Community Edition Volume 17, Issue 1

VIP Services, Inc. 811 East Geneva Street

Elkhorn, WI 53121VOICEthe vip

JONATHAN STUESSER’S joyful smile lights up any room. The ‘room’ these days is at his new community employment job at Continental Corporation in Delavan. With the help of VIP Services’ ACES program, he was able to develop work and interpersonal skills over the past several years. Jon’s journey to finding the right job for him wasn’t easy, but he dedicated himself to doing some self-discovery which led to amazing personal growth in the areas of work quality and interpersonal skills. With the new found skills, he advocated for himself, asking his funder to let him explore jobs in the community. That led to employment at Continental where he started with one task and has since added two additional tasks to his job responsibilities.

ALEX WHITMORE is a busy guy, not only is he a VIP Ambassador but recently accepted a new position with Frank’s Piggly Wiggly in Elkhorn washing dishes in their deli department. Like Jon and Dale, he also put in the extra hours and effort to prepare for community employment. In addition, Alex has also been a member of VIP’s delegation attending the Self-Determination Conference which works to empower people with disabilities in Wisconsin to have more control over their lives. The goal is to learn more about living independently, being active members of their communities and using public funds efficiently. Alex’s goal is to lead a more independent life and he is certainly doing all of the right things to make his dream come true.

VIP’s Mission In Action

For more information about ACES and/or Community Connections, contact VIP Services’ Program Director Dana Kelnhofer at 262.723.4043 ext. 130 or danakelnhofer@vipservices-inc.org.

Spotlight on Community EmploymentIf you dream it, you ca n do it! Finding the “right job” in the community is a goal for most people. To help clients achieve that goal we created the Accelerated Community Employment Service (ACES). ACES, is our pro-active community based prevocational program to assist individuals discover their diverse interests and abilities, participate in integrated activities and explore community opportunities that can lead to meaningful employment. The purpose is to provide people the right tools and resources to support development of full and productive lives within their home community.

Did you know... that VIP helps more than 300 adults with disabilities in Walworth County each year?

The majority of people who seek assistance are individuals with cognitive disabilities including autism, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and other conditions. Some clients have multiple conditions, including physical disabilities and/or mental health issues.

DALE MARGRAF has a new position stocking shelves and coolers at Casey’s General Store of Elkhorn. Like Jon, Dale put forth the extra effort to find community employment. Dale trained in our Kikkoman Employment and Training Center learning valuable skills to achieve community employment. He also was part of the on-site VIP janitorial team. The supportive management at Casey’s has been a key factor to Dale’s hiring and on-the-job success.

Congratu lations Jon!

Way to go Dale!

Great job Alex!

Jon proudly shows his first paycheck to Kim Brady, VIP Job Development Specialist

Our specia l tha nks to the Walworth County ARC for their recent grant to support our efforts to deliver this highly effective program for fast-tracking people to community employment.

2 • The VIP VOICE

32nd Annual Recognition Dinner

Fly The Friendly SkiesThe world appears to be spinning out

of control - no, that’s bad. Let’s fight the good fight, no matter what the cost - I don’t mean that either. We don’t control what is happening to us, so we’ll just go with the flow – that’s not my style. I’ve never had so much difficulty putting into words the message I want to convey – now this is a fact!

VIP Services, like other similar organizations throughout the state as well as the country, is experiencing rapid change in response to elevated expectations of our consumers, their families and, of course, changing governmental regulations. Our mission, “To empower people with disabilities to explore and experience endless possibilities” is more meaningful today than when it was adopted in 2004. All people, including those with disabilities, want more, deserve more, and expect more as they journey through life and define fulfillment. As an agency, we are conquering new vistas to support people in new and creative ways

to achieve personal goals for a full and satisfying life.

Our core services continue to be a strong foundation, building essential skills for employment and community living. But, these basic services are constantly morphing into new strategies outside of our building and within our communities. Our talented and dedicated staff are partnering with community friends and businesses to facilitate greater opportunities for inclusion of people with disabilities. This collective effort is resulting in expanded community employment, volunteer opportunities and social recreational options based on the personal goals and aspirations of each individual. Additionally, the massive expansion of our transportation services has provided needed access throughout Walworth County.

