An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works...

15
1 1 • An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works • June 2020 SHERYL FINCH NAMED SUZIE CAPPA ART CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s art has been purchased from people around the country. Named Suzie Cappa Art Center’s 2020 Artist of the Year, Sheryl is known for her colorful paintings of animals, especially llamas, owls, goats and most recently, roosters. Yet, as recently as five years ago, Sheryl would have told you she was not creative. In 2015, a staff member with Black Hills Works suggested she give art a try at the Suzie Cappa Art Center. “I was very nervous my first day at Suzie Cappa,” said Sheryl. “I was never very creative and didn’t know I could draw. But, then I thought ‘why not?’” She started doing Mod Podge art, a process where paper or fabric is torn and layered on a canvas or object to create a textured, colorful look. She soon graduated to ink drawings and ultimately painting. “Sheryl is always willing to challenge herself and has learned many new art techniques,” said Carla Julius, Studio Manager for the Suzie Cappa Art Center. “She is known for her paintings but she is always willing to try something new.” Thanks to the possibilities opened up to her through art, Sheryl and her sister, Diane, started a business called Heart Works Crafts. Sheryl meets a lot of people through their craft shows and is quick to sing the praises of the Suzie Cappa Art Center and Black Hills Works. “I meet a lot of people with my business. I am always telling them that I work at the Suzie Cappa Art Center and talking about Black Hills Works,” she says with a smile. “I love it here. I love the staff.” “Sheryl’s business with her sister, Diane, was inspired by her involvement in the Suzie Cappa Art Center,” said Carla. “She and her sister even went to Maryland for the opening of the Road Ahead Show, a traveling contemporary art show featuring artists with disabilities from around the country.” Family is also very important to Sheryl. She has three beautiful grandchildren and her young nephews have also “shadowed” her during a workday at the Suzie Cappa Art Center. Sheryl enjoys using her imagination every day and learning new techniques in the classes offered at the art center. Sheryl’s kind and vibrant personality is reflected in each of her pieces. Our communication forcus for June is Arts Expression! Artistic expression allows the opportunity for those supported and the staff who support them find new and creative ways to adapt!

Transcript of An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works...

Page 1: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

11

• An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •

June 2020

SHERYL FINCH NAMED SUZIE CAPPA ART CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Sheryl Finch’s art has been purchased from people around the country. Named Suzie Cappa Art Center’s 2020 Artist of the Year, Sheryl is known for her colorful paintings of animals, especially llamas, owls, goats and most recently, roosters.

Yet, as recently as five years ago, Sheryl would have told you she was not creative. In 2015, a staff member with Black Hills Works suggested she give art a try at the Suzie Cappa Art Center.

“I was very nervous my first day at Suzie Cappa,” said Sheryl. “I was never very creative and didn’t know I could draw. But, then I thought ‘why not?’”

She started doing Mod Podge art, a process where paper or fabric is torn and layered on a canvas or object to create a textured, colorful look. She soon graduated to ink drawings and ultimately painting.

“Sheryl is always willing to challenge herself and has learned many new art techniques,” said Carla Julius, Studio Manager for the Suzie Cappa Art Center. “She is known for her paintings but she is always willing to try something new.”

Thanks to the possibilities opened up to her through art, Sheryl and her sister, Diane, started a business called Heart Works Crafts. Sheryl meets a lot of people through

their craft shows and is quick to sing the praises of the Suzie Cappa Art Center and Black Hills Works.

“I meet a lot of people with my business. I am always telling them that I work at the Suzie Cappa Art Center and talking about Black Hills Works,” she says with a smile. “I love it here. I love the staff.”

“Sheryl’s business with her sister, Diane, was inspired by her involvement in the Suzie Cappa Art Center,” said Carla. “She and her sister even went to Maryland for the opening of the Road Ahead Show, a traveling contemporary art show featuring artists with disabilities from around the country.”

Family is also very important to Sheryl. She has three beautiful grandchildren and her young nephews have also “shadowed” her during a workday at the Suzie Cappa Art Center.

Sheryl enjoys using her imagination every day and learning new techniques in the classes offered at the art center. Sheryl’s kind and vibrant personality is reflected in each of her pieces.

Our communication forcus for June is Arts Expression!

Artistic expression allows the opportunity for those supported and the staff who support them find

new and creative ways to adapt!

