Incorporation
Dreams Work began in 2000 and was incorporated by the state of Kansas in 2000.  It received its 501c3 not for profit organization from the Internal Revenue Service mid 2000.

State Licensing
We are licensed by the State of Kansas Department of Social Rehabilitation Services.

Local Affiliations
We are affiliated with the Johnson County Developmental Disabilities Organization to serve clients in Johnson County.

Our Clients
Our clients all are developmentally disabled and also have some type of physical impairment. It is a requirement that participants utilize the resources provided to them through their school district through the age of 21 years.

Application Process
After May of their 21st year, Dreams Work, Inc. would be an option for Day Services. Participants must be qualified for funding through Kansas Medicaid Assistance Program Home and Community Based Service Waiver or be able to private pay for services. All of our participants have a case manager who has assisted them in applying for services. There is a multiple-year waiting list for funding, so it is important to contact your local Community Developmental Disability Organization for assistance in applying.

There are a variety of Day Services in Johnson County. It is important to make a choice that best fits the needs of the individual. Most of our participants are non-verbal, and require some assistance with eating. We are able to provide tube feeding for participants who cannot eat by mouth. The majority of our participants cannot walk or need assistance to ambulate. Our staff is trained in repositioning and lifting and personal hygiene issues.

Daily Staff Management
We have a dedicated on-site director to assist staff and clients during each day.  Each of our staff members is commited to our clients' safety, care, dignity and quality of life. 

The team behind Dreams Work, Inc. consists of parents and professionals in the field of disabilities who believe strongly that young adults with severe/multiple disabilities must maintain their physical and mental well being:   that opportuntities for social, recrational, and educational activities should be accessible to everyone and that with hard work and perserverance, a dream can come true.

Continuing Education for Staff
The state of Kansas requires training on Abuse and Neglect, Individual Rights, and privacy.  We also do instruction on infection control, safety, and following participants individualperson-centered plans.

Person Centered Plans
Each individual in our program has a Person Centered Plan developed by their case manager, family, and support system, to reflect their likes, dislikes, their strengths and abilities. Every year during their birthday month, this plan is revised. It can be changed also any time during the year to reflect changes that need to be made. This gives staff guidelines of what to do for the participant and sets goals for the upcoming year.

Director
Cindy Applebaugh is the director of Dreams Work.  Cindy can be reached by email or by phone at 913-541-9026.  Cindy is committed to the continued success and growth of each of the Dreams Work clients and its staff.

Board of Directors
We are guided by a Board of Directors.

Our Board of Directors includes the following:
Susan Jarsulic, Founder and Board President
Rob Frerking, Treasurer
Cindy Applebaugh, Secretary
Roxanne Hidaka

The Board meets quarterly and more often if a need arises.

Our Participants
Many of the participants at Dreams Work have significant physical challenges.  Most of our participants are in wheelchairs, which makes positioning and transferring them an important part of our day.  We like to get everyone out of their chairs at least once a day to sit in a bean bag or to lay down.  Two to three times a week, when weather allows, we like to get everyone out on field trips.   

Staff and Hiring Requirements
Staff Background Checks are done on all employees. The State of Kansas requires a criminal background check with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for all employees. The State of Kansas also requires background checks be submitted to the Child Abuse Central Registry and the Adult Protective Services Registry for the state of Kansas. One final check is done with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to see if an employee has been banned from ever working in the healthcare field in Kansas.

Dreams Work, Inc. also does a Missouri state background check due to our physical location being near the state of Missouri. Nurses must provide proof of their current license and go through health care credential background check with the state. Many of our staff have worked as para-professionals in special education in public schools or have been care providers at residential homes for developmental disabled.

Dreams Work, Inc. is fortunate to have experienced and dedicated staff that enjoy taking the participants out into the community or assisting with various activities when we stay inside.