Black Hills Works provides person-centered services* and

supports to adults with a variety of disabilities including cognitive

disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, brain

injury, and others. We also provide support to individuals who have a

developmental disability and a co-occurring diagnosis, such as

a complicated health or mental health issue, drug and alcohol

dependence, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, effects of

trauma, or other issue.

Each individual served by Black Hills Works has a team working with them as

they plan for their future and choose the services they need to reach their

goals. The team consists of the individual, family members and all the staff

who provide services and supports to them. As a person-centered agency, we

encourage people to direct their own teams.

This brochure explores the many individualized services and supports

available to them for residential assistance, vocational opportunities, health

care, recreation, social, and community participation. Every effort is made to

accommodate each individual’s choices and encourage self-direction.

*Person Centered Thinking (PCT) involves putting the people we support at the center of our agency and the decisions and planning that impact their lives. Many of our staff and people supported have been trained as Person Centered Thinking coaches to ensure that the philosophy is woven throughout our organization. In person centered planning, groups of people focus on an individual and that person’s vision of what they would like to do, rather than on what others think they should

do. At Black Hills Works, we provide education, exposure, and experiences to help the people we support set goals. Then we provide the supports they need to achieve their goals and live their dreams.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SPECIALIZED SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Sensory Processing Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Assistive Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Behavior Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Transportation Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Financial Support & Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Team Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

LEARNING INSTITUTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Sensory Integration Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Health & Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Retirement Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Community Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Suzie Cappa Art Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

BRAIN INJURY REHABILITATION CENTER . . . . . . . . . . 8

SELF-ADVOCACY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BLACK HILLS WORKS 1

2 BLACK HILLS WORKS

Creating a community where everyone participates to achieve a life of full potential .

A community where all people are good neighbors, valued friends, productive workers, respected leaders, and caring volunteers .

We are a Person Centered Agency . . .

• Accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership .

• Licensed as a Type 1 Community Support Provider .

• Certified by the Division of Rehabilitation Services.

• Special Education Certified.

BLACK HILLS WORKS MISSION:

BLACK HILLS WORKS VISION:

People served by Black Hills Works have many living arrangements to choose from, including apartment rental, individual home rental or ownership, group homes, and family homes . Instruction and support are provided based on needs and preferences . Direct support professionals help people to expand the ties they have with others, including family, friends, neighbors, groups, and co-workers . We help them plan for the future as they take on the responsibilities involved in more independent options . This includes learning to manage all aspects of day-to-day life, such as finances, health needs, transportation, and other issues .

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

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Many things enhance an individual’s life, but few more so than the contributions they make and the independence they gain from employment . Black Hills Works embraces the nationwide initiative to provide Employment First, a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of people with the most significant disabilities in the workplace and community . Under the Employment First approach, community-based, integrated employment is the first option for employment services for people with

disabilities . Black Hills Works provides a combination of other employment and rehabilitation services to assist

people in reaching their employment goals as they gain hands-on experience and make vocational choices based on

their interests and abilities .

The Career Pathways program seeks to develop relationships with employers in the community to foster the creation of jobs for people we support . The seven-week Get-a-Job course prepares people for employment by

offering many training and assessment opportunities .

Vocational Specialists assist those seeking employment by evaluating abilities and aptitude and training for necessary job skills . They contact prospective employers and assist with job applications and interviews . They analyze jobs to determine what reasonable accommodations are needed to perform the essential functions of the job .

People supported by Black Hills Works are employed in a variety of settings, including restaurants, manufacturing sites, grocery stores, the

hospital, and the tourism industry . Many work at Ellsworth Air Force Base on one of our several contracts there: food services, shelf stocking and warehouse, retail, custodial, and mail room . They continue to receive support from staff as needed .

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Kevin Papen held several jobs within the agency, but wanted to work in the community. He began volunteering at the Salvation Army while he sought employment, and eventually he was hired

at Family Thrift Center on Omaha Street as a bagger. He continues to volunteer at the Salvation Army.