Page 2: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

22

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that the X8 all-terrain wheelchair is available for check out from assistive technology thanks to a very generous donation from Rob & Debbie Mudge?

Last fall, the Foundation office arranged for Rob to bring the wheelchair to Black Hills Works for a test run with our Assistive Technology team and several people we support. Thanks to the Mudge's generosity, a number of people we support, like Hubert, are now able to participate in activities they never thought possible. Thank you, Rob and Debbie!

EMPLOYMENT SUCCESSSubmitted by Ryan Shultz,

Employment Support Specialist

Blaze Pizza here in Rapid City has quickly become a lunch hot spot for the community. Offering freshly made, fast fired pizza’s at reasonable prices, and it’s no surprise to see how busy they are during the lunch hour. But if you ever find yourself at the westside Blaze location between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm, you may find something, or rather someone inside the restaurant that is also quite busy.

Alex is a senior at Lincoln High School and received the opportunity to work at Blaze through a program called “Project Skills.” Through this program, local high school students who qualify are given real-world work experience to help build job skills. Students will learn workplace etiquette, make money, and hopefully earn a job or a letter of referral from the partnering business by the end of their time there. Alex has been with Blaze since November of 2019, and in that amount of time, he has washed dishes, bussed tables, wiped down counters, and refilled condiments and supplies. In conjunction with the learning of those tasks and skills, Blaze has also had a huge hand in helping Alex develop a general level of understanding when it comes to what it means to be a part of a team. Alex has absorbed so much knowledge in his time at Blaze, and that comes from a combination of his pure joy with working there and his team’s willingness to bring him in as one of their own and treat him just like they would any other employee. Alex’s work experience with Blaze ended in May, but the knowledge and relationships he has built there will last well past that. The business, school district, and Black Hills Works are supporting Alex in positive movements toward his work goals and independence. Way to go, Alex!

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES - COLTON BENDER & HUBERT ZIMMERMAN

Colton has gone above and beyond to help support his residents at Hampton. He has helped to organize fun activities such as going to Custer State Park, Bear Country, and Rush hockey games. Colton takes advantage of every day to make an impact in the lives of the people that we support.

Pictured: Hubert Zimmerman reached the top of M-Hill at Founders park by using the all-terrain wheelchair from assistive technology. He loved the experience and hopes to climb bigger mountains in the future! People of Black Hills Works can climb mountains despite their disability.

Page 3: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

33

THE STORM FORECASTSubmitted by Kevin Bybee, Head of Delegation, Special Olympics and Volunteer Coordinator

Hello everyone! We are excited to announce and unveil our new logo for the Rapid City Storm! When designing a new logo, we wanted to ensure that the logo resembled…well…a storm! The new logo is consistent with the BH Works color scheme as we wanted to align our sports teams with the current agency color branding. You will notice some lightning and a tornado incorporated into the design. We absolutely love how the tornado also represents the “O” in the word Storm. This creativity is the awesome work of our own Kortney Geary at the Foundation office. A big “thank you” to her for her inspiration and creativity that she invested into this logo. We are excited to see this logo incorporated into uniforms in the many years to come. The logo has been received well not only by our athletes but by the community as well. Go Storm!

FOUNDATION FOCUSThank you for sharing your experiences and triumphs with us. We know that in these

uncertain times, you are doing everything you can to provide for the safety and security, in addition to meaningful days, for the people we support. We wanted you to know what

we’ve been doing to help you do just that!

Over the past two months, we’ve been running an Amazon Appeal to encourage our supporters to feel empowered to help. The last two Workplace Newsletters have solicited items to add to the Amazon list, many of which have been purchased and donated by our supporters, and delivered to YOU!

Many of you have sent pictures of the items you have received being enjoyed by the people we support (pictured below and on following page), and we thank you! But we want MORE! We want to show the people who purchased these items just how much we appreciate their generosity. And we want you to be a part of that!

Included here (left) is the full list of items that have been donated. If you happen to have received one of these items, please take a picture of a person supported using it and send it back in to us at [email protected]. Every picture will be entered into a drawing to win a prize! Winners will be announced in the next month’s newsletter.

Help us brighten someone’s day knowing they made a difference in your life and the lives of the people YOU support!

