Sunday, May 11th
Monday, May 26th
Colleen’s
COLUMN
MAY 2025
It’s been quite a busy first quarter! Here’s a quick recap from my office:
There are times when in-the-moment communication is difficult as there are so many things happening across our organization, within our community and at the state and federal levels. It definitely keeps us hopping. This column is part of our efforts to improve communication across the organization.
Cottonwood, Inc.
Cottonwood, Inc. is a 501C3 corporation which is a non-profit status. That also means we are governed by a volunteer board of trustees. Our board elected new officers in January, and we added 3 new trustees. I meet regularly with the board regarding our internal strategies and development, the financial health of the organization and continued diversity of board representation. We are fortunate to have such fantastic board members.
Conferences
In February, I attended the NCSE CEO Leadership Forum. NCSE (National Council for Source America Employers) represents all employers, like us, who have contracts through Source America. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, network and advocate for our needs. I also attended the ACCSES conference in March. ACCSES is one of our national advocacy agencies who work on the federal level. They monitor issues, provide information and education and advocate on our behalf to our federal representatives.
Advocacy
On another happy note, our advocacy day at the Capitol was a tremendous success! Nearly 800 individuals attended from around Kansas, and we most certainly made our voices heard. Thanks to all who coordinated a group, provided transportation, and hosted lunch. You are true champs!
Thank You!
Legislative
In January, the State of Kansas began its legislative session. These sessions are mission-critical for us as much of our funding for services is provided by Medicaid which is funneled to us through the Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services (KDADS). The legislature gives final approval to the overall state budget and this session, approved a 1.67% increase for providers across Kansas. This was great news as the state’s main goal was to reduce spending. Also, of interest to us is SB2240, a bill passed with a veto override. This bill mandates that KDADS cannot implement new policy/procedures that significantly affect systems without the approval of the legislature. We are grateful that the legislature approved this measure and may be able to mitigate some of the major initiatives that KDADS is pushing forward at a pace that is unreasonable and jeopardizes the quality of services for individuals. There will be more to come on this as it goes into law on July 1, 2025. InterHab, our state association, advocates on behalf of its members during the legislative session. Cottonwood also contracts with a lobbyist to ensure that our message is heard. I, along with other members of the Cottonwood team, also spent time in Topeka, advocating for all of you and those we support.
Finance
Each year, a formal financial audit by an outside auditing firm is conducted. It is a heavy lift for our finance department, preparing months in advance to present all of the details the auditors will need. For 12 years now, we have had a clean audit. There were no findings of fraud, and the finance department was lauded for their prudent management of Cottonwood’s finances, financial reporting, and risk management processes.
License
We had our licensure visit and again had a very successful visit with full licensure awarded. This is a credit to every staff member who provides quality services and stellar documentation!
Thanks for enduring this long column. There is a lot to cover over the first quarter. If there are things you would like to know more about, please reach out. After this initial column, I will be providing monthly updates so it should be a quicker read with a bit more detail.
Thanks for all you do each and every day! You truly are the wheels on the bus! Let’s keep moving forward!
Logan Pope - Ma y 1st
Brand y Frenc h - May 4th
Alta Dodson - May 7th
Danny Wiskur - May 8th
Br yan Woer ner - May 9th
Andr ea Pike - May 10th
Pam Osbur n - May 11th
Shelle y Langston - May 14th
Lynette G oldizen - May 17th
Hunter Mor ris - May 26 th
Rober t Bi eberle - Ma y 26th
Zackary A - May 3rd
Louise D - May 4th
Melissa F - May 5th
Dan H - May 7th
Sam B - May 8th
Brandon S - May 9th
Ben C - May 10th
Geraldine B - May 11th
Nadine B - May 11th
Helen S - May 13th
Grant M - May 13th
Lisa Bo - May 14th
Andy C - May 18th
Ashland N - May 18th
Jeff Ha - May 20th
Chris W - May 20th
Lisa Ba - May 20th
Michelle Gr - May 24th
Debra E - May 24th
Regina R - May 24th
Renae P - May 25th
Donovan H - May 27th
Cody B - May 29th
Make sure to tell your friends, etc. to put your name on their application.
Spread The Word! We are hiring! And there’s something in it for YOU! Make sure to tell your friends, etc. to put your name on their application.
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
ALLIE
DEPT: CORE
Favorite Color: Blue - light blue
Hobbies or Interests: Drag racing. Currently seeking a camaro.
Favorite Food: French food. Pizza..plain cheese pizza.
What inspired you to work in this field? The people we support.