In concert with these changes, VIP Services has modified criteria for our Individual Achievement Awards to better

reflect individuality of personal goals. There are seven criteria in total but two of them are particularly noteworthy: “Evidence of movement toward a full life” and “Accomplished something no one thought possible.” Peer recognition serves as a catalyst to inspire courage in others to consider such new directions in their lives.

Stepping out of our comfort zone is very difficult for everyone. It’s messy, it’s scary and mistakes happen. However, nothing in life is constant, except change. As we muddle forward re-shaping VIP Services, perhaps a valid analogy would be to compare our organization to that of an airport. Airports are either under construction or they are obsolete. VIP Services will not become obsolete, we are merely under construction.

Cynthia D. Simonsen, Executive Director

Over 200 clients, business representatives, family members and guests convened at Evergreen Golf Club for the VIP Services Recognition Dinner. The event celebrated our 2016 monthly achievement award recipients (right). The keynote speaker was VIP Ambassador, Lynne McIntyre and decorations were provided by Wishing Well Florist of Elkhorn.

Congratulations to all of the award winners!

CLIENTS SHINE ON SPECIAL NIGHT

Left: The Individual Achievement Award celebrates a person who demonstrates consistent quality skills and habits over a period of time, made significant progress on a particular skill or objective and had an exceptional month, exceeding expectations. From left to right front row: Nicole Fernandez of Lake Geneva, Laura Feitshans of Delavan, Charlene Fickau of Delavan, Rosa Spellman of Delavan and Tammy Pankratz of Elkhorn. Row 2: Cheyanne Michael of East Troy, Donna Neshek, Board President, Carl Steinert of East Troy, Sky Mall of Elkhorn, Chris Sonheim

of Whitewater, Jonathan Stuesser of Delavan, Lew Zarnstroff of Elkhorn and Cindy Simonsen, Executive Director (Not pictured: Steve Robinson of Walworth).

The 2016 Individual Achievement Honoree of the Year went to Chris Sonheim of Whitewater. Chris works on

a variety of subcontracted projects in the Kikkoman Employment and Training Center. He was elected for this

special honor by clients and staff.

Executive Director’s DeskFROM THE

The VIP VOICE • 3vipservices-inc.org

Our new Summer Employment Exploration Program (SEEP) is an opportunity for students (ages 16 – 20) to experience a variety of paid and meaningful employment experiences to build a resume. Their first assignment was at a resale store, Dealz of Delavan. Working together as a team, they focused on marketing through window design by decorating it with a Fourth of July theme. They also learned about preparing, building, sorting and testing potential sale items, as well as posting some items to Ebay. In addition, they learned about good customer service, buying, selling, profit and loss along with painting, sanding and using a furniture cart.

The SEEP program also features an afternoon curriculum that develops soft skills such as interviewing skills, completing job applications and volunteering. In following weeks they will be at the Geneva Lakes YMCA and the Walworth County Fair Grounds. Great job SEEP students!

Volunteering in OUR CommunityEmpowering People

Lamar (below) and Sky (right) are at the Lakeland Animal Shelter. Clients help with some light cleaning and spend time with the adorable and adoptable cats and dogs.

Steve (left) volunteers at Walworth County’s senior nutrition site at the Terraces of Geneva Crossing. The site provides nutritious lunch time meals to persons who are aged 60 and older.

Our VIP Volunteers (above) were recently recognized by Walworth County for National Volunteer Week. We’ve had a long and successful partnership with the County, volunteering at places like senior nutrition sites and Lakeland Health Care Center.

Laura and Breanna (right) were at Delavan Lanes learning about all of the jobs within a bowling alley. They helped sort invoices, count money, organize and stock supplies and clean. It was a great way to learn more about the different kinds of jobs as well as the work that goes into running a business. These volunteer experiences are part of our community-based Pre-Vocational training opportunities.

