March 2018Spring Edition

Quarterly Blazing Trails Since 1953

From the Director --- 2

Go All In ------------- 3

What’s Your Story? -- 3

Funding Maze --- 4 & 5

Cross-Train ----------- 6

Online Framing ------ 6

Trademark ------------ 6

Camp Tumbleweed -- 7

See You in the Future 7

Fundraising ----------- 7

Moms, Dads, Grads - 8

Contents

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Do you know where the expression “red tape” originated? Between the 1690s and 1730s, legal and official documents in Great Britain and the American colonies were bound with red (or pink) tape or sealed with his Excellency’s Seal at Arms. It was considered then as “excessive bureaucratic rigmarole” and more currently described as hindering or preventing actions or decision-making. We sure know red tape at Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC). We are licensed or accredited by 60 state and federal entities. In addition, we have multiple national certifications from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the Cleaning Industry Management Standards (CIMS). Throw in all the requirements from funding entities and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and all we see is red. Being so accountable sometimes limits our choices, but we don’t let it stunt our creativity.It’s a mad world out there, in every way imaginable – fiscally, politically, news vs. fake news, global

warming or not, and big names stepping down as CEO because of accusations. Sometimes I feel the country is backsliding like a California mudslide. At times it feels like we’re explorers slashing through the jungle of red tape and funding with our machetes.At home, I receive a weekly “good news” newsletter that I love. It proves most people are good and mean well. It confirms people still rescue pets: a cat in Ohio was found in Florida and returned after 10 years. Grade-schoolers are raising money for good causes, and strangers are doing random acts of kindness. There is always much more good than bad.Here’s a piece of good local news. A gentleman who had been shopping at Crest one morning a couple weeks ago, called to tell me how he witnessed one of our staff giving CPR, staunching blood and giving information to the Crest manager to call 911. It seemed one of our clients, who was there learning how to shop, had a serious seizure. The gentleman said the staff was amazing, and he was so impressed he wanted me to know. Her name is Chelsea Lyne, and she works in our Transition program.Thank you so much for taking the time to call. That’s what we strive for

and what we love to hear. Kudos to Chelsea and her cool-as-a-cucumber supervisor, Alaiszia Fobbs.We have happy pay days! Our client wages in the work center, Prism Place and Wyman Frame have doubled in some cases this past year. Mark Claunch, our procurement manager, hustles to keep them busy. Says Mark, “The client production levels are 2-3 times higher than what it was just two years ago.” Some of our clients make prevailing wage instead of piece rate. It is not unusual to see pay checks over $200. Mark spends about 25 hours a week contacting both current customers and looking for new ones. If you have a lead, call Mark at 405-946-4489 ext. 1403.Our Biennial Report will come out soon. We have lots of great news, new business and fine-tuning to tell you about. We’re doubling the amount of product in our catalog, reallocating some space to expand Prism Place and Wyman Frame and will have a big Open House to celebrate together. Stay tuned.

From the Director

RED TAPE MADNE$$

Carl Hamilton DRTC Board President

Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed., Executive Director

Michael T. Jones PR/Marketing Manager, Staff Writer

James Helm PR Coordinator, Staff Writer

Brian Landreth Senior Graphic Designer Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed.

Executive Director

Chelsea and Alaiszia

Dale Rogers Training Center

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What’s your

story?

Familiar faces will once again descend on the Oklahoma Capitol in March—but we’re not talking about lawmakers. Individuals from Dale Rogers Training Center’s various programs are set to participate in the annual People with Disabilities Awareness Day, March 13.The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is hosting the event. This year’s theme is “Go All In,” which encourages people with disabilities and their supporters to advocate for their right to live independent lives free of professional or personal barriers.Last year, more than 775 people attended, including more than a dozen from DRTC. DRS hopes even more people show up in 2018.Individuals at DRTC are looking forward to another visit with lawmakers as they stress the importance of funding state services vital to their success as a dedicated employee.

“We have the right to talk to them, no matter what our disability is,” said Angie.We’d love to see you at People with Disabilities Awareness Day! Be sure to wear green and use #PWDAD2018 in your social media posts!

