WE THINK WE HIT A NERVE!

Since January 2018, the Special Kids Special Families - Koscove Kids puppet awareness video has received over 686,365 views and SKSF has gained over 1,000 subscribers on our YouTube channel!

We believe that people are watching this video because it engages them in an emotional way and they are sensitive to the message we are trying to teach elementary aged children. We are using these multi-cultural puppets, each representing a unique disability, to teach children about their peers with disabilities and assist schools in efforts to implement programs of inclusion.

The goals of the Koscove Kids puppet project are to provide an opportunity for children to explore disabilities in a comfortable learning environment, gain acceptance of disabilities through understanding and foster positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities. 

It's a message that we need to get out into the community,
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are looking for dedicated volunteers to launch more puppet presentations into the community.  We need volunteers with take charge attitudes and a passion for puppetry to tell a story of belonging, acceptance and inclusion.
If interested, contact Theresa at 719-447-8983 or email us at [email protected].

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HERE...

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Grig Tirman enjoying the day at Fort Carson
ADULT SERVICES
ICAN PROGRAM
The Adult Services ICAN program takes visits into the community to work on their community connector skills. One of the groups went to the 4th Infantry Division Museum in Fort Carson and were able to look at all of the various military equipment which they all really enjoyed!

ICAN has started a new curriculum to include math, writing, exercising, money management and science projects.  In addition, the adult participants learn about different countries like Iraq, China, France and Germany in which they receive "passports" with stamps to where they have traveled.

ICAN continues their outings visiting the Money Museum, the Pioneers Museum, Pikes Peak Library, YMCA and Cici's Pizza.  To learn more about SKSF's community based ICAN Program, contact Joni Edmisten at  [email protected]  or call 719-634-4675 x32.

JOEY'S PLACE PROGRAM
Joey's Place has implemented two specialized activity schedules to capture the needs of our adult participants as well as ensuring we keep it habilitative. The sensory schedule is where we began. There are several clients who are in need of sensory stimulating activities, which can be a challenge. Our goal is to have a wide range of activities which focus on the body's senses. We created a sensory schedule that emphasized Tactile, Visual, Auditory, and Range of Motion (ROM). It is vital to keep activities simple and fun, not only for the staff providing assistance but especially for our clients. Here's an example of some activities:
  • ROM stretching using the parachute
  • Tactile Sensory: Water play with foam rings
  • Auditory Sensory: Listening to Classical music with the star gazing system in Sensory Room
The benefits of sensory stimulation are improving cognitive development and learning, physical skills, emotional development, communications, social skills and sense of self.
To learn more about our Joey's Place center based program, contact Dionna Lanich at [email protected] or call 719-634-4675 x33.
VOLUNTEERS 

Students from the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind volunteered their time to visit with Joey's Place adult program participants.  Both the CSDB students and Joey's Place clients had a great time!  


VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: Christian Sexton

Volunteer Christian Sexton and Adult Mentor CiCi at the Valentine's Day party for Adult Services clients

Christian Sexton is a Senior at Pikes Peak Academy.  He has decided to come in every Monday and Wednesday to work directly with our adult program participants.  He is a very kind and compassionate young man and we appreciate all he does to go above and beyond to help our organization.  Thanks so much Christian for your hard work and dedication!

Thank you for your generosity -  YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
We are seeking volunteers to join our upcoming event committees for the summer Bluegrass, Brews & Brats event (6/23/18) and the 7th Annual Night of Comedy (10/13/18).

Help us encourage support for our cause, build relationships and raise money to meet our ongoing needs.  We are looking for active, productive and dedicated committee members so we can ensure the success of our events.  Our fundraising committee meetings are held at our Adult Services Conference room on a monthly basis. 

Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Theresa Jordan for more info 
719-447-8983 or [email protected].
GRANT AWARDS
Grants awarded to SKSF assist in providing services of respite care, child care and life skills for children with disabilities ages 2 1/2 to 21 years old. These valuable funds will support families with scholarship funding for working parents and single parents to afford care at Zach's Place center.

Thanks to these foundations for awarding funds to SKSF to support our programs:
- Johnson Foundation of the Rockies
- Monument Hill Foundation
- Walmart Foundation

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
9th Annual Bowl-a-thon Sponsors Recognized

NuStar Energy is PRESENTING sponsor at the Bowl-a-thon event held on Saturday, March 10th at King Pin Lanes.  We appreciate their continued support every year since starting the Bowl-a-thon event 9 years ago! We value their donations, sponsorships and volunteerism over the years.  Thank you, John Butts, SKSF Board Member and NuStar employee for recruiting friends, family members and co-workers to Special Kids Special Families to help fund programs to support individuals with disabilities.  We appreciate all you do for the organization!  You truly are our SUPERSTARS!
 
Thanks to Bowl-a-thon sponsors:









UPCOMING EVENTS

Have you ever considered becoming a
Respite or Foster Care Provider?
 
Do you believe that your gifts and talents lie in helping others?  We have a need for caregivers who are willing to be trained, who can work with children, teens or adults.  


COME JOIN US to learn more about becoming a Respite or Foster Care Provider. SKSF is offering FREE informative sessions to answer questions, discuss the application process, certification and qualifications. Visit our website to learn more: 

WHEN:
Saturday, APRIL 14th, 2018
10:00am - 11:30am

(March date has been cancelled)
WHERE:
Special Kids Special Families
Adult Services facility
3450 N Nevada Avenue, Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO  80907




 
SKSF NEW HIRES
Kyrra Garza
Adult Mentor I -  Joey's Place program


DONATE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Thank you for your donation in any amount!
All donations support our programs for individuals with disabilities and special needs and their families to support with respite care.