July 13, 2016                                                                                                      July E-News Issue 1

Special Kids Special Families would like to thank several foundations for their contributions to our Zach's Place program at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center. 

- Marson Foundation for awarding $3,000
- Colorado Springs Health Foundation $10,000
- Nutrition Camp School Foundation $3,000
- Burt Foundation $2,000

These grants help m ake a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve and assists SKSF in providing services of respite care, child care and life skills for children with disabilities ages 2 1/2 to 21 years old.  They also support the families with scholarship funding for working parents and single parents to afford care.

We'd also like to acknowledge the Chapman Foundation for awarding $25,000 to support our Zach's Place Capital Campaign.  The goal of the campaign is to purchase the program's building by December 2016.  This extra boost puts the campaign in a realistic mode of achieving our goal!   Learn more about the Capital Campaign.

POSSIBLE RESPITE FUNDING FOR FAMILIES

Does Your Family Need Respite Care?

Although care giving is rewarding, it can be stressful  mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. Caregivers need and deserve a break from their day-to-day care giving duties.

Special Kids Special Families may have a possible funding opportunity available for families needing respite care through the Colorado Respite Coalition. If interested, contact Linda Ellegard for more information at 719-447-8983 Ext. 19 or email [email protected]

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS

Thanks Gilbert Armendariz!
For your volunteer work and donation

Volunteer Gilbert Armendariz, who assists in our Joey's Place computer lab at the Adult Services facility, was able to secure a donation to obtain updated equipment.  Gilbert states, "There is a t
otal of 13 working units, one failing to boot so I am working to fix that. These were donated from Fred Loya Insurance Group located in El Paso,TX. George Briones, CEO of Fred Loya Insurance, is a former customer of mine so I approached him to see if he had any equipment he could donate. The stars were aligned and I was able to pick them up and bring them to Colorado for SKSF."  Thanks so much for your efforts - we greatly appreciate it!



and
Please take a moment to visit our Facebook pages. We are always posting great information, resources and volunteer opportunities.  

"Like" us and keep informed of upcoming events and different ways you can help our organization!

Thanks for your support!



WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Looking for a way to create a  significant impact?  

Transportation is a primary request and need from people with disabilities, especially adults.  Without transportation, individuals become isolated and unable to participate in activities and socialize with their peers. 

SKSF has several handicap accessible buses that need to be replaced.  These buses are key in our ability to serve our families, provide before and after school transports, and activity transportation for our youth and adults. 
 
Looking for ways to advertise your business?
By becoming a Transportation Sponsor,  your company name/logo can be added to our buses for maximum recognition along with additional benefits.   For more information...

Would you like to sponsor an individual to ride the bus?  Your donation, in any amount, will help pay for mileage or general maintenance costs and help support transportation for youth and adults with disabilities to enjoy and take advantage of the programs we offer.   Donation information...



Other Program Wishes:

- Playground equipment for Zach's Place at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center.

New carpet, tear out & installation for Adult Services facility (our wheel chairs and heavy use have taken a toll).

- A ceiling Hoyer lift to prevent injury to clients and staff (currently we cannot accept youth or adults who would require a two person lift).
  
- Scholarships for families to assist with respite care.


RESPITE CONFERENCE
17th National Lifespan Respite Conference

The Colorado Respite Coalition and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, in collaboration with the ARCH National Respite Network, Easter Seals Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Human Services will host the 2016 National Lifespan Respite Conference in Denver, Colorado, September 20-22, 2016.

The theme for the conference is Elevate Respite, reflecting the innovations being made toward respite care in Colorado and nationwide. The need for respite care services and supports is greater than ever before and continues to climb, with nearly 4 in 10 Americans serving as family caregivers. The conference will promote collaboration, research, and the sharing of ideas, strategies, and models to bring respite care to new heights across the country.

This national conference is intended for everyone who supports family members and family caregivers of individuals across all ages. Anyone who is affected by Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, ALS, Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health and behavioral health issues, or any other disabling or chronic condition has a stake in this significant issue. 

SKSF Executive Director, Linda Ellegard will be leading a Workshop Session "So you want to start a respite center? What we have learned in 16 years of serving the community" speaking on Wednesday, 9/21.   Click here for more information & to register for this event.


UPCOMING EVENTS

BBQ, BLUES & BREWS TICKETS NOW ON SALE ONLINE!





To fill the monetary need that allows SKSF to fulfill its mission, we must raise funds to ensure financial stability. Please consider participating in our events to support SKSF as a guest, sponsor, volunteer or committee member. 

For more information regarding SKSF events throughout the year please contact SKSF Event Coordinator Lisa Kalell at  [email protected]  or call 719-447-8983.

Mark Your Calendars!
NEW BOARD MEMBER
Welcome - Michael Grebas!
To Special Kids Special Families Board of Directors

Michael was born and raised in Colorado Springs and served in the US Army for three years including four years in the US Air Force. Michael is the Founder & CEO of the Business Development & Coaching Center since 2003 and is a member of the NSA (National Speaker Association). He is a featured speaker, trainer on the radio and is a successful actor for over 14 years.  As a Life, Couples and Business Coach, Michael`s passionate innovation approach to life and business creates clarity with an emphasis on impact, effectiveness and achievement in life, relationships and business.

Michael is married with 2 boys, ages 35 and 36 with 2 grandchildren, ages 15 and 17 years old. 
 
We welcome Michael to our Board of Directors!  



Welcome Brandy Dickson!
Her position is
Direct Care Provider for
Zach's Place Program.
Welcome Tina McLellan!
Her position is
Residential Home Supervisor for the Residential Services Program.
Welcome Kayla Tyhurst!
Her position is
Direct Care Provider for
Zach's Place Program.

Would YOU like to join Special Kids Special Families
and be part 
of our team?

We are now hiring:



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