Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) Camp Tumbleweed is winding down, but not without some more fun courtesy of Bishop McGuinness High School’s Social Justice course. Students took a tour of DRTC, learning about our history and what we do at the agency, and then volunteered at Camp T.
BMHS seniors and Camp T campers had a great time playing games! Thank you for volunteering!
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online:Â DRTC.org.
A group of individuals in DRTC’s programs attended the 2015 United Way Campaign Kickoff.
Individuals in Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) programs are active advocates for the agency. Whether it is by attending United Way Campaign Kick Off events, going to the Capitol for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, or just by spreading the word about the work being done at the agency, what better spokespeople to have than these!
There are plenty of opportunities to be advocatesâwhen out on field trips with Camp Tumbleweed, at volunteer sites with Mobile Workforce, visiting work site locations with Transitions and beyond!
Chris became an Honorary Public Relations Representative for his efforts during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day.
One outstanding advocate is Chrisâwho participates in DRTCâs Mobile Workforce. Chris was an outspoken supporter of DRTC at this yearâs Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, speaking with Oklahomaâs lawmakers about the importance of DRTC. He even invited them to come take a tour of our campus! He did such an amazing job, we made him an Honorary Public Relations Representative!
Itâs easy being an advocate:
Tell everyone you know about DRTC and the positive impact itâs making in our community
Interact with us on our social media accounts (and share our content so all your family and friends can see)
DRTCâs presence at various events and in the public in general sends a strong message to those in the community: Weâre Oklahomans. We work. We contribute. We give back.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org
On a busy work floor, Natjun takes stock of his surroundings. One wrong move could lead to serious injury as he meticulously positions his pallet jack to a flat of completed projects on the Vocational Services floor at Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC).
Avoiding any injury to himself or others, Natjun moves the pallet out from the others, sets it down and then gets to work with stretch wrap to ensure the products stay together during transport.
âIâm about to wrap these boxes⊠and then I take the jack and what I do is put them back over there with the rest of these.â
Natjun, a senior at John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, is taking part in the Warehouse Assistant program learning the basic operations of warehouse work.
But before he got to this point, there was a very important lesson to learn first: safety.
âThatâs the first aspect we go through out in the warehouse training is emphasizing, more than anything, the need to be aware,â said Danny, DRTC Warehouse Manager, âand to know what youâre doing when youâre operating this heavy equipment and being aware of other people.â
Natjun moves a pallet in DRTC’s Vocational Services Building.
Natjun can navigate a fully stacked pallet with ease while ensuring the safety of others on the work floor and in the warehouse.
âIf someone was (standing) there and I didnât see them, I might hurt them,â added Natjun.
As part of the Warehouse Assistant program, he is also learning invaluable communication skills. Natjun and other DRTC employees deliver various products and speak with customers.
âWe go out and greet people and take stuff, basically.â
He admits he was nervous at first, but now heâs settling in. Danny has noticed Natjunâs growth as well.
Danny, left, and Natjun, right, work together to move a pallet.
âPretty much now I can set him on a project and turn around,â said Danny.
Natjun has had plenty of experience learning and working at Dale Rogers Training Center. He is part of DRTCâs Transition School-to-Work Program where students travel to various businesses, learn new skills and how to act on the job among other employability lessons.
The Transition Program is where he learned what he wants to do after high school.
âHorticulture,â Natjun said with a smile. âI love the outdoors. Outdoors is like the best thing in the world.â
Natjun will continue developing his skills at DRTC and is on track to graduate in May 2016. Heâs also planning on attending this yearâs Camp Tumbleweedâ DRTCâs summer camp for teenagers and young adults with disabilities.
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Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org
“Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza recently earned the highest marks for food, and exceptional scores for value, polite staff, and service speed among the pizza chains.”
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DRTC Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza offers you a variety of fresh ingredients, crusts, and gluten-free options for your dining experience. But . . . have you ever tried a Papa Murphy’s pizza? A few things you may like to know about our store and how easy it is to enjoy the Take N’ Bake experience:
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How long does it take to bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza? In a standard oven, your Papa Murphy’s pizza will take 12-15 minutes to bake properly. Papa Murphy’s stuffed pizza or calzone will take 25â30 minutes. This is the same amount of time it takes you to drive to a restaurant or have a pizza delivered that has been made with frozen ingredients.