GIFTS GENEROUSLY DONATED

101 Science Experiments Books

Amazon Echo Show (2nd Gen),

Fire 7, and Fire 10 Tablets

Beads and Jewelry Making Sets

Bingo and Board Games

Blood Pressure Cuffs

Canvases, Art Supplies, and Art Supply Bags

Classic Disney Movie Collection/ VHS Player

Cleaning Supplies, Toilet Paper, Hand Soap and

Sanitizer

Food

Gardening Took Kits

Hand-Sewn Gowns

Ladder Ball Game, Badminton 5 Combo game

set, and Bullseye Bounce Corn Hole Games

Maracas, Wrist Band Jingle Bells, and Egg Shakers

N95 and Hand-Sewn Masks

National Geographic Play Sand

Nitrile, Latex and Hand-Sewn Gloves

Package of Mepilex Border Self-Adhesive Foam

Dressings

Portable DVD Player

Sewing Machine, Sewing Supplies, and Craft Supplies

Silver Tray and Shadow Box

Stethoscopes

Thermometer

Tie Dye Set

White Pillow Cases

Wound Care Supplies

GRANTS RECEIVED FOR COVID-19:With the recent challenges Black Hills Works has encountered related to COVID-19, community foundations have stepped up to assist in the form of grants awarded for basic services needed for persons supported as well as staff support as follows:

United Way - $8,500 (food support)

Black Hills Area Community Foundation - $11,000 (food support)

Emergency Food and Shelter Program - $13,288 (food support)

South Dakota Community Foundation - $20,000 (staff support, food support)

CURIOUS WHAT CURIOUS WHAT THE FOUNDATION THE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN UP TO?HAS BEEN UP TO?

Page 4: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

44

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE AN AMAZON IMPACT!

#MeaningfulDays

Page 5: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

55

MOVIES!Jessica Bernhagen wanted to share her love of Disney with some of the people we support. In April, she donated over 40 Disney VHS tapes and a VHS player so that someone else can enjoy these movies. Janet Beranek, a lover of Disney as well, is thrilled to have these classics to watch. Thanks Jessica for putting this smile on Janet's face!

CONGRATS TO CASSIE SHATEK AND SARAH BLAESER

The Foundation recently held a “Where is this billboard?” Facebook challenge on the Black Hills Works Facebook page. Both Cassie and Sarah found the billboard and chimed in! We’ll be sending them their prize soon. Congrats!

For upcoming contests and updates on Black Hills Works happenings, check out the

Black Hills Works' Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/blackhillsworks,

like it and engage with us!

SPRING IS IN THE AIRMany homes are enjoying planting their own garden!

The Foundation received grants from the two local Walmarts to purchase raised garden beds and related supplies last fall, and in September, a volunteer team from Border States constructed the boxes as part of United Way’s Day of Caring. Thank you:

Hart Ranch Resort who generously donated the dirt to fill the boxes;

Western South Dakota Community Action donated seeds and seedlings; and

Rapid City Rotary Club donated funds to purchase gardening tools.

Thanks to everyone that helped make this project a reality!

Page 6: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

66

SILVER LININGS • ACTIVITIES DURING DAY SERVICE TRANSITION

Submited by Andrew Kopp, Residential Services

In mid-March Black Hills Works Day Service personnel were moved to carry on day service activities and programs at the resident’s homes. This was done out of concern for the health and safety of residents who normally spend their days at day services. This change eliminated the need for these sorts of large gatherings and helped to limit the spread of the virus within Black Hills Works.

One house in particular, Black Gap, benefitted greatly fromt his arrangement. Black Gap is one of Black Hills Works’ highest medical needs homes. This house serves several people who receive sustenance through tubes that lead to their stomachs. All of the residents lack the ability to communicate through speech and all rely on wheel chairs for transportation. Having a third staff from day services helped introduce activities to these residents.

Activities conducted by the third staff initially started out with simple activities such as kite flying, driving to view scenic overlooks throughout the area, and wheeling residents around the local neighborhood. Later adaptive equipment in the form of a tricycle with a bucket seat enabled staff at Black Gap to introduce the residents to cycling. This tricycle originally was stored at the Range Road Day Service Program and demonstrated that resources from day services proved to be useful in entertaining the residents at their home. Following this, hiking was introduced to the residents. Hiking enabled an immersive experience with nature that stopping at scenic overlooks lacked. A park in Rapid City, the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, provided a great place to hike with minimal drive distance.

