Lakemary Center 50th Anniversary: Celebrating the Past ... Focused on the Future

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Celebrating the Past…

…Focused on the Future

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Lakemary president looks back on the past 50 years

Gianna Gariglietti

Dear Miami County Friends, For half a century, Lakemary Center has had the honor of serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities; providing opportunities and

We would like to extend our congratulations to Lakemary on a successful 50 years.

We are honored to be the employer of the first completely independent Lakemary graduate, Donnie Stratton, and he has been employed by us for 28 years, since 1991!

support for these special people to live their lives to the fullest.

When I joined Lakemary almost five years ago, I quickly realized I had become a part of something truly special. Only two CEOs preceded me in leading the organization; a fact that was slightly intimidating while also inspiring. It wasn’t long after I officially started my new position that I had the privilege of seeing up close what makes Lakemary so extraordinary.

The positive impact of our work can be seen in the lives of so many children and adults here. While our staff and amazing group of donors and supporters generously work to ensure that Lakemary clients experience a fulfilling life, these individuals give us so much more in return. Their determination, resilience and appreciation is humbling and deeply inspiring.

C

We are proud the community has us as we celebrate 50 amazing years and supported and shaped our history, look forward to the future! transforming Lakemary from a single school into an organization that serves Sincerely, individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities from all over the country.

On behalf of the people we serve, their families and our dedicated staff, we thank you for being a part of the Lakemary family and supporting the Gianna Gariglietti, M.Ed., LCP work we do year-round. Our work would President/CEO not be possible without you! Please join

t u a r l a g tions n o on your

50

th

Anniversary

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Wednesday, September 11, 2019 1967

1972-1973

Groundbreaking ceremonies

March 21, 1970

Official opening

Special Section of The Miami County Republic Occupational therapy, vocational & job placement added

1973

Volunteer program established

1974

1974

LMC Endowment Association chartered

1974

Special Purpose Elementary-High School accredited

New deaf education program begins

1980

CETA Title IID on-the-job training program created

3

1982

Groundbreaking for Sunrise Acres, first two group homes

1982

Hartley Memorial Softball Field dedicated

1986

Vocational program expands into job coaching and job training services

Making Lakemary memories for half a century STAFF REPORT It all started one spring-time afternoon in 1964, when Paola City Manager Jim Austin and physician Robert E. Banks took an interest in the idea of a mental health facility in Paola. The idea caused them to visit with the late Mother M. Charles McGrath at her office in the Ursuline Academy, where they asked for help from the Ursuline Sisters.

The Sisters were at a point of transition in their mission, as their work in the region’s parish schools were dwindling.

The new mission was a welcome, refreshing thought to McGrath.

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The facility’s best hope originally came from an act signed into law the year before by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy — the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Center Construction Act. When the founders were deterred by the proximity of the Osawatomie State Hospital, they diverted their attention to the possibility of a center for the mentally retarded, which transitioned into a school specifically for children with mental retardation.

A need for such a facility had been expressed by parents and educators in the

community before special education was available in public schools.

The entire idea was spawned from a group of nine mentally retarded children who were being educated in a class under the stage at the Ursuline auditorium in 1959.

The class was moved to the Osawatomie State Hospital in 1963 so the children could take advantage of the recreational facilities, including a swimming pool.

At this time, a group of parents spoke out about the need for a facility specifically for these children. This group eventually became known as the Miami County

Association for Retarded Citizens.

After McGrath’s visit from the city officials, she took the reins and contacted the president of Citizens State Bank, L.M. Schwartz. The two eventually envisioned a medical complex to be built on Ursuline property east of Paola. The facility would include a nursing home, hospital, medical office building and the future Lakemary Center.

At this time, Austin had left Paola for a city manager position in Arizona.

Federal funds became available for the 50 YEARS/Page 4

Special Section of The Miami County Republic 1988

A new enclave in Lenexa and job placements in Overland Park increase job placements to 13

1987

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 1990

1990

1991

1988

A new supported employment building provides efficient adult work area

school and McGrath and others from the Ursuline Academy looked to Schwartz for help cutting through miles of red tape.

McGrath named the corporation Lakemary Center for the lake on the same property and for the Virgin Mary.

The Lakemary Board of Directors met for the first time on May 3, 1966, when they voted to submit the application for federal funding. The obstacle they faced at this point was raising money to match the grant.

