Every April is Direct Care Staff Appreciation Month at KVC Prairie Ridge children’s psychiatric treatment center. This is a special time of year when our leaders host multiple activities and celebrations to say “thank you” to our direct care staff members such as behavioral health technicians for their continued dedication to the clients and families we serve.

“Every day, the children, teens and adults receiving psychiatric treatment at KVC Prairie Ridge have unique experiences and each one of those experiences will be impacted by our direct care employees. They are our consistent team that delivers care 24/7/365 and ensures safety on our units. We have the best employees whose passion is second to none and their desire to help our clients shines bright every day. Celebrating Direct Care Staff Appreciation Month is more than saying thank you; it’s about recognizing their talents. “Thank you” is what we say and admiration is what we feel for the work each employee does each day. It is an honor to lead such an amazing team!”

-Ryan Speier, President, KVC Hospitals, Inc.

On April 22, our IT partner NetSmart provided a delicious BBQ lunch with all the fixings for all of our employees. It was dubbed the “Everyday Matters” lunch. Netsmart has created the Everyday Matters Foundation and larger Everyday Matters movement for those who are cause-connected, passionate and vision-driven about issues in the health and human services community. NetSmart employees volunteered their time to organize, set up and execute this event for us. Everything was delicious and amazing.

KVC staff at the Netsmart-Hosted BBQ

On April 26, the KVC Hospitals Administration team woke up early to prepare and serve breakfast for our direct care staff members.

Derrick Hurst, Director of Hospital Services and Bobby Eklofe, Director of Adult Services, work the omelette station.

Lori Wheelhouse, Assoicate Director of Residential Services and Sara Schlagel, Associate Director of Hospital Services, cook bacon and sausage for the breakfast.

KVC Prairie Ridge staff members wait for their omelettes.

Regena Pearl, Associate Director of Residential Services, cooks pancakes for the staff breakfast.

KVC Prairie Ridge staff enjoying the breakfast.

On April 28, Ryan Speier and Derrick Hurst formed teams to compete in an epic staff kickball game. Ryan, along with his team, “Saved by the Ballers,” squared off against Derrick and his team “Fresh Kicks of Ball Air.” A competitive game of kickball ensued, with many kicks, catches, base slides and of course laughter.  As with any championship, only one team can emerge victorious, and this time it was the “Fresh Kicks of Ball Air” led by Derrick.

Ryan Speier hands Derrick Hurst the trophy for winning the 1st annual KVC Prairie Ridge staff kickball game.

“Direct Care Month is about celebrating our staff that have the most difficult job on campus. They spend countless hours teaching and caring for clients at a critical time in their lives. Our direct care staff are central to our mission of serving children, families, and adults in the most trauma-informed ways. They spend time developing relationships with clients that help to move them forward in their treatment path. As a result, these staff experience difficult situations and hear upsetting stories so it is important that they feel supported. We hope these sorts of activities and celebrations help them to know how vital they are to the work we do.”

-Derrick Hurst, Director of Hospital Services, KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital

More kickball photos: