Tri-Valley strengthened by community support

No person or organization is an island, functioning only within itself, and Tri-Valley Developmental Services is strengthened because of the dedication to the organization shown by many individuals within the communities we serve.

It is through the connection with others that we learn, grow and achieve great goals, and TVDS is fortunate to have had such associations for 35 years. Our strength and solid reputation for serving individuals with developmental disabilities is respected across the state, and we owe much of that high regard to individuals quietly supporting us in the background.

One support group is our Council of Community Members. Comprised of persons with developmental disabilities, family members or guardians, affiliates of TVDS and representatives of the Community Developmental Disability Organization, the Council meets quarterly to discuss issues, concerns and activities of the Tri-Valley service area.

The Council is also responsible for overseeing development, implementation and progress of capacity building by Tri-Valley, and members are encouraged to express opinions and make suggestions and recommendations concerning services.

Members of the Council of Community Members are: Stacy Earnest, Jennifer Hawkinson, Diane Fryda, Chad Wolken, Archie Wallace, Richie Reed, Tim Cunningham, Bill Fiscus, Golden Neese, Tony Allen, Robert Burton, Tammy Connolly, and Corey Hilburn. Tammy Connolly is serving as Chair of the Council.

We are also strengthened by the involvement of community members on our Board of Directors, and also by those who serve on the board of the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation.

The TVDS Board meets every other month, with meetings rotated between communities served, including Fort Scott, Iola, Yates Center, Humboldt and Chanute.

Board members voluntarily give hours of their time to help make the agency be all that it can be, and to assist in assuring we are moving forward in providing the highest quality of support for those we serve.

TVDS has been blessed throughout its three decades of service with board members who sincerely care about our citizens with developmental disabilities and give of themselves and their talents to strengthen the agency. The board is comprised of three members from each of the four counties we serve: Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson. Board officers are: Ken Anderson, Fort Scott, president; Leo Gensweider, Yates Center-vice president; Steve Sewell, Fort Scott-treasurer; and Mali Ziglari, Chanute-secretary. Completing the board are Nila Dickason, Humboldt; Susan Jones and John McRae, Iola; Bob Tuchscherer, Fort Scott; Karen Vallier and Margaret Bideau, Chanute; and Peggy Leis and Charles Sheedy, both of Yates Center. Members of the Tri-Valley board are appointed by their county commission. Many of these individuals have also served on the board in past years and are dedicated to the continuous success and growth of Tri-Valley.

Our sister organization, the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation, which raises funds to benefit those receiving services through TVDS, is also fortunate to be formed of caring and committed community members. Again, this board consists of members representing our four-county area. Members are: Mike Reid, Chanute-chairman; Mike Hofer, Humboldt, vice chairman; Ruth Spangler, Moran-secretary; and Maggie Harrod, Yates Center-treasurer. Other directors are: John Smith, Humboldt; Mary Davis, Pat Bishop and Steve Sewell, Fort Scott; Dwayne Umbarger, Thayer and Max McReynolds, Chanute; Don Koester and Ben Henry, Yates Center.

As per the bylaws of the organization, Anna Methvin, director of public relations and grants and myself serve on the Friends of Tri-Valley board of Directors, and liaison to the TVDS board.

While lists of board members may not be as interesting for readers as articles about programs, services and activities, the direction and enthusiasm for the future shown by our governing boards is vital to us as an organization as we continue to grow in service not only to our clients but to our communities, as well.