Our Mission: Create Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Families to Participate Fully in the Community

Spotlight Stories

Spotlight Stories

Stories spotlighting our Donors and how their contributions enrich the lives of people!


Lynns Story
Lynn's Story

Lynn's Story

While there are many great ways to give back to DDRC every winter, Lynn Fiedorowiz found a way that includes a few close friends, holiday treats, and a signature White Cranberry Martini.

Every winter, DDRC hosts our traditional Holiday Gift Card Drive, where $25 gift cards are collected with help from the community and then given to program participants in significant need during the holiday season. Each year, we hear from our program participants how much these gift cards make them feel valued and that they love that this gift gives them a sense of independence by giving them the power to choose how to use it.

Lynn got involved with this Holiday Gift Card Drive ten years ago by hosting a party at her house and asking her guests to bring a gift card to support the campaign.

"We have had this party for at least 10 years and invite close friends and neighbors to join us," Lynn explained. "We provide drinks and ask that everyone bring an appetizer to share and a gift card for the drive." The group always creates a signature cocktail. This year's signature drink is A Winter White Cranberry Martini.

"Christmas is the season of giving, and this is an easy means to give to a cause that our friends are familiar with in knowing our son Jaime," she shared. "It has become a holiday tradition, and it is good to know that a relatively small donation can make a difference in someone's life."

This year, Lynn has raised over $1,250 in gift cards! More than 50 individuals will receive a special gift thanks to her and her generous friends and neighbors.

It fills us with joy each winter to hear the excitement in Lynn's voice when she calls to confirm that she is hosting her party once again. We know that she doesn't want to be the only one getting joy from supporting DDRC in such a fun way, so we asked her what her advice would be for someone interested in hosting a give-back party for DDRC, "We would tell them to make it fun, low pressure, include donation request in the party invitation, make the party personal."

We are always inspired by the unique ways that individuals give back to DDRC. Lynn, her close neighbors, and close friends truly make a difference each year - and you can, too. Check out other ways to get involved at: ddrcco.com/ways-to-give.

 
Tim's Story
Tim's Story

Tim's Story

Tim Hulstrom's connection as a supporter at DDRC dates back to his parents Joan and Robert, who were vital supporters beginning in the 1960s. "Over the years, our family members, including myself, have actively participated in volunteering and supporting DDRC's Therapeutic Recreation Program," Tim explained.

"Our involvement with individuals with intellectual disabilities began in 1965 when Joan Hulstrom initially worked in the industry. The connection deepened in the 1980s with more family members including Terri Hulstrom, my niece Kelly Hulstrom, and my wife Michelle Hulstrom, who worked for DDRC as a direct care provider when our children were young," he added.

Keeping the family's tradition of giving, Tim encouraged his children Denise, Shannon, and Robert to get involved throughout the DDRC Recreation Program as volunteers and Unified Partners on various sports teams, including participating in the Special Olympics Colorado. "They were even part of the National Team in 2014 that traveled to New Jersey to compete in softball. Since then, my daughters have begun working in this industry, and my son still participates in numerous sports as a Unified Partner. My wife, being the team mom, always shows up and cheers louder than the rest," Tim shares.

"DDRC is an integral part of our family and has provided countless opportunities and memories," he added.

Beyond his family's longtime involvement, Tim annually donated a set of Bronco Tickets for program participants to attend a game. "We donate Broncos tickets to DDRC as a way to spread joy and provide athletes with opportunities they might not always have. Their enthusiasm at the games is truly inspiring, and I can promise you that on that day, the DDRC athletes are the biggest and purest fans in that stadium," Tim remarked.

"The inspiration to continue giving in this way comes from the athletes themselves," Tim added. "Seeing their passion and the happiness derived from these experiences reinforces our commitment to supporting DDRC's Therapeutic Recreation Program."

When asked what he would share with others interested in donating tickets to program participants, Tim said, "I would encourage them to consider the profound impact that experiential gifts can have on individuals, especially those involved in sports or recreational activities."

"The joy and sense of inclusion these experiences bring are invaluable, making it a meaningful way to contribute to the community," he concluded.

If you are interested in donating tickets to a game or experience, please contact Ashley Lee at Ashley.brooks@ddrcco.com.

 
Tim's Story
Jodi's Story

Jodi's Story

A Decade of Dedication to DDRC's Journey

As the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) gears up for its remarkable 60th anniversary celebration, one individual's commitment shines brightly amidst the jubilation - Jodi Schoemer. As a devoted board member for the past ten years, Jodi has lent her unwavering dedication to DDRC's cause, and her intertwined tie to DDRC started at the 50th anniversary celebration ten years ago.

