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3600 S. Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
605.334.4220
www.dakotabilities.com
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it’s all good
Our Bo nd w i th a Da k o tab i l i t i es
R esi de n t E n r i c h es O u r Li v e s
By A n i ta L e s l i e
My husband, my five boys and I first came to know Jarrod Plooster because he lives
in a DakotAbilities apartment close to our house. Little did we know that a chance
encounter with Jarrod would become such a blessing to us. He has become a part
of our family, and DakotAbilities has become an important part of our lives.
Jarrod would ride his bike past our house and
stop to shoot hoops if we were outside. One
exceptionally beautiful day in April 2010, Jarrod
extended his visit for quite some time. Not
completely familiar with his situation, I asked
him if he needed to check in with anyone. He
immediately responded that he didn’t, but after a
short pause he said, “Well, maybe. I know, I will
go home, get some drinks, talk to staff and I’ll
be back.”
Within a few minutes, Jarrod returned with his
pockets fully loaded with bottles of pop. With a
smile and a thumbs up, he said, “I checked in with
staff and it’s all good!” He immediately jumped
back into the basketball game.
Because the weather was so beautiful for an earlyspring day, nobody wanted to let the day end. As
bedtime was approaching, I told my kids
they needed to head
inside. Jarrod put on his
helmet, and hopped on
his bike to go home. I
was going out for a walk
with a friend so I told
Jarrod I would walk him
home since it was getting
dark. Jarrod rode ahead
of us, but he circled back to tell us that there was
a commotion at the apartments. As my friend and
I turned the corner, we saw police officers, staff
members and residents gathered in the parking
lot. My heart sank as I realized that the commotion
was because Jarrod was “missing.” My dear friend
assured me, “Don’t worry. I will come bail you out!”
After I talked to the police about the situation, I
became acquainted with a few staff members and
we exchanged phone numbers. I called Jarrod’s
parents to introduce myself, get acquainted and
apologize for the situation. Jarrod invited me to
his meeting along with staff and his parents the
next month. This was a wonderful opportunity for
me to learn more about Jarrod and ways that we
could support him and his goals.
Jarrod loves celebrating birthdays with us, going
out to eat, going to movies,
going out for ice cream, taking
a bike ride, playing four-hour
Monopoly tournaments
during blizzards, going to
church, and most of all,
being my kids’ number-one
fan at their games. He has
attended countless sporting
events and knows all the
Pictured top (l-r): Jaden, Mike, Beau, Tate,
Anita, Keaton, Jarrod, Jared and Simba
Pictured center: Jarrod and Beau enjoy a
board game
Pictured below, clockwise: Anita, Jarrod,
Beau and Tate
kids on the team and their numbers, which I have
yet to accomplish.
Jarrod and I have a little joke between us that
whenever he tells me, “It’s all good!” I know I
should start to worry. Jarrod has brought us more
joy than we could ever give him.
Make a Difference!
Enrich your life and the lives
of people with disabilities by
becoming part of the DakotAbilities
community. Opportunities include
participating in events and activities,
volunteering and making a donation.
To learn more, call (605) 367-6263 or
visit Dakotabilities.com/Help.aspx.
A c c e s s i bi l i ty
Fro m O u r
Exe c u t i ve D i rec t o r
“Accessibility” has become the word around which so
many issues revolve. We need accessible lifts in many
forms—some portable to help a person transfer
from a wheelchair to a recliner or couch. For those
who use or work with “portable” lifts, the word is a
misnomer; while the lift is portable, it is cumbersome
and frequently difficult to work with.
Bob Bohm
Executive Director
“Accessibility” is an
important concept that
affects us at DakotAbilities.
The easy definition is
from the Americans with
Disabilities Act because
the definition is prescriptive
and direct. However, for
our people, the definition
of accessibility is broad;
it goes beyond lawmakers’
words to wants, needs
and new horizons.
Some lifts, placed on a track in the ceilings of a
house, are permanently installed in a bathroom so a
person may transfer to a shower chair or the toilet.
Other lifts have permanent tracks in the ceiling to
accommodate an easily portable lift motor for the
person who needs to reach the bed at night or
return to a wheelchair in the morning. With nearly
70 percent of our people in wheelchairs, this type of
accessibility is increasingly important.
We serve 111 people in residential settings, but only
34 have ceiling-track lifts to ensure their safety and
comfort. Fundraising efforts have helped us with this
important equipment and we continue our efforts in
this regard.
“Accessibility” also means vans to assist with
transportation. Vans appropriately equipped with
lifts to handle 400- to 500-pound wheelchairs are
expensive to purchase and maintain.
Finally, “accessibility” also extends to the homes where
our people live. The house must allow easy access
from the outdoors; wider doors for ease of passage;
and kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms that
accommodate special needs.
We’re progressing in our efforts to increase accessibility
for our people. This year, we’ve done this by:
mContinuing our philanthropic efforts that provide
ceiling-track systems in the residential homes where
they are needed. For now, there are four homes
done with 13 more to go.
mPurchasing two new vans with wheelchair lifts.
mOpening a new group home in May on Spring
Avenue in Sioux Falls. It has six residents and was
nearly fully occupied on the day it opened.
