Cottonwood, Inc.

In 1972, Cottonwood, Incorporated, was established to provide services to people with developmental disabilities. Executive Director, Sharon Spratt, explains the growth since then as significant, and the accompanying increased record-keeping and reporting requirements as equally significant!

Cottonwood today supports individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, such as employment, residential, community access and advocacy. Each general area includes multiple programs and reporting is necessary at each level. Beyond the sophisticated reporting requirements by cost center for internal and board oversight purposes, many of the programs involve external reporting as well.

The work programs include Work Services and JobLink Employment Services. Work Services originally offered individuals the gratification of working on a variety of skill-building projects for community businesses. These generally consisted of light assembly, packaging, bulk mailings, shredding and collating. This department has grown to include complete fulfillment operations and even a contract with the Department of Defense! The Mize, Houser Human Resources system — integrated to Payroll — addresses the reporting requirements for Affirmative Action, and a Mize Houser custom-developed payroll enhancement tracks the compensation reporting required by the Department of Labor.

JobLink is designed to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and retaining jobs in the community. Between both programs, some form of reporting is necessary to over 100 companies. Integrated systems reduce the necessity to keep duplication of effort at a minimum.

Sharon and Cottonwood CFO, Barbara Blevins, agree they appreciate having "another set of eyes" looking at their financial statements. Sharon and her board know that not-for-profits need to operate "as a business" and call upon Jim Eagan to provide his expertise when needed. Sharon appreciates the quality of service received and the long-term relationship Cottonwood has enjoyed with Mize Houser.

"From the ‘one-on-one’ sessions during my first few months as Executive Director, to the continued personal involvement Jim Eagan takes in Cottonwood, I appreciate the relationship we have with Mize Houser — and so does my staff and board!"

Sharon Spratt, Executive Director
Cottonwood, Incorporated

Cottonwood’s mission is to help individuals with disabilities shape their own future. From operations in Lawrence, Kansas, Cottonwood serves over 500 consumers annually with community-based opportunities for housing, work and retirement activities. The Cottonwood Foundation is a separate entity established to facilitate the contribution of funds for individuals with developmental disabilities served by Cottonwood, Inc.