DURANGO, Colo. – If the measure of a community can be based on how that community cares for its citizens, then Durango is making great strides, at least in the realm of those with developmental disabilities.

Community Connections, Inc. (CCI) was formed in 1985 with a mission to help those with developmental disabilities live healthy and fulfilling lives. Developmental disability is an umbrella term essentially used to describe a life-long mental and/or physical disability manifested prior to age 22.

“In other words, it occurs while people are developing and impairs their cognitive functioning,” said Tara Kiene, CCI resource director for families, children and adults. “Things like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism … we serve everyone from (age) zero to death.”

In darker times, those with such disabilities were automatically institutionalized, essentially becoming wards of the state. In addition to the financial burden on taxpayers, the institutions offered little hope for patients to lead productive lives or contribute to society. CCI has the exact opposite approach.

“In the past people with disabilities were hidden from society,” said Justin Matherson, who works with CCI clients at “Holly House,” the daytime gathering place for adults. “This program is good at integrating them with the community. Ultimately that’s the goal – to get people to where they can live on their own. Not all of them can, but those who are able, it’s great to see them get out there and have a job and pay their bills. It’s amazing to watch.”

CCI is perhaps the largest non-profit organization in Southwest Colorado. With a staff of more than 150 trained and caring people, and annual operating revenue of more than $4 million, CCI is still only able to provide services to approximately 230 individuals and families.

Services range from Early Intervention (assisting families with babies, birth to three years of age, in their home environment), to financial support of families raising a child with a disability to the Adult Program.

“That is our most extensive program,” said Kiene of the services provided to adults, age 18 and older. “The downside is that there’s a huge waiting list. There are more than 3,000 people on the wait list statewide. They’re looking at people who are going on the wait list today not receiving services for 10 to 15 years.”

CCI staff member Bridgette Simplicio enjoys a moment with Shane Zimmerman.

CCI does what it can locally. Services for adults are predominantly geared toward the individual and run the gamut, from full in-home care, to drop in support, to vocational training, to social integration such as that seen at Holly House. Kiene likened the offerings to a cafeteria, where clients can pick and choose based on their needs.

“Some people do have amazing support from their families, neighbors and other community members,” said Kiene. “That’s what we’re really striving for – connecting people so that they don’t need as much from the system or an agency.”

“Community Connections. It goes both ways,” said Julie Dreyfuss, CCI development director. “We’re trying to connect with our clients, but we’re also trying to find ways to connect the community with us.”

A key effort is job placement, helping facilitate CCI clients as productive members of the business community, instilling a sense of pride in these individuals as they earn their own money and contribute to society. The greatest challenge in this effort, however, is getting the word out to potential employers.

“An advantage of having an employee (from CCI) is that not only do they come with job support and assistance to help them fit in to the business, they come with so much enthusiasm,” said Kiene. “And that enthusiasm is infectious. It spreads through a whole staff.”

Tax incentives are also a part of the package, notes Dreyfuss, as well as longevity. “Once there’s a fit, you don’t have to worry about that person leaving to find another job. But more than that, I think it (hiring a CCI client) fosters camaraderie and compassion, all those things you’d like to have in your business. There are so many businesses out there who haven’t even thought about it. There are so many opportunities.”

The adult day program at Holly House allows CCI clients to gather, enjoy games and meals together, and take “field trips” into the community – such as swimming at the Durango Recreation Center or art classes at Fort Lewis College.

Holly House was first built in 1983 as a “group” home, so it offers amenities that cater to those with developmental disabilities. Melia Chavez, as CCI’s community integration manager, oversees the facility that today could be considered more of a club house. Open to CCI clients Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holly House is about interaction.

"We don’t just sit here. For example, every Thursday we deliver meals to shut-ins for Meals on Wheels,” said Chavez, adding that she also runs a Wednesday evening program. “Last night’s group went to the Office Spiritorium to listen to live music and they had a wonderful time. The musician came over and visited with us. That’s what it’s about.”

Chavez had nothing but praise for Fort Lewis College and its students. A welcoming environment, the campus is a regular destination for groups of CCI clients, and a host of psychology and sociology students volunteer at Holly House each year. Also, students from the Environmental Center have adopted the Holly House’s budding new greenhouse as a project.

“The greenhouse was donated about three years ago,” said Dreyfuss admitting that the effort had stalled. “That’s one thing I’m doing, working with Fort Lewis students to get the greenhouse going. It’s about community integration, but it’ll eventually be a job for one of our clients. We want to make it happen year-round.”

The energy at Holly House is high, with a ratio of one staff member to three or four clients at the most, as the house does welcome “high needs” clients. The staff members are patient and passionate.

“We’re not making a lot of money, and that’s not why we’re here,” said Chavez. “You can’t get enough of our clients. I love this job. I look forward to coming to work. It’s a new day every day. The energy is awesome.”

Richard Siegele, Justin Matherson and Melia Chavez find Holly House a highly energetic, inspirational gathering place.

While most involved with Community Connections are trained staff, some community volunteer opportunities do exist.

“One we really need volunteers for that is great fun is our respite program,” said Kiene. “It’s organized mostly for support of the Early Intervention families. It’s just once a month and it’s a time for families to have time off from their kids, and for the kids to have time off from their families.”

The children congregate at the Mason Center on East Third Avenue and are given up to five hours to play, “do their own thing” and interact with others while their parents or caregivers enjoy a relaxing dinner or other social outing.

“We have volunteers who ‘buddy-up’ with each child, one on one,” continued Kiene. “There are generally arts and crafts projects, sometimes music or entertainment. We’re always looking for volunteers to come be a buddy or those who can organize activities or entertainment for the kids.”

A majority of CCI’s funding does come from the state, with support from United Way. However, the state’s requirements are strict, and some with developmental disabilities do not qualify. For those individuals, CCI is now beginning to turn to the local community.

“We really don’t have many individual community donors, and we really need that,” said Dreyfuss. “People don’t realize what their donation can do to change people’s lives right here in our community.”

Though CCI traditionally hasn’t held fundraisers, several years ago the organization launched the Festival of Trees. Designed to raise both funds and friends, Festival of Trees at its core features Christmas Trees decorated by various sponsors. The trees are then auctioned off to raise funds for CCI client programs.

“In my perfect world, we wouldn’t need an organization like this because the community would just naturally provide for everyone,” said Kiene. “The reality is that even with our best community efforts there’s always going to be some people with developmental disabilities who are in need. The options are to serve someone in our community or institutionalize them in Grand Junction or the Front Range where they aren’t getting the opportunities, and we’re paying more to house and provide for them – and our community isn’t seeing the benefits.”

“If CCI wasn’t here, I think a lot of people would be living very, very limited lives,” said Dreyfuss. “And a lot of burden would be put back on the counties or cities. I don’t know if the community really understands what a huge role we play.”

As its mission statement reads, “Community Connections, Inc. is a not-for-profit company that provides opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to live healthy and fulfilling lives. We educate business, families and communities to be advocates for change and to promote independence.”

To learn more, or make a tax deductible donation, visit the web site, www.cci-colorado.org or call 970.259.2464.

indiana@durangodowntown.com