Promote, Strengthen & Support Individuals with Disabilities, their Families & Caregivers
APRIL 2019
SPRING IS HERE! As we spring forward through April, we want to recognize National Autism Awareness Month. Did you know that over half of the children that attend our Zach's Place child care program are on the autism spectrum? This month, visit us on social media to follow a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self determination for all! We want to encourage all of our friends and partners in a movement toward acceptance and appreciation!
PROGRAM NEWS
EXOTIC KRITTERS VISIT ZACH'S PLACE
SKSF's Zach's Place program hosted the Kritter Karavan, a nonprofit organization that focuses on exposing people of all ages and abilities to the wonderful world of small exotic animals. The Kritter Karavan featured a wide array of interesting creatures, most of which are rescues. The kiddos at Zach’s Place where up close to animals like a tarantula, a chinchilla, a hedgehog, several lizards, a tortoise, sugar gliders and a 7 foot snake! “No matter the age or disability, something with animals will connect,” says Kathy Beers , Kritter Karavan Executive Director. A huge thanks to Kathy for coming out and sharing this wonderful experience with our Zach's Place kiddos! More photos on SKSF's Facebook page. http://www.kritterkaravan.org/
FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED
Thanks  Mike Lewis  at KRDO radio for promoting the need for Foster Care families. SKSF is seeking willing families to foster children in the CO Springs, Pueblo and Denver areas. If interested, please contact Sandra 719-244-5113.
KNIGHTS DONATION
Thank you  St. Patrick's Knights Council #9993 for donating to SKSF's Zach's Place program from your Tootsie Roll fundraising drive. Your continued donations throughout the years are truly making a difference in the program!
BRADY SHINES AWARDS SKSF
Special Kids Special Families received a $2,000 grant from Brady, a full-time janitorial supply, equipment and food service distributor, to assist Zach’s Place child and respite care program supporting children with disabilities and special needs. SKSF was one of eleven award winners chosen. “The Brady Shines selection committee had the unenviable role of selecting among more than 80 wonderful programs all over the country,” said Travis Brady, President and CEO. “Brady Shines is proud to support Special Kids Special Families. Thank you for the tremendous work you do for our communities.” Read More
DONATING CASES OF LOVE
Thank you Marian Percy for dropping suitcases and MORE off at SKSF's Child Placement Agency from Cases of Love. Their next collection event will be at the Nordstrom Rack on North Academy Blvd. each Saturday in May. In addition, Focus on the Family on Explorer will also be collecting suitcases for Cases of Love throughout May. This donation gives foster kids in transition a place to store their belongings. We appreciate their generosity!
TRANSITION NIGHT
SKSF staff members, Jimmy Browder and Jon Karroll manned an information table at the Widefield School District Transition Information Night for Parents in April. About a dozen families attended to learn about Widefield District 3’s transition opportunities for students nearing the end of high school. SKSF and six other community organizations presented and met with parents afterwards. It was a small event but a big success!
ART DISPLAYED
Local artist, Mary Sue Copeland referred Kendall to SKSF to place her artwork on consignment. Kendall has Down Syndrome. Her art work will be displayed in the conference room and hallways at the SKSF Administration office at 1915 Aerotech Dr. Ste #100. These art pieces will be for sale ($50/ea). "Hello! My name is Kendall Elass. Since I was very young, I have been interested in art. I have enjoyed sketching and painting with acrylics. I enjoy doing landscapes and abstract and still life portraits, mostly using bright colors, to reflect joy. I hope you enjoy my art work and thank you!"
UPCOMING EVENTS
ANNUAL RESOURCE FAIR
for Individuals with Disabilities
APRIL 18th | 5pm-8pm
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 Agencies, businesses, and providers are coming together to provide information on services for individuals with all types of disabilities. Light refreshments will be served with free event parking. Breakout speakers include Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, The Resource Exchange and The Arc Pikes Peak Region.
SIBSHOPS WORKSHOP
APRIL 20th | 3pm-5pm
Theme: Egg Hunt - Celebrate Spring!
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 others in similar situations, they develop bonds, understanding and a support group all their own. Advanced Registration is required and space is limited!  More Information...
FOSTER CARE ORIENTATION
MAY 7th | 5:30pm-6:30pm
 Please join us for the next FREE informational meeting at Special Kids Special Families Child Placement Agency to learn basic information about our Foster Care program. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the need for more foster families, what it takes to become a foster parent, and have all your questions answered. This meeting also serves as our orientation to those who have decided to begin the process of becoming foster parents. More Information...
Dan Frasier Joins SKSF Board
Dan is a Colorado native hailing from Fort Morgan. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Finance from Colorado State University. He graduated honors with his MBA from Regis University. He currently is the Vice President of Commercial Lending with Adams Bank & Trust and is involved with several boards and organizations including BethHaven, Christian Business Men’s Coalition, and the Better Business Bureau. He relocated to Colorado Springs 7 years ago following his nuptials to his wife Christina. Together they have four sons, two of which have special needs. Dan’s goal is for all of his kids to live as fulfilling and high quality of life as possible. Thank you Dan for joining the SKSF Board of Directors!