OUR JOURNEY

In This Issue

Picnic Fun

From the Executive Director

Warm Fuzzies

Outstanding Worker

Wish List

Blessing of Giving

Family Time

Life Reflections

CDD Donors

Vol. 3 Issue 3 Center for Developmentally Disabled Newsletter Summer 2016

Fun at the Annual CDD Picnic

Happenings & Highlights

Friday, Oct 28 Trick or Treat 39th Street West 39th Street District

5:00pm-7:00pm

Monday, Nov 14 Panera Bread Fundraising Night

18800 E US Hwy 40, Independence, MO 64055

4:00pm-8:00pm

Thursday, Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day Observed Administrative Offices Closed

Monday, Nov 28 Cyber Monday

Join us at smile.amazon.com

Tuesday, Nov 29 Giving Tuesday

Join us at CDDKC.org

Monday, Dec 26 Christmas Day Observed

Administrative Offices Closed

Monday, Jan 2 New Year’s Day Observed

Administrative Offices Closed

Picnic Fun What a fantastic day we had for the annual CDD

Picnic at Macken Park in North Kansas City! This

event marks the first time the entire agency has

come together since the consolidation of Special

Neighbors and CDD. Fittingly so, the theme for

the day was “Getting To Know You.”

“It was a blast meeting and greeting east and

west residents and staff,” said CDD Receptionist,

Roma Prins. Scheduled for Friday, September

30th, no one knew what the weather would hold,

but it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Festivities kicked-off at 10:30am. Both staff and

individuals served enjoyed singing and dancing to

Karaoke music, and taking photos with friends in

the photo booth.

Several of the homes created and hosted fun

games for all to participate in. A specially

designed rotation schedule assured everyone

had a chance to play along (though in the end,

karaoke and dancing won the day). Games

included such pastimes as:

KC Chiefs Bean Bag Toss, hosted by

Kinbrook

Blanket Volleyball, hosted by Nolen Manor

Cake Walk, hosted by Carriage House

Giant Beer Pong Game, hosted by Lafayette

Manor (no beer was included)

Nerf Hoops, hosted by Truman Apartments

Croquet, hosted by Sycamore

Washers, hosted by Elms

Corn Hole, hosted by Birch

Horseshoes, hosted by Cedars

Hula Hoop Contest, hosted by White Oaks

Water Balloon on a Spoon Race, hosted by

Summit

Kickball, hosted by Villas

(Continued on page 4)

From the Desk of the Executive Director

In this quarter’s newsletter you will read about

one of our staff members, Shirley Avery, who

was recognized by the Division of Aging and

Senior Services as Older Worker of the Year.

Seeing Shirley acknowledged for her many

years of giving of herself for the people she

works with at CDD is such a great joy. After

many years of working with people with

disabilities, I am often humbled by the

graciousness of others and the commitment

made by so many. All of us give to others in

ways that speak to us and for causes that

touch the heart.

As I observe what our staff do day in and day

out, I know a vast majority do it because they

want to—they love to help. We have common

purpose at CDD: to assist people with disabilities to achieve their fullest

potential. We lift people up!

While working toward a common cause and lifting someone else up, we lift

ourselves up. We are showing ourselves, our children, and our community

that every person has value and purpose, and every person deserves to love

and be loved. Shirley and so many others give of themselves to instill worth;

showing compassion by giving someone the space to be the best they can

be. None of us can do this alone. We all have a part in lifting someone else

up and furthering our mission.

Over the last year we have received needed gifts from many people giving in

different ways. There have been parents, companies and strangers providing

monetary gifts that assist the people we support. We use those gifts to pay

for camp/vacations, help set up a new apartment/home, buy clothes and

other necessities, and so much more. Our volunteer Board of Directors give

of their time and talents to set expectations and ensure CDD has processes

in place to uphold quality. A local dentist and his staff donated dental

services to a young man we accepted from a homeless shelter and was in

dire need of dental care. We received blankets from an elderly lady who

wanted to give of her sewing talent because she cared. I could go on and on

regarding the many ways people have given to help someone at CDD. There

are many ways you too can give as our mission touches your

heart.

