January 16, 2001" - SRS Secretary Schalansky appoints Dale Barnum, for 20 years area director in Garden City, as new director of Rehabilitation Services

Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) Secretary Janet Schalansky today announced the appointment of Dale Barnum as state director of Rehabilitation Services, effective February 4, 2001.

Mr. Barnum has been the area director of the SRS Garden City office for the last 20 years, where he was responsible for program and resource management in the 25-county area. He oversaw a $10 million administrative budget and all SRS programs in the Garden City area, including services for children and families, adult services, rehabilitation services, child support enforcement, medical services, and economic and employment support services.

"Dale’s experience and leadership skills will be a key asset to the department in Rehabilitation Services," said Secretary Schalansky. "He has long been recognized for the workforce development initiatives in the Garden City area and for contributions to employment and social service initiatives for refugees and other population in Southwest Kansas."

Rehabilitation Services administers a variety of programs to help adults with disabilities become self-sufficient. These include Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which is the cornerstone of the department’s efforts to help people with disabilities become gainfully employed and self-reliant. Other Rehabilitation Services programs include the Division of Services for the Blind, Disability Determination Services, The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Client Assistance Program.

Prior to serving as area director, Mr. Barnum held progressive income maintenance positions in Garden City and Pratt. He also worked as an executive officer and social worker with the Barber County Department of Social Welfare. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fort Hays State University.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001