Special Kids Special Families E-Newsletter
To promote, strengthen & support individuals with disabilities, their families & caregivers
JUNE 2020
KUDOS to all the great fathers out there supporting their children with love and support! We appreciate all you do!

PROGRAM HAPPENINGS...
AT ADULT SERVICES , we've rolled out a new walk through video of our adult day programs. Take a peek.... Thanks to Shkak Yousuf for recording the video & SKSF staff for participating: Tanya Morgan, Madeline Dulle and Pete Rodriguez.
GOOD NEWS! Recently we've re-opened the Adult Services day program. Joey’s Place offers morning and afternoon sessions with no more than 3 clients attending each to comply with social distancing and keeping the number of people under 10. The I-CAN staff are also picking up several clients and taking them out into the community. Director of Adult Services Dionna Lanich says - “It's great to be open again. We missed everyone. Having clients back in the building makes us feel whole again!”
Our Sensory Room was upgraded with new lighting and a beautiful mural painted by Pete Rodriguez
  Adult Mentors Pete (Rodriguez) and Miranda (Sisk) making arts & crafts with two clients
Even Joey’s Place restroom
got a makeover!
Zach's Place program cares for children ages 2.5-21 with special needs and disabilities. We provide fun activities in a learning environment & appreciate any donations on our WISH LIST! Please contact Dianna, Thomas or Dan at 719-329-1717 or zachsplace@sksfcolorado.org .
ZACH'S PLACE WISH LIST
  • Bingo dobbers (art/math)
  • Tempera paint
  • Liquid watercolors
  • Music activity CDs
  • Ink pads
  • Measuring cups/spoons (science)
  • Balance scale
  • Silk/chiffon scarfs (for music)
  • Mats for sensory gym
  • Playground equipment (outdoor)
  • Kinetic sand
  • Leather or leather like sofa or recliner
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES - TELEHEALTH
SKSF offers counseling and specialized therapy to change behaviors, thoughts, emotions and how people see and understand situations. Our behavioral health team will consider your physical, behavioral and emotional aspects of your health and help determine a course of action that is best for you. Age specific therapy and evaluation is applied to patients. We offer this service to ages 4 through adulthood. NEW! For a limited time (through the COVID-19 health crisis), SKSF is offering NO COST Behavioral Health Services to Seniors!

We offer Telehealth services to those in the El Paso, Teller, Park, and various other southern Colorado counties...

SKSF in the NEWS!
Anthony Welch, Editor of Life After 50 publication, writes a great article about Special Kids Special Families and the programs we offer and includes SKSF Communications and Development Manager, Jon Karroll's story "Turning the page after TV, tragedy..." READ ARTICLE...

Trevor Phipps at Mountain Jackpot News included Maria Berger, SKSF Assistant Executive Director, writing an article about Behavioral Health Services offered by SKSF and mental health during the COVID-19 crisis. READ ARTICLE...

The folks at  KBLJ Radio  interviewed  Jon Karroll SKSF  Development and Communications Manager and promoted our Behavioral Health program and other services SKSF offers. We appreciate the opportunity and had so much fun on air - thanks for the air time! Check them out:  https://www.lajuntaradio.com/
Thank you to the following Foundations and Grantors for donating to our organization and supporting our programs for individuals with disabilities:
 
...Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation
...Colorado Springs Health Foundation
...The Virginia W. Hill Foundation
...Pikes Peak Community Foundation
...Mr. & Mrs. Darrel Creps by the Katalytic Foundation Fund

Other Upcoming SKSF Events...
To DONATE to our silent auction or if interested in SPONSORING the event - contact Jon Karroll at 719-447-8983 x 42 or visit our website...
For the past 8 years, SKSF has held their Annual Night of Comedy signature event supporting Zach's Place program for children with disabilities and their families. This year - WE'RE GOING VIRTUAL - so SAVE THE DATE 10/10/20 and tune in for a LIVE presentation! We still are designing how this will look, but stay tuned for some great silent auction deals, a performance from our Zach's Place kiddos, a special comedy act by Steve Mazan and the premier of our new Zach's Place video. We can't wait to share this with all of our supporters, donors, and friends!
NEXT CLASS: Fri, July 17th
Special Kids Special Families is a Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Approved Training Entity and offers QMAP courses monthly for Support Staff and Host Home Providers caring for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. $65/PERSON

" Hi, I am working with my agency, Special Kids Special Families to help me find a unique person or couple who can help with my personal care needs, daily living activities and help lift and transfer myself. I am a single female with disabilities in my 40s who is fun loving and likes to chat and converse. I am looking for a caregiver or couple to stay in my home with me full time (have an extra bedroom). You will be compensated for the care that you’ll provide. If you are looking to make a difference and provide these services, I would love to meet you."

For more details and information about the job application process, please contact Linda at 719-447-8983 or email lellegard@sksfcolorado.org.