Family and Friends of BSDC-Beatrice State Developmental Center

02/08/2024

We were at BSDC today. Felt these were very special and inspirational.

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas to all of you!! For the staff working on Christmas THANK YOU

12/15/2023

There was a recent study which was completed regarding services offered by DD and the entire report is available on the DHHS web site under System Evaluation and the DD division. I have excerpted a section for your reading.

• The maintenance of ICFs/IID as an option for individuals with severe and complex DD
conditions who choose to receive services in this manner should continue. The Team is
including this recommendation for consideration based on the following:
o ICFs/IID are a service option that should be available within the DD service system,
as they provide high-level support for people with the highest acuity needs.
o Providing a choice of where individuals receive services is an important aspect of
long-term services and supports. ICFs/IID should be maintained as a choice for
individuals who choose to call an ICF/IID “their community.”
o Promotion of ICFs/IID, and BSDC in particular, as a community for individuals who
chose to live there will reduce stigma and fear around receiving services from
these entities for individuals who require this LOC.
o Stakeholder feedback on the importance that BSDC plays for them and their loved
ones cannot be understated. Proper supports and funding to continue to have
BSDC as a service option is critically important for those BSDC serves.

12/09/2023

https://www.klkntv.com/nebraskans-with-disabilities-make-all-the-items-at-beatrice-facilitys-gift-shop/

A unique gift shop tucked away in the Beatrice State Developmental Center, which cares for adults with mental and physical disabilities, features items made from people who live and work there.

11/30/2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT
Alycia Davis, (531) 249-8079, alycia.davis@nebraska.gov



Shop at Bear Creek Gifts to Support Individuals with Disabilities
Lincoln, NE – With the holiday season quickly approaching, consider shopping at Bear Creek Gifts which is a gift shop that sells unique artwork and products crafted by individuals living at Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC). It is located just south of Lincoln in the town of Beatrice, Nebraska.

BSDC is a 24-hour state and federally-funded residential treatment facility dedicated to the provision of specialized psychological, medical, and developmental support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals residing at BSDC can use their artistic and other skills to produce creative and quality products that are sold at Bear Creek Gifts.

The gift shop and art studio opened in May of 2012 and took its name from the creek that runs along the east side of BSDC. The store was started as a way to include the community since they are open to the public and provides opportunities for individuals at BSDC to learn new skills and be active members of the community. They attend craft shows where the individuals can help sell their items and build relationships with members of the community. Individuals living at BSDC are encouraged to explore what the studio has to offer. Some individuals work on their own projects from start to finish, while others may take part in working on different steps such as sanding and priming wood, painting and staining wood, or cutting out designs for decoupage projects.

Individuals are paid an hourly wage to work on and create new projects. They have the opportunity to learn new techniques and work with a variety of different materials such as individual artwork, candles, ceramics, custom door mats, holiday-themed products, slumped wine bottles, special occasion balloons, children's items, and Nebraska-themed products. They also offer the option to make personalized or custom-made orders. Follow their page to receive updates on their store, notifications on if they are going to be at a craft show near you, request a custom-made item, or view finished products that are ready to sell.

“Bear Creek Gifts brings value to the community because we are a one-stop shop gift store. We are different than any other store in the area because we have so many unique items and we can make custom items,” says Lisa Schultis, an Active Treatment Program Manager with the State of Nebraska, who is the manager of Bear Creek Gifts and the art studio. “It bridges the gap between people with disabilities and the community. This store has provided our individuals with the opportunity to get out in the community, get to know other people, and build relationships.”

Bear Creek Gifts is located at 834 Sheridan Dr. Beatrice, NE 68310. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on state holidays

06/19/2023

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcofarblog.com%2F2023%2F06%2F15%2Fdds-wrongly-claims-federal-law-does-not-give-individuals-the-choice-of-an-intermediate-care-facility%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3Jk8HwLcJvc7b4pN8z7fGkgt6M-yjSHVG1Qv0BBQy4hx20NxlPpBzDquM&h=AT3sPDXeygBQIuchCj5WNcyikw58kPyN94AINJF55VHZbaX9AoxlXBDFanp5BtAm48Y9Lz3MmUcAJst0TjxrNys7dN82B49XPZkhNXCTp5fbcg_ZCfeD2cbcKNaruLYlax8Vh2OEFyt-fCVPvw&__tn__=H-R&c[0]=AT3kJxjDqz-HnURAHFmfFjlFxjwFc0Y5sBtmmF3TeXp11FCk_XzR5EsXGea_zw1Hr3YwLVjMRi57GDfIlyt8P0xrsA26xRoJoUHAhlxA_OJHgnL6PW5hDw1QZi06hXv-TcPhXk3Wwn7q3dKVQ_CtfOinomcFxTF2RSI-akCKSKu0eXBLTKlg7Q

In a June 5 legal brief, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) argues that federal law does not give persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) the right to placement a…

06/06/2023

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/06/06/teenager-autism-spectrum-communicates-through-his-artwork/30409/

At 14, Viktor Bevanda is semi-verbal and needs help dressing and feeding himself, but his artistic skills have won him 500,000 TikTok followers, appearances at art shows and he even has his own gallery.

