GRADS Meeting Minutes

November 14, 2024

Middlebrook Community Room 6:30 p.m.

Four people attended the Grant Roberts Area Disability Supports meeting.

NDEAM Evaluation

Rachael Johnson read the National Disability Employment Awareness Month evaluation report. On October 17, 2024 forty attendees enjoyed a catered meal by Bobby Jo’s of Beardsley followed by an exceptional presentation by Emily Shuman, director of the Rocky Mountain ADA Center and the recognition of Project Skills employers and employees by Tiffany Duvall, Voc Rehab counselor from Aberdeen.

Boost for Teachers/Mentors

The applications will be sent out out by January 6, 2025 to superintendants and special services directors in Sisseton, Milbank, Summit, Rosholt, Wilmot, and Tiospa Zina schools. Applications are due on February 14, 2025. We will review them on February 20, 2025 and announce recipients on February 24, 2025. Charlotte Athey will be the contact person. Rachael Johnson will type up the new form.

Cultural Program

Rachael Johnson reported on the cultural program in Sisseton on October 11, 2024. The audience enjoyed being immersed in the Philippine culture through songs, dance and narration. A karaoke special section featured students served by the SPED department. We were thanked for GRADS sponsorship of the event.

Rummage Sale Benefit Fundraiser

We will have a rummage sale on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the Middlebrook Community Room, 902 E. Milbank Avenue, Milbank starting at 9:00 a.m. We will set up in the late afternoon/early evening on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Financial Report

The checking account balance in First Bank & Trust in Milbank was $4,301.20 as of October 31, 2024.

There are no outstanding bills.

Next Meeting

The next GRADS meeting will be on Thursday, February 20, 2025 via ZOOM. The starting time is yet to be determined. Brenda Teske will be asked to set up the meeting