DDRC November Community News
November brings a season of gratitude at DDRC, and this month’s newsletter is full of reasons for it. We’re celebrating a new wellness center, honoring the people whose service has shaped our organization, and looking ahead to a few good reasons to gather.
The Mai Family Wellness Center Opens at Walters
On October 3, DDRC celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Mai Family Wellness Center, a new space inside our Walters building designed to support the health, well-being, and independence of people served through our Therapeutic Recreation Program.
The center is named in recognition of Howard Mai, whose decades of service, leadership, and generosity helped make it possible. Alongside his wife, Charlotte, and through the Mai Family Trust, he helped create opportunities that will benefit generations to come. Members of the extended Mai family joined us for the celebration.
Inside, the center features adaptive exercise and recreation equipment built for a wide range of abilities, including specialized bikes that adjust to accommodate wheelchair users for both arm and leg workouts. Glass multi-fold doors open the room to natural light, and a hand-painted mural by the late Laura Shreck brings warmth to the space as a lasting tribute to her creativity and generosity.
Honoring Our Annual Celebration Award Recipients
At our Annual Celebration, DDRC was proud to recognize the individuals and partners whose dedication makes our mission possible. Read their full stories in the newsletter.
- Lauryn Laursen, Spirit Award, honoring perseverance, positivity, and personal achievement. Today Lauryn is a confident self-advocate who speaks up for her needs and choices.
- C. David Pemberton, II, Legacy Award, recognizing decades of leadership, including service as DDRC Board President from 2004 to 2022.
- Mary Santangelo, Charlie Allinson Award, celebrating 45 years of creating opportunities for joy, connection, and belonging through Therapeutic Recreation.
- Donna Fuentes, Ryan Monroe, and Marshall Sears, Peg Johnstone Above and Beyond Awards, honoring three Direct Support Professionals who consistently go above and beyond for the people we serve.
Partner of the Year: The Developmental Disabilities Foundation Board
With deep and sincere gratitude, DDRC presented its Partner of the Year Award to the outgoing members of the Developmental Disabilities Foundation Board: Josh Stransky, Michelle Resendez, Barb Moritzky, Paula Emeson, Renee Newton, and Mandy Williams.
Founded to generate financial resources for DDRC and the people we serve, the Foundation provided years of thoughtful leadership and steadfast belief in our mission. As DDF and DDRC unite to strengthen development and fundraising efforts, we celebrate these dedicated volunteer board members, whose commitment has expanded opportunities and enhanced quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Also in This Month’s Newsletter
- Fall Into Love IDD Speed Dating, this Saturday, November 7. Join us from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Jack’s Bar and Grill in Arvada for a relaxed, welcoming chance to meet new people. Everyone in the IDD and disability community is welcome, and we are proud to provide an LGBTQ+ friendly environment. Please register in advance.
- Beau Jo’s Arvada fundraiser, Thursday, November 12. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or takeout at Beau Jo’s Arvada, bring the flyer, and 20 percent of your pre-tax purchase supports DDRC.
- Colorado Gives early giving is open. Every gift made now through December 8 is boosted by a $1 million Incentive Fund, and the first $100 of any new monthly gift is matched through a statewide pool. Start giving today.
- Holiday closure. DDRC offices will be closed Thursday, November 26, in observance of Thanksgiving.
Want to connect with DDRC? Contact us to reach our team, or see what’s coming up on our events calendar.