While the national elections come to an end and the holiday

season comes upon us, I hope we as a country, as a people,

can remember what unites us instead of what divides us.

“We the people” is what unites us, and if we can lift each

other up in ways that touch us and helps others, then maybe

we can value what is at the core of us all: a need to love and

to be loved.

~Sarah H. Mudd Steve D. teaching orientation class with Trainer, Nicke Briscoe.

Sarah Mudd, Executive Director

Warm Fuzzies In April 2016, Steve D. was elected CDD President by his peers. During the election Steve became pretty popular and well known in the Kansas City area as he spent a week handing out positive affirmations in the form of “Warm Fuzzies”. These googly-eyed puff-balls were tied to coke cans and given to people in his community. Everyone from construction workers, mail carriers, and police officers, to eitas and Kansas City Regional Office employees, TV personalities and CDD employees received one of these special gifts. Steve quickly became the guy everyone wanted to know, not for what he could do for them, but for making them feel good being exactly who they are. In doing so, he encouraged others to pay it forward, spreading kindness to others in their own lives.

Little did Steve know his act of kindness would spread worldwide!

In September 2016, the eitas Gentle Teaching Mentoring Network asked Steve if they could share his message of kindness at the International Gentle Teaching Conference in Iceland! Nancy Nicolaus and Tracy Mauk helped Steve put together a video and presented it at the conference. In a matter of hours, after the video was shown, Steve started receiving Facebook messages from people who had viewed the video and received one of his “Warm Fuzzies.” They couldn’t wait to give them to other people in their lives!.

Steve has taught us all a valuable lesson; reminding us, “Heroes’ don’t look like they used to, they look like you do.” In today’s world, one act of kindness, be it ever so small, can have a major impact on someone’s life. Be it a complete stranger or someone we know very well; we truly are how we treat each other and nothing more.

~Jody Michael, Sr. Program Coordinator

Board of

Directors

Jerry Wheeler, President

Karrie Duke, Vice President

Angela Kuhlman, Treasurer

Megan Hover, Secretary

James Breed

Peter Frick

Peter Hartweger

Vonzel Sawyer

Chad Murphy

Justin Iske

Outstanding Older Worker of the Year CDD is proud to announce Shirley Avery, of Kinbrook, as the regional

winner of the 2016 Missouri Outstanding Older Worker of the Year contest!

Shirley started working at CDD in 1999. She worked at the Southern Roads group

home until it closed. She then assisted Mikey and Albert as an ISL at Kinbrook

was opened for them, and haw worked there ever since. Shirley has been a great

help to Mikey in his grieving process, as Albert passed away in January this year.

She has also done a wonderful job working with Rusty who moved in with Mikey in

June of this year.

Laura Gillett, DDP for Kinbrook and several ISLs, nominated Shirley for the 26th

annual Outstanding Older Workers of the Year contest. Nominees are submitted

by employers for outstanding older workers who are age 60 or older, state

residents working at a Missouri job site for at least 20 hours each week and have

demonstrated success in learning new skills and participating in job training.

Regional winners were selected from across the state and honored in September

during a two-day award ceremony in Jefferson City. Upon learning that Shirley

had been selected as a regional winner, but was unable to attend the recognition

activities in Jefferson City, Laura and Mikey attended on her behalf. Together

they enjoyed tours of different landmarks in Jefferson City and the State Capitol

Building. Nine statewide winners were acknowledged at a reception and award

ceremony at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.

Laura and Mikey were happy to return home and present Shirley with a beautiful

crystal trophy from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,

Resolutions from both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri

Senate, as-well-as a personal letter of congratulations from Kansas City Mayor,

Sly James.

“Older workers bring great value to CDD’s workforce,” says Sarah Mudd, CDD’s

Executive Director. “This award provides an excellent opportunity to recognize one

of our older employees for

her dedicated and

outstanding efforts.”