The most complicated activity that was enjoyed by one resident, Julie, was fishing. Julie had never experienced fishing before. When asked if she wanted to try fishing, Julie eagerly nodded yes. A staff referral

was submitted to the Assistive Technology team who responded with some suggestions that would help Julie fish. Equipment was obtained and Julie was able to fish for the first time of her life on May 15th, 2020 during free fishing weekend. The destination was New Underwood Dam due to the fishing dock that allowed wheelchair users to fish. On the way there, Julie was giddy with excitement and squealed as an indicator of this. The weather was overcast at the time of fishing and the weather during the week preceding this had been cold and rainy. This impacted the fish greatly and

unfortunately Julie was unable to land any fish, however an occasional nibble occurred. After an hour and a half, the staff asked Julie if she wanted to go home and she nodded yes. The staff reminded Julie that he does not always catch fish either. The staff asked Julie if she wanted to try fishing again and she nodded yes. Currently Julie’s fishing license is in processing. The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks has a fishing license that is good for four years for people with developmental disabilities. The license costs $10 and can be a gateway to a new activity that can be very fulfilling regardless if the fish are biting or not.

A great relationship between the day service staff and Black Gap’s housing staff was essential during this time. Both parties were passionate about engaging the residents and naturally worked together to provide meaningful activities. The success of day services during this time hinged on having great and productive interactions with the housing staff. Without this cooperation the residents would not have enjoyed the depth of new activities.

The pandemic has led to profound changes at Black Hills Works. The fear of community spread has fundamentally changed the way day services operated. Introducing residents to new activities thought up by imaginative staff (housing and day services) has been a silver lining during this difficult time.

Page 7: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

77

STAFF ANNIVERSARIES

Employee NameStart Date

Pipke, Amy 1996

Aston, Ruanmoon 2001

Carda, Veronica 2002

Schellin, Zackery 2005

White, William 2005

Brazzle, Dee 2010

Dartt-Houghton, Lindsay 2010

Parrent, James 2010

Green, Barbara 2012

Lawrence, Joe 2012

Bearing, Ruth 2012

Stroud, Julieta 2013

Thompson, Nicole 2013

Flynn, Lorraine 2014

Graham, Robert 2015

Lunderman, Delrita 2015

Serna, Andrea 2016

Grewell, Porscha 2016

Lengkeek, Kevin 2017

Kellner, Stephanie 2017

Barse, John 2017

Savery, Kendra 2017

Pulido, Baldemar 2017

Langager, Quynn 2018

Linseman, Jade 2018

Geist, Daniel 2018

Kirk, Mary 2018

Lopez, Noah 2018

Swanson, Michael 2018

Tinsley, Ashley 2018

Thornburg, Scott 2018

Klein, Austin 2018

Sorensen, Douglas 2018

Henrichs, Dallis 2019

Larus, Kae 2019

Montgomery, David 2019

Lescure, Emily 2019

Miller, Felicia 2019

Marquis, Amanda 2019

Lawrence, Matthew 2019

Shultz, Ryan 2019

Nilson, Cody 2019

Wright, Kennedy 2019

PAINTED FEATHERS & BIRD PUPPET MAKING SESSIONS Submitted by Heather Pickering, Artistic Director, Flutter Productions

Some of our artists are returning to take their photo with the sculpture that they helped create with their individually painted cardboard feathers.

Page 8: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

88

STAR PERFORMER SKILLS COMPETITION WINNERS!

Submitted by Kevin Bybee, Special Olympics

Being active is important for physical and mental health. That’s why Black Hills Works has safely made our gym available for small groups of people supported by Black Hills Works.

I am happy to announce another winner for our ongoing skills competition that we are holding in the

gym. Last week’s winner was Kai Knutsen. Kai has been competing faithfully every week. This week was Kai’s week! He came in strong in the cornhole competition which propelled him to the win. Congratulations Kai, you are our Star Performer of the week!!! Thank you to all who competed!!!

utensils, tableware along with trash disposed of. She is proficient in performance along with the necessary quality steps of each task plus what is expected of her. She is a capable and independent worker. Richelle goes out of her way to assist in all work areas during her shift. She has a good relationship with

all persons in her work environment. She is always pleasant and polite to all she encounters during her work shift from the dining customers, military, contract personnel, staff and co-workers. She is a pleasure to have on the food service crew.