Schwartz and parent Jim Clemens worked to convince the city to issue $800,000 in industrial revenue bonds to accompany the $540,000 grant to get close to the $1,345,000 goal.

Patrice Schmitz Hall retires; Bill Craig hired as new LMC president

SRS licensed for Adult Living Skills and Supported Employment programs

Ursa House opens to provide residential services

Continued from 3

1992

Construction of two new group homes in Olathe

LMC Invitational Golf Tournament provides funds for a new swimming pool

The bonds were successfully sold despite doubts from the underwriter.

The project was ready by Oct. 9, 1967, when groundbreaking ceremonies were held by many heavily involved individuals. Construction began a few weeks later and was complete in under two years in May 1969.

The center officially opened on March 21, 1970. U.S. Senator Robert Dole of Kansas attended the dedication ceremonies, in addition to then-Governor Robert Docking.

The center’s progress has been extensive in the 50 years since its official opening.

In 1974, the center’s special purpose elementary school and high school became accredited and were approved by the Missouri State Department of Education.

1993

Inclusion of LMC students in local public schools

1992

LMC rated the best facility of the year by the Kansas Special Olympics

A deaf education program was also added to the curriculum.

The center was accredited for a further two years in 1975. The center was the first of its kind to be accredited in the three-state area of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri.

An on-the-job training program began in 1980, which was one of the first steps taken toward the new adult program.

The athletics program was expanded in 1982 with the dedication of the Hartley Memorial Softball Field. That same year two adult community residences were approved for construction on Peoria Street as part of a new residential area called Sunrise Acres. The buildings opened in 1983, followed by two more in 1986.

The Kansas Council on Developmental

Disabilities Services met at Lakemary for the first time. The council’s existence was mandated by federal legislation. Paola resident Viola Davidson was appointed to the council.

After some grants were allocated, the vocational program turned into job coaching and training services.

The Ursa House on Lakemary’s property opened in 1988. The residential facility increased the number of housed students from 32 to 38. Two more group homes opened in Olathe two years later, followed by the construction of a new swimming pool. The pool was funded by money received from the center’s golf benefit.

The center was licensed in 1991 by 50 YEARS/Page 5

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Wednesday, September 11, 2019 1994

1994

1997

1995

Organizational change to two major services programs: adult and children’s services

LMC becomes accredited to serve students with behavioral disorders

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Ronald McDonald Foundation funds therapeutic room where children control environment

Johnson County Service Center opens as LMC satellite office

1995

LMC celebrates 25th anniversary with a concert by the Kansas City Symphony

Continued from 4

the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services for its new adult living skills and supported employment programs.

One year later, the Kansas Special Olympics chose Lakemary as the best facility of the year.

New leadership was also seen in 1992, when Bill Craig took over as president when Patrice Schmitz Hall retired. Hall had been president for most of Lakemary’s first 22 years.

The number of residents living in the community versus residential group homes doubled in 1993 and again in 1994.

Lakemary Center adopted a new logo and was accredited to serve behaviorally

1996

LMC approved as provider for dual diagnosis services

disordered children in 1994. And in 1995 the Johnson County Service Center was opened as a satellite office.

The center celebrated its 25th anniversary in May of that year, when Lakemary students, staff and their families, in addition to some of the original founders, enjoyed music from the Kansas City Symphony.

The center has since enjoyed an explosion of growth and expansion. The past 25 years have been a time of exponential advances in technology.

The children’s program was approved by the state of Kansas as a dual diagnosis services provider in 1996, which means they are licensed to treat children who have both a developmental disability and a psychiatric disorder. Many children with this disorder were already receiving attention,

2000

22-percent overall increase in the number of children served

2001

1999

Number of children served by the Infant Toddler program quadruples with 32

but the new designation means a higher reimbursement rate and enhanced services.

A greenhouse was built to provide a horticultural therapy program, also in 1996.

A Snoezelen Room was added to the school. The special room allows children with severe disabilities to control breezes, lights, aromas, sounds, textures and colors. The project was funded by the Ronald McDonald Foundation in 1997.

Computers were added to each classroom in 1998. A Sensory Garden was also installed for therapy purposes.

The Infant Toddler Program served 32 children in 1999, quadrupling the number served by the previous provider.