4 • The VIP VOICE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT VIPVolunteers

If you are a Facebook user, be sure to “LIKE” VIP Services. We post events, items of interest, pictures, client accomplishments and much more!

Volunteers are truly the backbone of VIP; people we need, trust and value. In 2016, 126 VOLUNTEERS completed an incredible 3,318 HOURS OF SERVICE!

VIP’s Volunteers at the Volunteer Recognition Event.

Doris Sprague and Mary Bertschinger were recently recognized for an amazing 500+ service hours since 2014. Doris and Mary are at VIP each week helping our Transportation Department calculate and organize the transportation logs. Kudos to Doris and Mary for their many years of dedicated service to VIP!

Mary Bertschinger, Doris Sprague and Cindy Simonsen, Executive Director

Beth Shodeen works with Kelsey Grau to put the final touches on her ceramics project.

Joanne Suchy wraps presents at the annual Christmas Store.

Janet Atwell shares her gift of music at VIP. There are always lots of smiles and singing when Janet is at the piano!

The VIP VOICE • 5vipservices-inc.org

The 19th Annual VIP Golf Outing in June, presented by Kikkoman Foods, Inc. and the Kikkoman Foods Foundation, Course sponsor Aldridge Electric, Dinner sponsor Tankcraft Corporation/Plasticraft Corporation and Lunch sponsor MPC, Inc., was a wonderful success NETTING OVER $100,000! Funds raised support programs and services for the more than 300+ people with disabilities we serve annually. Welcoming the golfers to the magnificent course at Big Foot Country Club in Fontana was event co-chair Cherie Ackman. The day concluded with a program and special remarks by Executive Director Cindy Simonsen, Board President Donna Neshek and VIP Ambassador Tammie Steinert. Funds were raised through sponsorships, participant entry fees, loud and silent auctions, raffle ticket sales, and a wine and spirit pull. Thank you to all of our sponsors, golfers, prize and wine donors, volunteers and committees members. The incredible generosity of time, talent and treasure allows VIP to provide programs and services for people with disabilities. For a complete listing of our sponsors, visit our website at vipservices-inc.org.

GOLF OUTING COMMITTEE: Co-chairs Cherie Ackman and Bob Putnam, J.P. Beierle, Cheri Brost, Rose Crandall, Kathi George, Jim Homan, Regan Homan, Larry Kosiek, Donna Neshek, Bill Ring and Mark Stinebrink.

Thank You!

VIP Summer Cookout FunThe summer cookout and festivities were once again in full swing with this beloved VIP tradition. Despite the rainy weather, lots of fun indoor activities included board games, bingo, an Old West themed photo booth and the hoedown dance. A huge thank you to all of our staff and volunteers with special thanks to Board Member Beth Shodeen and volunteer Joanie Quick, along with grill masters and brothers, Jon and Tim Kasnick from the End Zone Bar & Grill in Delavan for providing and preparing the food. What an awesome day!

VIP Golf Outing

Congratulations to Alder Companies 1st place finish –

TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

Check out Tim Kiepert in the photo booth!

6 • The VIP VOICE

IN MEMORY OF:MARGARET ANN AUSTIN

Margaret Ann Austin Family

Ms. Bonnie BrowneMr. & Mrs. Phil CostaJulie CotterMr. John A. DanielsMr. & Mrs. Leon DodgeMr. and Mrs. William

DuesterbeckDr. & Mrs. William B.

DuncanMr. and Mrs. Joseph FaustMs. Linda C. FreemanMr. & Mrs. Ryan GableMs. Marian A. GavinMs. Cathy GoldenbergMs. Kathy GrzeniaMr. & Mrs. Michael JohnH.W. JohnsonMs. Mary JordanMrs. Ruth KarkowJim & Suzanne KenneyMr. & Mrs. Allen LehmanMs. Kate MorrisMs. June MulvennaMr. David PaceJane Palmer

Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Rauland

Ridgestone VillageMr. & Mrs. Tim SchnakeMr. & Mrs. Randall J.