"I remember attending DDRC's 50th anniversary celebration a decade ago," Jodi reminisces. "Until then, my understanding of DDRC was limited to the care my sister received for over three decades. But that event opened my eyes to the vast array of support and opportunities DDRC offers to individuals and families dealing with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

Inspired by what she witnessed, Jodi made a life-altering decision. "I felt compelled to be more than just an observer. I wanted to be part of the incredible work DDRC was doing," she explains. And thus, her journey as a board member began.

For Jodi, DDRC isn't just an organization; it's family. "My sister has been a part of DDRC for nearly fifty years," she shares. "For us, DDRC isn't just a service provider; it's been a constant presence throughout our lives."

As the 60th anniversary celebration approaches, Jodi's enthusiasm is palpable. When asked why she would RSVP without hesitation, she emphasizes the importance of honoring the milestone alongside the dedicated staff and the individuals they serve.

"It's not every day that a nonprofit achieves such a remarkable milestone," she states. "And to have done so while upholding values of compassion, community, and inclusivity is truly extraordinary."

When asked what excites her most about the celebration, Jodi's answer is simple yet profound. "It's about reflecting on the journey - celebrating the chapters already written while looking ahead to those yet to come," she says. "It's a reminder of the strength of our community and the endless possibilities that lie ahead."

Although Jodi is unable to join the festivities at the DDRC-Officially60! celebration, her excitement for this milestone shines through in her generous gesture of making a gift in lieu of attendance. If, like Jodi, you are unable to attend our 60th anniversary celebration on June 15th, we invite you to commemorate the occasion by donating. Whether it's $6 or $600, every contribution plays a meaningful role in advancing our mission and ensuring a brighter future for those we serve.

As DDRC prepares to mark 60 years of service, donors like Jodi Schoemer and others like yourself stand as a beacon of dedication and hope, reminding us of the power of compassion and the enduring impact of unwavering support on the IDD community

If you are interested in donating, please contact Ashley Lee at Ashley.brooks@ddrcco.com.

 
60th Anniversary
60th Anniversary

60th Anniversary Speeches

Rob's Speech

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, commissioners, legislators, friends, and supporters! My name is Rob DeHerrera and I am truly honored to be the ED of Developmental Disabilities Resource Center On behalf of everyone at DDRC, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you all. Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate a momentous occasion - our 60th anniversary! Yes it is OUR 60th anniversary and everyone here today made this possibly for DDRC It's truly an honor to have you all here with us to commemorate this milestone.

I would like to introduce a few VIPs before we get started:

Jefferson County Commissioners Tracy Kraft Tharp, Leslie Dahlkemper, Andi Kerr
Former state Senator and County Commissioner Candidate Rachel Zenzinger
The DDRC Board of Directors
Tim Young Lynnae Flora and Mary Berg among others from JCHS
Lori Ropa from the Arc of Jefferson Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties
Dr. Art Hogling and Beverly Winters, previous EDs of DDRC, who when you combine they were with DDRC for 75 years and ED over 35 years.

I would also like to thank our sponsors of the event:

FirstBank
Aponte and Busam
The Arc of Jefferson County
Kiwanas
Credit Union of Denver

Your presence here today is a testament to our community's unwavering support and dedication to DDRC’s long-standing mission. We are incredibly grateful for your continued commitment to our services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Colorado.

As we gather here today to celebrate 60 years of service, it's important for us to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this point.

Over the past six decades, DDRC has provided essential resources, support, and opportunities to individuals and families in need. Together, we have made a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals, empowering them to live fulfilling and independent lives.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the future and the opportunities headed our way. While today it is a celebration of our past achievements, it's also a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. As we move forward, we want to encourage our community to explore the wide range of services and programs that DDRC offers.

From residential support, day program, employment, early intervention behavioral heath, recreation and beyond, our goal is to continue providing comprehensive support that meets the diverse needs of our community. We continue to be here to serve you and the unmet needs of the community into the future.

In particular, I want to highlight our commitment to remaining a steadfast source of support even as we navigate changes in the landscape of case management which is just days away. With the recent redesign of case management in Colorado, we understand there may be questions and uncertainties about accessing services. But I want to reassure you that DDRC remains fully committed to supporting individuals and families with throughout this transition. We are here to provide guidance, assistance, and advocacy every step of the way.

So, today, as we celebrate our 60th anniversary, I want to issue you TWO calls to action. I encourage you to explore the services and resources that DDRC has to offer. Whether you're a family in need of support, a community member looking to get involved, or a potential partner interested in collaboration, there are countless ways to join us in our mission of empowerment and inclusion.

The more you learn about the DDRC, the more I guarantee you will be captivated and motivated by our mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives.

