Special Commemorative Edition

Dedicated to Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed. Executive Director 1981–2019 FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

serving a 10-year appointment Connie credits the staff over on the original MAPS board the years and their many talents and have been familiar with her for supporting and improving leadership role at DRTC from the quality of so many lives. many different perspectives. I also salute the many members I have watched her consistently of the Board of Directors for their put individuals with disabilities willingness to take different paths first — supporting them to have and blaze new trails with Connie choices, learn skills, work in and her staff the last 40 years. I’ve been involved with many the community and earn $5.2 Trust and working closely nonprofits and million in wages each year! with administration and with Dale Rogers Training She has taken an agency with Center (DRTC) since 1993. an annual $85,000 budget in key management has The unique partnership shared 1981 and transformed it into resulted in one of the by the long-term administrative the largest nonprofit of its kind most successful and self- staff and Board of Directors in Oklahoma. It now provides has resulted in unparalleled $19.5 million worth of services sustaining nonprofits for accomplishments and to almost 1,000 people each people with disabilities in success. This special edition year. It should come as no the Southwest. publication allows us to share surprise that Connie would put What an amazing legacy! our amazing history, legacy, that same level of caring and programs, innovations, and planning into her succession Congratulations to all of you! national recognitions with this December with Deborah Be not forgetful the community and the state Copeland, M.Ed. Deborah has of Oklahoma. held two management positions Allen Brown, NCARB to entertain strangers: I met the current executive at DRTC; she and Connie want President 2019-20 director, Connie Thrash to ensure a seamless transition Board of Directors 2018-2020 for thereby some McGoodwin, when she was for the agency. have entertained angels unawares. 2018–2020 BOARD HEBREWS 13:2 Rebecca Cook, President-Elect Rep. Forrest Bennett Mike Jones King James Version Kevin Clifton, Vice President Russell Cox Cheryl Moore FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OF DALE EVANS ROGERS Bradley Wallace, Secretary Carl Hamilton Tom Spencer Frank Stone, Treasurer Jerry Hocker Helen Stakem Andrea Bair Linda Hutchison Andrea Nguyen

Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 1 EMBR ACE THE choices of learning fulfillment, creating trophies DIFFERENCE, and awards, manufacturing products, mastering HONOR THE LEGACY, framing skills or producing items for our year- round gift shop — Robin’s Corner. When you step LOOK TO THE FUTURE inside the DRTC Gift Shop on campus, you will The next time you are driving down Northwest feel transported to the 1950s by authentic Dale 23rd Street, if you look north at the Utah Avenue and ’ memorabilia, posters, and items Roy and Dale at DRTC stoplight, you will see our lovely campus and our manufactured by our workers. You are always

home offices. welcome to stop by and look around. From the Board President Did you know you are looking at the Our long list of awards and recognitions (see Embrace the Difference, most innovative and entrepreneurial pages 26–27) reflects continued success toward Honor the Legacy, community-based nonprofit in the state of Connie Thrash McGoodwin reads to Lisa, 1982. our mission of training and employing people Look to the Future . . . . . 3 Oklahoma? Courtesy: The Oklahoman. with disabilities. People with disabilities in DRTC’s Success Stories...... 4 DRTC serves almost 1,000 teens and adults There were NO other schools or community programs earned more than $5.2 million in wages Derek Burton...... 4 with disabilities a year on this campus and in our programs available for that population in this year. Approximately 91% of those we served Jacklyn McDaniel...... 6 multiple locations across central Oklahoma. Just . are working in the community. At our federal Emily Stone ...... 8 as important as being on the cutting edge of our We still honor Roy and Dale; they were the contracts, 100% receive great wages and benefits. Lindsey Nguyen...... 10 field is honoring our wonderful legacy. In 1953, good guys who wore white hats and thought Please read on, enjoy some of their Craig Parr...... 11 a daring group of parents who had children with honesty was a virtue. We agree, greed is not success stories, our unique history and Additional Programs. . . . 13 disabilities had a collective dream to create a okay and being mean spirited is still not cool or innovative businesses. Working Together. . . . . 14 place their children would be welcome, safe and funny. For 67 years, DRTC has lived those values, Thank you Dale and Roy Jr. (Dusty) for trusting could grow at their own pace. embraced all differences, and ridden that trail DRTC to keep Robin’s legacy alive the way Dale’s Shhh, Secrets of Success. . . 15 In the same year, Dale Evans Rogers, celebrity honorably. book kept parents’ hope for a better life for their Entrepreneurial ...... 16 and wife of famed cowboy singer and actor Our historic main campus at Northwest 23rd sons and daughters alive; a hope that has been Benefits to the Community. . 19 Roy Rogers published an inspiring book called and Utah Avenue alone trains about 150 folks with realized thanks to Dale Rogers Training Center Rogers Family Facts . . . . 20 “Angel Unaware.” It was about the brief life of disabilities and houses three businesses. People and those like you who support us. Our History...... 22 their daughter, Robin, who was born with Down with disabilities at any of our multiple locations Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed. Awards ...... 26 syndrome and died before the age of two. The learn new skills and meet new friends, and equally Executive Director since 1981 Work, Fun, Choices. . . . . 28 book sold millions of copies worldwide and important, enjoy the pride and self-sufficiency of DRTC is in the “quiet phase” before Happy Trails...... 32 opened the door for change. Their “school” was work and paychecks. launching a capital building campaign to named Dale Rogers Training Center in her honor. Our on-campus production floors offer the complete our campus. Donate online today and leave a lasting legacy.