March 13, 2018Noon-4:00pm

Oklahoma State CapitolRegister online:

okdrs.org/pwdad 2017 People with Disabilities Awareness Day

Cory and Heather at the State Capitol

We all have stories to share: childhood experiences, success, overcoming struggles, etc. When fellow nonprofit Story Corps contacted DRTC about an upcoming visit, we were intrigued.Story Corps preserves stories of others for future generations and even sends them to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Their mobile tour recently stopped in Oklahoma City and, with DRTC’s coordination, recorded the stories of individuals participating in DRTC programs.Lynda and her daughter Lisa, a DRTC program participant for 11 years, took part in the Story Corps visit.“We asked each other questions about ourselves and how we felt about certain things,” said Lynda. “It gave us a chance to remind one another of the strong bond we have between us.”“I learned some stuff about my parents and my grandparents,” said Waneta (with DRTC since 2004), who partnered with her aunt for the interview.Listen for their stories on National Public Radio or storycorps.org.

Event information

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To say Dale Rogers Training Center has come a long way in its 65-year history would be a massive understatement. The nonprofit agency, with humble beginnings in a dairy barn on then-Meek Drive (today Utah Avenue), is Oklahoma’s oldest and largest vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities. However, this is not by chance; in the 1980s, DRTC’s Board of Directors decided the agency would break the mold from traditional charities and earn its own way. Even with Prism Place (awards, trophies and promotional items), and Wyman Frame (custom picture framing), DRTC utilizes a complex network of funding sources to provide excellent services to people with disabilities.

With recent funding fears becoming the norm at the Oklahoma Capitol, navigating the funding maze is the name of the game—but with real lives and real jobs on the line.

The below list summarizes how each funding source provides opportunities for individuals at DRTC.

Vocational Services Program

Shawn

DDSThe Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) of Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services (DHS) helps fund many on-campus programs at DRTC: Vocational Services, Mobile Workforce, Special Needs, some Employment Services, as well as Extended Care and Transportation (partial funding).

Under the DDS funding umbrella lie waiver services - Community Based Services (CBW) and In-Home Supports Waiver (IHSW), as well as state-funded vocational services. The IHSW and state-funded services

DRSFunding from Oklahoma’s Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) mostly focuses on finding individuals served at DRTC employment in the community.

Employment Training Specialists (job coaches) in DRTC’s Employment Services Program help individuals with career planning, interview skills, job placement and integration. Funding is provided based off pre-set milestones reached.

Another component of DRS funding is fee-for-service contracts, mostly assisting youth in job exploration and skill development. This unlocks several services an individual can receive, including: Project SEARCH (job prep and assistance), Transition School-to-Work Program, and support services.

Dale Rogers Training Center’s Employment Services Program places approximately 130 people in community jobs every year.

Funding Maze

were recently on the chopping block in the Oklahoma Legislature, at one time facing more than $4.5 million in cuts (funding was extended, but only through April 2018 at time of printing). Elimination of this funding source would affect approximately 60% of the individuals participating in DRTC’s on campus programs.

This funding source allows 100 people to work on various DRTC subcontracts, earning up to prevailing wage depending on the job.

In addition, this funding helps provide job coaching at Mobile Workforce locations throughout the community, and some before/after hours care to allow family members and caregivers have time to get to and from work.

5

Derek

Patti

AbilityOne/SourceAmericaA sizeable portion of DRTC’s funding comes from the AbilityOne Program. This program allows the agency to perform custodial and food service at locations throughout the Oklahoma City metro.

When contracts open up, DRTC’s experienced staff prepare a comprehensive bid to continue managing services at a given location.

Currently, DRTC operates custodial contracts at General Services Administration (GSA) downtown, U.S. Marshals, FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, and Tinker Air Force Base. Dale Rogers Training Center also has a food service work project at Tinker AFB, preparing and serving meals to military and civilian personnel.

DRTC’s 170-member crew cleans nearly 6.9 million square feet and serves 154,000 meals every year.

Wages paid are at federal minimum wage levels, along with health and welfare benefits.

DivisionsDale Rogers Training Center’s entrepreneurial spirit made a splash in 1983 with the creation of Prism Place. Mike, who was one of Prism Place’s first employees, is still here making beautiful acrylic awards, but DRTC’s oldest division has evolved over time. Workers at Prism Place manufacture awards, trophies, medals and plaques, while also providing quality control services for promotional items.

DRTC became the new owners of Wyman Frame in 2010, providing quality, custom picture framing services to businesses and the public. People with disabilities earn a paycheck here by assembling frames—from measuring and cutting moulding, to assembling hanging hardware and wrapping for shipping/delivery.

United WayDRTC is a long-term partner agency of United Way (1970s). In turn, United Way of Central Oklahoma visits the agency annually to learn about DRTC and determine funding levels for the year.

United Way’s commitment to DRTC helps offset transportation, extended care and rehabilitation expenses for families. It also partially funds Special Needs Program and Camp Tumbleweed.

Navigating the mazeEach funding source is its own maze, with unique twists and turns. Fortunately, DRTC’s staff is well-versed in its ways.