Nathan Miller was selected as Raider Café employee of the month April 2020. His name and date selected was engraved then included with other past winners on the master Employee of the Month plaque. Sodexo, military employees, BHS staff and his coworkers took part in congratulating him on his achievement.

He was also selected employee of the month of September and February 2019. Being a multiple winner is a tribute to his caliber of work ethics and the hard work he performs on a day in day out basis. Nathan works in the clipper, pots and pans, mess attendant dining area and other food service utility areas. He is responsible for sanitation and cleanliness being met in performance of cleaning pots and pans, utensils, tableware along with trash disposed of. He is proficient in performance along with the necessary quality steps of each task expected of him. He is a capable and independent worker that performs with minimal direction. He has a good relationship with all persons in his work environment. Nathan is a hard worker who gives extra without being asked; he knows the jobs to be completed and he does them without prompting. He is always pleasant and polite to all he encounters during his work shift from the dining customers, military, contract personnel, staff and co-workers. He is a pleasure to have on the food service team and a credit to our operation. Thank-you Nathan for your hard work and your day-to-day contributions to the food service team.

RAIDER CAFE AT ELLSWORTH EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Following story submitted by Paul Warren

Thank you to all our mission critical Armed Forces employees! You are essential!

Richelle Cheshier was selected as employee of the month March 2020 for the Raider Café. She was presented with a Gift Card and her name and date selected was engraved then included with other past winners on the master Employee of the Quarter plaque. Sodexo, military employees, BHS staff and her coworkers took part in congratulating her on her achievement.

Richelle is a versatile worker. She has gained the experience and works independently utility jobs throughout the workplace. She works in the clipper, pots and pans, mess attendant dining area and other food service utility areas. She is responsible for sanitation and cleanliness of cleaning pots and pans,

Another week, another winner! Some pretty tight competition last week in the gym! After the totals were tallied up, Glory McLane emerged as the Star Performer. Glory had high scores in bowling and target ball which propelled her to the top spot. Congratulations Glory!

Page 9: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

99

CONGRATS NEWLY CERTIFIED DSPS! Submitted by Tanya Fritz, CSW, Director of Credentialing

A huge shout out to these folks who have continued to push forward and make progress toward their certification and credentialing during the pandemic. Congratulations! Please let me know if you are interested in learning more about certification and credentialing here at Black Hills Works. It's a great way to increase your skills, get to know your co-workers, and earn extra money!

Rose Norton .............................................................NADSP-II

Jennifer Peterson ............................... NADSP-III, BHW DSP-II

Samorra Allen .......................................................... NADSP-I

Mary Lee ...............................................................BHW DSP-I

Rebecca Osmera-Knutson* ................................... NADSP-I

Carla Streeter * .................................. NADSP-III, BHW DSP-II

Louetta Straub* ....................................................... NADSP-I

Samantha Heenan* .......................... NADSP-III, BHW DSP-II

* Not pictured

CUSTER STATE PARK TRIP TO THE WILDLIFE LOOP AND PICNIC AT THE VISITORS

CENTER PICNIC AREA

Submitted by Jennifer Peterson

Pictured below: Brenda Schmitt, Jessica Stoakes, Brandon Schlaht, Derek Rostvet

Not pictured but there: Jeremiah Vigil, John Clark, and Shawn Hauf

#NATIONALNURSESWEEK

#SPECIALTYSERVICES

#BHWFAMILY

BHW

NURSING

SUPERHEROS!

