Krysilis

About Us | Annual Report | QAR | History | Staff | Board of Directors | Video

Krysilis employs a philosophy based in Universal Enhancements © as it offers services to the individuals it supports. This philosophy supports people with disabilities in a way that helps them realize a higher quality of life by recognizing them as individuals with abilities rather than someone defined by disabilities.

As Krysilis staff work on behalf of the individuals they serve, employees focus on what's possible by using each person's abilities as multiple starting points for individualized personal and vocational goals.

Krysilis fosters a supportive living environment where individuals participate in the life of the communities where they live in all ways possible. Supported employment and leisure activities enrich the lives of those receiving services while enhancing learning.

History

The historical perspective of service has been as a residential home with emphasis on supportive medical care. Today, the supportive services employed by Krysilis have expanded to include home and community-based living assistance, community employment services, job placement, work services, pre-vocational services, school transition services, and respite services. Likewise, some of the individuals Krysilis supports reside at home with parents and guardians while others live independently but receive assistance in life skills areas such as meal planning and budgeting.

Historical Timeline

Krysilis has done business under three previous names in its organizational history. Its origins are linked to a group founded first as WEE ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens). The subsequent evolution of names -- from Winnebago Handicapped Services to North Central Human Services (NCHS) and now Krysilis -- reflects an evolving awareness of the way language shapes perceptions among those offering and receiving services.

Many important dates mark significant milestones in Krysilis' history. Those listed below are intended to help provide context for the expansion of their services into communities that have Krysilis facilities. Beginning in the late 90s, Krysilis also expanded into communities without physical properties by offering services in the homes of individuals it supports and in businesses that employ individuals supported by Krysilis.

1968 -- WEE ARC founded by parents of children with intellectual and physical disabilities

1971 -- Winnebago Handicapped Services incorporated in November

1977 -- First in Iowa to be listed as fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.

1978 -- Renamed North Central Human Services (NCHS)

1992 -- Expanded services by building residential facilities in Belmond

1993 -- Expanded services by building residential facilities in Clarion

1994-1995 -- Expanded services by building in Nevada and through a cooperative agreement with Martin Luther Homes

1999 -- Built Mills Harbour, a senior independent living facility, in Lake Mills

2003 -- Acquired Unlimited Opportunities and began expanding services in Wright County

2004 -- Received CARF International Accreditation (supplemental based on Unlimited Opportunities business practices survey)

2005 -- Received CARF International Accreditation (three-year based on NCHS business practices survey)

July 1, 2005 -- Renamed Krysilis

July 31, 2006 -- Sold Mills Harbour

2006 -- Krys Foundation formed

2008 -- Obtained CARF 3-Year Accreditation

2009 -- Clarion Expansion Project Completed

 

Staff

Krysilis' services are facilitated by skilled staff members who recognize each person's abilities as starting points for improving life's options. Each person employed by Krysilis expresses a desire to do whatever he or she can to enhance quality of life for the individuals they support. To achieve that worthy goal, our staff:

• Submit to background checks prior to employment and become mandatory reporters with ongoing training.
• Agree to adhere to a Code of Ethics.
• Receive on-going training in mandatory areas according to governmental standards (e.g, bloodborne pathogens, HIPAA, OSHA).
• Receive enhanced training each month on issues such as Universal Enhancements, non-verbal communication, and more.

2010 Krysilis Board of Directors

The Krysilis Board of Directors is the governing body of Krysilis, Inc. It is comprised of up to 12 members that demonstrate diverse vocational backgrounds and geographic coverage, providing Krysilis with broad leadership perspectives.

Any person, 18 years of age or older, with interest in and/or knowledge of services provided to individuals with disabilities may become a board director, following nomination by the Board Governance Committee and approval by the Krysilis Board of Directors.

Employees, their immediate family members, or paid consultants are not eligible to be a board director.

Directors do not receive any compensation for their services in office, with the exception of reimbursement of actual necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as a member of the Krysilis Board Directors.

The Krysilis Board of Directors typically meets on the last Tuesday of every other month beginning in January.

Chairperson
Brian Kelley
Eagle Grove

Vice Chairperson
Ray Schwichtenberg
Nevada

Treasurer
Jolene Mennenga
Meservey

Secretary
Todd McQuown
Forest City

Directors

Jason Miller
Forest City

Julie Schreitmueller
Ames

Charlene Tigges
Armstrong

Dan Robson
Forest City

Eric Gabrielson
Nevada

Maggie Weir
Colo

Robert Malloy
Goldfield

Sally Sadler
Eagle Grove

Emeritus member
Betty Brunsvold
Lake Mills