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FRESH is BEST! At DRTC Papa Murphy’s, we donât have freezers! We make our dough from scratch daily, hand-slice our veggies and freshly-grate our 100% whole-milk mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheeses each morning. We believe in working only with suppliers who maintain our high product quality and food safety standards. It’s a difference you can taste.
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Grilled Pizza? Grilling your Papa Murphy’s pizza is one of the best ways to enjoy its great taste. By turning on grill every few minutes for about 20-30 minutes you can get a better, crispier tasting pizza.
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How long will my pizza keep in the refrigerator? For best results, always bake and eat your Papa Murphy’s pizza within 24 hours of purchase. And if you have leftover pizza it can be reheated.
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What about EBT? DRTC Papa Murphy’s gladly accepts EBT at our location, 2220 NW 23rd St.
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Does Papa Murphy’s get involved with fundraising? Papa Murphy’s offers a variety of fundraising options for organizations and groups like schools, churches, sportsteams, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops, and much more. Contact our manager at 405-601-6869.
Why should I buy from DRTC Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza?
Dale Rogers Training Center became the first non-profit in the U.S. to buy a Papa Murphyâs franchise, located in Oklahoma City on NW23rd and Penn. This venture provides job opportunities and training for people with disabilities to transition into the community workforce. So if you haven’t tried a Papa Murphy’s pizza yet, please try one today!
A huge smile grows on Julie’s face and her eyes light up when asked about her new job at Dale Rogers Training Center’s Papa Murphy’s store. Julie said, making the dough is my absolute favorite. It’s like science. I love science and you have to get the dough done just right.” The community job is a large transition from the DRTC in-house programs she has been a part of for six years. When Julie was asked why she wanted to work at Papa Murphy’s she said, “to better myself, to feel like I’ve accomplished something. It’s my first real job out in the community.”
Julie has grown confident in her work at Papa Murphy’s and learned a few lessons. Julie does the prep work in the mornings preparing the vegetables and the dough. Growing accustomed to prep charts and the fast pace of a retail establishment has taken Julie some time, but she is improving and constantly learning. Part of having a community job is transportation.
Julie rides the bus to work and loves it. Her first day of work she got off at the wrong stop, but Julie was not worried, rather she thought, “I can handle this.” Julie said the “sense of freedom [she] gets riding the bus is well worth it.”
With the money Julie is earning she plans to pay off her medical expenses and purchase her very own laptop and internet service. “DRTC trains you before you jump in on the big day,” said Julie. “I’m reaching my goal. I want to eventually own my own business, owning a bakery is a long-term goal.”
-featured in the United Way of Central Oklahoma Vital Signs Report, 2013
After a series of âno rainâ dances and chanting, the moisture in the clouds stayed for 24 hours longer and did not rain on our day-long 60th anniversary event. Whew!
Over 1,000 people criss-crossed our campus at NW 23rd and Utah on October 13th (despite the OU-Texas game!). The morning consisted of a program by former Governor Nigh and Mrs. Nigh, Jane Jayroe Gamble, Dr. Bob Blackburn, and of course, Roy Rogers, Jr. (Dusty) and his son, Dustin. Their stories were poignant and ended with the unveiling of the Robinâs Corner museum display from Branson, and a vintage Roy & Dale Rogers memorabilia collection (now open M-F, 8am-5pm). The 13th was also the opening day for Wyman Frame and its new retail showroom.
That afternoon, fans of all ages enjoyed viewing program displays, touring the new building and visiting with people with disabilities from the Tinker, FAA and GSA Work Projects showing off their different custodial jobs. You could hear the pride in their voices.
To end the day, about 450 cowboy and western fans went into the (really) Big Top Tent to hear Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders play. The fact that they were amazing musicians and singers was demonstrated by the two standing ovations they received. The Rogers stayed after the show until every single person at the concert had the autograph and pictures they wanted as a memento.
Because of your support and advocacy, this celebratory day was made possible!
So thank you, from the 1,000 folks who joined the festivities for the 60th Anniversary of Dale Rogers, Blazing Trails and Promoting Abilities! A 60th Anniversary Newsletter will go out next month (mid-November) with more stories and pictures.
Thank you from the Board of Directors and Management
of the Dale Rogers Training Center!
After a series of âno rainâ dances and chanting, the moisture in the clouds stayed for 24 hours longer and did not rain on our day-long 60th anniversary event. Whew!
