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CHS moves to new location at Sunflower Diversified Services
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Willie Ayers, left, and Randy Greathouse paint a bathroom as part of a remodeling project at Sunflower Diversified Services. Community Habilitation Services moved to the main Sunflower location near the Great Bend Airport.

The finishing touches are being wrapped up at the new Community Habilitation Services (CHS) location at Sunflower Diversified Services, a non-profit agency that serves people with special needs.

Previously, CHS was housed at the former Sunflower facility, 1521 K-96. Now, thanks to a major remodeling job, its new home is at Sunflower’s main location, 8823 4th St.

“This has been a gradual process over a period of several months,” said John Lichter, Sunflower director of facilities management. “It has been well worth it because of all the benefits to everyone involved.

“For example, if a client needs to check in with Sunflower’s medical personnel, it can be done in a minute or two instead of a staff member driving to another location. Our General Public Transportation vehicles are right here too. This also saves time and fuel expenses.”

In addition, there are now two dining areas. “Lunchtime is much more comfortable for everyone,” Lichter noted. “It had been a little crowded with just one dining area.”

Sunflower’s maintenance team handled most of the work in-house.

“Randy Greathouse and Willie Ayers did a great job on this project,” Lichter said. “They deserve a lot of credit for creating an efficient and welcoming environment. It has been good for client and staff morale.”

Local subcontractors took care of the wiring, plumbing and flooring. Those involved were Mac-Clet Electrical, ComfortPro and Kern Floor Service.

The project entailed new walls, partitions and painting in more than a third of the building.

The cost was approximately $40,000; First Christian Church purchased the K-96 building from Sunflower.

CHS includes physical and other therapies, cooking classes, outdoor and retirement activities, and support services.

Shelby Zuniga, Sunflower interim executive director, said “John and his crew never let us down. These guys go above and beyond on every project and this was no exception.

“The team transformed under-utilized space and turned every square foot into usable areas to support our clients. This allows more convenient service options in a fresh and newly updated space. It also allows staff to better collaborate with one another on behalf of clients.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 57th year.