Southwest Area Training Service Expands Opportunities, Strengthens Community Connections

McCook, Neb. — The Southwest Area Training Service (SWATS) is on a mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities live self-determined, independent lives—and under new leadership, that mission is taking on a renewed energy and focus.

“Our primary mission is to support the individuals we serve to live their lives in a self-determined manner—to make their own choices, take risks, and learn from those risks, just like anybody else,” said Kayla Rork, Services Director. “With a strong staff and a more community-focused approach, we’re finally seeing the growth we’ve hoped for.”

Administrator Mandy Broussard, who joined SWATS in 2024, has seen a shift not just inside the building, but out in the community. “The clients are being seen more—and seen as the people they are. That’s key for everything we’re trying to do,” she said.

More Than Just Care: Building Relationships

The team has been expanding opportunities for clients to engage with the broader community, from volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the McCook Food Pantry to participating in local events like Third Thursday and the Freedom Festival.

At the ArtBank, individuals explore self-guided art purely for personal expression, building confidence and creative skills in a supportive space. Meanwhile, in their own workshop, clients have been creating handmade craft projects—such as birdhouses—which are sold at Plants by Ashley, giving them the pride of earning money from their own work.

“When they sell something they’ve made, they’re not just earning money—they’re building confidence and independence,” Broussard said.

New Services on the Horizon

SWATS currently serves around 35 individuals through residential, vocational, and independent living programs, as well as respite and supported employment services. But there’s more coming.

A new child services program for school-aged children is set to launch soon, offering after-school and occasional Saturday care specifically designed for children with special needs.

“Sometimes parents just need a day to run errands or attend a ball game, and trained staff can give them that peace of mind,” Rork said. “It’s not just childcare—it’s a program tailored to help kids with special needs build independence.”

The team is also eager to expand supported employment partnerships. “If local businesses are willing to work with us, we’ll provide the staff support until individuals can work independently. They’re capable of so much,” Rork said.

Businesses interested in partnering can contact SWATS directly.

Breaking Barriers in the Community

One of Rork’s goals for the coming year is to offer training sessions for businesses and schools on how to interact with people with developmental disabilities.

“A lot of people are just unsure because they’ve never had the experience. They don’t need special treatment—they just want the same community experiences everyone else does,” Rork said. “Sometimes all it takes is saying hi, asking their name, and starting a conversation.”

The team also hopes to become more visible at events, including Heritage Days and future parades. “It’s not about putting people on display—it’s about showing the community who we are,” Broussard said.

“Give Us a Chance”

Both Broussard and Rork emphasize that SWATS has deep roots in the community, with some board members and families involved since its founding in the 1970s.

“SWATS was created for this region, and we want to keep growing with it. We just ask the community to give us a chance,” Rork said.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit https://southwestareatrainingservice.org or follow their Facebook page at “Southwest Area Training Services – SWATS.”

Picture from website.