2 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 3 DEREK BURTON

“Dale Rogers Training Center gave me a chance to grow and to believe in myself.”

In 1992, a young, single father of two small AbilityOne Program. This created a confluence sons was in a precarious situation. Like most of circumstances which led to the impossible parents, he needed a job so he could support becoming possible for a man whose biggest his children. The hitch? Derek Burton has dream was to be able to send his sons to limitations which affect his mobility and ability college. to stand. But not his spirit or determination. “Dale Rogers Training Center gave me He’d worked for a decade at Sears, and a chance to grow and to believe in myself. during his tenure there had earned his Many times, we don’t think we can survive or associate’s degree in computer science from compete, but we can do more than just suffer Oklahoma City Community College. When with disability. At Dale Rogers Training Center, Derek heard Sears was closing that store, he you become a part of the family, and it gives felt like a heavy weight had been placed on you confidence,” Burton says. him. For three years, he desperately sought Today, some 25 years later, Derek and his another job without any success. two adult sons are thriving, and the dreams That was until one day when his vocational of this father have come true. Dakoda, his rehabilitation counselor told him about a eldest son, is now in veterinarian school, and cashier position for a new Food Service younger son Dylan is completing his internship contract set aside for Dale Rogers Training to become a pharmacist. Center on Tinker Air Force Base through the

Cover feature photo: Isaiah Lottie works at Tinker Air Force Base.

ABOUT DRTC’S WORK PROJECTS CONTRACTS

Dale Rogers Training Center and downtown OKC at the receive a generous benefits holds federal contracts federal building complex. DRTC package, in addition to through AbilityOne to provide employs more than 300 people professional growth opportunities. employment for people at at these locations; 75% of whom Employees provide custodial service Tinker Air Force Base, FAA Mike have a disability, are paid well at all locations, as well as food Monroney Aeronautical Center, above minimum wage and service at Tinker Air Force Base.

Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 5 JACKLYN McDANIEL

“I’m just a hard-working person.”

Jacklyn McDaniel is an what’s your name?’ Then I “I’m not going to spend my energetic young woman and began to learn, little by little. money on useless things. I like an enthusiastic grocery sacker Dale Rogers Training Center to help my parents.” at Crest Foods grocery store helped me a lot. I like to work. Jacklyn, like most of us, in Midwest City. She’s also Working inspires me to work!” identifies with what she does a creative soul, an aspiring Jacklyn says. for a living, and her work is writer who spends her free Jacklyn started in meaningful. Theresa Flannery, time working on her Disney- DRTC’s Vocational Services Community Resources and inspired fiction project “Snow Program in 2015, then sought Compliance Director for Dale Rose and the Beast,” and an community employment via Rogers Training Center, says artist whose illustration was the agency’s Employment that’s exactly as it should selected for the 2016 Dale Services Program. She has be. “Jacklyn is a very young Rogers Training Center (DRTC) worked at Crest since 2017 woman. She’s being given the holiday card. and is a valuable member opportunity to think about “I started at Dale Rogers of the team. Jacklyn now her life beyond just living with Training Center as a newbie. confidently earns her own her mom. DRTC gave her the I didn’t know where to sit, paycheck, doing a job she opportunity to do paid work. I didn’t know anything. I sat loves, allowing her to help Crest hired her, and that at an empty table and here her parents with bills, which allows her to keep growing.” came Dustin. He asked, ‘Hey, makes her extremely proud.

