Big News

We had a spooktacular Hallo-week at Big Lakes! 🎃👻The week at Big Lakes was full of festive fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments! Monday – Boo! Bingo! We kicked off the week with a spooktacular Bingo session! The afternoon was filled with laughs, prizes, and plenty of spooky cheer. Everyone had a blast marking their cards and celebrating Hallo-Week together. Tuesday – Sugar Skull Studio On Tuesday, we got crafty as we designed sugar skulls using paper plates, markers, ge

Our team at Big Lakes had a great time at InterHab's Power Up! Conference, a three-day annual conference dedicated to empowering and educating professionals who support individuals with disabilities. This year it was from October 8-10th at the Hilton Garden Inn right here in Manhattan, KS. We joined IDD professionals from across the state to learn, connect, and share new ideas to keep improving the services we provide. The conference featured many breakout sessions and inspir

Direct Support Professional Week is a national celebration held each September to show appreciation for the hard work and support our...

Oral Health Kansas visited Big Lakes to host their "Feeling Good About Your Smile" sessions! This fun and interactive 90-minute program featured engaging visual and hands-on activities to help educate people on oral hygiene. Some of the activities included how much toothpaste to actually use, the proper way to brush your teeth, the benefits of fluoride and even how an acid attack on your teeth works. Our clients enjoyed the experience and gained valuable knowledge. They even

We were truly honored to collaborate with Networks Pls for their first ever Giving Back Golf Tournament for the benefit of Big Lakes. The tournament took place on August 22nd at Stagg Hill Golf Club, and it could not have been a more beautiful and sunny day. Fifteen teams came together to compete, connect, and golf for a good cause, including our very own Big Lakes team, the Par-Tee Animals! The day was filled with great energy, laughter, and plenty of community spirit. The t

On Friday, June 20th, we turned up the heat for our Summer Client Party with a Party in the Desert! The day was packed with delicious food, fun activities, and of course, nonstop dancing to all of our favorite music! Planning kicked o back in April, after the Client Steering Committee chose the theme. From there on, our clients and staff worked together to bring the desert to life! They made cacti out of different materials like paper plates and pool noodles! It really felt

“Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy A LETTER FROM LORI FELDKAMP Since I announced my retirement in February, I have had the opportunity to reflect on an unexpected career that has shaped both my professional and personal life over the past 30 years. I came to Big Lakes with no ambition to be the CEO. I was just happy to find an exciting place where I could utilize my business acumen. Litt

Annual Awards Banquet On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Big Lakes community gathered at the beautiful Colbert Hills Golf Course for our...

News Release March 12, 2025 - Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc. and the Big Lakes Foundation, Inc. announced today Elizabeth “Liz”...

Client Winter Party To celebrate the holiday season, clients and staff came together for a joyful Client Winter Party! This year’s theme,...

Each holiday season, Big Lakes embraces the spirit of giving through our Annual Giving Campaign. Since 1996, we have reached out to our...

February 6, 2025 - Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc. and the Big Lakes Foundation, Inc. announced today the upcoming retirement of...

Hosted by InterHab - The Premier Association of I/DD Providers Beginning October 23rd, 15 members of the Big Lakes team attended the...

'IN MY DSP ERA' Each September, we have the privilege of celebrating and honoring our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) during a...

In 2007, Big Lakes purchased a 20-acre property outside city limits with a farmhouse for four individuals with IDD to live and experience...

On Friday, June 7th, we hosted our 2024 Summer Client Party with the theme of Enchanted Forest! This event includes lunch, activities,...

Reporting on all things happening in and around Big Lakes and the Community! The Big Lakes News Crew, a collaborative effort between our...

Thank you to everyone who donated to Big Lakes on Grow Green Match Day hosted by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. With the...

Honoring Clients, Staff & Donors On April 18th, Big Lakes hosted our Annual Awards Banquet at the Mid-West Dream Car Collection. This...

On March 14, our voices were heard at the State Capitol during InterHab’s Advocacy Day. Nearly 600 people gathered that day to celebrate...