Last book or show you watched: Heartland (TV show)
What songs always puts you in a good mood? All eras of country music.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
ARVELL
DEPT: COTTONWOOD INDUSTRIES
Favorite Color: Black, it goes with everything
Hobbies or Interests: Playing and watching soccer and reading Star Wars comic books with my kid
Favorite Food: Pizza from Pizza Shuttle. Pineapple and cream cheese
What inspired you to work in this field? Just being able to help others. Also realizing that small things can make a big difference. I used to teach special ed and really love watching people make progress towards goals.
Last book or show you watched: Empire Strikes Back! Book: 44 ways to make a difference in your community.
What songs always puts you in a good mood? 2000s hip hop and R&B (Nelly, Ludacris, etc…)
WELCOME!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
LANCE
DEPT: CORE
Favorite Color: Blue...Cerulean
Hobbies or Interests: All kinds of multi-media art. Currently making puppets out of found objects.
Fun fact: Painted all the ceiling tiles at the old Pizza Shuttle location.
Favorite Food: Sushi
Last book or show you watched: Book: Daughter of a Ghostbuster. Show: The Acolyte What inspired you to work in this field? Exposure to working with the people we support at the comic store I used to work at.
What songs always puts you in a good mood? Lots of stuff….very into music. Listened to 94.9 on the way to Cottonwood.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
MICHELLE
DEPT: RESIDENTIAL
Favorite Color: Pink
Hobbies or Interests: I like listening to music and singing.
Favorite Food: French food. Mexican food- El Potro!
What inspired you to work in this field? Making others feel good makes me feel good.
Last book or show you watched: Favorite show- Friends. I also like scary movies.
What songs always puts you in a good mood? Morgan Wallen and Koe Wetzel.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
MONICA
DEPT: LIFE ENRICHMENT SERVICES
Favorite Color: Light blue/sky blue
Hobbies or Interests: Working out and playing basketball
Favorite Food: Italian
What inspired you to work in this field? I’ve always enjoyed helping people.
Last book or show you watched: True Crime shows. The first 48.
What songs always puts you in a good mood? ”90's and R&B
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
BRIAN
DEPT: CORE
Favorite Color: Green... army green
Hobbies or Interests: Outdoor activities-kayak, camping, backpacking & hiking
Favorite Food: French food. Spent 3 years in France in culinary school on a Julia Child scholarship. Assisted Julia Child personally!
What inspired you to work in this field? My sister had special needs and I have always wanted to do this work when I had the time. I now have time.
Last book or show you watched: The White Lotus
What songs always puts you in a good mood? ”Grateful Dead. Been to 90 Grateful Dead concerts!
WELCOME!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
JOSIE
DEPT: RESIDENTIAL
Favorite Color: Green
Hobbies or Interests: Running! Loves all forms of art – painting, sketching, ceramics, etc…
Favorite Food: Box of cereal…no milk required. Can’t beat Cheerios/rice chex!
What inspired you to work in this field? My grandma has disabilities, working one-onone with her has really inspired me over the past few years.
Last book or show you watched: Fantastic Mr. Fox is the best movie ever! Fantasia is also great. Most meaningful book ever The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
What songs always puts you in a good mood? Upbeat stuff by Gorillaz. Vampire weekend.
WELCOME TO THE
TEAM
TIFFANY
DEPT: COTTONWOOD INDUSTRIES
Favorite Color: Green
Hobbies or Interests: Bowling, exercising, music, art and family time.
Favorite Food: Steak and vegetables.i
Last book or show you watched: Book: The Bible/The Chosen
What music puts you in a good mood? Rare of Breed, Country music, Leanna Crawford, Brandon Lake.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Brady - 24 years
Terry - 7 years
Ellen - 14 years
How/why did you opt to hire someone with a disability, and how has this benefited your company?
We aim to create a culture where every associate feels valued for who they are, rooted in respect for the individual. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging, to create opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers, and to be a Walmart for everyone- including associates with disabilities.
How has JobLink been helpful in supporting you in your hiring decision?
We have worked with JobLink for several years. JobLink has been a great partner for associates to find jobs when they potentially would not have been able to.
How would you describe the employees you have working in your store?
We have 12 associates at our store who came to us through JobLink. They have all overcome obstacles and with the support of JobLink they were able to join the workforce. We are fortunate to have these associates on our team!
What would you like to share with other organizations regarding supported employment and hiring individuals with disabilities?
We believe hiring people of all abilities enhances our business and creates a culture where both associates and customers feel included.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Winner Winner!
