Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

The U.S. Senate has designated the week of September 12 as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.    DSPs enable the people supported by NHTC to be an integral part of society, by involving them in work and activities which lead to healthy and productive lives in the Spearfish community.

The DSPs of NHTC work in the Harvard and Tinton programs, residential program, city crews, housecleaning crews, Kid Connection, Treasure Island Thrift Store and various businesses throughout town.

During the week, NHTC will celebrate DSPs through announcements on 101.5 FM The Drive, in local newspapers, treats during the weekly staff meeting and luncheons.

Please thank the Direct Support Professionals you know, for their commitment to the people served by Northern Hills Training Center.

 Congratulations July Blue Diamond Award Winner

Jeremy Kujawa is a Direct Support Professional working at 1005 Canyon Street.   Jeremy always has a smile on his face and loves to joke around.

Nominees included:

Ashleigh H., April G., Jeana H., Wolf P., Deb D., Randa R., Linda W., Alternative Day Staff, Darcy S., Josh Mc., Jennifer B., Blythe C., Karen S.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES!!

(People First members presenting at the Hickory House)

                  HOW IS NHTC INVOLVED IN THE SPEARFISH COMMUNITY???

• People First exists to create a self-directed, supportive community for adults with developmental disabilities.  People First members have made two presentations to the residents of the Hickory House.  The first presentation addressed Dignity and Respect, while the second presentation was on language and its effect on people with disabilities.  Following the presentations, the residents were treated to root beer floats.  People First hopes to schedule speaking engagements with other organizations.
• Eric Bowers, a person who receives services from NHTC, has joined the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.    Eric will attend monthly meetings and help welcome new businesses to the area.
• A number of people supported volunteer their time at the Western Hills Humane Society by playing with kittens, walking dogs and cleaning the kennel areas.
• NHTC crews, working through the Adopt-A-Highway program, are responsible for road clean-up on a 1/4 mile section of Tinton Road.
• NHTC has volunteers who assist with planting, weeding, watering and moving plants at the City of Spearfish flower garden.
• Meals-on-Wheels benefits from NHTC involvement through the delivery of meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays.    These meals are delivered to homebound seniors in Spearfish.
• Treasure Island, the NHTC thrift store, accepts donations from the community.  Clothing is shared with those in need at the VA and the reservations.  Winter clothing is shared with the schools.  Torn blankets are given to the Western Hills Humane Society for use in kennels.     
• NHTC crews work at Kid Konnection, a local day care.
• Cleaning crews for the Spearfish city park bathrooms, homes and businesses.
• Tinton Program recycles aluminum and accepts community recycables.
• Runners/walkers of Team NHTC support local fundraising events by participating in area running/walking events.   Look for their royal blue shirts at these events.
• Northern Hills Training Center will host its annual Chili Feed on October 20; a Chamber Mixer on November 5 and a Blood Drive on November 19.