DDRC News October 2025: Highlights of Community Engagement and Opportunities 

This month’s DDRC October 2025 Newsletter Updates are packed with inspiring stories of Creating Opportunities, recognizing outstanding staff, and announcing upcoming events for the Jeffco IDD Community. We’re celebrating new connections on the water, honoring our staff leaders, and sharing ways to get involved this holiday season!

Read October’s Newsletter Here

Inclusive Recreation: The Joy of Adaptive Fly Fishing

We love to highlight DDRC Activities that promote Community Inclusion, and our recent Adaptive Fly Fishing Program was a huge success! Thanks to the generous Boon Fly Fishing club, eight DDRC Day Program participants spent a sunny afternoon at Lake Lehow.

The event focused on learning new skills and building confidence. Participant Marti stole the show by reeling in two fish using a double-fly technique! This DDRC/Boon Fly Fishing partnership is a perfect example of how inclusive recreation enriches lives and fosters meaningful connections within the community.

Why is Inclusive Recreation so Important? 

Inclusive recreation—like this adaptive fly fishing experience Colorado—does more than just offer a fun day out. It’s fundamental to fostering independence and self-worth. By providing recreational programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, DDRC helps individuals move beyond traditional settings to learn new skills, build friendships, and gain confidence. Activities in the community dismantle barriers, promote acceptance, and demonstrate that everyone deserves the chance to experience the confidence and joy that comes from participating fully in life. This work is essential to promoting community inclusion through recreation.

Celebrating Our Spark Leaders: Excellence in Direct Support

Our commitment to quality services starts with our team. We are proud to announce that several dedicated staff members have earned prestigious certifications through the NADSP E-Badge Academy. These DDRC DSP Certification achievements, earned by Spark Leaders like Ryan Monroe, Amanda Romero, Melissa DePriest, Kimberlee Barela, and Brandon Thibodeau, demonstrate their dedication to person-centered practices and raising the standard for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Congratulations to all our NADSP-certified leaders for their focus on professional growth!

IDD Family Resources: Tips, Tricks, and Treats Fair

For families in the Jeffco IDD Community, mark your calendars! We’re joining the Jefferson County Case Management Association (CMA) for the Jeffco Children’s Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 29th, at the Jeffco Fairgrounds.

Stop by our booth for free treat giveaways and helpful information on our comprehensive services, including CES Waiver Help Colorado, Pediatric ABA Clinic Golden CO, and essential caregiver support services. It’s a fun and informative event focused on connecting families with vital resources.

CMA Children’s Resource Fair Flyer 

Folleto de la Feria de recursos para niños de la CMA

Season of Support: Double the Impact

As the holiday season approaches, there are multiple ways to support DDRC and the people we serve:

  • Benefit Night: Join us Thursday, November 13th, at the Arvada Beau Jo’s.
  • Annual Appeal: Watch for our DDRC Annual Appeal landing near Thanksgiving. Thanks to the Mai Family Trust, every gift will be part of a Matching Gift Campaign up to $30,000, doubling the impact of your contribution!
  • Holiday Cheer: Save the date for the festive Mrs. Claus Benefit Event on Saturday, December 13th, at 6 and 40 Brewery in Lakewood.
annual celebration image

Our Annual Celebration

Join us on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Baldoria on the Water (146 Van Gordon St, Lakewood, CO) for our Annual Celebration.

You’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner, uplifting stories, and a surprise presentation—all dedicated to celebrating inclusion, community, and opportunity for people with IDD in a world where everyone belongs.

DDRC Community News & Appreciation

  • DSP Recognition: We recently celebrated National DSP Recognition Week with fun activities like puppy yoga and catered lunches to honor our amazing Host Home Provider partners and Direct Support Professionals for their incredible work.
  • Legislative BBQ: The 25th Annual Legislative BBQ brought community and political leaders together on September 4th to discuss important IDD Policy Engagement—proving that getting together over good food can lead to thoughtful conversations about our community’s future.
  • Facility Announcement: We are excited to welcome a licensed daycare provider to our DDRC Walters Facility in a new Licensed Daycare Partnership. This arrangement is expected to begin construction in October and will contribute to the financial sustainability of our programs while supporting local families with a much-needed service.