The Emporia Gazette

May 28, 2012

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Emporia is a very generous community and I’m proud to call Emporia my home. Anytime a good cause is nearing the end of a fund-raising campaign, community members and other organizations step up and make sure the goal is met.

Now, Hetlinger Developmental Services (HDS) needs help with their “Everyday Heroes” Campaign. HDS serves individuals with developmental disabilities by providing day services, a sheltered workshop and the opportunity to gain employment in Emporia.

One of my daughters, who is 27, is a consumer at HDS, and loves going to work every day to “make that money.” Through the day services, she also volunteers at Timmerman Elementary School over the lunch hour and really enjoys getting to see all the kids every day. Without Hetlinger Developmental Services, either my husband or I would have had to quit our job to stay home with her, and she would not be able to go “make that money” everyday or see all of her friends at work. We have been so fortunate with HDS.

Currently, HDS is busting at the seams and cannot take in any more consumers. With the “Everyday Heroes” campaign, HDS will be able to double the existing work space area, add a greenhouse for horticultural therapy, expand the current screen printing work area and provide other essentials that they currently do not have room for.

HDS has been awarded $250,000 worth of tax credits from the State of Kansas which could be used in 2009 and CAN be used in 2010. In January of 2010 they were awarded $400,000 Mabee Challenge grant. In order to obtain this grant, they still need to raise $460,000 and could really use your help.

HDS still has lots of tax credits available. Please use them! For more information, please contact Trudy Hutchinson, HDS executive Director, or Stacey Flanner, HDS Communications Assistant at 342-1087.

Karen Pendlay, Emporia