Our balancing of priorities continues each day as we
try to meet all the needs of our people. Meeting those
needs this summer included providing great activities,
organizing baseball leagues at the Miracle Field, and
much more, which you can read about in the pages
of this newsletter. As always, thanks for your support
of DakotAbilities. You help make the world a more
accessible place.
Best Regards,
Bob Bohm
Executive Director
News From the 2011 DakotAbilities
Annual Meeting
New Leadership on Board of Directors
At the DakotAbilities Annual Meeting on Sept. 27, the Board
of Directors elected new officers to provide leadership for the
2011-2012 fiscal year:
Steve Ciofalo, President, has been a board member since 2009
and is employed with Waddell & Reed, Inc. in Sioux Falls.
Rocky Rehfeldt, Vice President, was appointed to the board in
2007 and works at First Bank & Trust in Sioux Falls.
David Danielson, Secretary, was appointed to the board in
2008 and is an employee at Sanford Health.
John Rehurek, Treasurer, was appointed to the board in 2006
and works at Citibank in Sioux Falls.
Board Members Recognized
The Board of Directors also honored two members for their
meritorious service:
Dave Fleck for nine years of service from 2002 through 2011 as
a board member, including two years as president of the board.
Sue Evans for nine years of service from 2002 through 2011 as
a board member, including two years as secretary of the board.
Thanks to Dave and Sue for their devoted service to people
with disabilities and to the organization they have so diligently
represented.
In M emo ry o f John French
July 29, 1947—September 10, 2011
We were saddened this fall by the loss of
our friend John. Serving as the director
of development for the past three years,
John brought a wealth of experience and
knowledge to DakotAbilities. John loved his
work, particularly the opportunity to help
people, and he was a true champion for
those who cannot help themselves.
A celebration of life took place Sept. 25 at
the Christensen Trent River Property located
north of Dell Rapids. This was a fitting
location given John’s love of the outdoors.
People who had made a connection with
John over the years gathered to share
stories and remember the man who
touched so many lives.
John’s good will and sense of humor will be
in our hearts forever.
D a k o t A b i l i t i es C l i e n ts
Knock It Out of
the
Park
at the Miracle League
The clients of DakotAbilities
stepped up to the plate this
summer to be part of the Miracle
League. The Sioux Empire
Baseball Association began a
Miracle League Adult Division
to give disabled adults the
opportunity to play baseball.
The Miracle League is a noncompetitive co-ed baseball league
that provides people with special
needs the opportunity to play
baseball, regardless of their ability.
The Miracle League gives athletes,
families, friends and volunteers
the opportunity to enjoy one of
America’s great pastimes.
The Miracle League is a customdesigned field made with
cushioned rubber that prevents
injuries, yet is totally accessible
for people with wheelchairs and
walkers.
Above and Beyond:
Caregiver Debbie Hanson Is Recognized for Her Work
Because of her dedication to caring and supporting people at DakotAbilities
for more than 11 years, Residential Assistant Debbie Hanson was selected
by her peers to receive an Excellence in Service Award. The award comes
from The South Dakota Association of Community Based Service, which has
established a recognition program for direct support providers.
Debbie frequently goes out of her way to do those little things that will
brighten someone’s day. Debbie supports people to be as independent as
possible while taking great lengths to respect people’s personal preferences
and rights. Debbie’s co-workers have also nominated her countless times
during her time here at DakotAbilities for continually going above and
beyond her normal duties to enhance the lives of people we support.
Debbie represented DakotAbilities at the 2011 Simply the Best Conference,
which took place at the Holiday Inn City Centre on Oct. 26. Please join us in
recognizing and thanking Debbie for all that she does here at DakotAbilities
to make people’s lives a little better and days a little brighter.
Debbie Hanson, RA and Joe Dvorak
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
3600 S. Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
SIOUX FALLS, SD
PERMIT NO. 671
Please check your address label on this issue. If you have changes or corrections, send them to:
Ms. Sharon Miller, DakotAbilities, 3600 S. Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Or call us at 605-334-4220. Thank you for helping us maintain an accurate mailing list.
DakotAbilities
Board of Directors
Steve Ciofalo
President
Rocky Rehfeldt
Vice President
Tom Dempster
Jon Erickson
David Danielson
Secretary
Cheryl Faundeen
John Rehurek
Treasurer
John Jarding
Lori Kueter
Past President
Dennis Studer
Dustin Haber
Dan Pressler
Brian Anderson
Dana Thomas
Scott Anderson
Tom Weidenbach
Lauren Christensen
DakotAbilities
executive staff
Bob bohm
Executive Director
joe dvorak
Director of Client Services
rick gilbertson
Director of Finance
shelley graham
Director of Program Services
sue loge
Director of Human Resources
Danielle Sandvig
Acting Director of Nursing
Nathan Stallinga
Director of Development
Thanks to Our Donors
Jim Costello
Visionaries ($25,000 +)
Advocates ($250 +)
Larson Foundation
Anonymous
Chad Belitz
Tyson Bialas
Tom Carson
Jean Clements
Dorothea & Arden Egan
Ed & Deb Evans
Excel Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
Stephen & Bobbie Haight
Jerome & Nina Kappes
Tom & Jo Landis
Jordan Lipp
Mitchell Lunning
Mary Mastick
Pride Neon Signs
Ernie & Joann Priebe
Qualified Presort Services
Sanford Health Plans
Kirby Schultz
Thornton Flooring
John Weisbecker
Benefactors ($10,000 +)
Avera McKennan
Al Schoeneman
Sheldon Reese Foundation
Leaders ($5,000 +)
Howalt McDowell Insurance, Inc.
