At DDRC, our mission is powered by the incredible stories of people we serve, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our community partners. This post brings you a round-up of the recent events, awards, and milestones that show how our comprehensive autism services and dedicated early intervention programs are helping to build a more inclusive and connected Colorado for everyone.

30 Years of Dedication: Steven’s Success with the Colorado Rockies

We’re celebrating Steven, who just marked his 30th year of employment with the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club! A quiet guy with a fun-loving streak, Steven has held several roles, most recently checking tickets and assisting with security at the ballpark. His dedication was recently honored on the field in a ceremony that included thunderous applause and a special tribute from his coworkers—a true testament to the power of inclusive employment. Steven’s success is supported by DDRC Employment Services, with our specialists assisting with everything from managing his uniform to safety planning. His incredible reliability and commitment show what’s possible when the right support is in place.

A Home Run of Community Support

DDRC’s 33rd Annual Rockin’ the Fairways Golf Tournament was a smashing success, bringing our community together for a fun day that raised funds for our life-changing services. We’re also incredibly grateful to the volunteers from Marquis de Lafayette Masonic Lodge #41, who dedicated a Saturday to beautifying our Belmar Apartments. Their teamwork and energy saved us resources and brightened the lives of our residents.

Advocacy in Action: From Our Staff to Our Community

DDRC is proud to be a co-host of the 2025 Legislative BBQ, an event we spearheaded more than 25 years ago to help community members connect with elected officials and advocate for policies that impact our community. We’re also thrilled to announce that Mick Hill-Hunt, one of our Employment Specialists, was selected for the inaugural DSP Ambassador Program through a leading national advocacy organization. This opportunity will empower Mick to share his story on a national stage and highlight the vital role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in our field.

Celebrating Compassion and Expertise

In honor of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Recognition Week, our Board issued a proclamation to recognize these dedicated individuals as the backbone of inclusive communities. We’re also celebrating our award-winning staff! DDRC was recognized by the Colorado Association of People Supporting Employment First (CoAPSE) with the Best Practice Award for an Organization, and our Technology Specialist, Erlen Marsh, received their Innovation Award for her transformative work. Finally, we want to give a warm congratulations to Madison Stacy and Board Member Ms. Fouse-Bishop, who were both nominated for the TRIAD Early Childhood Council Children’s Champion Award.

Connecting with Our Community

It was a joy to participate in the Jeffco Schools Back-to-School Bash, where we heard from families about the positive impact our services have had on their lives. We believe that building strong community connections is key to our mission.

A Commitment to Empowerment

Every story in this round-up—from Steven’s career milestone to our award-winning staff and community partnerships—is a testament to our ongoing commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives. Thank you for being a part of our journey.