Page 10: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

1010

June 1 QUANDT, RHADONDA

June 2CONDON, JUDYLINSEMAN, JADE

June 3WEISZ, NICOLE

June 5THOMPSON, JESSILYN

HERIGER, DANAJune 6

AUKES, ERINJune 7

YOUNG, JACKRAMSEYER, ALLISON

June 8ADAM, SARAHBECKER, MOLLY

June 9CALHOUN, MYKAYLA

VIGER, JAREDJune 10

OSBORN, REBECCA

RIEWE, KATHRYNJune 11

KELLERMANN, CHRYSTENAJune 12

RUSSELL, JUDYMYHRE, NATASHA

June 13BRAZZLE, DEE

DRUMMOND, LEAHSAMMARCO, CATARINA

June 14KETELSEN, KIMBERLY

LAFOREST, KATHYSALLEY, SHAUNA

BROWN, BRITTANYJune 16

BIEHN, LISAJune 17

MCINTOSH, ROBERTJune 19

CHAWPRAKNOI, RUNGPATTHAJune 20

KELLAR, IANTRAINER-CARLSON, BECKY

STUCKER, JON SCOTTJune 21

NILSON, CODYSTRAUB, LOUETTA

June 22OSMERA-KNUTSON, REBECCA

KLEIN, AUSTINJune 24

RIETH, DAMONJune 25

CHANEY, SEANJune 26

WHITNEY, SHELLYHOEY, CLOVIA

June 27HEINRICH, ANNA

June 28HAMAKER, ASHLEYHUBER, JORDAN

NEW, KELLYHAWK, KELCIE

June 29SWANSON, MICHAELTHOMAS, MACKENZIE

WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES! Mikayla Campbell ................... Indiana

Wayne Steckline ..........................Pierre

Jessica Freeman .............................RSC

POLICY REMINDERSSOCIAL MEDIA - Please do not post any pictures or videos of people supported on a personal FB page without it first going through the proper internal channels. Please submit to the 'Workplace Team' and share from the BHW page.

PHOTO RELEASES - Please remember to make sure that photo releases are updated in Therap when you send in photos so we can share them with all of you!

Michelle Mechaley, and Quincy staff had a Cinco de Mayo Party! They went above and beyond and know how to party!

Taco's (bought by and delivered by someone's parents, churos, pin the tail on the llama, homemade maracas, and tes leches (traditional Mexican dessert made by Quincy) and ending with a pinata! What an amazing time and group!

CINCO DE MAYO PARTY!Submitted by Danette Schille, Learning Center Coordinator

A-Team Black Hills Virtual Meeting

Scheduled for June 15th @ 3 PM

Stay tuned for the Virtual Location

Page 11: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

1111

FIRST ANNUAL BLACK HILLS WORKS CHALK DESIGN CONTESTSuzie Cappa Art Center

We would like to extend a HUGE congratulations to Sitka for claiming our First Annual Black Hills Works Chalk Design Contest crown! Check out a few different looks at their beautiful design.

The Sitka group home would like to say: "don't forget to smile!"

GET OUT AND ENJOY THE THE HILLS!

Submitted by Danette Schille, Learning Center Coordinator

We may not be in the community the traditional ways we are used to... But we have definitely loved taking in the beautiful BLACK HILLS VIEWS while social distancing!

1STPLACESITKA!

Page 12: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

1212

MEANINGFUL EVERYDAY WINNER

Submitted by Danette Schille, Learning Center Coordinator

KEEP THE

STORIES

COMING!

YOUR HOUSE

COULD WIN

$100!

Continued on next page

Page 13: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

1313

Here at the house I am currently working at, it is all about the little things that truly make and inspire the WOW moments. Whether its knowing and being able to plan activities for that afternoon, the next day, or even later in the week. We all look forward to being able to have some comfort in knowing what to expect when most of the world around us is unpredictable. We continue to work together to find meaning and purpose each and every day. We have been able to work together to do activities that we would maybe not ever be able to experience if it wasn't for all the chaos that is happening We have done things such collecting rocks and painting them, learned to "Shake it off" as Taylor Swift says to a video with chirography with Sara and Henry. We had a chance to slow down enjoy the beautiful weather (on the days we have it) and truly admire the hills as we drove around and looked for buffalo, donkeys, and even had a picnic in the trees. We've baked cookies in an actual bakery and decorated our own donuts. As small and simple as some of these activities may seem the truth is they are really unforgettable. Sometimes we may forget to take the time to slow down and not feel like we are always in a rush to get there and do that. The comfort, the happiness, and of course the smiles that we are all able to experience in such a scary time are something we will continue to savor and never forget.--Wisconsin

MEANINGFUL PURPOSESubmitted by Becky Trainer-Carlson

Cori Kursave helped support Kathy Brandner in putting together boxes of goodies to send overseas to the troops thanking them for all that they do fighting for our freedom.

Page 14: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

1414

REV 05/2020

Notice to Employees: Availability of Unemployment Compensation Employees in this establishment are covered under the South Dakota Reemployment Assistance (RA) law (formerly known as Unemployment Insurance). Benefits are available to workers who become unemployed or whose working hours are reduced to less than full time, if they are:

• Able to work, • Available for full-time work, and • Meet certain eligibility requirements.