SmithToby & Shari Steivang

JAMES D. BETTSDuane and Carol Katzman

CHARLIE BROWNStuart & Marilyn Mohns

RALPH CATESMrs. Ila Cates

JOHN CLAIRCary & Maureen Berkowitz

BETTY DAILEYMs. Kathleen

Rohleder-Griebel

MARGARET DOBRZYNSKI

Mr. Joseph Dobrzynski

DENNIS DUESTERBECK

Julie Cotter

JEFF FIBIGERRon and Lily Fibiger

ANNIE FRAMELinda Sue AndersenMr. & Mrs. Gerald BaumanMr. & Mrs. Gregory BungeMr. Jeffrey ClappAmanda CornueLaurie CornueLloyd CornueNeill & Pam FrameMr. Harold FriestadMr. & Mrs. John HandelBarbara KortendickPhil & Mary KossMr. & Mrs. Duanne

LafrenzMs. Barbara LeetzowMr. & Mrs. John LothianMr. & Mrs. Dale G.

MattesonMr. & Mrs. Richard

McLernonMr. & Mrs. Robert

McLernonDarrell MellmerMs. Carolyn MorrisMr. & Mrs. Frank PaavolaBeth & Jody RendallMr. & Mrs. Mark RenoMr. Jim SendJoy Webb

Mr. & Mrs. William Wehnert

CATHY HARRINGTONMr. & Mrs. Jeff Beardsley

ROBERT HARRINGTON

Mr. Gerald Neinfeldt

DOUGLAS HALLJeff and Deborah Vogt

VIRGINIA HEGGIEMs. Kathleen

Rohleder-Griebel

DICK HUMMELMrs. Dianne Hummel

BRIAN KELLYJohn & Patricia GroveThomas & Lynda Kelly

JERRY MUENICHMr. & Mrs. Phil Knobel

LUKE NELSONRichard & Lynn Wesolek

RONALD NIEUWENHUIS

Nieuwenhuis Bros., Inc.

LINDA ROSEMs. Beverly Lackey

ALYCE SMITHBob & Pat Oblak

LOWELL THIESMr. & Mrs. Carl Thies

DR. CHARLES THOMETZ

Mrs. MaryAnn Thometz

BOBBY VAHOVIUSDuane & Karen Neuendorf

CHARLIE VOGTMs. Marjorie KrauseMs. Arlene MonteithMr. & Mrs. Bruce Mitchell

ROBERT WAECHTERFrank and Susan McClellan

ED WAGNEREd & Rita LarsenFrancis & Carol Wagner

DANIEL WARDMs. Dorothy Sullivan

HOLLIS & JOYCE WARD

Ms. Nancy Ward

JOHN WILLIAMSJohn & Theresa Singer

VIP Donors: Making great programs & services available for people with disabilitiesWe remain committed to our mission of empowering people with disabilities, providing a broad range of services to help people with diverse yet individualized needs. We know that it will take a real commitment to build a future that works for all of our clients—but we remain true to our belief that each person deserves a future that offers “endless possibilities.” With your support, we will continue to ensure that each and every one of the people we serve is able to find his or her own path to growth, self-esteem and personal productivity. Join us and make your gift today and support VIP Services. Thank you!

We are especially grateful that the generous donors named on this page have chosen to honor those who are or have been important in their lives. All gifts listed here were received during the period of October 19, 2016 - July 17, 2017

IN HONOR OF:HOPE BERNICKMr. Dean Anderson

MARK ANICHMs. Deborah J. Anich Wustmann

CLIENTS, TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERSPat Jenner

MELITA GRUNOWAllen & Nancy Lehman

BRENDA KELLYJanet G. Kelly

BOB & MISSY PUTNAMScott & Julia Sims

SHARON RIPPLEMs. Diane RippleMs. Jean RippleMs. Sue Hayden

THIRD CHAIRMr. Jeffrey Lewandowski

STEVE TOENNIESMs. Lolita Kachel

The VIP VOICE • 7vipservices-inc.org

PLATINUM CHAMPIONS($25,000+ Donors)

Estate of Mrs. Irene LeachMr. William C. Wiswell

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS($10,000+ Donors)

AnonymousKikkoman Foods

Foundation, Inc.Robert & Patricia Moore

FoundationTom & Donna Neshek

Family FoundationWalworth County ARC,

Inc.

