services in early spring of 2001.
An anniversary celebration and appreciation dinner was held in August celebrating 25 years of service.
Alice Lackey, Executive Director, was recognized as the 2000 Outstanding Leader at the annual InterHab conference for her years of service and commitment to individuals affected by developmental disabilities.
NCTC received a grant from the STEP Foundation to help with the purchase of an ironer
2001
Services for three consumers began in Quail Drive house in Sabetha in March. An open house was hosted for the neighbors with a good response.
The thrift store has been doing well and is regularly seeing a profit each month. Evelyn Dodge, Thrift Store Manager, and Laurie Wilson, Contract Manager, continue to put a lot of effort into the smooth operation of the thrift store.
A donation was received from SCTV to be used to purchase a computer for use by the consumers.
Changes were made to the management of the Sprout House in an attempt to reduce operating costs. The current Greenhouse Manager position was eliminated, with other existing staff taking over the management functions.
Karen Mosteller, Weekend Support Staff at the Seneca group home, was awarded the Outstanding Service Achievement Award at the annual InterHab Conference for positively impacting the lives of individuals receiving services.
2002
A Hiring and Referral Bonus policy was approved by the Governing Board as another way to attract and retain direct support staff.
The agency ran a concession stand during two concerts at the annual 4-H Fair as another fund raising effort. Both concerts were rained out; we did not lose money with the event.
A grant was received from the Wal-Mart Foundation for $1,000.
Several capital improvement needs were addressed throughout the year. Electric doors were installed at the Sabetha vocational center. Space needs were identified at The Right Stuff thrift store; staff began researching possible expansion sites. The agency contracted with GLPM Architectures from Lawrence for the development of floor plans to address space needs at the Seneca Main Office.
A watering system was installed in the greenhouse as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Tara Hundley was hired for the newly created Human Resources Assistant position.
A grant was received from the Kansas Art Commission to develop art projects for the consumers.
A donation was received from SCTV to be used as matching funds for the art grant and to purchase needed equipment for the newly organized exercise classes being led by Duana Huerter.
A suit was filed in Shawnee County by InterHab and five other organizations in Kansas regarding the current HCBS rate reimbursements and noncompliance with the DD Reform Act. NCTC joined the legal defense fund for this suit.
NCTC began participation in a coalition of CDDOs/Providers who had like interests and philosophies
2003
The Governor’s Allotment for FY03 reduced NCTC’s funding that it had expected to receive from SRS. Several items in the approved NCTC budget were placed on hold.
Policies were developed and approved to meet HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy requirements.
A Sensory Room was created in the Sabetha Day program for use by consumers. Staff sold chances on two quilts to raise funds. The agency also received donated funds and items for use in the room. Funds from the agency budget were also used to purchase needed items.
The Quail Drive House was remodeled to have an accessible shower in the bathroom and a ramp to the front door to accommodate the needs of the people living there. A grant was received from the STEP Foundation to help pay for this project.
The County reduced funding by $18,500 to NCTC for the next year due to cuts the county had received.
A consumer of NCTC services submitted original artwork to the InterHab Call for Art contest. The work was selected to be used as an award. The individual was recognized at the InterHab Conference; family members and staff were also present.
NCTC entered into a cooperative agreement with the Kansas CDDO Coalition.
A work contract was secured with Koch & Company to cut foam door inserts. Laundry service and specialty linen rentals continue to grow. The Right Stuff thrift store continues to search for another location to accommodate its need for more room. Sales continue to grow.
A commercial dryer, used in the laundry department at the Seneca day center, caught fire due to a spontaneous combustion of some of the items in the dryer. There was no major damage to the building and the dryer was repaired and made usable.
Discussions began to take place regarding inherent conflict of interest that existed in the DDRA when it allowed a CSP to also be a CDDO. A small group of CSPs were able to get a bill introduced that would separate the CDDO from CSPs and would require maximization of State funds; taking county and State funds for match in the HCBS program. This would have taken funding away from people who needed supports but who were not HCBS eligible. The bill failed.
Legislative Post Audit conducted a very biased and one-sided report regarding CDDOs. They did report, though, that surveys of people receiving services showed that 95% reported they were satisfied with services.