ABOUT THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAM This innovative, award-winning service, participant the first several days to learn the initiated in 1988, supports people with job, at no additional cost to the employer. disabilities to obtain community employment. As the participant becomes skilled at their An Employment Training Specialist (ETS) helps job, the Employment Training Specialist match individuals’ capabilities and skills with fades direct supports, leaving a well-trained, job openings in the area. Once a job has reliable employee. been offered, the ETS works alongside the

6 Dale Rogers Training Center 7 EMILY STONE

“I don’t know what we would have done without DRTC. Not so much for us, but for her.” — Genie Stone, parent

Like many women, Emily known since grade school. its Special Needs Program, Stone loves pretty clothes, With a little assistance, Emily and Emily’s mom got her sparkly jewels and spending and the rest of her friends in registered. Her schoolmates time with her friends. “She’s the Special Needs Program Patti, Jason, Kenny and Heath extremely social, and that’s participate in paid work, learn also joined the program and something people don’t job skills, exercise, enjoy their community blossomed. always realize,” says her leisure activities and take Genie’s voice wavers as mother, Genie Stone. “She community field trips. she thinks back to those days. does not talk, but she does In grade school, Emily “I don’t know what we would use her voice, for example spent about a year in a have done without DRTC. Not if something makes her mainstream program, but her so much for us, but for her. happy, she’ll squeal. That’s mom said it didn’t work out We were all just trying to care what I really want people to that well. “She was maybe 10 for our kids, and we’re all still understand the most. She can or 11 when she and one other taking care of our children. understand you and carry on child spent time in a first- DRTC has been a lifesaver for a conversation if you ask her grade classroom, but it was us. I don’t think Emily would yes or no questions.” more for socialization.” be 46 if she hadn’t had DRTC. Emily, now 46, has been When it came time to She never wants to miss, she coming to DRTC for more graduate, options for much loves her friends, and it just than 20 years, and spends her beyond staying home with would have been really rough days accomplishing tasks and mom all day were few and far to not have had that. It’s a socializing with friends she’s between. DRTC soon launched lifesaver for us.”

UNITED WAY

Dale Rogers Training Center has been a United off and pick up their loved one at DRTC so they Way partner agency since 1959. United Way can work themselves. When you support United helps provide impactful services for those at DRTC, Way, you’re also helping local nonprofits like Dale including adult rehabilitation, Special Needs Rogers Training Center advance their mission Program, Camp Tumbleweed, transportation, and and serve the needs of those in the community. extended care, which allows caregivers to drop #LiveUnited

Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 9 CRAIG PARR Craig Parr is a tall, strapping preference. “Salt and butter,” he young man with a smile as big as says. his heart. Craig also participated in At 18, Craig attends high school DRTC’s Transition School-To- “He’s made so and is taking a course on small Work program and is proud to many friends. engine repair at Francis Tuttle. announce that he’s just gotten his He loves His relationship with DRTC learner’s permit, which his mom began at Camp Tumbleweed, acknowledges like all moms do, everyone, which he attended for three with a slightly nervous smile. and he loves summers. Campers have fun, “Craig’s self-advocacy has really being here.” work on academic skills, enjoy become stronger since he’s been — Teresa Anderson, crafts and take a variety of field a part of DRTC,” Teresa Anderson parent trips. Craig’s favorite? “Harkins says. “He’s made so many friends. Theatre,” he says unequivocally. He loves everyone, and he loves LINDSEY NGUYEN Equally unwavering is his popcorn being here.” Lindsey Nguyen is a born school at Westmoore. A job coach multitasker. Now, she’s sorting at the school helped Lindsey get mail into cross sections, into the School-to-Work program, Lindsey and TRANSITION SCHOOL-TO-WORK paying close attention to the which in turn led to her gaining her parents DRTC aims to help high school juniors and City Metro, providing students with a head details. “These are supposed to be valuable skills, and her job with were thrilled seniors with disabilities on the path to successful start to employment after graduation. Students by state and then by name,” she DRTC. when she was employment through its Transition School-to- participate in job exploration at local businesses, says. Her nose and cheeks are “Oh, yeah, I enjoy it. I’m an Work program. This innovative program serves developing both personal and work-related skills. peppered with freckles and her independent person. I’m always announced 17 high schools in six districts in the Oklahoma shiny hair bobs as she turns her busy and hectic. If I need help outstanding head. I ask and get it. I get paid on performer At 34, Lindsey’s experience with the 15th and the 31st, and I statewide. Dale Rogers Training Center has save up my money, or I buy CDs spanned more than a decade, and DVDs. I love Disney and (see pg 27) beginning when she was in high Nickelodeon movies,” she says.

VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM

Dale Rogers Training Center provides training and self-advocacy, voting rights, and even how to cook. paid work opportunities through its Vocational Well-trained staff assist participants by helping Services Program. Participants stay engaged them reach their specific, work-related goals and and develop valuable skills through various increased independence. subcontracting jobs, as well as education on

10 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 11 ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

CAMP TUMBLEWEED DRTC offers a quality summer day camp for teenagers and young adults (ages 14-21) with disabilities. Camp Tumbleweed offers an outside camp area nestled in the trees Employment Services Ryan, far right, works at Sodexo in St. Anthony Hospital complete with teepee and (See page 6): Lucas works at Grand Casino mock campfire. In addition to Camp Tumbleweed water day having fun, campers maintain academic skills through creative and interactive activities. Arts & crafts and fun field trips are always part of the Camp Tumbleweed experience.

Fire station visits Camp Tumbleweed

MOBILE WORKFORCE businesses. Training focuses on workplace guidelines, DRTC provides a Mobile Workforce designed for safety, and interaction with co-workers. participants to gain experience and knowledge Another aspect of the Mobile Workforce includes

Special Needs (See page 9): Jason enjoys the Sam Noble Museum Patti loves the pumpkin patch in all aspects of community employment. A crew the opportunity to give back to the community by of dedicated workers and a trained staff member choosing to volunteer at locations like the Regional engage in compensated vocational training Food Bank of Oklahoma, The Salvation Army, and while learning valuable work skills onsite at local others.

Vocational Services Kim working on fulfilling a large order Virginia working at Digital Design with Mobile Workforce Brandon working at Pelco with (See page 10): Joseph labeling products Mobile Workforce for Jasco

12 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 13 WORKING TOGETHER SHHH, SECRETS OF SUCCESS