The number of children served at Lakemary increased by 22 percent in 2000,

Number of children served by the Infant Toddler program more than doubles with 94

and a behavior management specialist and technology specialist were hired to work with the children.

A new effort called Child Find in 2001 increased the amount of children served by the Infant Toddler Program by 104 percent.

Parents and Lakemary staff began a campaign to raise $1.4 million to build a new gymnasium.

Three years of effort and preparation earned the center Missouri’s Level IV certification for the Residential Treatment Program in 2002.

A new data system was also applied in 2002. It is designed to track student progress and develop treatment plans.

50 YEARS/Page 6

Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary!

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

2002

2004

LMC Residential Treatment Program achieves Missouri’s Level IV certification

2001

LMC begins raising $1.4 million for a new gym

Continued from A5

It was a progressive year, as the school was awarded the School of Excellence certificate following its accreditation in 2002.

In 2003, the school received the same award for the third consecutive year.

A new program initiated in 2003 allows treatment through art therapy.

The Founders’ Fieldhouse was constructed in 2004 in honor of the founding families of Lakemary. The gym was dedicated in December that year.

The Lakemary Center and Endowment founding families are Jim and Bev Clemens, Gus and Frances Huber, Loren and Viola Davidson, Steve and Ann McGreevy, Bill and Jean Dunn, Bob and Barbara Metzler, Bill and Helen Fagan, Clyde and Gail

2007

Founders’ Fieldhouse gym opens in honor of LMC founding families

2003

Two classrooms equipped with computer “smart boards”

2005

LMC students’ state assesment scores meet Standard of Excellence in seven criteria

LMC earns “School of Excellence” award for third consecutive year

2008

LMC adds two Lifestyles programs for Johnson County adults

YOU’RE INVITED What: Lakemary Center’s 50th anniversary open house When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: Paola campus at 100 Lakemary Drive Mock, Carl and Beth Gump, Clark and Peg Murray, Patrice Schmitz Hall, Harold and Pauline Schroeder, “Dub” and Pat Hartley, Jim and Elsie Wilson and Katherine Woolsey.

Lakemary students’ state assessments met the Standard of Excellence in seven curricular areas in 2005. It was also the year the classroom computers began receiving Internet access.

In 2007, two classrooms received a

2009

New LMC Adult Day Services facility opens

digital makeover and were fitted with computer “smart boards.” Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed Lakemary president Bill Craig to chair the Kansas Autism Task Force Committee the same year.

The Lakemary Adult Day Services facility opened in 2009. The building provided expanded service options for adults.

A two-day 40th anniversary celebration in honor of the Ursuline Sisters and the

Lakemary founding families was also held in 2009 at the Paola main campus.

In 2011, the Craig Center opened on the Paola campus, expanding the children’s residential program.

Lakemary Center got a brand new look in 2014 after completing a $3.3 million renovation and expansion project. The project included updated classrooms, as well as the addition of the Discovery Center and the Bob Dole Family Center, which created a new front facade by filling in the gap that previously existed between the administrative and school buildings.

The Discovery Center features a variety of sensory learning tools, and the family center gives students and family 50 YEARS/Page 7

USD 368 congratulates Lakemary Center

on celebrating their 50th Anniversary!

Paola USD 368 Ensuring Success For All Students

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Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

2014

2011

2009

LMC celebrates the 40th Lakemary Friends & Families Reunion

2017

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole visits LMC

Craig Center opens on the Paola campus

Lakemary Ranch opens at Paola campus

2014

2015

LMC completes $3.3 million renovation and expansion project

Continued from 6

members a place to reconnect and even spend the night if need be. It also provides a location for therapists to meet with children and family members.

Also in 2014, former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole visited Lakemary Center during a tour of his home state of Kansas, and Lakemary President Bill Craig announced his retirement after 22 years in the position.

Gianna Gariglietti became the third president in Lakemary’s history in 2015.

In 2016, Careers & More program launched in cooperation with MidAmerica Nazarene University, providing adults with opportunities for college-level classes and job training.

Lakemary Ranch opened in 2017 featuring a barn, chicken coop, rabbit hutches, goat

Gianna Gariglietti becomes new LMC president

paddock, sensory and play garden, koi pond, pig pen, greenhouse, raised garden beds and an Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS), all on the grounds of the Paola campus.

In 2018, the clinical team added two therapeutic dogs to the program.

