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Promote, Strengthen & Support
Individuals with Disabilities & Their Families
January E-News Issue 1
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Happy New Year Readers!
The last year has been an action-packed one for Special Kids Special Families!
We exceeded 21,000 hours of care at Zach's Place crushing our goal of 18,000 hours. We are now serving 87 children and making an impact by assisting families with respite and child care. In our Foster Care program, there was a critical shortage of families but we diligently expanded the program from 32 families to 44 families. Adult Services has expanded their transportation program to now serve outlining areas making this service available to more clients. Our volunteers have also increased this past year, over 300 giving us over 3,500 hours of their time. And, lastly, our signature fundraising 6th Annual Night of Comedy event, raised more funds, nearly $45,000, more than any year prior. What a busy year!
In honor of the holiday season, we sincerely thank all of the family, friends, clients and colleagues who have supported us and helped in our continued, successful growth in 2018. We couldn't have done it without you!
The momentum isn't letting up as we move into 2018. With dozens of projects still underway and continued growth on the horizon, we're looking forward to sharing what is sure to be an exhilarating new year with you.
From our team to yours,
Linda Ellegard, SKSF
Executive Director
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Sadly, Special Kids Special Families has lost a co-worker, David Deans, Residential Services Coordinator. He will greatly be missed.
David was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Charles A. and Julia Deans. This Angel of God went home on December 24, 2017 and is resting with his Heavenly Father.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Deans of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two amazing sons, Deandre and David Deans II, both of Colorado Springs, Colorado; four beautiful grandchildren, Adrianna, Jaiden, Lahaila and Elias Deans all of Colorado Springs, Colorado; mother, Julia Deans of Campti, Louisiana; sister, Betty Deans of
Pineville Louisiana; brother, Charles E. Deans of Campti, Louisiana; thirteen nieces and nephews and former wife, Adriene Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his father Charles A. Deans and his sister Muriel Deans.
David was an amazing man that touched so many people's lives and was always a joy to behold. His life was filled with so much love for his family and friends. He was a true family man. David was the one that everyone looked up to. He had the integrity, kindness and a love that was contagious; such that is rare to find and will never be forgotten.
David had a passion for people of all walks of life, he appreciated and celebrated the good in everyone in his presence. Truly an amazing man of God!
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In mid December, a holiday party for the Host Home clients and their families was hosted at the Adult Services facility. Wonderful, David Deans did most of the cooking! There was lots of delicious food and gifts were passed out. The Residential Services department and everyone at Special Kids Special Families will surely miss David Deans and all that he did for our organization! He went above and beyond!
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NEW!! Zach's Place offers PARENT'S NIGHT OUT!
Looking for a break without kids or a date night? Zach's Place will be hosting a Parent's Night Out giving parents the opportunity to take a well deserved break!
Kids will enjoy a fun night packed with exciting themed activities geared to keep them entertained! Socialization is an important goal for our youth at Zach's Place at The Laurie Hillyard Family Center. We offer a unique opportunity to meet this goal. Typically, we'll provide pizza or other meal, provide a craft activity, watch a movie and/or play games.
Registration & intake process is required for participation. $10/child for kids of all abilities and ages 3-21. RSVP required one week before event - please call Zach's Place at 719-329-1717 or email:
[email protected]. Limited space.
5:30 - 8:00PM
Friday, January 19th, 2018
Theme: Super Heroes!
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Theresa Jordan, SKSF Development Coordinator, took a visit to Webster Elementary in Security-Widefield to talk about our organization.
Ms. Carla Borck's 5th grade class had a pajama drive for our organization and gathered 61 pajamas for our clients!
Thank you for your generosity!
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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A NEW YEAR - WE NEED YOU!
Do you have a gift for thinking outside the box?
We would love to have you join our fundraising committee to creatively express ways to raise support and awareness for our mission. Effective fundraising committees are vital to the life and financial well-being of our organization. Members create, design and shape SKSF fundraising events. Events include our St. Patrick's themed Bowlathon event (3/10/18), our summer Bluegrass, Brews & Brats event (6/23/18) and our Night of Comedy held in the fall.
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 monthly.
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for more details & monthly meeting dates/times.
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3450 N. Nevada Ave, Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Special Kids Special Families 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.
$65/person.
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Colorado Springs, CO
COME JOIN US! SKSF will receive $1.00 per pint sold during this time to help fund programs for individuals with disabilities.
Thank you for your participation!
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Colorado Springs, CO
Sibshops is a monthly program run by SKSF connecting and supporting siblings of children with disabilities (grades K-6th), helping them recognize a community of peers in similar situations.
Through fun and age appropriate activities with their peers, they develop bonds, understanding and a support group all their own.
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Don't miss this annual traditional SKSF fundraising event!
REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY!
$30/person; $15/child - includes 2 games of bowling, shoe rental, goodie bag & participation in contest prizes and drawing.
All proceeds from this event help support programming for
children & adults with disabilities and their families.
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SKSF is seeking sponsorships for our upcoming 2018 events. Sponsorships range from $250-$7500 supporting our Bowlathon, Bluegrass, Brews & Brats and Night of Comedy events. If interested, please visit our website for details or contact us at
Without YOU these events wouldn't be possible!
Thank you for your consideration.
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Jamie Smith
Admin Assistant/Receptionist
Adult Services
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Regan Clemens
Adult Mentor I
Joey's Place Program
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Louis Caragao
Adult Mentor I
Joey's Place Program
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Ashley Helyar
Center Manager
Zach's Place Program
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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.
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