April Thumbprint 2025

April 20th

Daniel Brown - 26 years

Stephanie Maytubby - 20 years

Gary Hackathorn - 13 years

Shelley Langston - 12 years

Amelia Neuhaus - 10 years

Kathy Ziesmer - 10 years

Bayli Price - 4 years

Rowan Scheuring - 2 years

Kyle George - 1 year

Kaitlin B April 7th

Karrie M April 8th

Kurt A April 8th

Jordan P April 9th

Jonathan M April 13th

Vernon J April 15th

Courtney H April 17th

Janee S April 21st

Jessie W April 22nd

COTTONWOOD DRESS CODE

Your attitude, commitment and appearance are important to Cottonwood. Remember, to the general public, you are Cottonwood. It is important to always dress a notch above what is expected rather than a notch below. Your actions and personal appearance affect the entire organization. It is important that we maintain a high level of professionalism .

ACCEPTABLE DRESS BY DEPARTMENT

OFFICE & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF :

Neat, clean appropriate business casual attire. Cropped pants below the knee, no shorts allowed. Skirt and dress lengths appropriate for business wear are acceptable. Jeans that fit well are allowed as long as the day ’s activities are taken into consideration and clothing choices are made accordingly. No pajama pants or distressed jeans.

EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANTS :

Choose your attire based on the type of business where you are consulting and dress accordingly.

COTTONWOOD INDUSTRIES and WORK ENRICHMENT STAFF :

Casual and comfortable clothing that promotes professionalism and safety on the product line. Mid-thigh shorts are allowed. Closed toed shoes required for safety.

RESIDENTIAL, CORE and RETIREMENT STAFF :

Casual and comfortable attire that best represents the professional image of Cottonwood to the community and models to the Consumers we serve. Use your best judgment and choose clothing appropriate to the situation.

UNACCEPTABLE DRESS FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS

 Shorts shorter than mid -thigh length -in departments where shorts are allowed

 Workout clothing, sweatpants

 Grungy or dirty shoes, rubber flip flops

 Tank tops, halter tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, without shirt over or underneath

 Tattered, wrinkled or dirty clothing

 Sheer clothing without a camisole or tank top underneath

 Low cut necklines or provocative clothing

 Jeans that are stained or torn

Please observe the common-sense guidelines to avoid being sent home to change into suitable attire. Your good judgement will prevent added restrictions to the dress code. When in doubt, ask your supervisor. Coordinators and/or members of the Management Team are the final decision makers regarding acceptable clothing choices.

Thank you!

1. At completion of the long application - $10

2. At hire + orientation + satisfying background check - $100

3. Upon first 90 days + completed initial trainings - $200

If the referring employee quits during the above process, rewards stop immediately.

Only one referring employee can get credit for an applicant: however, each referring employee can get credit for an unlimited number of applicants.

Supervisors are not eligible to receive any rewards on applicants they directly supervise.

The Human Resources Department will be responsible for carrying out this program and for answering any questions that may arise.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

DEPT: RESIDENTIAL

Favorite Color: Purple

Hobbies or Interests: Walking, exercising, reading and DIY crafts from Pinterest

Favorite Food: Sushi

What inspired you to work in this field? I want to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I have a friend who does similar work that inspired me. Working with my sister has been an inspiration. I am looking forward to helping others.

Last book or show you watched: Harry Potterbooks and movies. Also, Grey’s Anatomy

What songs always puts you in a good mood? IThe Beatles -Strawberry Fields Forever

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

RESIDENTIAL Favorite Color: Blue-reminds me of the beach

Hobbies or Interests: Gardening and baking

Favorite Food: Chicken noodle soup

Last book or show you watched: Big Bob’s Burger fan What inspired you to work in this field? Being able to learn about and help diverse groups of people

What songs always puts you in a good mood? R&B, Hip Hop, & Khalid.

Hobbies or Interests: Sports- soccer. Enjoys Scrabble

Favorite Food: I love food - meat especially

Favorite Color: Likes loud colors Last book or show you watched: Various documentaries and the show “24” What inspired you to work in this field? I grew up in a home for people with disabilities and it inspired me

What songs always puts you in a good mood? Reggae and Gospel music

Favorite Color: Yellow

Hobbies or Interests: Sports- soccer. I create artwork, specifically pastels.

Favorite Food: Italian food - Garozzo’s in KC

Last book or show you watched: “Stranger Than Fiction” What inspired you to work in this field? In high school I worked at Trinity Respite Care. I have always been drawn to working with people with disabilities.

What songs always puts you in a good mood? Indie music.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

ASHLEY

DEPT: RESIDENTIAL

Favorite Color: Blue- once dyed her hair blue Hobbies or Interests: Likes to draw, has studied visual arts and ceramics

Favorite Food - Soft shell tacos

What was the show you watched: ”Don’t Worry Darling”. Must watch more than once

What song always puts you in a good mood?