Now, in 2019, the Lakemary team is preparing to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary with an open house event scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Paola campus located at 100 Lakemary Drive.

There will be guided and self-guided tours of Lakemary’s campus and ranch.

Another anniversary celebration is set to take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Johnson County Lakemary Headquarters at 15145 S. Keeler St. in Olathe.

2019

LMC celebrates 50th anniversary

2018

Clinic team adds two therapeutic dogs to program

Former Lakemary Center President Bill Craig (left) welcomes former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole in 2014 to the Paola school for children with developmental disabilities.

We are honored to be a part of a community that offers a facility such as Lakemary Center.

We wish them the very best on their

50th Anniversary and in the years to come.

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

A lifetime at Lakemary

Rick Obermeier has been at Lakemary Center all 50 years of its existence

BY BRIAN MCCAULEY brian.mccauley@miconews.com

PAOLA — A lot has changed since a photograph was snapped 50 years ago of Rick Obermeier walking into Lakemary Center for his first day of school.

The faded color of the photo, the outfits, the hairstyles and the vintage blue station wagon in the background are all signs of a different era.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is the big, bright smile on Obermeier’s face.

“He radiates pure joy and happiness,” said Kirk Davis, Lakemary vice president of adult services.

Lakemary Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and Obermeier is one of the few people who have been there since the beginning.

Ever since the school for children with developmental disabilities opened in 1969, Obermeier has been a part of the institution, and he now has become one of the primary faces of the organization and a walking success story.

After moving through classes at the school, Obermeier took advantage of the adult services that Lakemary started in the early 1980s. He eventually moved into one of Lakemary’s first group homes and started working at Tri-Ko in 1987.

It’s a job he still holds today, more than 30 years later, and he’s still a common face inside Lakemary Center, as his group home is just a short walk from the Paola campus.

Davis said Obermeier is always asking how people are doing, and he genuinely cares about their responses.

“I like being a friend here at Lakemary because Lakemary’s been nice to me a lot,” Obermeier said in a video celebrating Lakemary’s 50th anniversary.

Davis said he met Obermeier in the spring of 1983, and the two have grown close over the years.

“He’s one of my best friends,” Davis said during a recent interview with Obermeier sitting next to him.

“Is it time to close your blinds?”

Obermeier replied.

Davis just smiled.

“That’s a funny story,” he said. “Rick used to be able to look out the window of his group home and see right into my office at

BRIAN MCCAULEY / STAFF PHOTO

Rick Obermeier stands in front of the entrance to Lakemary Center, the same school he started at 50 years ago when he was just 6 years old.

Lakemary. I would often work late, and the last thing I would do is close the blinds. So some nights I would get a call from Rick, asking me if it’s time to close the blinds.”

Obermeier feels right at home inside his group home, where he’s surrounded by the things he loves — especially trains.

His room is filled with train memorabilia, including hats he received from his uncle who worked as a train inspector.

There’s also a CD player that Obermeier uses to listen to some of his favorite musical artists, such as Dottie West and Kenny Rogers. He even broke out into song during his recent interview with Davis, reciting

the chorus to “The Gambler.”

“He travels at the speed of life,” Davis said. “He lives in the moment 100 percent.

He never feels rushed.”

Obermeier has left a lasting legacy at Lakemary in a number of ways, including the creation of the annual family picnic.

Davis said Obermeier first proposed the idea, and he asked to say grace before the first meal.

“He has said that prayer for 35 years in a row,” Davis said. “All of us at Lakemary have been blessed to have been able to share this journey with him.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Rick Obermeier (right), dressed in a suit for his first day of school, excitedly prepares to walk into Lakemary Center the year it opened in 1969.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Congratulations Lakemary on 50 years of service to the community.

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Lakemary Ranch has become vital teaching tool Patricia Wolfe knows the powerful therapeutic effect animals can have on children because she’s witnessed it firsthand at Lakemary Ranch.

The ranch was completed in 2017 at Lakemary Center’s Paola campus for children with developmental disabilities.

It includes a barn, chicken coop, rabbit hutches, goat paddock, sensory and play garden, koi pond, pig pen, greenhouse, raised garden beds and an Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS).

The barn is the focal point of the ranch, and it features dedicated therapy space, bathroom facilities, animal stalls and a classroom area with a TV for presentations.