A person need go education program into an entry-level FOR NONPROFITS no further than Ted job, an adult with an intellectual disability talks given by people searching for a supportive work environment, People often ask how Dale Rogers Training framing, and subcontract businesses are thriving who have disabilities or a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder Center (DRTC) can be doing so consistently well and many client paychecks have doubled. to think we are rapidly (ASD) graduating with a high-tech degree even in economies like this one. The cardinal Let the professionals run the program, moving toward a seeking a professional position. If the rule would be to always put your agency but make sure the board is informed of the disability-inclusive workplace is to be a reflection of the talents mission and the persons you serve FIRST! good, bad, and ugly. Boards should never feel culture. In athletics, and capacities of our community, our media, and higher workplace needs to include people with a Be specific in your mission because your agency guilty asking to eyeball documentation. The can’t be all things to all people, and retain its board should recruit new members based on education, we see a wave of representation wide-range of abilities. for adults and children with disabilities, but DRTC encourages everyone to gain a quality. expertise or experience the agency needs to issues remain even in our own state. In well-informed perspective about the issues Hire persons whose skill sets are round out the board. Have good agency Lawton, a national fast-food restaurant facing Oklahomans with a disability. It is consistent with the written job requirements. policies that everyone follows consistently. crucial to understand the real effects and owner withdrew a dining room and Look for professionals with: a proven history Top management must model this behavior to unintended consequences with shifts in bathroom attendant job offer to a man with of success, who act the same whether being the rest of the staff. an intellectual disability, because he had policy and funding, which can mean the watched or not, and who believe in the mission. Don’t let one person, whether it be the CEO, support (at no cost to the establishment) loss of valuable choices for people. Today, from a job coach. A lawsuit was filed and state and federal funding for programs Finding the balance between board a board member or management staff, use damages awarded. It’s clear we still have continues to fall short of the actual cost and staff can be complicated. DRTC has the agency for their personal agenda. Take for services, such as a school-to-work issues to address. amazing staff longevity for a nonprofit; the Conflict of Interest forms very seriously. TRAITS With unemployment around 3.6% and transitional programs for students, paid training for people with the most significant board has term limits of six years, then must sit NEEDED BY ALL: an open mind, flexibility employers scrambling to fill jobs, one out at least one full year. Regular and consistent and honesty. Don’t be greedy, but never might assume everyone would be open barriers to employment, and employment evaluations based on staff work behavior are accept “no” as final; it only means “not today.” to a workforce that includes people with placement services. Proposed changes to disabilities. Yet employers still hesitate to hire set-asides in federal contracting, as well as crucial legal documentation. Every time you hire These tips won’t apply to all. While DRTC a student ready to transition from a special calls to eliminate special minimum wage and train a new person, the agency loses time has never had lawsuits from families, we are not would actually cut jobs and paid training and resources. Stable leadership is crucial, but afraid to discharge staff who threaten the clients for people with significant disabilities, rather than protect them. so is embracing change. Know the difference or anyone’s safety. We can all be part of supporting more between stable We have a great board partnership, an EMPLOYMENT options for employment and protecting the and stale. amazing leadership team, and consistent choices people with disabilities and their financial stability (which is so much more fun PEOPLE WHO DO P E R S O N S NOT IDENTIFY AS WITH families need and want. DRTC represents than not making payroll). None of the above HAVING DISABILITIES people who are perfectly qualified and A DISABILITY capable of doing great work. In the words was an accident. It’s OK to fail on occasion of Temple Grandin, author and professor of (ask me about Papa Murphy’s sometime). animal science who has ASD, “The world Take calculated risks and think outside THE IMPORTANT THING IS WHAT needs different kinds of minds to work the box. When DRTC’s strategic plan took YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM LEARNS FROM A together.” the road less traveled with a nonprofit MISTAKE AND WHAT IT DOES NEXT! entrepreneurial business model, it was difficult. Deborah Copeland, M.Ed., Deputy Director While it met our mission and paid clients Tips from Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed. 2017 Cornell University study found only Former Administrator at DRTC Executive Director of nonprofits in 25% of working-age (21-64 years) people Incoming Executive Director, January 2020 minimum wage or above, we had to learn high Oklahoma City and Dallas with disabilities in Oklahoma are employed level production, marketing, quality control, full-time compared to 61% of people who and distribution. Thankfully, today our awards, do not identify as having a disability.

14 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 15 Georgianna Schmitz, a local collector, donated thousands of dollars of her Dale and Roy memorabilia, and the Rogers Family sent us the Robin’s Corner display when they closed their Branson, Missouri, museum. A gift shop was born with client-packaged gifts including an annual holiday card. Due to a fluke, Dale Rogers Training Center bought hundreds of discounted spice bottles with orange or green lids. Partnering with Cedar Hills, a company in Edmond, this spun into the Prairie Spice line, which you can see in our catalog or online (www.drtc.org).

AbilityOne/SourceAmerica had federal contracts available at Tinker Air Force Base. It was a huge undertaking, but DRTC was desperate to diversify income. Dale Rogers Training Center Awards division, 1985. Courtesy: The Oklahoman obtained a Food Services Contract in 1993 and was subsequently sued unsuccessfully by THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED the former contractor. Custodial was the next How This Nonprofit Became area of expertise — first Tinker Air Force Base, then downtown with the General Services Entrepreneurial Administration and the Federal Aviation In the 1990s, costs were climbing, but the new Administration. Once DRTC hired professionals, state funding was not. Dale Rogers Training the agency learned to manage these contracts Center (DRTC) hit a plateau and could not sustain that paid DRTC’s workers great wages and full its quality of programs or its small trophy and benefits (75% of all workers were required to be awards business. A board member’s son helped people with disabilities). DRTC received steady us set up this venture starting with acrylic items. revenue as well. These contracts are now our DRTC applied for a 3% Small Business Loan for primary source of revenue. raw product and equipment. The big seller at DRTC in-house businesses today DRTC did a small amount of picture framing, is promotional items and personalized items which it subbed out. The Wyman family, our of all kinds — especially wearables. The new middleman, decided to sell their small business in t-shirt screen printer is busy every day and the Moore. The caveat was if DRTC purchased it, they workers love it! DRTC is now 87% self-sufficient would remain with DRTC the first 30 days and with a goal of 100% sustainability. Revenue teach staff the framing business. Framing is now has exceeded expense over 10 years in a on campus, and we have an excellent full-time row. Sometimes you just have to take that Certified Picture Framer. Screen printing calculated risk to move forward.

