By KALEY LYON

klyon@dailynews.net

A ribbon cutting at Hadley Center earlier this month was a tangible sign of a dream come true for one local organization.

Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled, which was established in 1978, finally has an office of its own.

The group started years ago with the goal of making lives a little better for individuals with disabilities. It provides transportation vouchers to help people get to work.

"There's a real need for the service in this community," said Bob Barker, one of the group's seven board members. "We feel like people who can get to work develop more self-esteem, and they value themselves more. Plus, they become a better citizen because they're providing income and purchasing power for the community."

The organization moved into Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh, in March and has made a home in Suite. 19, located in the basement.

WKACD formerly was housed with LINK Inc., 2401 E. 13th, where it rented a small space.

In the past two years, the board has made considerable efforts to expand the organization by making it more visible and well-known throughout the community.

The number of consumers has increased to 45, largely thanks to referrals granted by partner agencies like Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, First Call for Help and High Plains Mental Health Center, Barker said.

The group hopes to be serving 60 people by year's end and wants to reach 100 next year. For now, services are limited to Ellis County residents.

Membership, which is open to anyone in the community, has grown to more than 100, which is an exponential leap from where the group started a couple of years ago, said Alene Rageth, a part-time administrator.

"This is how far we've come in two years," she said.

WKACD provides transportation vouchers for qualifying individuals to use Access Transportation and also has stipends available to help offset fuel costs for personal vehicles.

Not all customers are individuals with disabilities. Ellis County residents with low-income levels also could qualify for help. Those interested must go through an interview process.

The group also provides social opportunities such as field trips, and has begun a weekly gathering time at its new office from 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays.

While the group is in town to help, it's hoped the assistance will help consumers become more independent, Board President William Hartshorn said.

"It's nice to see people be able to grow and take care of themselves and be independent," he said.

The group had been looking for an office for almost a year and was happy to find the available space, Barker said, noting their efforts to expand will show no sign of slowing down. "We've still got a lot of work to do," he said.

For more information, contact WKACD at (877) 812-1251 or e-mail wkacd@eaglecom.net.