The barn was dedicated to Andre Dight in 2018 after he lost his life in a vehicle accident. Dight was instrumental in the creation of the ranch, and he served as its initial manager.

During the past two years, staff at Lakemary have integrated the ranch into the school’s curriculum, and it is now considered a special class like art, music, computers and physical education.

The students have embraced key roles in

BRIAN MCCAULEY / STAFF PHOTO

The Andre Dight Memorial Barn is the focal RANCH/Page 12 point of Lakemary Ranch.

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Lakemary teacher Patricia Wolfe talks about cicadas with a group of students at Lakemary Ranch.

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Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

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LAKEMARY CENTER LAKEMARY CENTER

Raised beds recently were constructed at Lakemary Ranch, giving students the opportunity to grow their own vegetables.

Lakemary students love to harvest vegetables from their classroom gardens at Lakemary Ranch.

CongratulaƟons Lakemary Center on 50 years of guiding and encouraging special needs individuals to lead lives of dignity and purpose.

We so appreciate what you do for others and the enƟre community.

City of Paola 19 E. Peoria, Paola

913-259-3600 • www.cityofpaola.com 75124471

301 First St. Osawatomie (913) 755-3025 75124209

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

RANCH

Continued from 10

caring for the animals and tending to the gardens, and the ranch is also used both as an incentive for students and as a place for those experiencing behavioral difficulties.

“It has an instant calming effect,” Wolfe said.

She specifically remembers a time when a therapist visited the ranch with a young girl so they could talk and walk a goat together.

“That girl told her more things while walking the goat than she ever had before,” Wolfe said.

Lakemary School Principal Marcy Seaman said Wolfe has been the perfect person to utilize the ranch, particularly because she has degrees in both animal science and special education.

Wolfe said the classes at Lakemary Ranch have many components. Students learn about agricultural education and how food grows in gardens, but they also learn social skills by working together to complete chores and by watching the animals interact with each other.

Using raised beds and a greenhouse,

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Lakemary students have harvested a variety of produce, including peppers, tomatoes, green beans, corn, cucumbers and more.

During a recent lesson, Wolfe talked to the students about cicadas and the sound they make.

Word is starting to get out about the unique hands-on lessons Wolfe is teaching at Lakemary Ranch.

Earlier this summer, she was named the 2020 Janet Sims Memorial Teacher of the Year by Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC).

The award recognizes teachers who instill a passion for learning about agriculture within their students. KFAC honors one teacher annually who has successfully integrated agricultural education into his or her pre-existing curriculum, according to a news release.

Wolfe will be recognized during the 2019 KFAC annual meeting to be held in November in Manhattan, and she will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 2020 National Agriculture in the Classroom conference to be held in Salt Lake City.

Wolfe will also be considered for the 2020 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award, presented by National Agriculture in the Classroom, according to the release.

Lakemary students help care for the animals at Lakemary Ranch.

Congratulations Lakemary Center on

LAKEMARY CENTER

Best Wishes and Congratulations on 50 years in the community.

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501 Assembly Lane Paola, Kansas 75124586

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Discovery Center offers therapeutic exploration

BY DOUG CARDER doug.carder@miconews.com

PAOLA — Amber Medlen smiled at the symbol a young girl drew as she smeared shaving cream on a light table.

“You made a heart,” said Medlen, an occupational therapist at Lakemary Center, a school for children with development disabilities.

The pair were in Electri-City, a visual area of the school’s Discovery Center that allows different types of light exploration with the aid of a light table, dark room exploration and an “oversized light bright.”

Electri-City is just one of several areas in the Discovery Center. Other areas include: • FlowWorks, a water table similar to what visitors might see at Science City at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. It also includes a sand table area.

• Sensation Trail, a multi-sensory space where children touch, hear and feel.

• The Cinema, a theater space that allows for single or group expression through acting and play.

• Construction Zone, a space that fosters fine motor development.

Children who attend the school learn best by doing, according to Lakemary officials.

The Discovery Center is open and staffed every day and is set up to provide individual and small group exploratory therapeutic activities.

The Discovery Center opened in 2014 as part of Lakemary’s $3.3 million renovation and expansion project.

Clinical Director Jean Hoyt said the center is a popular destination for Lakemary children.

