A Special Kids Special Families E-Newsletter to promote, strengthen & support individuals with disabilities & their families within our community
DECEMBER 2018 | ISSUE 1
The Williams family with little Joyanna Williams (pictured on the left)
From Foster Care to Adoption - a JOYOUS Day!
Sheila and Jason Williams became foster parents with Special Kids Special Families in September 2017. Joyanna was placed in their home in October 2017.  The Williams were never afraid of Joyanna's special needs. All they saw was a special gift that brought them great joy! The Williams family knew from the day that SKSF dropped her off, she would become a part of their family. Through many long phone conversations, scheduled and unscheduled home visits, changing of diapers, helping wherever they needed, the Williams knew they had the support of SKSF when they decided to adopt Joyanna. So on November 19, 2018, with family, friends and SKSF staff, Joyanna took the last name of Willliams and was adopted by this loving family. What a JOYOUS day for all! Congratulations!
SKSF Staff member, Joe Canno was nominated by his supervisor, Dave Prudhomme for driver recognition by the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Mobility Coordinating Committee . Joe has been a bus driver for Speclal Kids Special Families for the past 3 years. He comes to work each day and serves the individuals with disabilities with safety in mind, as well consideration and respect in ensuring that their ride will be a positive experience. Joe is dedicated to being a ‘people mover’. Dave Prudhomme reports that Joe is upbeat and well liked by the clients he transports.  We celebrate in congratulating Joe with this award! 
We still need gifts!
Every year, SKSF organizes a holiday party for hundreds of children and adult program participants (foster care, Zach's Place and Adult programs) as well as their siblings and family members. It's a HUGE undertaking with over 300 gifts needed every year!

We STILL need about 35 gifts!
Either gift cards or gifts (valued at $15-$20) or even a monetary donation would help.

If you'd like to donate a gift or gift card, please contact us. Thank you so much for your contribution for helping make this yearly tradition continue! Contact us at 719-447-8983 Sandy x10 or Linda x19 or emaail us at sksf@sksfcolorado.org .

SKSF UPCOMING EVENTS
FRIDAY 12/21/18
8am - 4pm
SKSF Adult Services Conference Room
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. These trainings are open to the public.  Classes limited to 10 persons. Upcoming 2019 dates available.
FRIDAY 12/21/18
6pm - 9pm
Parents need a break too and Zach's Place is hosting a PARENTS NIGHT OUT (for Zach's Place enrolled families). Cost is $15.00 per child which includes pizza and refreshments. The kids will then go out to view the Christmas lights and back to the center to have hot cocoa, cookies and work on an craft ornament to take home. For more information & to register, contact Gail at 719-329-1717.
SAVE THE DATE!
SATURDAY, 3/9/19
SKSF's 10th Annual Bowl-a-thon - BOWL FOR THE GREEN at King Pin Lanes raises funds to help support SKSF programs. Everyone is excited about this annual traditional fundraiser as participants don their "green" for this St. Patrick's Day themed event. Place the date on your calendar & don't miss it!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE from $250 - $2,000.
There are many youth and adults with developmental disabilities and special needs in the Pikes Peak region who need a special place where their needs are met.  The stress of caring for an individual with disabilities can be very taxing on a family unit.  A common theme among loved ones with disabilities is finding RESPITE.  Respite care is a break from the bathing, feeding, lifting, and often times staying up all night to care for a loved one with a disability. Without the use of respite care, so many families’ only option is foster care or institutionalization.  


THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!