Picture framing division, 2013. 16 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 17 SUPPORT DRTC WITH YOUR PURCHASE HOW DRTC CAN ASSIST YOU, YOUR BUSINESS & THE COMMUNITY!

• Provide dedicated workers and mobile • Framing for your home or office work crews for your company • DRTC workers contribute to the tax base • Fundraising opportunities for your with their $5.2 million wages school or club • Gift Shop can provide you a last minute • Give exposure to companies that gift, or personalized gifts of every kind partner or volunteer with DRTC • Our workers have the option to • Show your school spirit with quality volunteer with community nonprofits: t-shirts and wearables for your school Contact us with your need: • Employee awards & recognition for your 405-946-4489 ext. 1501 staff, scouts, or sports team

WHAT YOU, YOUR BUSINESS AND THE COMMUNITY CAN DO TO SUPPORT DRTC! • Make jobs available for people with • Engage with us on our Social Media, disabilities who want to earn their own way leave a testimonial on DRTC’s customer • Provide a transition school-to-work service or quality worksite for high school students • Refer people with disabilities to DRTC Information & Referral: 405-946-4489 ext. • Read our Quarterly Newsletters 1501 • USE OUR CATALOGS, call or drop by • Awards • Greeting cards • Volunteer with DRTC teens or adults or go online to drtc.org • Custom trophies • Picture framing • Include DRTC in your Planned Giving: • Wearables • Personalized gifts 405-946-4489 ext. 1404 • Spirit items • And more! DONATE TO NEW BUILDING • Prairie Spices BUY OUR PRODUCTS and TELL FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, RELATIVES ABOUT Visit us at 2501 N. Utah Ave. in OKC WHAT DRTC DOES AND THE SELECTION OF PRODUCTS IT PRODUCES! Call us at 405-946-4489 Email [email protected]

18 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 19 The DALE & ROBIN While the Rogers adopted or fostered many children, their only biological child Robin was born with Down syndrome. Born in 1950, she passed Oklahoma quietly from this life right before her 2nd birthday. From cap pistols to PJs to full cowboy regalia, Dale and Roy’s Part of Dale’s healing process was to write a book Dale and Roy married Dale, Robin and Roy Rogers 400 plus merchandising items about Robin’s blessed role in the Rogers family. in 1947 at Flying L Ranch Connection were second only It was based on the bible verse Hebrews 13:2. in Davis, Oklahoma. to Walt Disney’s. In 1976, Dale and Roy were inducted into the Her book was huge to parents and Oklahoma Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. families of children with developmental disabilities all over the globe. Those children had so often been Numerous members of the Rogers family have hidden, ignored, and frequently been to Oklahoma City for the 50th and 60th institutionalized with no dreams for anniversaries of Dale Rogers Training Center. Dale was in 28 movies with Yes, it’s true. Roy had preserved their future. Now they had hope. Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders gave a Roy, but their relationship after his death and displayed crowd-pleasing concert at DRTC in the began to evolve during the at his museum in Apple Valley summer of 2013. filming of “Cowboy and the to pay tribute to their 33 years together. Artifacts from her book “Angel Unaware” were Señorita” (1944). donated to DRTC.

Roy Jr., his son and grandson were all at DRTC’s 60th anniversary in 2013. Jane Jayroe introduced them to the audience Dale wrote “Happy Trails” and asked Roy Jr. (Dusty) what for their first 12 week trial he remembered about his sister television show in 1952. Robin when he was young. He said his mom, Dale, warned the boys to be gentle with their little sister Robin. He said, “When Mom left the room we boys would There were more than 600 Roy and Dale get her down on the floor and restaurants in the U.S. and were known as ‘wrassle’ with her. She loved it.” Canada. When ordering, the King and Queen More trivia on Roy Rogers can be found servers would ask, “For of the Cowboys. online at drtc.org/rogers-trivia here or on the trail?”

