Recent News

Amanda Goes to Florida!

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Support Inc. would like to highlight one of our individuals in services, Amanda, recent trip to Florida. During Amanda’s last vacation to Florida, she enjoyed a magical trip to Walt Disney World and a sun-drenched time on Cocoa Beach!!

Amanda and her wonderful Mom/Family Caregiver, Becky, spent 10 magical days at Disney World with their family, experiencing the attractions in the parks. Amanda had so much fun dressing up with her family for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and received pixie dust from people at the park who loved all their outfits. Amanda dressed up as a Mickey Bar, her mom dressed up as Dole Whip, her sister was a churro, and her sister’s boyfriend was dressed up as popcorn!

After Disney World, Amanda went to the beach for a week and was blessed with so many people willing to help her and her wheelchair on the sandy beach. Amanda was able to get in a beach chair on the edge of the ocean to sit in the waves. This was another amazing vacation in the books for Amanda and her family! Check out the awesome pictures below.

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ASL- Ways to Learn

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There has never been a better time to learn American Sign Language (ASL) with the range of resources available to all levels of learners. Below are some fun ways to learn.

  1. Local meets/events: There are ASL groups in every major metro area and many smaller areas that welcome both deaf and hearing people. A quick search through Facebook, Meetup or similar event sites can locate a group in your area.
  2. Online lessons: There are numerous websites that offer online courses, usually for a fee. A whole world of online videos exists for teaching anything from a single letter to conversation by topic for free using online search engines.
  3. ASL apps: Lingvano and Pocket Sign are two that have free lessons as well as low-cost options for unlimited access. Preply offers 1 to 1 tutoring for a fee, in addition to basic ASL lessons.
  4. Community College classes: Nearly every community college has affordable, tiered ASL courses. While gaining college credit, students learn with others at similar levels of signing expertise.
  5. Deaf Schools: Periodically, local schools for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students provide ASL classes for a fee. Rocky Mountain Deaf School (rmds.co) in Denver or The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind (www.csdb.org) in Colorado Springs offer classes for both professionals and the general public. Typically, classes occur outside of school hours – on evenings or weekends. These classes are great ways to learn about DHH culture while developing signing skills. For information on schedules and availability, contact schools directly.

 

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Host Home Provider of the Month!

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We would like to congratulate Michele Valdez for being nominated as our December Host Home Provider of the Month! The below information was provided by her Residential Team:

Michele recently became a Host Home Provider for PW who had never been in host home services before, and Michele is doing a phenomenal job! Michele has excelled at every task, including Therap and Relias, but most importantly, Michele has built a strong and meaningful connection with PW.

PW had a very rough start when he first came into services and initially required emergency respite. While he did well in that setting, it became clear that a more one-on-one, person-centered placement was important to PW, and Michele provided that level of support from the very beginning. Michele took the time to learn PW’s preferences, routines, and comfort level, intentionally creating a welcoming environment that helped PW feel right at home. Because of this individualized approach, PW was able to open up, build trust, and begin gaining confidence.

Michele has further supported PW by involving him in meaningful experiences and holiday traditions such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and celebrating his birthday—experiences that PW had not had for many years. PW is now beginning to dream about different possibilities for his life, and we truly believe this growth is a direct result of Michele’s support and encouragement to try new things.

PW is joining the Special Olympics basketball team and has expressed interest in starting college at CSU Pueblo and becoming a ThunderWolf. We want Michele to know that her dedication, commitment, and hard work are truly making a difference and are not going unnoticed. Thank you, Michele, for all that you do and congratulations on being named our December Host Home Provider of the Month!!!

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Residential Team News & Updates

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✨ Holiday Cheers and a Big Thank-You ✨

As the year winds down, we’ve been reflecting on everything that’s happened—and wow, it’s been a year of constant change. Through every update, shift, curveball, and new idea, you’ve shown steady commitment and a whole lot of heart. We notice it, and we appreciate it more than you know.

A huge thank-you as well to everyone who completed the survey and shared thoughtful feedback. Your voices are guiding our next steps, and we’re excited to turn your insights into meaningful improvements. Stay tuned—our action plans for 2026 are on the way.

Based on the feedback from the 2024 survey, as you know we have been focused on regionalization and opening more Day Programs along the front range. With this in mind, we have some big news to share; we’ve secured leases for a new Arvada, Colorado Springs, and Littleton offices! These spaces will be used as offices for some of northern Denver and Colorado Springs residential teams and will also become home to a brand-new day programs.  Renovations are already underway, and we can’t wait to welcome you into the finished spaces soon—grand opening details will be coming your way.

Working in residential services isn’t just about providing support; it’s about creating moments of comfort, safety, humor, and humanity. You do that every day, even when things are in motion around you, and it’s what keeps our homes feeling like true communities.