Employees who voluntarily quit without good cause, are discharged or suspended for misconduct, or refuse to accept suitable work may be denied benefits.

You may file an RA claim in the first week employment ends or hours are reduced.

• To file a claim online, visit RAclaims.sd.gov 24 hours a day, seven days a week. • To file a claim by phone, call the Claims Call Center at 605.626.3179, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to

4:20 p.m. (Central Time). Speech and hearing-impaired applicants can call 800.877.1113.

You will need to provide the following information for DLR to process your claim:

• Full legal name • Social Security Number • Driver’s license number or State ID number • Employment history for the last 18 months • Authorization to work (if you are not a U.S. citizen or resident)

Employees working less than full time or who become totally unemployed, if available for work, should register for work at one of the Job Service offices listed below. View an office directory at www.sdjobs.org.

• Aberdeen • Brookings • Huron • Lake Andes

• Madison • Mitchell • N. Sioux City • Pierre

• Rapid City • Sioux Falls • Sisseton • Spearfish

• Vermillion • Watertown • Winner • Yankton

If you have questions about the status of your RA claim, you can call the Customer Service Center at 605.626.2452, email [email protected], or log in to your account and view the status under the Welcome message.

Reemployment Assistance Division 420 S Roosevelt St | PO Box 4730

Aberdeen, SD 57402-4730

PLEASE POST THIS NOTICE IN A VISIBLE PLACE.

Page 15: An Internal Publication for the Family of Black Hills Works •blackhillsworks.org/assets/uploads/June 2020 Workplace FINAL.pdf · CENTER’S 2020 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sheryl Finch’s

1515

CONGRATS POWER OF B WINNERS!Sean Chaney • Colton Bender • Danette Schille

Thank you all for living out the principles of the Power of B in your work. Your exemplary heart for Black Hills Works, and the people we support, is what makes our organization so great! Without the actions that you all take on a day-to-day basis, we would not be able to provide the services and supports that we do. Thank you for your outstanding work ethic! We are glad to have you as part of our BHW family!

SEAN CHANEY/DSPParkview

I wanted to write you a note about Sean and what we have observed in his time here at Parkview:

Sean has been doing an awesome job. He is a fantastic part of our team. He takes the time for people and provides not only group activities, but also one on one activities. He is calm, patient and willing to do whatever is ask of him. He involves every PS and is GREAT at documenting everything. He checks in to ask if there is anything else he can do before he leaves, and always lets us know when he is leaving for an activity with PS and who he is taking. He deals well with PS bad days and celebrates the good days. Sherri and I have appreciated having him here!

Thank you for sharing him with us.

COLTON BENDER/QSSHampton Residential

I would like to recognize QSS Colton Bender for being his best and being supportive. Colton works with HZ who really enjoys going for walks outside and spending one on one time with male staff. HZ utilizes a wheel chair and so his ability to go for walks is somewhat hampered and dependent on staff.

On 5/8/2020 Colton reserved the “all terrain vehicle” from the AT department. He and HZ then spent the day hiking and went to the top of M Hill. HZ had a blast!

DANETTE SCHILLE/ LEARNING CENTER COORDINATOR

Learning Center

Danette has been on top of it with providing our house with activities and supplies through this COVID-19 disaster. She replies very quickly to my emails and goes above and beyond in helping me with ideas and resources to better support all of our people supported at Minnesota. I really appreciate all the help she has given me and I really feel she deserves this Power of B nomination.

BEING RESPECTFUL OF OTHERSBEING ACCOUNTABLE

BEING YOUR BESTBEING SUPPORTIVE

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR A POWER OF B AWARD

Fill out the nomination attached with this newsletter or on Lotus Notes:

• Click on Agency Main• Click on Staff (left-hand green buttons)• Click on Staff Forms which is located in the center

panel on the right side• Choose Rapid City• Page down to Power of B Recognition Award

• Launch the document and type in fillable form

Send your nominations to Alexi Kieffer at RSC by the 20th of each month. Winners receive $50 and a Power of B t-shirt. Please give specific examples about how your nominee demonstrates the POWER of B as your entry of their story will be featured in The Workplace Newsletter.