2004
A position was approved and hired for the purpose of selling thrift store items on ebay.
A Fun and Fitness Program was developed by the agency HR Department to promote and encourage fitness, health lifestyles and fun. Consumers and staff made up teams with the agency. This was a positive experience for all.
NCTC entered into a subcontract with C.J. Foods to package pet food samples. Several consumers worked on the contract at the C.J. Foods plant.
Two staff attended a national assistive technology conference exploring the possibilities of adding the service in Nemaha County.
As the consumer population ages, there is a need for greater physical assistance. A bathroom was remodeled at the Seneca Group Home to enable better assistance to consumers. Both bathrooms at the Seneca Day center were also remodeled. Lifts were purchased for use at both locations. A lift-equipped van was also purchased.
The agency entered into a contract with consultant, Denise McNerney, to develop a 5-year strategic plan.
Landscaping was completed around the Seneca Group Home. The memorial from Kenny Lehmkuhl, was used to fund part of the project. Kenny was the maintenance personnel at the group home. He passed away in April.
SRS Regional offices were reorganized and the regions became larger. NCTC is now in the Topeka regional office.
Due to changes in how new waiting list dollars were allocated, NCTC was able to fund services to two consumers.
NCTC Volunteer, Norbert Gress, was selected as the InterHab Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Gress and several of his family members as well as NCTC staff attended the awards presentation in Wichita. Mr. Gress has been quite helpful in the Seneca vocational program by building jigs, etc.
Two NCTC consumers had artwork selected for the InterHab Awards. This artwork was created as part of the art grant project through the Kansas Arts Commission.
The Right Stuff, the agency thrift store, continues to search for a location with more space. A bid was placed on the Wenger house in Sabetha. The bid was not accepted.
NCTC entered into a formal agreement with the Disability Planning Organization of Kansas to subcontract several CDDO functions.
2005
NCTC began researching the purchase the old Congregational Church building. Plans are to move the thrift store to this location and to also utilize parts of the building for future expansion needs. After working through zoning issues, the sale was completed at the end of the year.
A raised-roof wheelchair lift van was purchased for the Seneca group home.
The Housing Assistance Payment contract with HUD was renewed; the initial 20-year period had expired.
A formal art show was held in both the Seneca and Sabetha libraries to show case the art work pieces that were completed during art classes held at the center.
Staff developed a new contract of making door mats; 100 were sold during the Christmas season
Carson Communications donated a steer that was purchased at the 4-H auction. The meat will be used in the group homes.
Cindy Krotzinger received the President’s Award at the annual InterHab Conference.
The Leonard and Thelma Schmelzle Fund was set up with the STEP Foundation to benefit NCTC.
2006
Staff began researching refinancing options for the loan on the group home.
Staff researched changing the process of collecting data for consumers’ activities and paid work. The switch was made to use palm pilots to collect the necessary data.
Mold was found growing on a wall in the Sabetha day program. The moisture seemed to come from a drainage problem on the outside of the building. Repair work was able to be completed without having to evacuate the building.
NCTC contracted with Logic Maze to develop an agency web-site.
Claudia Strahm was hired as a nurse for the agency. Her main duties will be to train and oversee staff doing medication administration.
The boiler and heating system were replaced in the thrift store building. This was an unexpected expense.
A Black Tie Affair was held in Sabetha. Several of the consumers, their families, and staff attended. Everyone had a very good time. It was such a great feeling to see everyone dressed in formal wear and enjoying themselves.
An “on-call” policy was developed and approved. This policy would pay a stipend to the residential manager or supervisor who took calls and questions from staff over the weekend, thereby allowing the other two management level staff to have more personal time. The person covering the calls will receive a $30 stipend.
Scott Schremmer was hired to fill the newly created Special Events Coordinator position. It is hoped that this position will be able to relieve current staff of special function and fund raising duties.
NCTC became a member of ACCSES; a national organization.
The staffing pattern of the Quail Drive House was modified to have overnight, awake staff. It became increasingly more difficult to fill the position that lived in the apartment. Management level staff spent a considerable amount of time covering the open shifts.
