Community Connections, Inc. (CCI) was founded in 1985 as the statutorily designated Community Centered Board (CCB) serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in southwest Colorado (Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan Counties). In the 1980s, when CCI was starting out, it was still common for people with developmental disabilities to be removed from their home at an early age, live in a group home as an adult, and work in sheltered workshops secluded from the community. Since that time a lot of progress has been made in Southwest Colorado thanks to the vision and leadership of the first and current Executive Director of CCI. Today, adults with disabilities live, work, learn and play in our communities. In fact, CCI is the only CCB in Colorado that has entirely replaced group homes and sheltered workshops in favor of more integrated housing and work solutions. Furthermore, all the children we serve receive CCI services right in the family home or child care environment. CCI currently has an annual budget of ~$5 million dollars and employs ~80 staff who provide services to over 750 children, adults and families every year. Community Connections is the fourth largest nonprofit in southwest Colorado and has an average waiting list of approximately 70 adults. Although CCI has increased its capacity over the years, there are still many people who need services. CCI is still the only organization in our area providing 24/7 comprehensive services to people with developmental disabilities. PROGRAMS
Community Connections’ programs were developed based on a combination of the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Rules and Regulations, Legislative Statute, the Federal 1915 (c) Waiver application, and Medicaid Rules. Our programs comply with a strict adherence to the above statute, rules, regulations, and guidelines. EARLY INTERVENTION
CCI’s Early Intervention program currently serves children under the age of three in southwest Colorado who have delays or conditions associated with delays in development. Families are assigned a service coordinator who helps them access resources to help their child succeed. These resources might include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vision assistance, adaptive equipment, or support for social and emotional needs. The expected result is that the child will reach his or her potential and will transition into the school system with ease. FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM
CCI currently serves families through our Family Support Services Program. This program serves families who have a member living in the household who has a developmental disability. The family identifies their needs as they relate to the disability and develops an annual plan with the program coordinator. The coordinator then provides the families with resources and emotional support, along with the opportunity to meet and network with the other parents in the program. The expected result is that families will stay together because they have the financial and physical resources they need to help their child and their family lead a fulfilling life together. ADULT SERVICES
Clients are currently served by CCI’s Comprehensive Services. These clients require major assistance up to 24 hours per day. The expected result is that the client remains safe and healthy within his or her own community and has the opportunity to reach his or her maximum level of independence. Adults are currently receiving support through CCI’s Supported Living Services. These services include community integration, assistance with activities of daily living, access to social and recreational opportunities in the community, employment services, vocational training, and support on the job. The expected result is that clients will have the same opportunities as their peers to work, live, and contribute to their communities and make decisions that allow them to lead fulfilling lives in the most independent setting possible.