You can help make a difference for individuals in DRTC’s programs. Prism Place and Wyman Frame are ready to take your order – for business or personal. Stay informed about bills working their way through the Legislature and take action. Your voice will ensure DRTC can continue navigating this maze, providing the opportunity for hard-working Oklahomans to earn a paycheck and to give back to their community.

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Custom picture framing from your fingertips! Wyman Frame, a division of Dale Rogers Training Center, will soon roll out Fast Frames online at Robin’s Corner Gift Shop.

For a completely custom experience, bring your artwork to Wyman Frame for a consultation with Certified Picture Framer (Professional Picture Framers Association) Carla Folks who will guide you through the process of selecting the best materials for your space and within your budget.

Whether it’s a family photo, your latest Instagram image, or favorite team poster, choose Wyman Frame for your project and help provide jobs for people with disabilities.

The next time you visit Robin’s Corner Gift Shop (online or in person), you may notice a little change with big meaning.

Embracing the Difference® is now a registered trademark with theUnited States Patent and Trademark Office.

The trademark is good for the next 99 years and allows DRTC to own, produce and license its “Embracing the Difference” slogan, which the nonprofit agency has used since 2012.

Individuals at DRTC designed the images featuring the new Embracing the Difference®, which shows square designs among several circles.

You can Embrace the Difference and Shop for a Cause at the same time. Go to DRTC.org/shop

Cross training creates more opportunities at DRTC. Individuals have several choices when it comes to work; from more than 180 subcontracting jobs, to Prism Place and Wyman Frame, there is plenty of work to be done!

Just pass through our Vocational Services Program over the course of two days, and you will likely see different projects working on the floor from one day to the next.

Some of these dedicated employees, like Shon, also work in other areas of DRTC like Prism Place where they hand sand, buff, polish and package beautiful awards.

“I’m willing to work and earn a living like normal people, learn new skills and take care of myself,” said Shon.

Others, like Chris, split time at DRTC and in the community with the Mobile Workforce Program, working and volunteering.

Dale Rogers Training Center can always use more work to provide choices for individuals! We are your fulfillment headquarters with a steady and able workforce year-round. Call us at 405-946-4489 to get started!

Shon

Chris

Cross-Trainverb \ ‘krõs-trän \ to train (an employee) to do more than one specific job

Online Framing

Trademark®

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Making summer plans? Sign up for Camp Tumbleweed: DRTC’s summer day camp for youth with disabilities, ages 14-21 years old.

Campers go on various field trips (Science Museum Oklahoma, Express Ranch, and various parks and splash pads to name a few popular spots from 2017), make crafts and participate in fun outdoor activities! They also learn and develop independence and advocacy skills.

Don’t take our word for it! Here’s what some parents are saying about Camp Tumbleweed:

“(My camper’s favorite thing about camp was) spending time with friends and staying engaged with so many fun things to do!” – Crystal

“It is a wonderful opportunity to get out of the ‘home routine’ and ‘same stimuli’ she is used to. Camp Tumbleweed is an excellent program.”

– Nancy

2018 Camp Tumbleweed

Session I: June 4-29

Session II: July 9-27 (OKCPS students)

July 9-August 10 (all other districts)

Sign up today!

Happy Trails Civitan Club, hosted by Dale Rogers Training Center, recently buried a time capsule at DRTC’s main campus.

The time capsule includes items throughout Civitan International’s Heartland District (covering five states).

It will be unearthed and opened in 2042.

Happy Trails Civitan Club, is a civic organization comprised of people with and without disabilities. If you’d like to visit or join, meetings are the first and third Thursday of the month, 6:00pm, at Wyman Frame – 2502 N. Utah Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Happy Trails Civitan Club buried the time capsule in 2017 and will open it in 2042

Lizzy

See you in the future!

Community FundraisersIs your school or group looking to raise money for an upcoming trip or project?

Dale Rogers Training Center’s Community Fundraisers are the perfect solution to help you reach your goals.

Products are made/packaged by people with disabilities, creating a

win-win fundraiser.

With the ability to sell via traditional paper forms or online, DRTC is ready to help your group right now.

Looking to customize a fundraiser with your group’s logo? We can do that, too!

What are you waiting for? Get started today! Email pr@drtc.org for more information.

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Find Us! Like Us! Follow Us!

Oklahoma nonprofit since 1953

Dale Rogers Training Center2501 N. Utah AvenueOklahoma City, OK 73107405-946-4489 Video 405-445-7314DRTC.org

Blazing TrailsPromoting Abilities

To provide training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

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