Sanford Health
Showplace Wood Products
Sustainers ($1,000 +)
Avera Health
Robert & LorriBohm
David & Denise Christensen
Steve Ciofalo
David & Lisbeth Danielson
Poet
Citibank (South Dakota) N.A.
First Premier Bank & Premier
Bankcard
Beth Hartman
Howe Heating & Plumbing
Hy Vee
Lloyd Companies
Omnicare of South Dakota
John & Beth Rehurek
US Bank
Waddell & Reed Corp.
Humanitarians ($500 +)
Anonymous
Lauren & LaDonna Christensen
CorTrust Bank
Cutler & Donahoe LLP
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz,
& Smith
First Bank & Trust
John & Janet French
Great Western Bank
Jason & Wanda Harris
HenkinSchultz
Intek-Jerry Berg
Kock, Hazard Assoc.
OHARA, LLC
RDO Equipment
Sheehan Mack
Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union
Wells Fargo Bank
Associates ($100 +)
Century Business Products
Chapel on Westport
Bobby & Vivian Derby
Thomas Dougherty
Kyle Eberts
Merrill Lynch-Jeff Edman
First National Bank
Susan Geyerman
Dustin & Anne Haber
Gordon Holland Family
Sheila Keller
Lacey Knopf
Mike & Lori Kueter
Paul Lansky
Paul Marquardt
Robert Mayasich
Jim & Betty Merges
Larry Pressler
Sanford Clinic Charitable Fund
Shors & Thomas
John Shelso
Nathan & Angela Stallinga
Dana Thomas
Jennifer Underberg
Rebecca Zorn
Friends
Curt & Robin Aden
Alpha Omega Publications
Scott Anderson
Rick Anderson
Josh Baker
Max Barnett
Marilyn Bartlett
Roberta Bauman
Gerald & Laurie Berg
Deb & Brian Bertsch
Evelyn Blashill
Mike Bornitz
Nathan Bosch
Dan Brenner
Mike Brown
Ryan Brown
Bob & Joy Carroll
Erik Christensen
Chantale Connelly
Nola Connor
Mark & Jean Conzemius
Elizabeth & Tony Cowen
Keith Dedrickson
Kerri Deneui
Ryan Dulaney
Richard & Elaine Ekle
Tara Falor
Colin Farritor
Mike Farritor
Pat Farritor
Ronald Fathke
Travis Fawcett
Scott Feiner
Audrey Feldman
JR Fieldsen
Carole Fisher
Bill & Linda French
David & Caitlin French
Mark & Lauren French
Cory Garbers
Isaac Gerdes
Rick & Brenda Gilbertson
Debra Hardy
Diannne & Steven Harris
Thomas & Kathleen Hasner
Dale & Paulette Heesch
Linda Heerde
Arlene, Linda & Darwin Hoeck
Darin & Amy Holland
Harry & Lavonne Jepsen
Joey Johnson
Dave Kaufman
Kevin Kavanaugh
Ric King
Brian Kirby
Donna Kirchhevel
Kory Knutson
Jeff Koch
Loren & Linda Koepsell
Greg Krell
Aaron Kvistero
Darren Lee
Robert & Elaine List
Sue Loge
Mike & Lori Lunning
Aaron & Lisa Maguire
Vicki Marlow
Pat McGinnis
Julie McGovern
Matt & Turi McNamee
Jim & Joyce Menk
Roger Merges
Sharon & Todd Miller
Don Mims
Michael & Jeanette Miranda
Julie Nelson
Todd Nelson
Paul Ortman
Howard & Lou Ann Paulson
Mark Peltier
Thomas Pruner
Robin Prunty & Brian Hardy
Rocky & Arianna Rehfeldt
Selma Rich
Dr. Torey Riviera
Ed & Rene Riviera
Lindsay Rohlfson
Mike Runge
Grant Sather
Tricia Schaefer
Byron Schafemsmen
Al Schlaikjer
Kathleen Schmaderer
Bonnie Schmidt
Glen Schmitz
Shirley Schroeder
Jason Shanks
Mike Sheehan
Gary Sieverding
Sioux Empire United Way-Staff
SFACF-Board & Staff
Aaron Smith
Fran Sommervold
Thomas & Dianne Stadtfeld
Ronald Staebell
Patricia Stark
Leah Steever
Scott Stern
Ray Stevens
Nancy Swanson
Roxy Swenson
Bill Thomas
Corey Touney
Dottie & Jim Trapnell
Lissa & Roger Turbak
University of Sioux Falls
Faculty & Staff
Tim & Rebecca Wartner
Rob Winter
Jason Young