The contest is sponsored by the

Missouri Senior Employment

Coordinating Committee,

including Experience Works;

Catholic Charities of Kansas

City-St. Joseph; MERS/Missouri

Goodwill Industries; Missouri

Department of Economic

Development/Division of

Workforce Development; and

the Department of Health and

Senior Services/Division of

Senior and Disability Services.

Shirley & Mikey with her citations and proclamations.

WISH LIST

Picnic Continued

At noon, a lunch break included a

sufficiently filling boxed lunch

prepared by Two Guys and a Grill.

“The food was great, and the

weather perfect,” exclaimed Prins.

Everyone also enjoyed special

guest appearances by Denny the

Clown, a member of the Northland

Clown Guild, and inflatable T-Rex,

played by Jody Michael, Sr.

Program Coordinator.

It was a wonderful day of visiting

with old friends, making new

friends, and having lots of fun. We

can’t wait to do it again! If you can give any of the items listed below in good, usable condition, we’d like to

hear from you. Donations should be good quality and new or gently used. Of

course, all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Your financial or in-kind donations can help make an apartment or house into a

home. Thank you for your support!

Burley, Tobie, Penny and Linda at the Blue Springs fall fun fest.

CDD is a 501c3, not-for-profit agency established in 1972 to provide residential services for persons with developmental disabilities living in Jackson County. You can find CDD on the Internet at www.CDDKC.org. The Our Journey newsletter is published on a quarterly basis. Switching to the electronic version of this newsletter will save CDD the cost of printing and postage, and will help the environment! Please email your request to stacieb@cddkc.org. To stop receiving the paper newsletter, you must include your name, address, and zip code. If you would like to add, remove or change your contact information on the newsletter mailing list, please contact Stacie Bratcher at 816-531-0045 or stacieb@cddkc.org.

David & Robert Carpet cleaner solution Radio (detachable cord) Cleaning supplies Pul washable laundry bag Twin bedding Pots and pans Susie & Lisa Dish towels Carpet cleaner solution Full size sheets Cake pan Baking sheet Crock pot Waffle maker Wet bag Norman & Daniel Printer Dish towels Mop

DJ & Syl Carpet cleaner solution Pots and pans (non-Teflon) Crock pot Parker Vacuum Washing machine Desk Dish towels Sterling Court Dish towels Mop Can opener Pink bathroom set Recliner Art Supplies: colored pencils, markers, crayons, and sketch books

White Oaks Stocking Hats Gloves Slipper Socks Twin sized sheets and bedding Art and crafts supplies: Canvas, Paint, Glue, Glitter, Feathers, Beads, Construc-tion Paper, Stamps, Stickers, Markers, Sharpies

Adult Colorings Books Board Games Audio books Hair supplies, brushes, hair tie, etc.… Men's electric razor Electric tooth brushes/tooth brushes Body sprays Lotion Nail polish Kleenex

Family Time

Suzanne was very

surprised when all of her

siblings joined her for the

"End of Summer Family

Picnic" at Lafayette

Manor. They had lunch,

played games and cards,

of course, together as a

family. Suzanne made

sure they all had plenty to

eat. To top things off, she

made sure they all

received lots of hugs

before leaving.

The Blessing of Giving In anticipation of the holiday season, CDD is charged with excitement, hope and

expectation. The excitement is building as we anticipate return visits from family, friends

and community partners to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hope is fostered

through the preparations that come with decorating, baking, and shopping for holiday

social events. And expectations rise as we come together through celebrations of the

season, year-after-year, as a close-knit community.

To each of us, this Season of Giving means many

things; but to the Board of Directors, family

members and staff who care for these individuals

on a daily basis, giving has a different meaning. . .

• Giving imparts gladness and empowers a life with

dignity and worth.

• Giving enables self-expression in establishing

one’s own goals and making one’s own decisions.

• Giving offers access and exposure to a variety of

life activities and surroundings.