“All the classrooms schedule times they get to use it with their class, and the occupational therapist will take some in to do individual things with kids,” Hoyt said. “Our DISCOVERY/Page 14

The Sensation Trail in the Discovery Center at the Lakemary Center school in Paola is a popular destination for the kids.

I m p rov i n g Health.

Impacting L i ve s.

DOUG CARDER /

Health Partnership Clinic's Board of Directors, Senior Leaders and Staff congratulate

STAFF PHOTO

Happy 50th Anniversary Lakemary!

www.osawatomieks.org 439 Main St. • Osawatomie • 913-755-2146

We wish you continued success for the years to come!

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on their 50th Anniversary.

SAS

CITY

Lakemary

AN K

AWATOMIE OS

Visit us at hpcks.org • 913-648-2266

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DISCOVERY Continued from 13

kids that live here have residential time in the evenings and weekends that they get to use the Discovery Center.”

Sixty-five children live at Lakemary.

“They’re from all over the nation — Alaska, Hawaii, California,” Hoyt said.

About 40 kids are day students, primarily from Miami and Johnson counties, who are bused to the school, Hoyt said.

“A lot of kids are autistic and have sensory issues,” Hoyt said.

The center is individualized for each child, she said.

“Some kids really like the messy shaving cream play, some do not at all, so we really have to tailor it to fit their individual needs,” Hoyt said.

The center also reinforces good behavior.

“If you are doing well, you may get to go spend some time in the Discovery Center,” Hoyt said. “It also helps kids who really struggle with some textures to try to get them slowly used to handling things. If they are able to tolerate more noises, more colors, more textures, then that should help them everywhere they go.

“It also gives us ideas of things they really love,” she said. “So when they leave here, we can tell their parents, ‘These are the things that really motivate them.’”

Hoyt said families also enjoy the Discovery Center.

“Sometimes, therapists will take a family in there and do activities,” Hoyt said. “There are lots of different ways we can use it.”

When the weather is nice, sometimes therapists will extend the center into the courtyard between the Discovery and Bob Dole Family Center to incorporate outdoor activities. The Bob Dole Family Center provides a place for families to stay, and sometimes the courtyard is also used by families, she said.

“It’s a place where the kids can go outside with their family in a safe, contained area so they can spend time together,” she said.

Hoyt said children from Kansas usually leave in two to three months, but out-ofstate kids are usually at Lakemary for 12 to 18 months.

“The state usually has exhausted all of their in-state resources, and maybe their issues are just a little bit more difficult and it takes a little longer,” Hoyt said of most outof-state children at Lakemary.

Hoyt said her favorite part of the Discovery Center is Electri-City. The Sensation Trail is one of the kids’ favorites.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Lakemary Center occupational therapist Amber Medlen watches a girl make a heart shape in shaving cream on a light table in the ElectriCity portion of the Discovery Center at the Lakemary school in Paola.

DOUG CARDER / STAFF PHOTO

“Sometimes that’s used when kids are struggling: they can go take a break and walk through that (sensory) hallway to calm down, and sometimes if (the kids) are doing really well at the end of the day they can go spend some time there.”

Hoyt said therapists at Lakemary are exceptional.

“I think we have some amazing occupational therapists that work really hard to always be looking for new sensory things to benefit our children,” Hoyt said. “We’re always adapting and changing and looking for ways to improve so we can always be providing the best services for the kids we have here.”

Working Together to Build a Better Community 913-557-7219 75124649

913-557-7001

MEMBER FDIC

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

15

Employment opportunities foster self-esteem

BY DOUG CARDER doug.carder@miconews.com

PAOLA — Lakemary Center is providing business solutions for companies in a two-county area as well as jobs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities through its Adults Community Employment w/Careers and More and Business Solutions programs.

More than 200 individuals in Johnson and Miami counties are doing paid work each day through Lakemary Center’s adult programs. About 55 of those workers are in Miami County, said Tracy Price, Program Administrator of Adult Services at Lakemary.

About three-fourths of the 55 Miami County individuals are working on-site at Lakemary’s facility in Paola, Price said. She estimated 35 to 40 people are doing paid work on an average day.

Community employment sites for Miami County’s workforce include Applebee’s, Sonic, Holy Trinity, Medicalodge, Walmart and Garmin. Some of Johnson County’s work sites include Garmin, Knit Rite, Kaw Prairie, and Yard House at the Legends and

Power and Light District, she said.