COMMUNITY LEADERS($1,000+ Donors)

Cedar Street Charitable Foundation / Charles & Dianna Coleman

Margit EricksonThe Golden Years of

WalworthSharon & Tom HaverstockEdward HechmannMr. Bruce D. JohnsonKeefe Foundation, Inc.Knights of Columbus, Lake

Geneva Council #1647Knights of Columbus, St.

Patrick’s Council #3464Lefkovitz FoundationMr. & Mrs. Robert LikesDaniel & Lanette MaurinaMr. Steven Pils & Mrs.

Rose MohrMr. & Mrs. Robert P.

PutnamMs. Mary Kay RingEd and Christine ScaroJohn & Mary SchroederTrudy and Fred SchubertKent and Joan ShodeenShodeen Family

FoundationToby & Shari Steivang

The Terri & Rudy Sundberg Family Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Tim TouchetteTransCen, Inc.United Way of Walworth

County

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS($250+) Donors

Anonymous - multipleBadgerland FinancialMr. & Mrs. Gene BerndtMrs. Kay DrexlerElkhorn AutomotiveElkhorn Chemical &

PackagingElkhorn Kiwanis ClubElkhorn Lions ClubGeneva Lake Women’s

AssociationIntegra, Inc.Keith Venema of Keith’s

Auto Body, Inc.Philip & Mary KilkennyKirchschlager FamilyKnights of Columbus,

Whitewater and Palmyra Council #1690

Paul & Sue KremerMr. & Mrs. Robert LaserJackie LeedleNick & Janet LesarMr. & Mrs. William E.

NelsonMs. Laurie O’DonnellTom & Mary OehlerMr. William PaladinoJoe & Sue PilsMr. & Mrs. Rodney SchererMr. & Mrs. William

SeymourMark & Mary StinebrinkMr. Dennis M. TobinStowell Trucking, Inc.Walworth Fontana Rotary

Foundation, Inc.Wisconsin Farm

Technology Days

Jack Zwieg & Suzanne Leimontas

COMMUNITY FRIENDS

Anonymous - multipleDr. & Mrs. Nestor C.

AlabarcaJeff & Terri AlderRobert M. BehrensDan & Janis BiceJohn & Barb BiglerMr. & Mrs. John A. BolleroBrown’s Southeast Heating

& Cooling, LLCDottie BrunoMs. Diane BustamanteRick & Kay ButkeCareer Source LLCSteve & Marilyn CarlsonMrs. Delphine CarrCarol CartwrightMs. Thelma ChavezPam & Dan ChristensenCircle, Inc.J. Edward ClairMr. & Mrs. Walter J. ClarkLavonne and Jim ColemanMs. Tracy CromeyDana & Nancy CunniffMs. Julie CyraMr. John A. DanielsMr. Owen DavidsonMr. and Mrs. Frank

DeMartinoViolet K. DeWindMr. Dean DraynaMr. & Mrs. Frank EamesMr. & Mrs. Kenneth C.

EarleDouglas & Connie EdensMr. & Mrs. George ElbleinKen & Diane EttenMr. Richard FasslTony & Kim FlitcroftMs. Amy GrauMr. & Mrs. Franklin GuskeJoe & Lois Haas

Mrs. Shirley HaaseGinny HallPeter J. Hannon, Jr.Mrs. Jean JaroszMr. Patrick J. JenkinsMs. Judith C. JensenJewish Community

FoundationRuth E. KahlJane & George KaiserKeizer & Sons, Inc.Robert & Marsha KennedyMr. & Mrs. Richard

KoehlerMr. & Mrs. Michael KohlPhil & Mary KossMs. Helen R. LinkMrs. Esther LoisTom & Chris LordenMadison Street SubsMr. & Mrs. Darrel P.

MarkhamMarkham Concrete, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. John R.