My second call to action is to encourage you to support to DDRC.

Every donation, no matter the size, creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond its initial impact. As a team, we witness firsthand how each contribution strengthens our community and enhances the lives of those we serve. Your generosity is truly appreciated, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your donation today. I want to once again express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support and dedication.

Together, we have accomplished so much, and I am confident that together, we will continue to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the community.

Thank you once again for being here today, and here's to the next 60 years of impact, growth, and success.

Cheers to DDRC!

Arts's Speech

I am so proud to be here today. Congratulations to DDRC and everybody in this room! 60 years is an amazing accomplishment!

Up until last year, I taught university nonprofit management courses. One item of statistical research I remember well is that 51% of new nonprofit startups fail within their first 5 years.

  • Less than 10% survive beyond 10 years
  • Fewer that 1% make it beyond 50 years
  • Only a handful make it to 60 years and beyond
The reason DDRC has thrived is al} around us in this room. Those present are too humble to say this, but the quality and dedication of the Board Members, staff and volunteers is unsurpassed!

And those present, whom we have the privilege of serving, also make daily contributions of striving, hard work and community that have enriched all of our lives.

Of DDRC's 60 years, I had the honor of working 38 of them, starting in 1976. When I started, DDRC had perhaps the worlds most complicated and disrespectful name: The Jefferson County Community Centered Board for the Mentally Disabled and Seriously Handicapped, Inc.

Somewhere in there are the initials 'MRSH' — and so these programs were originally called "Marsh programs." But, "community" is also in there and community coming together is exactly what happened. Parents, professionals and citizens came together and passed a county wide bond issue to raise money to build two unique, 'state of the art', schools.

At that time, I was the Assistant Principal of a special school in Ohio associated with Kent State University. I was recruited to come to Colorado and serve as Principal of Margaret Walters School, one of the two new schools. Margaret Walters was a Red Cross volunteer, who headed up an amazing group of "gray ladies", nursing aids who came to Jefferson County from the state institution — The Wheat Ridge Regional Center. That is how DDRC came to be know as a "Community Center". The notion was that we were a community version of the dated "Regional Center" or institution mode! of providing services.

When DDRC started, in 1964, it was briefly headed up by a gentleman from Jefferson County Human Services. Then its first, real executive director was a legendary lady by the name of Peg Johnstone. In those days, school superintendents were elected. Peg was the first woman elected School Superintendent in Jefferson County.

Under her tenure, Jefferson County had about 15 small school districts and a plan developed to consolidate all of them into one huge district — Jeffco R-1. Peg put herself out of a job.

As a consolation, she became the Executive Director of DDRC. This turned out very well, as Peg had extensive political connections that helped establish and continue to fund DDRC to this day. One of her best allies was Nelson Nadeau — another legend who was Director of Jeffco Human Services. He served as Vice-President of the DDRC Board.

DDRC and Jeffco Human Services collaborated in many ways. I think you can see that today in the Case Management Redesign Transition.

When Peg retired, I became the 3™ Executive Director. And when I retired 10 years ago, I was followed by two truly amazing leaders — Beverly Winters and Rob DeHerrera.

DDRC has always had incredible, caring staff. They have been dedicated through budget cuts, COVID, and state bureaucratic changes.

One of my jobs as Executive Director was meeting that months "new hires" who were going through our on boarding orientation. One of the things I shared with them was that DDRC was a great organization and I hoped they stayed as employees forever. I added that if they did move on, I would bet that when they retired in the future and looked back over their lifetime of various jobs, they would never have had a job that helped as many people, or been more important for society than their time at DDRC.

I retired in 2014 and I can confirm that what I told these hundreds of new employees was true for me! There has never been a more fulfilling mission, better place to work or a better group of people to be associated with!

Thank you!

Beverly's Speech

Thanks so much for this wonderful event. It is so good to be here with you, my DDRC family, for over 40 years. My life’s work at DDRC was incredibly rewarding, and I loved the individuals, families and colleagues I worked with.

The DDRC community has so much to be proud of:

  • how it stays true to its mission
  • how it continually expands and improves service options. ( I remember when so many of our services available today were just a dream we were working on.)
  • its effective advocacy on many levels for people with disabilities
  • its partnership relationship with families
  • the amazing and dedicated staff who make it all work and
  • its strong leadership over the years
What I learned the most at DDRC is that we all want the same things A sense of belonging with our loved ones and people who care about us A safe, comfortable place to live, an education, meaningful work and fulfilling activities Financial security to meet our needs and allow us opportunities to explore our world Belief in something bigger than ourselves and hope for a brighter future.