Lakemary Center has more than 20 years of experience subcontracting, from simple two-piece packaging to complete unit assembly, according to its website.

In addition to individual employees, Lakemary’s community employment program has work teams in which workers have a job coach with them, Price said.

“It enables people who maybe don’t quite have that level of independence to still have a community job,” Price said.

Lakemary’s work team concept has been popular with its off-site partners like Garmin, she said.

“We have a work team of three to four people who go (to Garmin) every day, and they have a job coach with them. They are Garmin employees and do a lot of producDOUG CARDER / STAFF PHOTO tion for Garmin,” Price said. “So in that Lakemary Center’s Adults Community Employment w/Careers & More program sends a work way it really expanded the opportunity for team to Garmin each day. Garmin is one of several community employment partners that people who otherwise were limited in being Lakemary has in Miami and Johnson counties. able to be out there without some sort of support on a daily basis. It’s been a really good with Garmin, she said. day, they are low maintenance employees. partnership.”

“What they are learning (at Garmin) is It’s just a real benefit to Garmin and they Lakemary is looking for new partners and that a work team is a great crew,” Price said. trying to expand its current partnership “They’re dependable, they are there every ADULTS/Page 16

CONGRATULATIONS LAKEMARY Gerken Rent-All Inc. Equipment Rental The Tools You Need Just When You Need Them

Congratulations

7 locations to serve you

on 50 years of service!

LEAVENWORTH, KS GARDNER, KS HARRISONVILLE, MO PAOLA, KS (913) 758-1808 (913) 856-8882 (816) 380-4400 (913) 294-3783 LOUISBURG, KS OTTAWA, KS OVERLAND PARK, KS (913) 837-4671 (785) 242-4144 (913) 681-9900

75124460

to staff and students at Lakemary from the staff at Paola Free Library.

We look forward to many more years of partnership with you and service to you.

Relax, we’ll take it from here.

Paola Free Library

Jeff and Lou Baker

913-259-3655

402 N Main St, Ottawa, KS • (785) 242-8916

http//www.paolalibrary.org 75124490

75124457

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

ADULTS

Continued from 15

have an extra staff member with a job coach making sure those folks are there. I think they’ve recognized that it’s a good partnership.”

Some of Lakemary Center’s work teams are on a rotation, Price said.

“We try to use those also as training opportunities for people to maybe help build that skill set so they can eventually get out on their own and not have to have a job coach,” Price said. “It’s a stepping stone to more independence, if it’s appropriate to that person.”

Getting a company to employ Lakemary workers can be difficult, but once Lakemary has a foot in the door its longevity with customers speaks for itself, Price said.

Business Solutions

Lakemary’s Business Solutions, a document destruction and e-recycling program, has grown the most in the past decade, Price said.

“We’ve worked to develop Miami County Business Solutions, and now we have a staff that’s dedicated to that in Miami County,

DOUG CARDER / STAFF PHOTO

Lakemary Center’s Business Solutions, a document destruction and e-recycling program, has grown dramatically in the past decade.

and our shredded customers have at least doubled in that time. It’s really grown more than we had even hoped for at that time.”

Lakemary workers and staff pick up the product at a customer’s business or office and bring the product back to Lakemary’s facility in Paola to shred it, Price said.

“We are bonded and insured, and our customers are comfortable that we are going to meet expectations of privacy and confidentiality,” she said.

Miami County Business Solutions has more than 30 regular customers including American Family Insurance and Auburn

Pharmacy.

In addition to its frequent customers, Lakemary also has done e-recycling pick-ups at Osawatomie State Hospital, Briley Sonic in Paola, Marais des Cygnes Extension District Office in Paola, Reliance Labels in Paola and many others businesses in the area.

Lakemary also provides ink/toner recycling as part of its e-recycling service.

Business Solutions also has a lot of people who use its shredding services.

“We have a lot of individuals who’ll walk in and say ‘I’ve been saving my tax returns for 10 years and I need to get rid of them.’

That will happen pretty frequently in both counties,” Price said.

The diversity Lakemary has built between in-house work, the employment job sites and the shredding and e-recycling services has enabled it to offer different levels of work that individuals can participate in, Price said.

“Lots of people can shred and get a paycheck doing that,” she said.