McClellanMr. & Mrs. Mark McCloyJim McDonoughDan MisnerMr. & Mrs. Ralph A.

MoehrkeAllen & Dorothy MorrisonMr. William J. MorrisseyMs. Janet F. MorrowCevin & Giovanna MosesMr. & Mrs. John NannaJoel & Sue NelsonMr. & Mrs. Daniel NortonMike & Judy O’DonellMark & Laina PapenfusMr. & Mrs. Gary

PartingtonRod & Virginia PaulsenMr. & Mrs. Jason PenningJohn & Rita RaceMrs. Ruby RecknagelMs. Sue Ellen RichKen Robers

Mr. John RomanoMs. Rosalie RouseMr. & Mrs. James SaerMr. Donald SchieveDr. & Mrs. Bruno E.

SchifflegerMr. & Mrs. Dennis SchulzMr. & Mrs. Harold L.

SchurenDon & Donna ScurekMarion L. ShepstoneMs. Germaine H. ShipmanBob SlesingerMs. Jennifer SmithMs. Judy SokolowskiMr. James P. SorensenEd & Suzette SorensonMr. Rodney P. St. JohnMr. Don StachowiakGreg & Judith StaponkusRonald & Carol StevensGay StranMs. Sandralee ThieleWilliam & Diane

ThompsonMr. & Mrs. Michael ThonMr. & Mrs. John J. TierneyMr. & Mrs. James ToenniesDavid & Joanne ToenniesVan’s Antiques of WalworthMr. Charles Van DykeMr. & Mrs. Donald

VandelloWalworth County

Toastmasters ClubWooden DeckleMr. Barry P. WeissMr. & Mrs. R. Stephen

WernerMs. Susan WildermuthMr. & Mrs. David C.

WilliamsWilliam & Catherine

WillmannRoger and Chace WolffWoller True Value

HardwareMr. Gregory Zito

We are grateful to our many friends, supporters and family members for their generous annual fund gifts. These gifts allow VIP Services to be as flexible as possible in meeting the complex and varied needs of our clients. Annual gifts may be designated to special projects that meet individual donor’s interests. Annual gifts of any size are welcomed by VIP Services. The gifts listed here were received during the period of October 19, 2016 – July 17, 2017

Please accept our regrets for any inadvertent omission on these donor lists.Annual Fund Gifts

VIP SERVICES, INC.811 East Geneva StreetElkhorn, WI 53121Telephone: 262-723-4043

Fax: 262-723-4984

Website: www.vipservices-inc.org

8 • The VIP VOICE

Presale tickets are available for a REDUCED price from now till October 1st — ONLINE ONLY at www.stiritupwalco.com:• Youth (ages 7 – 17): $5

(children ages 6 and under—no charge)

• General Admission: $25

• Couple: $45 for two people

• Family: $55 (two adults and three kids)

• Limited Preferred Seating Section includes table service: $50 per person

Top area restaurants already include: Best Events Catering, Crafted Americana at the Ridge Hotel, Evergreen Golf Club, Greenie’s Clubhouse, Hawk's View Golf Club, Lake Geneva Pie Co., Lakeland Bakery, Lake Lawn Resort, Next Door Pub, Sperino's, Su-Wings Chinese Restaurant, Trout House at Rushing Waters and Tuscan Tavern and Grill. For more info about the event, sponsorship opportunities, etc., contact Julie Cotter at 262.723.4043, ext. 105 or juliec@vipservices-inc.org.

We hope to see you at Stir It Up 2017!

Elkhorn Area High School Jazz Band

Sunday, November 5th11 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.Elkhorn Area High School

Stir It Up!

You are invited to the 3rd Annual Stir It Up, a county-wide charitable fundraiser! The event has raised almost $70,000 and is sponsored through a partnership with VIP Services and the Rotary Club of Elkhorn. This year, funds raised by Stir It Up include VIP Services & Walworth County Shelter Build. What happens at Stir It Up? Top area restaurants generously donate hearty samples of their signature fare while attendees are entertained by area high school choirs and jazz bands.