DDRC has created all of these things for so many people over the last 60 years and I am so proud to have been a part of it. We can all be proud to have been a part of it.

DDRC has had such a remarkable history and will continue to create bright futures for many people in the years to come.

Congratulations and Cheers!

Susan's Speech

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I extend a warm welcome to each of you gathered here today as we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the journey of our nonprofit organization. My name is Susan Heartley, and I serve as the current board president at DDRC. I have been on the board for the past 25+ years.

Like many of you, my connection with DDRC started when my son Cameron and our family needed their services. This firsthand experience explains why I advocate for DDRC services every day—this resource center made a difference in my life, and I know firsthand that it is making a difference in the lives of thousands more.

Sixty years ago, a vision was born—a vision of compassion, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, we are humbled and honored to mark our 60th anniversary.

This moment in time is a testament to the tireless dedication of our founders, volunteers, staff, and supporters who have helped shape our organization's legacy. Together, we have touched countless lives, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for those who too often go unseen and unheard in our society.

As we reflect on our past achievements, we also look to the future with renewed determination and purpose. Our commitment to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities remains relentless, but we cannot do it alone. We need the continued support of generous individuals like yourselves to ensure our mission endures for future generations.

Your support makes a profound difference in the lives of those we serve, whether through your time, talents, or financial contributions. I invite you to get involved in the capacity that you can. Together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

In closing, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have played a part in our journey thus far. Your presence here today fills us with gratitude and inspires us to continue our essential work with even greater passion and dedication.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating our 60th anniversary and for your ongoing support. Together, we can make a difference that truly lasts a lifetime.

Thank you.
 
60th Celebration
Celebrate 60!

60th Celebration

DDRC Celebrates 60 Years of Service and Community at Arvada Center

ARVADA, COLO. - June 15, 2024 — The Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) marked a significant milestone on June 15th as it celebrated its 60th anniversary at the Arvada Center. The event, attended by over 350 guests, including volunteers, staff, families, and supporters, was a testament to DDRC's six decades of dedication to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Summit Counties.

The festivities commenced with a vibrant atmosphere. Attendees immersed themselves in a variety of creative stations provided by Wowzers, including whimsical face painting and intricate henna designs, lively caricature drawings, and balloon twisting. Guests of all ages enjoyed exploring their creative sides. The backdrop of lively music from Complete Weddings kept spirits high as attendees mingled and enjoyed the day. A few were even brave enough to test the dance floor.

Adding to the celebratory ambiance, were culinary delights curated for the occasion. Selah Coffee Co. provided refreshing iced coffee beverages, Biscuits & Berries offered delectable, boxed lunches, and 47 Bakery delighted taste buds with Bavarian pretzels.

A highlight of the event was the collaborative creation of a 300-image mosaic symbolizing DDRC's mission of inclusion. This mosaic now adorns the lobby of the organization's main building and serves as a visual testament to the community spirit and unity that DDRC fosters.

The anniversary celebration was further enriched by heartfelt speeches from esteemed guests, including past and present executive directors. Beverly Winters, who served over 38 years at DDRC, expressed profound gratitude and reflected on the organization's growth and impact: "DDRC has created all of these things for so many people over the last 60 years, and I am so proud to have been a part of it."

Art Hogling, DDRC's long-time executive director, highlighted the organization's exceptional journey: "Few nonprofits achieve what DDRC has accomplished. The quality and dedication of the board members, staff, and volunteers have been instrumental in our success."

Current Executive Director Rob DeHerrera expressed gratitude to attendees and emphasized DDRC's ongoing commitment: "As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we reflect on our achievements and look forward to continuing to empower individuals with disabilities. Your support ensures we can fulfill our mission for decades."

Throughout the event, guests were encouraged to explore DDRC's comprehensive services, which include residential support, employment programs, early intervention, behavioral health services, and more. Rob DeHerrera issued a call to action, inviting the community to learn about and support DDRC's initiatives: "The more you learn about DDRC, the more you will be captivated by our mission to empower individuals with disabilities."

The event also recognized key supporters and sponsors, including FirstBank, Aponte and Busam, The Arc of Jefferson County, Kiwanis, and Credit Union of Denver, whose contributions have been vital to DDRC's continued success.

As the celebration concluded, the mood was optimistic and determined, with attendees united in their commitment to DDRC's future endeavors. With a legacy of service and a vision for continued growth, DDRC looks ahead to the next 60 years to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In the words of Rob DeHerrera, "Here's to the next 60 years of impact, growth, and success. Cheers to DDRC!"

For more information about DDRC and how to support its mission, visit http://www.ddrcco.com
 







Page Last Updated: 2024-06-26