• Giving provides community activity and interaction

to encourage integrity of self, personal identity and

purpose in life.

• Giving builds a future that expects personal

involvement with daily life activities.

• Giving affords access to services available to our

peers within the community.

Your support, through the Blessing of Giving, is needed today to ensure our programs

continue to provide caring, personalized support to people with developmental

disabilities. We are abundantly grateful for those who have helped in the past, and ask

that you consider giving a gift again this year. Whether your situation allows only for

modest monthly gifts, or a sizeable onetime contribution, all gifts are valued and

appreciated.

The supports and services provided by CDD cost over $140 per day per resident. Would

you consider providing for one day of support? If you can do more, would you consider

providing one day of fees per month?

If you have never given to CDD, we ask you

to consider making a donation. Your

contribution will help us maintain, improve

and grow our programs and services to the

developmentally disabled community. Each

person served by CDD will receive the

individualized support needed to develop to

their fullest potential.

On behalf of the 199 individuals, who are

counting on CDD and the services and

experiences provided them through the

Blessing of Giving, we thank you and wish

you and yours an abundant Thanksgiving.

Suzanne with her family enjoying time together at Lafayette Manor.

Ways to Give CDD is a tribute to a community of good people who share the belief that persons

with developmental disabilities are entitled to the best lives possible. We exist and

have been able to expand, because the loving, caring people we are privileged to

call friends generously share their blessings with us.

The individuals served at CDD are supported and encouraged to actively engage

with life through family and friendships, contributing to society, and meaningfully

participating in community life. Though, when the environment is open to their gifts

they become the gift givers. Their fruitful lives are the best way we know to thank

all the good people who share in our mission. Your donation, in whatever amount

you can comfortably give, will be most gratefully received.

Donate

Donate Online at: www.cddkc.org and set-up a recurring monthly donation.

Mail a Donation to: 1010 W 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Honorariums/Memorials Employer Matching Gifts

Planned Giving/Bequest Vehicle Donation NAP tax credits

United Way—Donor Designation Heartland Combined Federal Campaign

Join Us

Join us for any of the following fundraising opportunities:

*Trick or Treat W 39th Street, October 28

*Panera Bread Fundraising Night, November 14

*Black Friday at smile.amazon.com , November 25

*Shop Small Saturday at The Second Chance Store, November 26

*Cyber Monday at smile.amazon.com , November 28

*Giving Tuesday at CDDKC.org, November 29

Volunteer

Do you like to have fun? Are you creative, outgoing, or adventurous?

We are looking for individuals to join our Community Scavenger Hunt

Committee. To volunteer call 816-531-0045 or email: stacieb@cddkc.org. .

United Way Did you know when you make

your United Way pledge, you can

write in CDD as the recipient of

your United Way donation? On

your pledge card, write in the

amount of your pledge plus the

name and address of Center for

Developmentally Disabled (1010

W 39th Street, Kansas City, MO

64111) as the 501c3 you want

your pledge to go to.

Heartland Combined Federal

Campaign: Federal employees

can now designate funds to CDD

through the Combined Federal

Campaign (CFC). Designate your

contributions to CDD using CFC

code 19693.

Cindy, Catherine & Catherine at their Thanksgiving in April Party.

Life Reflections

With a full and heavy heart, we remember

our friends Chuckie & Conard.

Chuckie (Chalmer Deal) passed away September 15, 2016. Chuckie lived at Birch House for many years.

Chuckie was a thoughtful, quiet man whose smile will be missed by all that were lucky enough to know him.

Conard was born in 1950 and passed away

on August 16, 2016. He had been a member

of the CDD family since 1991.

Conards favorite things were to receive mail

and make sure his refrigerator was stocked

with diet coke. We will miss Conard’s voice

and amazing laugh!