4 BLACK HILLS WORKS

Nursing

Black Hills Works supports a healthy lifestyle and the best possible health for each person we serve . Nursing staff provide education on health issues, maintain health records, utilize community health practitioners, ensure that routine examinations are received, and assist with medical emergencies . The nursing department also provides training to agency employees on a variety of preventative health issues .

Personal health support is offered to people with more severe disabilities . Staff provide personal and dental hygiene, feeding assistance, and other care . They also implement special diets and individualized exercise programs designed with the consultation of various therapists . As basic needs are met, people can make choices to maximize opportunities in other areas of their life .

Sensory processing support

Through the strategic use of sensory techniques, the mind and body can be connected in a way that promotes a sense of security . Staff receive training to identify sensory problems and to use techniques that promote sensory processing with those they support . Sensory processing is a brain function that allows us to perceive, interpret, and interact with the world around us . When not functioning optimally, unpredictable behavior, delayed communication and withdrawal can occur .

Assistive Technology

The Black Hills Works Technology Team provides assistive technology throughout our agency, all with the goal of promoting independence and choice for those we support . The term “assistive technology” refers to any piece of equipment, device, or service that promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish or had difficulty accomplishing . Examples run the gamut from adjustable height surfaces, dressing aids, and adaptive dinnerware to touchscreens and iPads .

SPECIALIZED SERVICES

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Behavior Support Assistance

The goal of Behavior Support Services is to reduce the frustration, injuries, stress, and crisis situations that

result when people who have persistent and difficult behaviors are not provided with the support they and

their caregivers need . Activities provided by the Behavior Support Specialists focus on assisting

caregivers to use activities, schedules, and interests of the person they are

supporting to promote positive interactions, and experiences .

Occupational and physical therapy, neuropsychology, speech therapy, psychology, and psychiatry services are arranged with community professionals .

Transportation

Full participation in our community depends on adequate transportation .

Black Hills Works fills in the gaps not filled by public transportation so that the people we support can have many options for work, shopping, medical appointments, and recreation .

Financial Services

Finance and accounting staff assist people served with subsidized housing, food stamp and school lunch applications, income tax filing, medical billing, state funding, and representative payee responsibilities.

Team Approach

Each individual served by Black Hills Works has a team working with them as they plan for their future and choose the services they need to reach their goals . The team consists of the individual, family members and all the staff who provide services and supports to them . As a person-centered agency, we encourage people to direct their own teams as much as possible .

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Connie Whitley, who was one of the Outstanding Achievement Award winners at the Black Hills Works Gala in 2013 and the 2011 Artist of the Year, recently added another to her long

list of accomplishments. She wrote and published a book, Finding Happiness, in which she tells her story and shares encouragement and wisdom for people with disabilities, as

well as the employees, families, and others who support them. In 2014, another dream came true for Connie when she and her

sweetheart Jim Nelson held a commitment ceremony at Canyon Lake Park, surrounded by family and friends.

The Black Hills Works Learning Institute emphasizes meaningful activity with Exposure, Education and Experience for the people we support . The Institute has several different learning environments which host a myriad of classes taught by employees, members of the community, and the individuals we support .

Classes taught by employees include voting, cooking, math skills, money skills, internet research, current events, Native American drumming, art classes, nail care, a variety of fitness opportunities, and many more .

Volunteers from the community also provide experiences by teaching classes, sharing hobbies/interests, presenting musical performances, and sharing many other learning opportunities . Some of these include karaoke, piano lessons, arts and crafts, cultural awareness, dog companionship, and others . Individuals can make their choices and sign up for activities and classes on touchscreens .

The Learning Institute is home to the following:

Sensory Integration Program

The Sensory Development area includes comfort care; health and hygiene supports, sensory stimulation, relationship building, and opportunities for acquiring more independent abilities . It also provides activities that improve range of motion, motor skills, communication, and enhance visual and audio stimulation .

Health, Sport, and Fitness Center

Participants can work out in our fitness center or choose from a variety of sports and recreational opportunities . Many people are supported in attending local private health clubs and Special Olympics activities are also offered throughout the year .

