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Promote, Strengthen & Support Individuals with Disabilities & Their Families
December Issue 1
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! On behalf of everyone at Special Kids Special Families, we'd like to extend best wishes to all friends and supporters.
Thinking warmly of each of you and wishing your families extra measures of comfort, joy and hope this Christmas.
Linda Ellegard
SKSF Executive Director
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The SKSF annual Christmas party was held at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker's Local Union #113 facility at 2150 Naegle Road this past week. During this special time of year, SKSF upholds the importance of sharing and giving through this traditional gift giving party. Hundreds of program participants attended with their families which included children that attend the Zach's Place childcare center, children in the foster care youth program and adults that participate in the Joey's Place and ICAN programs
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With donations and gifts provided by several generous organizations like NuStar Energy, WOW Cable, Koscove Metal, El Paso County Sheriff's Office in addition to several generous donors, hundreds of gifts were handed out by Santa Claus (volunteer Mike Gibson from NuStar). Kids and adults participated in fun craft projects and a buffet style lunch was provided in which Bill's Tool Rental donated many delicious smoked turkeys and hams.
Many thanks to all the hard working volunteers, USAFA cadets, El Paso County Sheriff's Office recruits, donors and community businesses for supporting this successful event!
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James, Chad, John & Harold from NuStar. Liam with Santa (Mike Gibson)
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Back row: Madyson, Rob, Marcus, Lucas, Andrew; front row: Cody & Rheya
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Adult Services ICAN program hosted their 1st
annual Thanksgiving dinner. SKSF staff prepared the food which was kindly donated by several families. There was plenty of great food and several volunteers helped serving. After the meal, program participants made hands like turkeys and wrote on them what they were thankful for.
We are thankful and appreciate all the volunteers that donated their time and energy to give back to others. In addition, we'd like to thank all the family members that donated food and desserts to the feast!
GIVING TREE
CAN YOU HELP?
SKSF Adult Services and the ICAN Volunteer group are sponsoring a Giving Tree for a family in need - THE BROWN FAMILY - a 9 year old boy, a 6 year old girl and and 10 month old boy. Various items are needed.
We are asking for the items to be brought in by December 18th to the SKSF Adult Services facility at 3450 N Nevada Avenue. Your help is greatly appreciated!
To view items needed, click here...
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A special playground project was implemented by HBA Cares at SKSF's Zach's Place program. HBA Cares, Inc., a non-profit organization founded by members of the housing and building authority, assisted in the construction of a brand new playground with equipment specially designed for children with disabilities and special needs. This new equipment allows children with special needs that attend Zach's Place to explore, develop and integrate all of their senses, while supporting motor skills and social play experiences.
HBA Cares integrated play equipment that was simple and intuitive. Installing an accessible swing, interactive learning play panels and a safe surface allows children of all ages and abilities to play in the same space. Mike DeGrant, President of HBA Cares, organized local companies to get involved in the project including but not limited to, C&C Sand and Stone Co., Robertson's Landscaping, and Woods Site & Playscapes. "I'd like to thank Linda Warren of Warren Management Group for referring us to HBA Cares." says SKSF Executive Linda Ellegard. "The dedication and hard work of everyone involved is greatly appreciated! We now have a safe place where our kids can play outside and have fun!"
ABOUT HBA CARES:
HBA Cares, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to assist other non-profit agencies and programs with construction needs that will further their ability to provide housing and living assistance to Pikes Peak Region families in need. HBA Cares does not make contributions to other non-profits, but rather provides construction expertise and works to solicit donation of goods and services required for a construction project. HBA Cares also provides support for charitable activities of members of the Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs. www.hbacares.org
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GRANTS RECEIVED
- Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation $5000
- The Virginia W. Hill Foundation $7,000
These foundations are making a difference in the lives of
individuals that we serve. These gifts help provide services of respite care, child care and life skills for children with disabilities with support and scholarship funding for working parents and single parents to afford care at Zach's Place center.
Thank you for your support!
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Use your everyday spending to support SKSF - you can make a difference with very little effort! Participate in one of the following programs -
By using this link everytime you log into Amazon.com, Amazon Smiles will donate a percentage of your purchases to SKSF!
Login here:
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Purchase a King Soopers Rewards gift card for only $2.50 from SKSF & every time you load your card for shopping or purchasing gas, SKSF will receive a donation.
Check out the details here:
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SKSF Adult Services facility
3450 N Nevada Avenue, Ste. 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
SKSF is a Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Approved Training Entity and offers courses monthly for Support Staff and Host Home Providers caring for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Classes open to the public. $65/person.
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Colorado Springs, CO 80905
SKSF will receive $1.00 per pint sold during this time to help fund programs for individuals with disabilities. Stop by anytime!
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
Post a flyer at your business location or spread the word to a friend.
Thank you for your participation!
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King Pin Lanes
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Be sure to save the date for the 9th annual Bowlathon -
BOWL FOR THE GREEN!
Think about forming your team of 5 -
registration starts soon!
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Tony Etheridge
Zach's Place
Program Director
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Andrew Mullett
Zach's Place
Assistant Director
PROMOTION!
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Kayla Tyhurst
Zach's Place
Center Manager
PROMOTION!
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Cindy Lamoureux
Finance Manager
WELCOME BACK!
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Joseph Torrez
Zach's Place
Part-time Early Teacher
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Michael Schapmire
Operations Manager
PROMOTION!
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During this holiday season, your donation in any amount, is important to continue the valuable work
that Special Kids Special Families provides the Colorado Springs community.
Respite care is the common theme among all three of our major programs.
Did you know that respite care is the most frequently requested service by families caring for
a loved one with a disability, but is one of the least funded services?
By donating to SKSF, we can continue to provide families with valuable respite care.
YOU ARE TRULY MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IN THE LIVES OF FAMILIES!
STAY CONNECTED:
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