Barefoot Cult- local band, good group of people

What inspired you to work in this field? Referred by Ava. Going back to school for applied behavioral sciences. She likes working with people

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

MADELINE

DEPT: RESIDENTIAL

Favorite Color: Silver, goes with anything

Hobbies or Interests: Reading and singing

Food: Seafood

What inspired you to work in this field? My degree-studying Pre-Med, likes helping peoplevery fulfilling

Last book or show you watched: “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”

Favorite

What songs always puts you in a good mood? Taylor Swift

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kelsey 13 years

Lisa 12 years

Kirk 9 years

APRIL 2025 EMPLOYER of the month

Sound Speech Therapy

How/why did you opt to hire someone with a disability, and how has this benefited your company?

We strive to provide opportunities for growth and independence not only to our patients but our fellow community members as well. We see the value in the work Cottonwood/Job Link does in Lawrence for our individuals with disabilities in our community and want to support them in their efforts. Ryan works hard at keeping our materials clean and sanitary for our patients to enjoy. This is especially important when illness is going around.

How has JobLink been helpful in supporting you in your hiring decision?

Mary is always available either in person or via phone/email to help provide support to Ryan as needed. She is timely in her responses to our questions and/or need for additional support and is collaborative with us all to make sure things run smoothly.

How would you describe Ryan as an employee?

Ryan is happy and positive. He always greets others by name, holds the door for families, and makes jokes while he works. He has a great sense of humor and is flexible in taking directives.

What would you like to share with other organizations regarding supported employment and hiring individuals with disabilities?

The job coaches and employees will work with you to attempt to meet everyone’s needs. They will provide full support and taper off to allow for independence. Their communication is timely and collaborative. Best of all, the enjoyment you will get out of working with this organization will fill your cup! We are so grateful for Cottonwood/Job Link, Mary (Ryan’s job coach), and Ryan (Our amazing employee)!

M A R D I G R A S MUSI C THERAPY

ST PATTY’ S DAY

Kansas State Capitol in Topeka for InterHab Advocacy Day. We joined over 750 Kansans to call on the legislature to enact laws and policies that will improve and sustain services provided to Kansans with developmental disabilities - services necessary for Kansans to live independent and inclusive lives in their home communities.

APRIL

Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month

Facts about Autism Acceptance Month:

April is Autism Acceptance Month, originally established as Autism Acceptance Day and later expanded to the entire month. The month emphasizes the need for public awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for autistic individuals. Autism Awareness Month, which started in the 1970s, aimed to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and debunk myths about autism. Inclusion benefits everyone, and during this month, we should suspend judgment and offer kindness.

Autism Acceptance vs Awareness: Is There a Difference?

You have probably heard the terms “Autism Acceptance” and “Autism Awareness” used often. At first, they might seem similar, but they’re like two different paths leading to the same destination: understanding and supporting people with autism

In many places, Autism Awareness Month is a big deal. People raise donations, share autism -related social media posts, and hold rallies. It’s a time to spread awareness of the challenges and celebrate the differences of those affected by autism. In 2020, the Autism Society of America replaced “Awareness” with “Acceptance” for the first time.

Autism Acceptance: Is There Still a Long Way to Go?

Today, society has a greater awareness of autism than ever before. However, those affected by autism often face many struggle s throughout life, from bullying and prejudice to limited job opportunities and access to health care. Education about the aut ism community is important, but advocates argue that we shouldn’t stop there. Autistic people need awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for genuine community support.

Why Do People On the Spectrum Need Autism Acceptance?

It may be challenging for someone not on the spectrum to understand just how important Autism Acceptance Month is. It has many benefits for people with autism, including:

Enhanced self-esteem: Acceptance empowers people with autism to embrace their uniqueness, which boosts their self -esteem and helps reduce the stigma associated with this condition.

Promotes Inclusivity: Acceptance encourages inclusivity in schools, workplaces, and communities, which creates a more diverse society..

Improves mental health: Feeling accepted improves mental well -being and reduces anxiety and depression.

Promotes positive change: Autism acceptance encourages society to celebrate the diversity of human experiences.

Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month is a time to:

1. Celebrate the unique perspectives of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

2. Highlight the issues affecting people with ASD and their families.

3. Educate the public on support services.

4. Destigmatize the perspectives of those living with ASD

5. Uplift autistic voices and celebrate neurodiversity.

6. Promote autism acceptance and advance inclusivity.

FAMILY CORNER

Will celebrated his 6th birthday at The Big Biscuit with his family. He loves the Cinnamon Roll Pancake.

He got a Pokemon shirt and cards from Grandma.

They set up the Bouncy House that Santa brought him, in the living room for some Bouncing Fun !!

Will is the Grandson of Shelley Langston, Receptionist