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 have assisted them with 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 can not eat by mouth. The majority of our participants can not 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 individual person-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.

One of our participants, Patrick, walks with canes. He walks on the treadmill 30 minutes a day three days a week at Dreams Work, Inc.

Mohammed , requires someone to walk with him, but he needs to exercise daily. A pedometer measures how many steps he takes a day. It is in his plan that we try and walk him 2,000 steps each day.

Director
Kathy Dieckhoff, B.S.R.N. is the Director of Dreams Work, Inc.  Kathy has served as director since October 2006.  Kathy has a bachelor of science degree in recreation and is also a registered nurse.  Kathy and her husband Jim also operate a residential home in Olathe for developmental disabled individuals.  It is their collective passion to help and provide for those with developmental needs. 

Kathy has been a registered nurse since 1988.  Prior to nursing school, she worked as a recreation supervisor of aquatics adn special populations for the city of Emporia, KS.

Kathy reports that she loves this business, because she can combine her love of planning recreational activities and still use her nursing skills.   "After years of working as a hospital-based cardiac nurse, I was ready for a change.  My husband and I decided to start a residential business and within a year the opportunity to work with Dreams Work came about."

Board of Directors
We are guided by a 6-member Board of Directors.

Our Board of Directors includes the following:
Jim Dieckhoff
Susan Jarsulic
Preston Washingto
Roxanne Hidaka
Rob Frerking
Linda Lott

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 wheelcharis, so positioning, and transferring them is an important part of our day.  We like to get every one out of their chairs at least once a day to sit in a bean bag or to lay down.  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 Investigators 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.