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Thank You SKC Communications
for another fabulous Thanksgiving meal at our satellite workshop! The food was great and everyone enjoyed the day. What a thoughtful way to kick off the holiday season.
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On November 4
YFI|TRI hosted it's first
Happy Hour!
| | Our speaker, Brad McLeod, mingling with event guests |
Nearly 40 people came out to show their support for The Institute. Congratulations to the Young Friends Steering Committee on a great event! |
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Girls Night Out
Trunk Show was a blast on November 11!
Over $1,600 was raised in support of The Institute and artisits with disabilities!
Thank you to all who participated! |
Winter Stress-
Less is Best!
With the holiday season upon us it's natural to have feelings of stress. Research shows that the number of heart attacks in the United States increases by 5% during the holiday season. Don't let the stress from high expectations for perfection get to you this holiday season. Here are a few tips to help you minimize your stress:
1. Keep health a priority, don't neglect exercise and sleep.
2. No overeating! It can cause stress and wreak havoc on your weight-loss goals.
3. Take some time for yourself.
4. Forgive those you have issues with and create a positive atmosphere around you.
5. Set a budget and stick to it!
6. Ask those close to you for help.
7. Plan ahead to eliminate last-minute mistakes.
Stress can affect anyone, at anytime. If you feel as though the stress in your life is becoming overwhelming, make an appointment to see your doctor. For more information visit www.mayoclinic.com.
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The Rehabilitation Institue's Facebook Page is Growing! Keep up-to-date on happenings at The Insitute and support our page.
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Building Brighter Futures for Children and Adults with Disabilities. 3011 Baltimore Avenue Kansas City, MO 64108
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We are proudly supported by

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Check out our newly redesigned website!
www.rehabkc.org
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Disability does not stop personality
from shining through
This time last year Connor, age 7, was not walking or talking and had a feeding tube. He could not use his left arm and he was very passive. Due to severe seizures, Connor had the right half of his brain removed. Following his release from the hospital, Connor came to The Institute to start his road to recovery. That was in November 2009.
In a year's time, Connor has made dramatic strides in his recovery. Today, he is walking, talking, eating, playing and relearning how to use his left arm. Connor's ability to learn new things improves everyday and he has an excellent knack for remembering people's names. "He loves interacting with people and is such a caring kid. He is constantly worried about others, even the other kids in the program. He is always asking them how they are doing," says Petra Crosby, his occupational therapist.
When Connor first started therapy with our pediatric program, he was receiving services five days a week for several hours a day. Gradually, as he had more energy, he worked up to full day sessions five days a week. Currently, he comes in three days a week for half day sessions and attends school the remainder of the week. He receives physical, occupational and speech therapy while here. All of Connor's therapists really enjoy working with him and they are so pleased with the accomplishments he continues to make!
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Dear Friend,
As you consider your year-end giving plans, please consider joining our Rehab Circle of Friends. Your gift will help children, like Connor, and hundreds of others get back on the road to life. Click here to join!
Our medical rehabilitation and employment placement services are extremely unique - they are also costly to provide. Despite our best efforts to control expenses and operate efficiently, we rely on contributions from friends like you to help us keep the lights on, heat and cool our facility and provide services to all those who need them regardless of how challenging their case may be or what resources or insurance they have.
Your important gift will help newly disabled children and adults start a new chapter in their lives - one filled with optimism and opportunity.
Sincerely,
Don Harkins
President/CEO
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Long-Time Institute Board Member Retires
| | Don Harkins presented Robert Payne a proclamation honoring his service. |
After 50 years of providing volunteer leadership to The Rehabilitation Institute, Robert "Bob" Payne is retiring from Board service. Bob joined our Board of Directors as an executive with Hallmark Cards in charge of several manufacturing operations. Originally from Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Bob started his Hallmark career on the east coast. Upon returning to the Kansas City area, Bob's boss encouraged him to get involved in the community and specifically with The Rehabilitation Institute. Such a directive made sense given that Hallmark and the Institute are neighbors and we operate a light manufacturing program, RI Industries. According to Bob, "I didn't have a choice, my boss told me to contact the Rehabilitation Institute and get involved! I'm glad I did," says Bob. "The Institute is an amazing place and I'm proud of my years of service."
"It has been a privilege to have Bob involved with our organization for so many years," says Don Harkins, President/CEO. During his tenure, Bob served on our Board of Directors with distinction and provided leadership through many strategic initiatives. One that Bob is most proud of is his involvement in the creation of The Rehabilitation Institute Foundation where he has served on the Board of Directors for 20 years. The Foundation manages our endowment fund and provides financial support for our programs and services.
Thank you, Bob, for your OUTSTANDING service to the Rehabilitation Institute. You will be missed.
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Candidate of the Month
Sylvia Jennings

Let us introduce Sylvia Jennings! Sylvia is looking for a position as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the Kansas City area. Sylvia is a Kansas City native who recently took the exam to renew her CNA license in Missouri. Sylvia has been a client of The Rehabilitation Institute's Employment Services for three months. Previously she has worked as a CNA for thirty years at both assisted living and senior citizen facilities. Prior to taking the CNA exam to renew her CNA license, Sylvia's career advisor, Jessica Shea, helped her prepare for the exam. Sylvia hopes to utilize her skills and experience and find a job in the medical field soon. If you'd like more information on Sylvia or would like to set up an interview with her please contact Jessica Shea at Jessica.Shae@rehabkc.org. |
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Staff Highlight
Stephanie Fleming
Meet Stephanie Fleming. Since January 2010, Stephanie has worked as an Employer Development Specialist. Her job duties include meeting with clients to improve their job readiness skills and working with employers to find positions for clients. Stephanie received her Bachelors degree in Social Work as well as her Bachelors in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education. She is committed to finding the best match for both her clients and employers. Stephanie says her favorite part of working at The Rehabilitation Institute is "helping individuals that otherwise would not get the opportunity to show the world what they have to offer." Stephanie's co-workers describe her as a "people person" and a valued member of the Institute's team. If you'd like more information about Stephanie's job as an Employer Development Specialist, or if you'd just like to thank her for her hard work and commitment to helping others, please email her at Stephanie.Fleming@rehabkc.org! |
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