20 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 21 1953

Parents with young children with HISTORY disabilities incorporated in 1953 and 1981 Dale Rogers Training Center was born. It grew from a school to a Vocational 54 clients/students Training Center. $90,000 in services No state funding for services for people with disabilities 1980s

DRTC expansion groundbreaking, 1984, creating

1960s more subcontracting opportunities.

Comedian Jack Benny performed Utah Ave. a dirt road a fundraiser in 1956. Awards division born. Dale Evans Rogers at her namesake agency in 1967. Former first lady Donna Nigh visiting DRTC, 1985 1985. (Courtesy: The Oklahoman) 90 clients/students $600,000 in services

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, visiting in 1966.

Barry Switzer at Special Olympics, 1987.

The new barn under construction in 1956, later decimated during a tornado in 1970. Yard Crew program begins with Supported Employment concept introduced, 1988. (Courtesy: The Oklahoman) OSBI and expands. 1970s 22 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 23 2000s

2000 929 clients served/employed $13.8 million in services Individuals earn $3.4 million

Tinker AFB Food Service contract begins.

OETA documentary on DRTC wins OK Association of Broadcasters award, 2005.

Custodial contracts added at Tinker AFB, FAA and new federal complex. 1990s Camp Tumbleweed is built.

Rogers family donates Robin’s Corner display 1995 from museum in Branson, MO., 2010. 340 clients served/employed $4.1 million in services 11,000 sq. ft. building constructed for training & framing.

Individuals earn $1 million in wages, 1995. Individuals at DRTC provide quality control services on promotional items, 2016. 2019 Roy Jr. and Dustin Rogers at DRTC’s 60th Anniversary, 2013.

Framing division added. 2019

Old Meek house demolished; new 900 clients served/employed building completed, housing newly Kim presents an award to former Oklahoma created Special Needs Program for $19.5 million in services first lady Donna Nigh, 1997. people with multiple disabilities, Individuals earn $5.2 million DRTC begins screen printing. 1997. 24 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 25 DRTC AWARDS SINCE 1992

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR SURVEYS & Connie Thrash McGoodwin ACCREDITATIONS February 1992 OKC Sales and Marketing

GOLD PLATE AWARD Tinker Food Services 1993 & 1995 COMMISSION ON International Air Force Award for ACCREDITATION OF Food Services REHAB FACILITIES (CARF) OK-APSE Highest level of Worldwide Accreditation HALL OF HONOR Vivian Naegeli, Lorri Elston, Since 2011 — 3 year awards St. Ann’s Retirement Center WORLD NEIGHBORS Connie Thrash McGoodwin 2017 June 2017 NATIONAL EVELYNE DIGNITY AWARD VILLINES AWARD Northwest Oklahoma City Outstanding Employment Training 2010 Specialists for the Year Shelley Young Chamber Outstanding Citizen of Agency award for giving dignity to the Year CLEANING INDUSTRIAL April 2007 people with disabilities, presented MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Awarded to a person with a by Jane Jayroe (CIMS) CERTIFICATION disability who was able to use FINANCIAL STEWARD DRTC October 2014 NATIONAL EVELYNE their training to advance within the AWARD October 2017 MOST ADMIRED CEO This national certification by a 3rd VILLINES AWARD workplace Awarded for outstanding AWARD Lillian Hobbs party audit develops efficiency achievements in enhancing Jesse Linn Jr. April 2017 processes and best practices for Connie Thrash employment, from the OKC November 1999 REGIONAL NISH AWARD Journal Record—Outstanding Chief cleaning services McGoodwin Mayor’s Committee on Disability Awarded by NISH in Wash. D.C. Financial Officer Tinker Custodial March 2014 Concerns April 2007 Journal Record Award for 100+ GOVERNOR’S WILLIA M USDANE Outstanding Custodial Service Leadership EXCELLENCE IN AWARDS ON DISABILITY 2017 KELLER-SULLIVAN AWARD MANAGEMENT AWARD EMPLOYMENT FOR THE SOUTH AWARD Derek Burton BUSINESS OF THE YEAR BEST OF SHOW AWARD, WINNERS—BOTH PEOPLE CENTRAL REGION AMP-300 Facility Services WITH DISABILITIES April 2004 DRTC OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR (FAA Contract) — National Connie Thrash McGoodwin AND OUTSTANDING National Award — Tinker Air Force March 2008 Carla Folks Award May 2017 EMPLOYERS. Base Food Service From the Department of 2016 October 2017 NCSE Outstanding Performance Rehabilitation Services for Certified Picture Framer, DRTC Honoring an employee who and Leadership EXCELLENCE IN Employing People with Disabilities goes above and beyond to 95-100% SCORES achieve unique hiring, promotion SANITATION AWARD 2016 VOCATIONAL ON ANNUAL ACHIEVERS UNDER 40 or advancement Tinker Food Services EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR REHABILITATION GOLD DEVELOPMENTAL March 2005 Tinker Air Force Base STAR AWARD James Helm DISABILITIES SURVEYS May 2017 SINCE THE 1990s. Our custodial team had the highest December 2009 DRTC STATE USE: Journal Record OUTSTANDING sanitation scores in 2005 Given by the Mayor’s Committee December 2016 PERFORMER AWARD on Disability Concerns DRTC honored for outstanding (OMES) placement of people PASEO ARTS FESTIVAL TRADEMARK ON with disabilities in contracts Brian Landreth Lindsey Nguyen “EMBR ACING THE OKDRS ® with Department of May 2017 DIFFERENCE ” 2018 Rehabilitation Services March 2018 Featured Artist Remains with agency for 99 years State use honoring the top worker in Oklahoma

