The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center

09/04/2026

The Kistler Center will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8th.

09/03/2026

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are one of the cornerstones of our CES Waiver Program. DSPs assist persons served with working toward their goals in the CES Waiver Program. This can include things like assisting with shopping for groceries, building positive habits, reminding them of learned skills, accompanying them to appointments, etc.

🎉National Direct Support Professionals Week is September 13th – 19th.🎉 We’d love to recognize some of our DSPs on social media that week for their dedication and commitment to assisting persons served. Give a shout out to a DSP and tell us why they should be recognized in the comments. And, if you have one, include a picture!

09/02/2026

At the Kistler Center, we know that the process to complete the CES Waiver application can be overwhelming and sometimes even frustrating. If you have questions about the CES Waiver Program, what it means to apply and be put on the waitlist, how to complete the application, what services you can receive both on the waitlist and once accepted into the program, etc. please reach out! Our CES Waiver Team is happy to answer questions you may have and help guide and support you through the process.

Pictured below is the part of our CES waiver team that works with families during the initial processes. From left to right they are Chad Brewer, Admissions and Authorization Coordinator, Tress Fry, Admissions and Authorizations Coordinator, Nic Steelman, Director of the CES Waiver Program, Georgia Alexander, CES Waiver Nurse, and Kodie Friend, CES Waiver Nurse.

Call 479-785-4677 to schedule an appointment with our waiver team or message us and we will connect you to the right team member.

09/01/2026

Check out this event hosted by Spectrum Independence Living!

🎉 TODAY’S THE DAY! Neurodivergent Dance Night is TONIGHT! 💃🕺🎶

We’re excited to see everyone for an evening full of music, food, games, dancing, and fun! Come hang out, meet new people, and enjoy a welcoming space to be yourself.

📅 Today – August 31
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Central Mall Community Room
5111 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72903
2nd floor between Dillard’s and the Food Court

✨ What’s included:
🎟️ FREE Entry
🎶 Music & Dancing
🍕 Food & Drinks
🎲 Games
👥 Ages 17+
💜 Program information session for parents

Bring your energy, bring a friend, and come ready to have a great time. We can’t wait to see you tonight! 🎉

👇Register here:
https://spindlrivervalley.org/social-events/

08/31/2026

Today was incredible! Hayley, Gina, and 3 of our board members attended the 2026 Art on the Border Check Presentation Ceremony where we were awarded $25,000! Thank you again to everyone from Art on the Border who helped make this happen. We are so grateful.

Pictured below from left to right are Hayley Howard (Community Development Coordinator), Gina Roberts (Executive Director), Gerry McEvoy (Board Member), Juli Stec (Board President), Anthony Sims (Board Secretary), and Teresa Keller (Art on the Border Event Co-Chair).

08/28/2026

Our Care Coordination Specialists consistently interact with Persons Served, their families, and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to help insure the Person Served is receiving everything they need to be successful in working toward their goals. Take a peek into some of the things the CCSs do each day! ✨

08/27/2026

Don’t forget to mark your calendar to attend this meeting hosted by our friends at Arc for the River Valley! The meeting will discuss advocacy and the process and importance of establishing guardianship when you have a child who needs lifelong support.

September 3 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

You can register to attend by using the QR code on the flyer.

08/26/2026

Did you know that a person on the waitlist for the CES Waiver can receive certain services while waiting?

If the person needs health insurance coverage while on the waiting list, they can apply through the Access Arkansas website at https://access.arkansas.gov to find out if they are eligible for programs like traditional Medicaid, ARKids First, or TEFRA.

They may also apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid at https://ssa.gov/benefits/ssi.

If approved for Medicaid, they can get the following services while on the waiting list:
* Primary Care Physician (P*P)
* Physician Specialists
* Personal Care
* Durable Medical Equipment
* Occupational, Physical, & Speech Therapy
* Hospital Services
* Medicines
* Outpatient Behavioral Health Counseling
* Early Intervention Day Treatment – evaluation as well as therapeutic, developmental, and preventative services provided by a licensed pediatric day treatment clinic
* Adult Developmental Day Treatment – assessments, supervised living services, and educational services provided by a licensed adult day treatment clinic

You can find out your waitlist number by email at [email protected].

Source: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/developmental-disabilities-services/ces-waiver/

08/25/2026

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