OUR MISSION

...to assure individuals who have a developmental disability or who are at risk of developing a disability have access to supports and services that allow participation in and contribution to community life within our area.

OUR VISION

Sumner County area residents with developmental disabilities will have services and supports which allow them opportunities of choice to increase their independence, productivity, and inclusion into our communities.

Futures Unlimited, Inc., as a Community Developmental Disabilities Organization will be a single point of access to a locally responsive system that:

• is seamless from birth to death.
• is driven by consumer and/or family preferences.
• is delivered through interagency efforts.
• emphasizes the earliest possible intervention and prevention strategies.
• is reflective of best practice.

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From our President:

For many years now, Futures has been responding to the request for community based solutions to changing needs. Through the years, the organization has offered a wide array of services specifically designed to be responsive to the needs of the individuals, families, and children who depend on us for support. So, what has kept us responsive for so many years? The answer is deceptively simple. We're a good program!! Sounds easy . . . but it's a tough standard to meet.

Good programs don't just happen. They aren't defined by annual budgets or successful grants. Impressive credentials will not guarantee quality nor will new buildings, expensive equipment, and the latest technology.

Good programs - the kind that have been around for years but always seem to be different and new - happen as a result of dedicated leaders who care deeply about the future of their communities; dedicated and motivated staff who believe in the value of what they do; a passion for finding new ways to work with others in the community to solve problems; a supportive community that accepts and embraces diversity; and finally, a clearly defined sense of identity, mission and values

. But what about tomorrow? In most areas of technology, the changes are happening so fast it's hard to keep up. We routinely face radically changing philosophical and bureaucratic ideologies. Our systems of special education, social services, and rehabilitation are continually being scrutinized and modified with the intent of improving efficiency. In addition to the changes in our systems, we must also deal with the impact created by today's booming economy. From all evidence, the rate of change will only continue to accelerate as we approach the new millennium.

So will we continue to meet the challenge? Absolutely. Our board will continue to focus on our mission and values, while listening to developing community needs. Through strategic planning, Futures will systematically consider the need for program development and expansion. We will continue to recruit, train, and maintain competent and dedicated staff. Futures will actively encourage relationships with other agencies and organizations. And we will be open to new ideas, methods, and philosophies in our continual quest to be even better at what we do.

Given our history of success, our available resources and talents, and a supportive caring community, this good program is prepared to meet the challenges of the future on behalf of the children, families, and individuals in Sumner County who need our support.

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Our Organization:

About CDDO:
Futures Unlimited, Inc. Is one of several Community Developmental Disabilities Organizations across the state of Kansas. The CDDO's function is to coordinate support services for individuals with disabilities who live in the CDDO's area. As the CDDO for Sumner County, Futures serves as the primary contact agency in our area for anyone needing supports and/or services.
In 1997:

• 6 persons were served with Family Subsidy.
• 12 persons were served with a Family Support Grant.
• 10 persons were served through Affiliate Contracts with other agencies.
• 3 persons received assistance with in-home modifications.

About Resources:
In 1997, Futures Unlimited, Inc:

• Paid more the $1,850,000 in payroll, supporting our local economy.
• Paid more the $67,000 for local utilities.
• Purchased more than $100,000 worth of groceries and other household supplies.
• Purchased over 40,000 gallons of gasoline.
• Participated in local civic organizations, churches, and community activities.
• Covered 250.000 in Public Transportation miles.

We did this with:

• 98 Full-time employees
• 49 Part-time employees.

About Early Intervention: The Early Intervention program provides support for infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth through 2 years of age. With initial contact & support available, often even before the baby leaves the hospital, parents have someone who can help during this difficult and traumatic time. Our staff work with the infant and parents in their own homes, so that the normal rhythms of early life may develop as naturally as possible. In 1997, 27 families were served through our early intervention program. In 1997, 70 children took part in Child Check. About Preschool Programs: Sumner County children between the ages of three and five who have disabilities, or who are at risk of developing a disability, have preschool opportunities available through Bright Futures. Working together with Wellington Public Schools, Caldwell Public Schools, and other preschool providers, Futures assures a comprehensive, inclusive preschool experience. In the Fall of 1997, Futures "blended" its Head Start, Special Education, and model students across building sites and classroom settings for a truly integrated classroom setting. In 1997, Futures served over 246 preschoolers in 7 classrooms between Caldwell & Wellington. In addition to providing direct preschool experiences for children, Futures provided assistance for 30 students with special needs attending other community preschool programs. About Child Care: Since 1993, Futures has helped provide a good start for the children of young parents who were in high school through the Bright Futures Child Care component. Recently, in response to a continuing call from our employees for affordable child care, Futures began providing limited child care for the employees as well. In 1997, Futures provided more than 2,160 hours of child care. In 1997, Futures initiated community-wide focus group activities to help create a more balanced child care system. About Center-Based Employment: In our manufacturing setting, individuals with disabilities have an opportunity to learn work skills while earning a paycheck. Through contacts with regional businesses, individuals work on various production and packaging projects. In addition to contracts from outside businesses, Futures' fire starter sticks continue to be a primary source of employment for clients. 49 individuals received vocational supports through Center-based Services. Over 3 million Fire Starter Sticks were manufactured and packaged during this last fiscal year. In 1997, more than 896,000 "Book It" packets were assembled and distributed from Futures facilities. About Angel Clean: Angel Clean, a service division of Futures Unlimited, Inc., providers specialized training and support while providing meaningful employment. Working as a commercial janitorial crew, Angel Clean meets an important community need. In 1997, Angel Clean generated over $83,400 in revenues, offsetting some of the costs of vocational training and supports. Angel Clean currently employees 7 individuals.

About Family Support: For many individuals and families throughout our area, occasional support is all that's needed so that they may continue to live in their own home, their birth home, or an adoptive or foster home. Through Futures Family Support services, agency staff are available to work in the family home to provide assistance, training, or respite. During the past year, 12 children and 7 adults received either Supported Family Living, Supported Home Care, or Respite care. About Service Coordination: Service Coordination provides assistance in arranging for services from Futures Unlimited, Inc., and other providers in the community necessary to meet the individual needs of our clients. Such services include, but are not limited to, advocacy, mental health care, medical care, rehabilitative programs, financial management, transportation, employment, housing, recreation and adult education. In 1997, over 4,000 hours of case management was provided About Transportation: For children and adults with special needs living in Sumner County, routine transportation to school, work, medical appointments, and other activities is provided through our transportation services. As of January 1, 1998, Futures Unlimited, Inc., took responsibility for all General Public Transportation throughout the county and is working closely with the area's Senior Centers to help develop the most comprehensive system possible. During the past year, more than 30,000 trips covering more than 200,000 miles were provided for Sumner County residents who could not transport themselves. About Residential Support: Futures works closely with individuals, their families, and others to provide an array of living options to choose from. Group homes provide 24 hour assistance for individuals needing that level of support. Apartments in Wellington and Caldwell provide varying levels of staffing support dependent on the individual's need. In Wellington, two group homes provide 24-hour assistance for 16 individuals. Another individuals receive daily support in their own apartments or homes located in Wellington and Caldwell. About Community Employment: For those individuals who are capable of working in the community, Futures provides one-on-one training and supervision as necessary to train the employee on the job. As an employee gains skills and self-confidence, "job coaching" is reduced until the employee is working independently. In 1997, 16 individuals held jobs in the community with support. To date, Futures has placed 8 individuals in community jobs who are now working independently. About Aquatics: For more than 10 years now, Futures has provided the children and adults associated with the organization, access to therapeutic and educational aquatic activities using Cedar Pool. In addition, Aquatic programs are made available for various other community members for water fitness programs, restorative therapy programs, etc. In 1997, Cedar Pool was used more that 4,864 times. More than 300 individuals received training in CPR/First Aid or Water Safety.

ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Thomas L. Kohmetscher
President/CEO

Doug Norris
Director of Operations

Mary J. Beasley
Director of Family &
Children's Supports

Ginny Butts, R.N.
Health Services Coordinator

Christa Jones
CDDO/Client Services Coordinator

Jodi Weir
Human Resources Coordinator