26 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 27 WORK, FUN, CHOICES

TOP LEFT Nehemiah; TOP RIGHT Ronnie sands an acrylic award, 1993. Courtesy: The Oklahoman. TOP LEFT Lady Liberty, 2008; TOP RIGHT Kim and Angie BOTTOM LEFT 35th Anniversary celebration, 1988; BOTTOM RIGHT Shon & Kermit BOTTOM LEFT Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, Lt. Gen. Richard Burpee, Jane Jayroe, Connie Thrash McGoodwin at DRTC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration; BOTTOM RIGHT Timothy 28 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 29 TOP LEFT Heather; TOP RIGHT Letitia TOP LEFT Gary; TOP RIGHT St. Patrick’s Day, 2005 BOTTOM LEFT Dale; BOTTOM RIGHT Julie BOTTOM LEFT Afshin; BOTTOM RIGHT Abby, Nekia, Terry

30 Dale Rogers Training Center Special Commemorative Edition 1981–2019 31 Friends, My heart is full of thanks and gratitude to those None of the myriad of accomplishments at Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) who have supported DRTC and me personally on were achieved by me or any one person. Our success has been achieved together in this great journey. HOW LUCKY AM I to have partnership, mutual collaboration, cooperation, and respect. had the honor of serving this amazing agency! Who gets lucky enough to help take a small floundering community agency with a Always Part of the big heart and make it into an award-winning, nationally-recognized entity? From Dale Rogers Family, a dairy barn on a gravel road to a true Oklahoma success story, DRTC’s lovely It’s how you campus always welcomes friends, visitors, and customers. ride the trail I feel good about Dale Rogers Training Center’s future with Deborah Copeland that counts! at the helm starting in January 2020. You’ll be hearing a lot about Deborah, Connie her career, and her goals for DRTC as she works with the Board of Directors to - Dale Evans Read Connie’s full historical resignation letter take the agency to the next level. I know the Board will support her as much Rogers online at drtc.org/connie-resignation as they have trusted and partnered with me for almost 40 years. Remember: the journey and the process can be as important Read Connie’s “After the Closets Are Clean” as the goals. I’ll be at DRTC part-time through June 2020 article—her last “From the Director”—online working on special projects and documenting four decades at drtc.org/after-the-closets-are-clean of agency history for the next generation.

P.S. - I hope you’ll consider leaving a lasting legacy for Dale Rogers appy rails o ou ll Training Center. Please donate H T T Y A ! online at DRTC.org/donate-form. “Each one of us is the culmination of the life choices we have made.” Unknown Dale Rogers Training Center 2501 N. Utah Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Phone Main 405.946.4489 Video 405.445.7314 Fax 405.943.9710 [email protected] drtc.org

Special thanks to Deborah Copeland, M.Ed. and James Helm for their major contributions to this publication.