Retirement Center

The Retirement Center provides support to those at Black Hills Works who are at or near retirement age with a full schedule of daily activities . Activities focus on maintaining fitness, creating or strengthening a personal social network through social activities, expanding and exploring personal interests through a variety of leisure experiences, maintaining daily living skills, and volunteering in our community .

Community Participation

Many of the opportunities provided through the Learning Institute take place in the community as people participate in activities and visit area attractions . Some examples include classes at the Game Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus, Bible study, and visits to the library, police station, art galleries, and local museums .

LEARNING INSTITUTE

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People supported by Black Hills Works are also encouraged to give back to our community through volunteering . United

Way of Caring, The Humane Society, Project Rapid Creek, Rapid City Clean-Up Day, and Meals on Wheels are just

a few examples of the organizations and events that have benefitted from the volunteer efforts of people supported by Black Hills Works .

The Suzie Cappa Art Center

Along with the Suzie Cappa Art Center located in the Learning Institute on Range Road, we have a second center at 722 St . Joseph Street in downtown Rapid

City . Both centers offer classes on a wide variety of artistic mediums, including photography, ceramics, collage, quilting, acrylic, watercolor, pottery, and sculpture .

Participants can also try music, dance, and theatre . Actors from the Suzie Cappa Center have

joined forces with other commuity theatre and dance groups to stage local productions .

The Suzie Cappa Art Center downtown also provides a venue where artists supported by Black Hills Works can come together with artists from the community to show and sell their work . To learn more about the Suzie Cappa Art Center, see their website at www .suziecappaart .com .

Learning Center

Staff in the Learning Center assist people to identify what is important to them and support them in acquiring a healthy and meaningful lifestyle . Activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and interest through use of visual aids, technology and assistance with individual appearance to promote self-esteem .

Kitchen

The kitchen is a training environment where people learn good work habits as well as communication and relationship skills, in addition to providing balanced nutritious meals for their customers . People working in the food service area perform a variety of tasks, such as food preparation and storage, cooking, keeping work areas and equipment clean, dishwashing, sweeping and mopping, busing tables, and customer service .

The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center has been providing brain injury rehabilitation in South Dakota since 1988. Our goal is to enhance the lives of people who have experienced a brain injury by focusing on cognitive retraining, speech therapy, counseling (individual, group, and family) as well as providing independent living skills and employment . To learn more about The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, visit their website at www .brainrehab .org .

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BRAIN INJURY REHABILITATION CENTER

People served by Black Hills Works are encouraged to speak up for themselves regarding the issues affecting their lives . People First is a national organization which gives them the opportunity to learn and practice this skill . Our local chapter meets regularly and has hosted several statewide advocacy conferences . People we support are also involved in other organizations with similar goals, including South Dakota Advocates for Change, Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered, and Community Pride Lions Club .

Volunteers play an important role in our mission and vision . Many of the individuals supported by Black Hills Works have the desire and skills to participate in educational, recreational, and leisure activities, but they lack the resources, friends, and natural supports to accomplish these goals . The Out and About group connects volunteers with people supported around planned activities .

Volunteers touch many lives at Black Hills Works . They work hundreds of hours monthly benefitting the Health & Fitness Center, Suzie Cappa Art Centers, Learning Institute, Retirement Center, Special Olympics, and residential areas . Black Hills Works is also a host campus for the national service programs VISTA and AmeriCorps .

SELF-ADVOCACY

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VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Contact Information

For more information about Black Hills Works or any of our programs, contact:

Black Hills Works3650 Range Road • Rapid City SD 57702 • 605-343-4550

Email: bhwsgen@bhws .comwww .bhws .com

South Dakota Relay telephone number for people who are deaf or hearing impaired is 711 in state or 1-800-877-1113 outside of South Dakota. Black Hills Works does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or treatment in its federally assisted programs and activities. The Section 504 coordinator is Doug Meiron, Maintenance Supervisor.