Cottonwood Industries had a heated March Madness Bracket competition, with 12 participating. Arvelle Trotter emerged victorious, and Rissa Brinkley finished in last place. Rissa was the recipient of the Golden Toilet award and Arvelle received the championship ring.
CORE has been enjoying their time with the folks from Neosho Community College.
Making Music
La Panaderia Print Making
Bowling Club
Triplets!
Arvell, Moriah and Jacob in Cottonwood Industries
Allison S. participated in the Kansas Relays with Special Olympics, April 19th! Way to go, Allison!
OUT & ABOUT
Jordan had a great time at The New Theatre & Restaurant!
He said, “It was a good show and good food!”
Allison, Jordan, Courtney, & Katie have been taking a cooking class through Lawrence Parks and Rec. So far they have made queso, sandwiches, & little smokies.
Courtney likes washing the dishes. Katie liked cutting the sandwiches.
Pictures by Jordan P.
Better Sleep Month
Better Sleep Month is celebrated annually throughout the entire month of May. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to better rest with these tips and tricks during Better Sleep Month!
We all want good sleep, but that doesn't mean we always get it. From anxiety to poor sleep hygiene, there are many reasons why you may not be getting the quality rest you need.
The average adult should get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, as it plays a key part in regulating our mental and physical health. A good night's sleep can boost your mood and decision-making, aid in muscle repair, regulate the immune system…the list goes on.
If poor sleep is the norm and "refreshed" is the last word you would use to describe how you feel in the morning, incorporate these six habits into your daily routine to improve sleep quality during Sleep Awareness Month.
A full night's rest doesn't have to come few and far between. Improving sleep hygiene can help you overcome the different factors that disrupt your quality of sleep.
1. Have a bedtime routine:
Humans are creatures of habit, and practicing a calm bedtime routine each night before bed can help prepare your mind and body for bed. Before long, your body begins to recognize that it's bedtime when you start your routine and will boost melatonin production. Here are a few things you can do to help promote relaxation and ease stress before bed.
Read a book: Reading just six minutes a day has been shown to reduce stress by up to 68%, and credits reading before bed as the key to improved sleep quality.
Meditate: Research shows that meditation before bed can reduce cortisol levels, a hormone responsible for stress, and increase melatonin production , a hormone that plays a role in your sleep-wake cycle. It can also teach you mindfulness to help you cope with anxious thoughts before bed, not allowing them to prevent you from falling asleep.
Take a bath: Taking a bath before bed not only promotes relaxation, but it helps lower your body temperature to a level that's ideal for sleep. While it seems it would have the opposite effect, warm water sets off your body's temperature -regulating mechanism and increases blood flow from your core to your extremities, resulting in a drop in temperature.
Drink tea: Certain caffeine-free teas help reduce stress and ease anxiety. This includes camomile, valerian root and passionflower.
2. Stay off electronics before bed:
I know this isn't what you want to hear. Many people like scrolling on their phones or bingewatching TV shows before bed, but it can severely impact your quality of sleep and sleep latency, which is the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
Blue light from electronic devices disrupts your body's natural internal clock, aka circadian rhythm, and prevents the production of melatonin. The notifications that constantly make your phone buzz also keep your mind stimulated and alert when you should be winding down for bed. The best rule of thumb is to keep off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed.
3. Get exercise in during the day:
Physical activity during the day that increases your heart rate can help improve sleep can take the place of sleep medications for some. Around 76% to 83% of volunteers in a 2013 Sleep in America poll who did light to vigorous exercise reported having good sleep. However, avoid high -intensity workouts too close to bedtime to keep your heart rate from spiking and minimize stimulation.
4. Avoid late afternoon cups of coffee:
Like working out too close to bedtime, you shouldn't have too much caffeine too close to bed. As much as you might crave that 3 p.m. cup of coffee to get you through the rest of your day, it could keep you from falling asleep at a reasonable time.
Coffee has a half-life of four to six hours, meaning that's how long it takes for just half of the caffeine to break down in your system. In other words, your body stays alert for an extended period of time, which is counterproductive to falling asleep. Limit your last cup of joe to six hours before bed (or longer).
5. Write down your thoughts in a journal:
Journaling before bed can help release, cope or organize your stressful thoughts so they aren't trapped in your mind, keeping you from falling asleep. There's something therapeutic about unloading your thoughts physically onto paper. It can also help you prepare for a busy week ahead as you work through the responsibilities you need to tackle.
6. Consider trying out natural sleep aids:
Natural sleep aids are a good alternative to sleep medications and can be incorporated into a nighttime routine to help promote better sleep. Home remedies and aids that are easy to get your hands on at a local store include lavender oil, tart cherry juice and valerian root.
