Summer is here, and with the warm Colorado weather comes a burst of energy and excitement at DDRC. This June is proving to be a busy and inspiring month, filled with new opportunities for growth, community connection, and fun. From the launch of our refreshed brand to the literal planting of seeds in our gardens, there’s a powerful sense of momentum in the air.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening and what’s still to come this month at DDRC in our June Newsletter!

Island Smash is a Grand Slam

On Saturday, June 21st, DDRC served up its very first-ever Pickleball Tournament at the Margaret Walters Center—and what a smash it was! With 32 players, 6 generous sponsors, and 7 awesome in-kind donors, we raised nearly $9,000 in support of our mission.

Thanks to USA Pickleball for keeping the matches official and fair, and a huge shoutout to Chris Beal, a pioneer of Colorado’s pickleball scene, who kicked off the weekend with a hands-on clinic that brought the fun and fundamentals (and island flair!) to life.

Despite Lakewood’s 104° heat, our indoor courts kept the good times cool. Add in tropical treats, fun raffles, and unbeatable community spirit—and you’ve got yourself one unforgettable day.

Special thanks to everyone who made our inaugural Island Smash a success!

• To Volunteer for future events: Contact addie.ewalt@ddrcco.com
• To Sponsor future events: Reach out to ashley.brooks@ddrcco.com

Get Involved: Join Us for Fun and Fundraising!

Get Ready to Rock the Fairways! Mark your calendars! Our annual golf tournament returns Monday, August 11th at the beautiful Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen. This year’s theme is Rockin’ the Fairways! So channel your inner rockstar, bring out the leather and denim, and get ready for a day of friendly competition and unforgettable vibes. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and your participation helps provide critical support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Register Now — Spots Are Filling Fast!

In the Spotlight: Stories of Growth and Opportunity

Beyond our big events, the heart of DDRC is in the everyday moments of progress and joy. This spring, growth is happening everywhere you look—and we mean that literally.

Gardens, Growth, and Growing Joy:

Participants in our Day Program have been busy exercising their green thumbs! They recently spent an afternoon planting vibrant flowers to brighten the entrance of the DDRC Walters Center and are now filling raised garden boxes with vegetable seedlings. Excited voices filled the air as they worked together. “The shared joy is clear!” said Kim Barela, Assistant Program Manager. “Everyone is eager to watch their efforts grow.”

This passion extends beyond our grounds. Two other participants, Missy and Jen, have taken on individual plots at the Rose Roots Community Garden in Arvada, reconnecting with food, nature, and their community.

Celebrating Initiative and Opening Doors:

Growth isn’t just happening in the garden. Madison Hovanec, a Direct Support Professional, recently received a DDRC Customer Service Award for her incredible initiative. She went above and beyond to help Doran, a Day Program participant who dreamed of finding a job. Madison encouraged his self-advocacy and brought the right people together to help him on his journey.

Thanks to her support, Doran is now set to join DDRC’s new Business Exploration Club—his first exciting step toward landing his dream job! This is what true person-centered care looks like in action.

• Read More About Our New Business Exploration Club & FAQs (Link to page)
• Interested in joining? Email employmentfirst@ddrcco.com.

News You Can Use: Important Updates and Where to Find Us

Stay in the loop with these important announcements and opportunities to connect.

An Important Service Change is Coming July 1st

Please note: Starting July 1, 2025, Personal Care & Homemaker Services under the SLS waiver will transition to a Medicaid program called Community First Choice (CFC). The good news? DDRC is a licensed Class B agency, so if you currently receive these services from us, there will be no disruption!

• Want to learn more or interested in starting services? Contact Eric.Koch@ddrcco.com.

Have You Seen Our New Website?

Our digital front door has a fresh look! While you’re here, explore the rest of our site! While our look may have been updated, our commitment to Dignity, Dedication, Respect, and Choice remains as strong as ever, after more than 60 years.

Connect With Us in the Community!

We’d love to see you out and about. Stop by the DDRC table at these upcoming resource fairs to chat with our staff about our programs:

• Saturday, June 21 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Neurodiversity Fair at Accelerated Schools, Denver.
• Friday, June 27 (12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.): Triad Early Childhood Council at Belmar Library, Lakewood.
• Saturday, June 28 (7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.): GiGi’s Playhouse Denver Acceptance Challenge at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park.

A Summer of Connection

Whether it’s on the pickleball court, in the garden, or at a community resource fair, this month is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. Thank you for being a vital part of the DDRC community.