As the holidays roll in, we hope you find time to breathe, enjoy, reconnect, and recharge. Thank you for adapting, for showing up, and for bringing your best—through all the changes and all the seasons.

Our Residential staff and providers make a real difference, and we’re truly grateful for all of you!

 

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Caregiver of the Month!

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We would like to congratulate and acknowledge, Arlene Low, as our November Family Caregiver of the Month! The below information was provided by Support Inc., Residential Coordinator, Lisa.

“For as long as I can remember, Arlene has been an exemplary caregiver. As a caretaker, Arlene advocates fully for her daughter. She goes the extra mile to make sure her quality of life is high and everything is taken care of. No matter how many appointments, visits, or rides are needed, she makes it happen. Through it all, Arlene is very kind, yet very strong. Each home visit with her inspires me to be the same. She is excellent at getting things done efficiently and effectively. When life gets tough, Arlene finds a way to make it work. Through medical situations and many different life challenges, she has never complained. She takes care of her loved ones, always. We appreciate everything that you do, Arlene! Congratulations on being nominated as our November Family Caregiver of the Month and thank you for all that you do!!!”

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Dolma and the Cooper Twins

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We would like to highlight Support, Inc. Host Home Provider, Dolma Tsering, for her Outstanding customer service as a provider!  Dolma became a provider to twin girls back in May. Dolma has been met with lots of challenges, but due to Dolma’s patience, understanding and calming presence she has proven to be just what the girls needed to settle in and start to thrive. As the twin’s birthday approached, Dolma knew the one thing they wanted to do was to see their mom. Their mom lives far away and has had transportation issues coming to see them in their new home. Dolma opened her home and invited their mom to celebrate their birthday, when plans fell through and their mom was not able to arrange transportation, Dolma offered to drive to boulder and pick up her up. During their home visit the girls told their Residential Coordinator about their birthday and couldn’t stop talking about Dolma`s kindness and how their mom was able to be with them on their birthday, which was the first time in two years! One of the twins said it was the “best birthday ever because I got to be with my mom.” Dolma, you have truly made a difference in the lives of these girls by taking the time to truly understand what is important to them and then making it happen. Thank you for everything that you do!!!

 

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Hope’s Accomplishments!

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We would like to highlight the many accomplishments of Support, Inc. person receiving services, Hope. The below information was provided by her Residential Coordinator, Anna.

“Hope has made so many accomplishments over the seven years I have known her! On her own, Hope has accomplished getting her driver’s license, got a job as a caregiver which required being QMAP certified, manages her own money, was able to become fully self-med and increased her amount of alone time within the past year. Her dedication and accomplishments are something to be admired! Support along the way from her Host Home Provider has also been something to be admired! Keep up the great work, Hope, and we look forward to seeing what you can accomplish next year!”

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Host Home Provider of the Month

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Support, Inc. would like to congratulate Precious Sewell for being nominated as our October Host Home Provider of the Month!! We would like to highlight Precious for her exceptional dedication, compassion, and unwavering support for the individuals in her care. Every person that has had a chance to stay in Precious`s home can say she is caring, goes above and beyond and handles the most challenging situations with patience, understanding, and professionalism. Precious has a remarkable ability to stay calm under pressure, finding creative and effective ways to de-escalate difficult moments while ensuring each client feels safe and respected, even if the situation turns for the worst at times. Beyond her own home, she is always willing to step in and help others offering guidance, sharing resources, and providing support whenever it’s needed. Her reliability, kindness, and commitment to improving the lives of those she serves truly sets her apart.  We are so lucky to have you as a HHP in the Support, Inc. Network! Thank you Precious for all that you do and congratulations on being named our October HHP of the Month!

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Denver Museum of Art and Accessibility

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Under a three year grant, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is working hard to ensure accessibility is more than a superficial show. In collaboration with the Ellen Bruss design firm and with input from communities of people with disabilities, the museum is transforming access for everyone to their exhibits and events. They hope to act as a living laboratory and model for other museums in connecting people with disabilities, staff and the general public together via art. This effort is pushing for a grand unveiling of a “community-curated design accessibility showcase featuring cutting-edge innovations in the field” in July 2027 to honor the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you or someone you know with disabilities would like to be part of this effort, contact the DAM’s Accessibility Office: 720-913-0130 or access@denverartmuseum.org

Current access programs for people with disabilities at the DAM are listed below, but for more information use the Accessibility Guide: https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/accessibility-guide

Deaf & Hard of Hearing: Audio tours and audio transcripts with open captions are available in English and Spanish for all exhibits.

Low-sensory days: Quarterly, every 2nd Sunday of the month. The next one is Sunday, Oct. 12th starting at 9 am.

Art & About: This is a monthly tour for visitors with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers. Themes change monthly.

Tours: Group and Customized tours for people with disabilities or various sensory needs led by a docent are available upon request. To check out the current offerings click the link Browse our current offerings