CDD Donors Received from July 1, 2016 through Oct 31, 2016

In Memory of

Jeannette Bagshaw - Erwin & Claire Ann Sprick

Andrea Price - Fred Burns & Kay Richter

In Honor of

Pamela Steinzeig - Marilyn Steinzeig

Jackson Talbert - Will & Denise Talbert

Tobie Renfro - Hays Companies

General

Jim & Karla Johnson, Kelly Willoughby, Judy and Susan Green, Jane Connolly, QuikTrip Corporation, B. Jerome & Carolyn Wheeler, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Jerome Bartels, Fred Burns & Kay Richter, David & Lindsay Vance, Bill & Sharon Martin, Jesse Weisshaar, Rita & Lawrence Pyle, Sarah Mudd, Hays Companies: Sharon Jennings, Deborah Schmidt; AT&T: Cindy Keeney; Nancy Martin, United Way of Greater Kansas City, Heartland Combined Federal Campaign, Q39, Minsky’s Pizza, The Home Depot

CDD Jeans Day

Elma Warrick, Shaun Powers, Katie Belflower

$5 Friday

Bruce Tepikian, Bob & Sharon Ramazzini, John Anderson, Sonja Kuhn Klope, Betty Thurman Hartwig, Penny Meyer, Tammy Potter, Lewis Braxton, Lisa Sales, Valli Hall, Geoffrey & Jessica Talbert, Amanda Robinson, Whitney Windsor, Jody Michael, Sarah Mudd, K. David Pai, Bernadette Richardson, Claudia Noyes, Roma Prins, Leroy Mergy, Jason Ward, Nicke Briscoe, Lynn Davidson, Steven Hann, Barbara Star, Hugh & Carol Talbert, Rob & Stacie Bratcher, Nancy & Mark Cowing, Fred & Pat Kelley, Terrence Sexton, Jennifer Schreiner, Eric Deering, Robin Buttress, Kaleb Settle, Francine Johnson, Mrs. Williams, Connie Johnson, Tyworanna McFadden, Sharon Roland, Helen Spears, Bruce Gentry, Jane Bartley, Valerie Blevins, Loretta Summers of The Summers Advisory Group, Heather Mitchell, Karrie & Denise Duke, Paula Panarisi

Building Campaign

Robert & Marcia Trudeau

Nolen Manor

Harry Martin & Angeline Hope-Martin

Carraige House

Marilyn Steinzeig

Kinbrook

Jane Bartley, Valerie Blevins, John Anderson, Bob & Sharon Ramazzini, Bruce Tepikian, Will & Denise Talbert

ISL

Richard & Barbara Fitzgerald

In Kind

Jane Connolly, Lisa Brown, Jenifer Kemp, Rob & Stacie Bratcher, Developing Potential, Inc., Misty Bryant

Center for Developmentally Disabled

1010 W. 39th Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

Contact Us

Give us a call for more

information about our pro-

grams and services.

CDD

1010 W. 39th Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 531-0045

info@cddkc.org

Visit us on the web at

www.cddkc.org

Employment opportuni-

ties available.

Eat Bread/Raise Dough Join CDD on November 14, 2016

from 4-8pm at Panera Bread, located

at 18800 E. US Highway 40, Inde-

pendence, MO 64055.

This one night only, Panera Bread in

Independence will donate a percent-

age of its sales to CDD during the

Eat Bread to Raise Dough event

when you show the fundraising night

flyer found on CDD’s web page or

Facebook page.

Panera Bread is committed to our

community and believes the univer-

sal spirit of bread is sharing.

Supporting persons with disabilities in achieving their fullest potential.

Give & Save Program The Second Chance Store opened in

August 2016 with a core value of

giving back to its community while

offering new, high quality merchan-

dise for a fraction of the regular retail

cost.

Located at 11415 E. 23rd Street S.,

Independence, MO 64052 (next to

the Trails West KC Public Library); a

portion of all sales at The Second

Chance Store go directly to local non

-profit organizations, including CDD.

Upon check-out, tell the cashier you

are shopping for CDD and The Sec-

ond Chance Store will give 10% of

your purchase to benefit CDD.