03/15/2023

Options for parents and guardians caring for those with developmental disabilities and significant behaviors.
Across Nebraska, we have vulnerable individuals and families who need help in caring for their loved ones. I will address primarily those who need a level of care which you may not be aware of which is offered in our state.
In a small percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities, we also experience significant behaviors which are very challenging to manage by parents, guardians, and caregivers. This service need can sometimes be facilitated by approved group home providers in the community as well as independent providers who are hired by the individual’s family.
There is another wonderful option which you may have heard of, but you possibly have information and beliefs which are not accurate in 2022.
The Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) in Beatrice, Ne is an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) which is operated by the State. BSDC was established in 1885 as a completely self-sustaining State institution for the Feeble-minded youth. Today BSDC is a 24-hour state and federally funded residential treatment facility dedicated to the provision of specialized psychological, medical, and developmental supports to persons with IDD.
BSDC is located on 100-acre campus offering care which is delivered in small, homelike settings, along with needed services and supports, which offer residents considerable space and freedom. The staff at BSDC have a long and caring history of offering some of the best care for some of our most vulnerable. Yes, there have been times in the past where there have been some challenges to the level of care being offered. These challenges have been resolved years ago and today the residents and the guardians experience an environment and level of care which is at the highest level.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions and comments.
Joe Valenti
Joevalenti1@cox.net
402-598-3585

03/02/2023

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/03/02/nations-disability-services-at-breaking-point-report-finds/30267/?fbclid=IwAR1wFdJdiAYRlz6suXyqc1y_V2AMQf2CVzv-X__VwkKIXodLAXr5QpuHzFY

After warning for years of an impending collapse in the disability services system, advocates say that the crisis is here with a new report painting a dire picture of the situation across the country.

01/01/2023

On behalf of Family and Friends, I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year. Thank you for taking care of our loved ones. We so appreciate all you do every day and the spirit in which you perform your work. It will be another busy year in educating others on the importance of BSDC, Thank you Joe

12/22/2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT
Alycia Davis, (402) 471-1449, Alycia.Davis@nebraska.gov
Consider Shopping at Bear Creek Gifts for the Holidays And Support Individuals with Disabilities
Lincoln Bear Creek Gifts is located in the town of Beatrice, Nebraska, just south of Lincoln. This gift shop is special because it sells unique artwork and products crafted by individuals living at Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC).
BSDC is a 24-hour state and federally-funded residential treatment facility dedicated to the provision of specialized psychological, medical, and developmental support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals residing at BSDC can use their artistic and other skills to produce creative and quality products that are sold at Bear Creek Gifts.
The gift shop and art studio opened in May of 2012 and took its name from the creek that runs along the east side of BSDC. The store was started as a way to include the community, since they are open to the public, and provides opportunities for individuals at BSDC to learn new skills and be active members of the community. They attend craft shows where the individuals can help sell their items and build relationships with members of the community. Individuals living at BSDC are encouraged to explore what the studio has to offer. Some individuals work on their own projects from start to finish, while others may take part in working on different steps such as sanding and priming wood, painting and staining wood, or cutting out designs for decoupage projects.
Individuals are paid an hourly wage to work on and create new projects. They have the opportunity to learn new techniques and work with a variety of different materials such as individual artwork, candles, ceramics, custom door mats, holiday-themed products, slumped wine bottles, special occasion balloons, children's items, and Nebraska-themed products. They also offer the option to make personalized or custom-made orders. Follow their page to receive updates on their store and view finished products that are ready to sell.
Bear Creek Gifts brings value to the community because we are a one-stop shop gift store. We are different than any other store in the area because we have so many unique items and we can make custom items, says Lisa Schultis, an Active Treatment Program Manager with the State of Nebraska, who is the manager of Bear Creek Gifts and the art studio. It bridges the gap between people with disabilities and the community. This store has provided our individuals with the opportunity to get out in the community, get to know other people, and build relationships.
Bear Creek Gifts is located at 834 Sheridan Dr. Beatrice, NE 68310. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on state holidays.
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Helping People Live Better Lives | dhhs.ne.gov