Price said Lakemary residents in the adult programs take pride in their work. For the Lakemary workers, jobs foster self-esteem and help them grow as a person through the relationships they build with co-workers and employers on the job sites.

“They are very proud on payday,” Price said.

Congratulations Lakemary on 50 Years of Service

BREWER’S Automotive Repair Inc. TOM BREWER, OWNER, 817 6th St., Osawatomie

(913) 755-3024

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24-Hour Roll-Back Tow Service

Complete Auto & Truck Service and Repair Domestic and Foreign Cars or Diesels

24-Hour WRECKER Service - (913) 755-3024 • All major brand tires • Heating and cooling system maintenance • Front-end alignments, oil changes, brakes

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

17

Meet the longtime faces of Lakemary Kitty Brockett

Doug Eaton

What are your responsibilities?

I keep Clemens (dorm) safe and clean for the residents. I also keep the Dole Center clean for residents, parents and staff.

What are your responsibilities?

I handle the maintenance of Brotherton, Clemens, Craig (dorms) and any other place where I am needed.

Housekeeper, 42 years

What is the most rewarding part Kitty Brockett about your job?

Having a resident ask for a hug! Some of our residents come from not so ideal situations, so asking for a hug means they feel safe and they trust you.

Maintenance, 30 years

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

Douglas Eaton Keeping things safe for the individuals we serve.

Donnia Hinrichs

Special Education Transition Teacher, 25 years What are your responsibilities?

I teach vocational skills and behaviors, coach Job Olympics, cooking skills, household chores, community skills, etc.

Krystal Lofing

Teacher, 24 years

What are your responsibilities?

I am the intake classroom teacher.

All new students start in my class, then as we get to know them and they feel comfortable, they then move to their permanent classroom.

What is the most rewarding part Donnia Hinrichs Krystal Lofing about your job?

What is the most Getting to know all of the students and rewarding part about your job? discovering how to work with each one Seeing the growth and achievements of What do you enjoy most about effectively. all the students.

Lakemary and the people you serve?

Once the individuals meet you, they What do you enjoy most about What do you enjoy most about What do you enjoy most about remember you and your name. They greet Lakemary and the people you serve? Lakemary and the people you serve?

Lakemary and the people you serve? you every time they see you.

Our students are unique! This is a huge- Each and every person who works here Lakemary is always striving to do better. ly rewarding career and we make a dream truly enjoys their job and being a part of team reality! the Lakemary family.

Congratulations

Lakemary Center for 50 years of service providing choices and opportunities for persons with special needs.

Best wishes for success in the future!

LaCygne • 502 Market St • 913-757-2001 Louisburg • 103 S Broadway • 913-837-3900 Osawatomie • 601 Main • 913-755-3811 Paola • 702 Baptiste Dr • 913-294-3811 Spring Hill • 21101 W 223rd • 913-592-3811 www.firstoptionbank.com Locally Owned • Locally Committed since 1923

Member FDIC 75124445

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Congratulations Lakemary Center on

50 years

of serving our community!

From the staff of

Congratulations Lakemary on your 50th Anniversary!

Congrats on 50!

MIDWEST COLLISION INC.

We’re a proud supporter of Lakemary Center.

• Insurance Claims Assistance • ASE Certified Technicians Our goal is to be the Best in the • Factory Matched Paint Automotive Collision Industry by • State-of-the-art Downdraft delivering more than we promise Paint Booth without sacrificing quality.

• Free Computerized Estimates • Frame Straightening Capabilities

Congratulations on 50 years of providing care, services and opportunities to children and adults who have special needs.

At Olathe Health, we believe in helping people through healing, health and happiness and are a proud supporter of Lakemary Center’s commitment to our communities.

2019

Olathe Health 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS

Miami County

BEST OF

2010-2019

75124488

913-294-4016

Fax: 913-294-4913 • 31570 Old KC Road, Paola www.midwest-collision.com

75124610

913-782-2224 olathehealth.org

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Doherty Steel, Inc. congratulates Lakemary on their many years of dedication and success and wishes them many more.

Doherty Steel, Inc. Celebrating 60 Years • Since 1959 75124462

dohertysteel.com

19

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Special Section of The Miami County Republic

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

We at G.K. Smith & Sons have been among the many supporters for Lakemary and the services they provide.

Congratulations on your 50th year!

1700 Industrial Park • Paola • 913-294-5379 75124485