Over 1,000 people criss-crossed our campus at NW 23rd and Utah on October 13th (despite the OU-Texas game!). The morning consisted of a program by former Governor Nigh and Mrs. Nigh, Jane Jayroe Gamble, Dr. Bob Blackburn, and of course, Roy Rogers, Jr. (Dusty) and his son, Dustin. Their stories were poignant and ended with the unveiling of the Robinâs Corner museum display from Branson, and a vintage Roy & Dale Rogers memorabilia collection (now open M-F, 8am-5pm). The 13th was also the opening day for Wyman Frame and its new retail showroom.
That afternoon, fans of all ages enjoyed viewing program displays, touring the new building and visiting with people with disabilities from the Tinker, FAA and GSA Work Projects showing off their different custodial jobs. You could hear the pride in their voices.
To end the day, about 450 cowboy and western fans went into the (really) Big Top Tent to hear Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders play. The fact that they were amazing musicians and singers was demonstrated by the two standing ovations they received. The Rogers stayed after the show until every single person at the concert had the autograph and pictures they wanted as a memento.
Because of your support and advocacy, this celebratory day was made possible!
So thank you, from the 1,000 folks who joined the festivities for the 60th Anniversary of Dale Rogers, Blazing Trails and Promoting Abilities! A 60th Anniversary Newsletter will go out next month (mid-November) with more stories and pictures.
Thank you from the Board of Directors and Management
of the Dale Rogers Training Center!
Robin was a bright light in Dale and Roy Rogersâ lives. She was born with Down syndrome and in her short life of 2 years, she inspired the beginning of great changes for people with disabilities. Upon the release of Angel Unaware, Daleâs popular book chronicling Robinâs short life, the support of people with disabilities grew exponentially as it reached millions who admired Dale and Roy Rogers for their candor and their devotion to their daughter.
At our 60th Anniversary celebration in October, the Rogers family will unveil the “Robinâs Corner” museum exhibit to be on display on campus. This exhibit will contain items mentioned in the book that were once owned by Robin, all items were generously donated by the Rogers family from their museum in Branson, MO. DRTC is honored to carry on the Rogers family legacy in their support of people with disabilities.
Yes WAY, and itâs a credit to our established administrative team. But there is no rest for the wicked and we are down to 10 months and counting until our 60th Anniversary celebration on October 13, 2013. WEâD LOVE TO HAVE YOU OR YOUR COMPANY AS A SPONSOR, just fill out and return the enclosed card between now and June.
JOBS
In five years we doubled the wages earned by our folks with disabilities to
5.9 million dollars and created hundreds of new jobs in the community. Weâve added new classes and support staff, and our main location on Utah increased by almost 20 staff members. Employment Services moved to the building on the corner, which provides staff with a much better space to do their jobs and offers easier access to those we serve, many of whom may have mobility issues.
WORK PROJECTS
We have added our first FAA contract at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and two contracts at the Armed Forces Reserve Centers located in Norman and Mustang, thatâs about 53 new jobs for people with disabilities.
CERTIFICATIONS
Our Employment Services department was certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for their maximum award of three years. They will return in 2014 and certify the entire agency. Four members of the Board of Directors and myself went through four months of Standards of Excellence training through the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURISM
A few years ago we received the framing set aside for the state and bought the small wholesale framing company we were working with in Moore. Wyman Frame and Supply is now being moved on campus to the new Workforce Skills Training building. In October of 2013 we will add a retail component to the current wholesale model.
With the help of Cedar Hill Spices in Edmond and Anglin Public Relations, we created a line called Prairie Spices and started an online store. Over a dozen different items made or packaged by workers at Dale Rogers Training Center are available for purchase online or at the agency (https://drtc.org/commerce or call 405-813-9998), including GREAT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION! New holiday cards and note cards are designed every year by folks in our workshop. Each gift has a note from an individual who packaged it.
Why do we work so hard? To try to diversify our income and stay ahead of any negative impacts on the economy. That fiscal pie only has so many pieces, so letâs say âweâre doing our own bakingâ. Our ultimate strategic goal is complete self-sufficiency.
Part of the secret of our success is the unique partnership between the Board of Directors and Dale Rogersâ professional staff. The Board of Directors meets monthly and does its due diligence on anything new, approves policy, oversights all strategic planning and handles all finances and investments. In addition, a Human Rights Committee, also from the community, reviews and protects the safety and rights of all individuals served in the Developmental Disabilities Services Division and Department of Rehabilitation Services programs.
