Kansas State Council of ESA

ESA Programs and Projects

The philanthropic programs of the KSC are many and varied. Although we have our specified international and state projects, our chapters support many local charities within their own communities. Examples of such support goes to support local school projects, youth recognition and scholarships, Blast, Hospice, March of Dimes, Heart Association, Special Olympics, Senior Citizen support, advocacy centers for abused persons, assistance to the homeless and unwed mothers, Ronald McDonald houses, youth camps for cronically ill children, as well as many other philanthropic projects.

Kansas State Council State Philanthropic Project

Judy Ahrens, 2nd Vice President
Heartspring Programs/Events

Heartspring requested that the Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha to continue its support for the Heartspring Treehouse Project as their 2011-2012 fundraising project. Epsilon Sigma Alpha has supported Heartspring in so many ways over the last 63 years and I hope you will continue to support the Heartspring projects and events this year. By supporting the Treehouse Project, Heartspring staff will be able to create a well rounded, multi disciplinary approach for each student. The goal to support the Treehouse Project is $15,000. Thank you in advance for your donations to Heartspring projects this year and helping the kids.

Heartspring Treehouse – 2011-2012 Kansas State Project for Heartspring

Too often a child with a disability isn’t included in outdoor activities because the disability is seen first and not the ability. It is possible for any child, no matter the ability, to use the great outdoors as a fun, learning experience. By building a treehouse on campus, Heartspring therapists can expand a child’s therapeutic process by looking at what a child can do. Many occupational, physical and speech skills can be addressed outside without it being stressful or tedious; it becomes a fun activity. Often, a different setting or environment can enhance a child’s ability to learn or expand skills.

The Heartspring Treehouse is a unique design and will be accessible for children in wheelchairs. The treehouse will be utilized by physical, occupational, speech and behavioral therapists in Heartspring Pediatric Services. Heartspring Pediatric Services helps children from birth to adolescence. The therapists, psychologists and audiologists work together to assess the unique needs of each child and provide comprehensive therapies to ensure every child has a chance to succeed. The power of early intervention is the key to creating a path to independence for a child with special needs.

There are a variety of Therapeutic Activities that will occur in and around the Heartspring Treehouse. They will include dramatic play, motor skills, creativity, comprehension, language and social skills.

Heartspring Treehouse Therapeutic Goals

1. GOAL: Work on balance and dexterity through creative plan improve body alignment, head control and strengthen the torso OUTCOME: Master the art of climbing stairs, stimulate creativity and expression
2. GOAL: Develop spatial cognition OUTCOME: Increased understanding of environment, memory and learning skills
3. GOAL: Physical plan and activity OUTCOME: Increase strength, endurance and motor planning abilities
4. GOAL: Improved posture OUTCOME: Improves speech production and fluency
5. GOAL: Eliminate stressful or tense therapy sessions OUTCOME: Increase speech production, attention to tasks are expanded
6. GOAL: Enhance oxygen flow to the brain OUTCOME: Build mental connections and emotional balance
7. GOAL: Manipulation of devices and tools OUTCOME: Improvement of fine motor skills
8. GOAL: Provide vestibular activities OUTCOME: Stimulate the inner ear and create foundation for learning

Support of the Heartspring Treehouse project will help staff continue to provide top of the line therapeutic resources to children with special needs.

POSSIBLE DESIGN OUTLINE

It's time to ADOPT-A-CHILD

Each year ESA Chapters participate in Adopting a Child at Heartspring to support through the year. The sign up time for this activity should be completed by September 30. If your chapter wants to keep the same child they had last year they still need to contact Heartspring with their request. If you would like to participate in the Adopt-a- Child program contact Heartspring today.

Two activities that have been established in order to develop pre-vocational skills: creating and selling dog treats and the establishment of a coffee cart for Heartspring’s employees. Students will have the opportunity through these projects to develop their communication, social, fine motor and academic skills while running their own mini-business. At Heartspring they strive to create functional activities for their students that teach life skills that will benefit students daily. The majority of students have difficulties in the areas of communications, fine motor skills, socialization (peer to peer and group) and academics. The Coffee Cart and Dog Treat Projects will work on all of these areas in a functional and meaningful way. This will be a transdisciplinary activity, involving speech therapists, occupational therapists and special education teachers.

Coffee Cart Project

The coffee cart project will serve hot and cold beverages for a minimal charge of $1-$2. The money collected will be used to buy perishable supplies needed. The following tasks will enforce skill development: passing out order forms, collecting order forms, preparing orders, packaging orders, delivery beverages. Supplies Needed:

• Perishable items such as sugar, milk, whipped cream, flavored syrups
• Blenders
• Coffee maker
• Hot and cold cups
• Cup sleeves
• Napkins
• Flavors
• Delivery cart

Buddy Bites    

Thanks to your fundraising support of Heartspring School Therapy Needs, Buddy Bites, our dog treat program is off and running. Check out the Heartspring website for the next scheduled sale or look for them at the November Heartspring Weekend.

The making of pet treats will utilize many of the same transdisciplinary activities as the coffee cart. Students will learn to cook the treats and package treats for delivery to area shops and vet clinics. Treats will be sold at a minimal charge of $1-$2. Money collected from the sale of the treats will be used to purchase cooking ingredients and packaging supplies. Supplies Needed:

• Packaging boxes
• Plastic boxes
• Labels
• Cooking utensils
• Ingredients
• Small oven

Make sure to use the Gift-In-Kind Form to document your contributions to Heartspring. Mail one copy to Heartspring with the gifts-in kind, one copy to the Second Vice President of the Kansas State Council, and keep one copy for your chapter records.

(2011 Heartspring November Wish List)

(Click the goldball for the adopt a child flyer)

(Click the goldball for the adopt a child form to obtain adoption)

(Click the goldball for the Gift in Kind form)

ESA and Heartspring have a long and lasting partnership to help those with developmental disabilities!

For FY11 (July 1st 2010-June 30th 2011):

• Heartspring hosted three parent information trainings. These trainings are free and open to the public. Topics are taught by different Heartspring staff. Monthly meetings consist of evidence-based topics and interventions. Scheduled meetings consist of an educational presentation and a round table question/answer session directed by Heartspring professionals.
• $240,000 was distributed in financial aid to 146 children who accessed Heartspring Pediatric Services therapies. This was equivalent to over 3,000 therapy sessions
• Heartspring's four program areas saw clients from 57 Kansas counties or 54% of Kansas
• The CARE Program or Community of Autism Resources and Education Program provide consultations and autism related activities to over 800 individuals.
• The Heartspring Residential School program had 48 student living on campus, 3 living in our off-campus, transition home and 5 attending as a day only option.

Heartspring

Heartspring's mission in partnership with parents professionals and the community, is to help children with special needs grow and learn on a path to a more independent life. ESA helps to promote the programs and mission of Heartspring by donating their dollars, gifts-in-kind and personal time. In addition our organization holds the "Day of Love" and Prom night, which entertain and gives the children attending Heartspring opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have. The Men of ESA help to support Special Olympics conducted by Heartspring for the children. Heartspring’s belief is that all children can learn, adapt and succeed with appropriate levels of support in a happy, safe and nurturing environment. Heartspring pursues this mission through the Heartspring School, Heartspring Pediatric Services, Heartspring World Reach and Heartspring CARE (Community of Autism Resources and Education). Heartspring School serves students ages 5-21 with multiple disabilities including autism, mental retardation, Down syndrome, visual/hearing impairments and behavior disorders. Both residential and day school services are available. Heartspring Pediatric Services offers outpatient physical, occupational, speech-language therapies, hearing services, behavior intervention, educational testing for children, free developmental screenings

BECAUSE KANSAS ESA MEMBERS CARE ABOUT THE CHILDREN AT HEARTSPRING TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED WITH MONEY RAISED IN 2008-2009 FOR THE OT ROOM RENOVATIONS PROJECT!

Suzanne Walenta-Baumann, Heartspring Development Associate sent the following pictures to show the members of ESA the updates for the Heartspring OT Room Renovation.

A two-level loft has been installed as well as a therapy swing. A fresh coat of paint highlights the new occupational therapy supplies and the new stereo system. Another new addition is the sink which will be used by therapists and children as they clean up from "messy activities." These changes were possible because of your generosity. Thank you for all you do for Heartspring!

HeartSpring Website

Return to INDEX

KANSAS CARE & SHARE PROGRAM
"Caring & Sharing for all Seasons"

KANSAS CARE & SHARE FUND was established to aid Kansas members in financial difficulties over which the member has no control, i.e., loss of income due to illness, death or accident of member's immediate family or extreme personal hardship that would cause loss of member's income. This fund can be used as supplement of the Disaster Fund in cases where the amount received from the Disaster Fund does not cover member's loss. This fund will depend solely on donations from the individual members, Chapters, and Districts. Contributions to members will not exceed $3000.00 per case.

The balance in our Kansas Care & Share account as of 9/29/2011 was $8,154.43. I am hoping that we will keep increasing the balance throughout the year to prepare for any emergency we might face. $9000 would be great but $10,000 would be even better. Don’t forget to support this fund that supports our Kansas members.

If you need to contact the Kansas Care & Share Chairman EMAIL

Peggy Harrison - Kansas Care & Share Chairman for 2011-2012

Return to  INDEX

Disaster Fund
Season of Hope with a Jar of Hope

When an ESA member is in need of financial assistance it is usually during a time of trial and the Disaster Fund can bring hope at the darkest moments. This year I challenge the membership to fill a jar of hope for ESA members in need. What is a Jar of Hope? A Jar of Hope is a pickle jar, peanut butter jar, Mason jar or whatever else you have around to collect your spare change each day. All coins are dedicated to the jar to be given to someone in need of Hope. Here are some ‘tips’:

• At home set a jar on the cabinet, by the washing machine, in the car to collect change throughout the year.
• At your chapter meetings pass the jar and empty your purse or spare change.
• Have a contest within your chapter or district to see who can fill the Jar of Hope first or with the most money.

Next spring cash out the Jar of Hope at the bank and then mail a check to the Disaster Fund. Not a lot of extra effort yet we know we will have done our part to ensure the Disaster Fund’s continuance. We never know when we may be the one in need but how awesome that we have this resource for hope.

The purpose of the ESA International Disaster Fund is to assist an ESA member whose home and/or personal belongings are destroyed or damaged extensively by one of nature’s causes - fire, flood, etc. Assistance may also be given when a member incurs heavy financial responsibility due to a debilitating illness or accident which involves her or the immediate family who reside in her home and for whom she is legally responsible.

The State Disaster Fund is profiled in the Kansas Chapter Handbook. The maximum amount of a claim is $5,000.00. We need to make donations to help cover our state claims and keep the Disaster fund alive and well to support our members in need.

If you need to contact the chairman EMAIL

Kim Kummer - Disaster Fund Chairman for 2011-2012

Return to  INDEX

Contact the Kansas State Council:
E-mail: WEBMASTER