Fall 2010
Volume 17, Number 3
Our Mission
Developmental Center of the Ozarks
makes a positive difference in the
community by providing services
which enable individuals to reach
and maintain their optimal level of
development.
Board of Directors
President
Car ter is now doing things many
thought he would never do, than
ks to
First Steps Therapy and the hands
on approach of his parents.
Rodney Nichols
Vice President
Scott Tumlin
Treasurer
Andy Stewart
Secretary
Crystal Hedrick
Morris Dock
Dr. Wanda Ethen
Lindsay French
Rodger Gadd
Dr. Steve Grace
Dori Grinder
Dennis Heim
Brian Hickman
Curtis Jared
Steve Nurnberg
Tony Shalloup
Kevin Stubblefield
Richard Vance
Lynne Yaggy
One Step at a Time
Worst case scenarios. That’s all Carter’s parents, Cole and April, felt they heard
when he was born at 25 weeks, weighing just 1 pound 13 ounces. Carter was born
with numerous medical complications, which made the outlook seem even more grim.
After spending three and a half months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, he finally
went home with his parents.
At first, Carter was receiving therapy both in the hospital and at his home from DCO
through First Steps; however, as Cole and April saw the difference it made for Carter
to be in a familiar environment during therapy, they chose to go exclusively with
DCO providing therapy in their home.
Carter’s parents also enjoyed the opportunity
to receive hands-on training so they could do
therapeutic exercises with him even when the
therapists were gone. Carter will soon turn two
years old and because of his parent’s support
and active role in his development, he is crawling
standing, eating, and even using some words.
While he still receives some therapy, Cole and
April are so excited about Carter’s development
and always encourage other parents to know
there is help out there and there is hope.
www.DCOonline.com
Committed to the Cause
At the heart of every community based non-profit, there is a mission statement that defines the difference
it intends to make in the lives of the families it touches. And the reason I refer to them as community
based is because our mission is dependent on you, our neighbors, to meet that mission. And now,
during these extraordinarily difficult economic times we need your support more than ever.
As a result of budget cuts from various funding sources and other actions we needed to take the past two
years, DCO is stronger than ever in its 56-year history. That’s thanks in large part to our tremendous
Board of Directors and my executive staff, and of course, the continued support of you, our friends.
As difficult as 2009 was and 2010 has been, no one was denied the services they so desperately need
to support the quality of life they deserve.
As you read this newsletter, please share in our pride for the difference we continue to make in the lives
of our children and adults with a developmental disability and their families. Connect with us!
Gift Wrap Booth Sign-Up Time
We are starting to fill volunteer shifts for our 35th
annual Gift Wrap Booth fundraiser. Groups and
individuals are welcome to join us at the Battlefield
Mall throughout the month of December. The
complete shift calendar can be viewed under
“Special Events” at www.DCOonline.com. Can’t
volunteer? Be sure to bring your gifts to be wrapped!
Allan McKelvy
Executive Director
Baking a Difference Supports DCO
Stop by The Cup on Monday, October 11 and help
support DCO! That’s right, 10% of all cupcake sales
from October 11 will be donated to the programs at
DCO. The Cup is a fabulous cupcake shop located
in downtown Springfield at 325 E Walnut. Visit
cravethecup.com for a listing of the great flavors
they offer.
Thank You!
DCO was thankful to be the recipient of the
2010 Doctor’s Day grant, which covers healthrelated training for direct care staff.
Gifts from the annual St. John’s Force for Good
drive were used to purchase a vehicle to transport
therapists to homes in Southwest Missouri.
Page 2
Summer Youth Program Partners with Kmart
The Taney County Summer Youth Employment Program enjoyed a successful summer.
Ten local high school students gained valuable vocational skills thanks to their work
experience throughout June and July at Kmart in Branson.
Each of two crews was supervised by DCO Job Coaches. Wendy Hill, Program
Coordinator, commented, “We received wonderful input from parents of the
participants. We strive to instill confidence and pride while enabling the students to
develop new skill sets.” Misty Oakley, parent, said it showed her son that he could
do anything he put his mind to.
s as par t of his
John stocks the shelve
job at Kmart.
Kmart was equally satisfied with the program.
Holly Linn, Kmart People Coach, stated,
“Our management team is really impressed
with the kids. They did a great job, and our
department managers were thrilled to have
some of their loads lifted.” To celebrate
the end of the 2010 season and thank the
employment participants and job coaches,
Kmart provided Subway for the group on their
last day of work.
Thanks to all the participants of the program,
which included students from Branson,
Hollister, and Forsyth High Schools. We would especially like to thank Kmart and
its wonderful staff for providing such a supportive and beneficial Summer Youth
Employment Program site. Last but not least, the support from the Developmental
Connections board is invaluable.
And thanks to you, our faithful givers - we could not do any of this without your support!
Thanks to our 2010 sponsors!
Sara and Breeze enjoy lunch on
their last day of the program.
Looking
Ahead
September 23
Gem &
Jewelry
Show
October 16 -17
Turkey
Trot
November 25
December 1 - 24
BKD
Cox HealthPlans
Elite Promotions
Malibu Rum
Page 3
Russell Cellular
Event details at
DCOonline.com
Please help us! You can help us save money by joining our email list at DCOonline.com. If you received more than
one copy of this newsletter, want us to delete your name from our list, or your name or address appear incorrectly,
please contact DCO. • (417) 829-0804 • [email protected]
1545 E Pythian
Springfield, MO 65802
2010 Sustaining Sponsor
Support Lines
Fall 2010
NEWSLETTER
We appreciate your gift to support the programs at DCO!
Yes! I believe everyone belongs in our community. Please accept my gift.
$25 delivers therapy to a young child
$50 furnishes project supplies for adults with disabilities
$100 provides learning tools to children in our Therapy Program
Other $ ________
Quarterly pledge of $___________
Monthly pledge of $__________
Please contact me about NAP Tax Credits.
Please contact me about volunteer opportunities.
My company has a matching gift program.
Credit Card Number
Exp.
Sec. Code
Name (please print) Phone (
Address
E-mail
City, State, Zip
Signature
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)