âWe have some of the most experienced and professional staff in Oklahoma. The professional integrity of the staff, the outcomes and our continued success is how we know this partnership works,â says Board President Becky Cook.
I get a lot of credit for our success and while I admit to being a catalyst for quality and innovation, it is my administrative team that makes it happen. Youâll hear more about my âFab 5â these next few months (think Jerry, Deborah, Theresa, Lillian and Mark) not to mention the other 18 members of administration at all of our seven office locations.
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, CUSTOMERS, CONTRACTORS, DONORS AND ADVOCATES!
We couldnât be successful without you!
Looking forward to 2013 and seeing you at our 60th Anniversary Celebration,
Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed.
Executive Director
Yes WAY, and itâs a credit to our established administrative team. But there is no rest for the wicked and we are down to 10 months and counting until our 60th Anniversary celebration on October 13, 2013. WEâD LOVE TO HAVE YOU OR YOUR COMPANY AS A SPONSOR, just fill out and return the enclosed card between now and June.
JOBS
In five years we doubled the wages earned by our folks with disabilities to
5.9 million dollars and created hundreds of new jobs in the community. Weâve added new classes and support staff, and our main location on Utah increased by almost 20 staff members. Employment Services moved to the building on the corner, which provides staff with a much better space to do their jobs and offers easier access to those we serve, many of whom may have mobility issues.
WORK PROJECTS
We have added our first FAA contract at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and two contracts at the Armed Forces Reserve Centers located in Norman and Mustang, thatâs about 53 new jobs for people with disabilities.
CERTIFICATIONS
Our Employment Services department was certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for their maximum award of three years. They will return in 2014 and certify the entire agency. Four members of the Board of Directors and myself went through four months of Standards of Excellence training through the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURISM
A few years ago we received the framing set aside for the state and bought the small wholesale framing company we were working with in Moore. Wyman Frame and Supply is now being moved on campus to the new Workforce Skills Training building. In October of 2013 we will add a retail component to the current wholesale model.
With the help of Cedar Hill Spices in Edmond and Anglin Public Relations, we created a line called Prairie Spices and started an online store. Over a dozen different items made or packaged by workers at Dale Rogers Training Center are available for purchase online or at the agency (https://drtc.org/commerce or call 405-813-9998), including GREAT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION! New holiday cards and note cards are designed every year by folks in our workshop. Each gift has a note from an individual who packaged it.
Why do we work so hard? To try to diversify our income and stay ahead of any negative impacts on the economy. That fiscal pie only has so many pieces, so letâs say âweâre doing our own bakingâ. Our ultimate strategic goal is complete self-sufficiency.
Part of the secret of our success is the unique partnership between the Board of Directors and Dale Rogersâ professional staff. The Board of Directors meets monthly and does its due diligence on anything new, approves policy, oversights all strategic planning and handles all finances and investments. In addition, a Human Rights Committee, also from the community, reviews and protects the safety and rights of all individuals served in the Developmental Disabilities Services Division and Department of Rehabilitation Services programs.
âWe have some of the most experienced and professional staff in Oklahoma. The professional integrity of the staff, the outcomes and our continued success is how we know this partnership works,â says Board President Becky Cook.
I get a lot of credit for our success and while I admit to being a catalyst for quality and innovation, it is my administrative team that makes it happen. Youâll hear more about my âFab 5â these next few months (think Jerry, Deborah, Theresa, Lillian and Mark) not to mention the other 18 members of administration at all of our seven office locations.
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, CUSTOMERS, CONTRACTORS, DONORS AND ADVOCATES!
We couldnât be successful without you!
Looking forward to 2013 and seeing you at our 60th Anniversary Celebration,
Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed.
Executive Director
Due to anticipated severe weather DRTC's Main Campus at Northwest 23rd and Utah Avenue will be closed November 4. Dismiss
Yes WAY, and itâs a credit to our established administrative team. But there is no rest for the wicked and we are down to 10 months and counting until our 60th Anniversary celebration on October 13, 2013. WEâD LOVE TO HAVE YOU OR YOUR COMPANY AS A SPONSOR, just fill out and return the enclosed card between now and June.