Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, we’re energized as we continue finding ways to be responsive to the needs of the individuals and families we serve. This past holiday season was especially meaningful, filled with generous gestures and heartfelt acts of caring. We’ve highlighted just a few of them below, and we are truly grateful for the support and connection of our community.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue strengthening our relationships and growing our shared impact in the year to come. If you know someone who may benefit from learning more about our services—or from the information we share on issues affecting the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community—please invite them to join our once-a-month eNewsletter. It only takes a moment to join! You can forward them this link.

Thank you for being part of our journey!

Join DDRC at Two Upcoming Community Resource Fairs!

DDRC will be out in the community at two upcoming resource fairs! Stop by our table to meet staff, learn about our services, and hear about new and expanded offerings. These events are a great way to explore supports and connect with local resources for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Next Steps Neuro Diversity Fair

Sunday, January 25, 2026

10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Boulder County Fairgrounds – Exhibit Building

9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501

Note: Dr Temple Grandin will be a special guest speaker at the fair!

Jeffco Schools Special Education Resource Fair

Monday, January 26

5:00–7:30 PM

1829 Denver West Drive, 5th Floor

Golden, CO 80401

This popular event brings together many community providers and representatives from Jeffco Public Schools Special Education, making it a great one-stop opportunity to learn about available services.

Download the flyer below in English or Spanish.

We hope you’ll stop by to say hello and learn how DDRC can support you or your loved one to live their best life.

More Time to Recharge: Group Respite Coming!

Caring for a child with extensive needs is rewarding—and demanding. That’s why DDRC is excited to introduce a new group respite opportunity launching in early 2026 for families whose children receive services through the Children’s Extensive Services (CES) Waiver, which supports children under age 18 living at home and offers short-term respite.

DDRC’s group respite program will serve children ages 3–17 on the CES Waiver and will be hosted at the Weiland Center in Lakewood, conveniently located near South Kipling and Hampden (Highway 285). This activity-rich facility includes a sensory room, a large indoor gym, a full kitchen, multiple activity spaces, outdoor areas, and ample parking.

Group respite gives caregivers valuable time to rest and recharge—knowing their child is in a safe, supportive setting. If this is something your family might benefit from and you want to talk through your child’s needs or leave your contact information, please connect with Eric Koch at Eric.Koch@ddrcco.com or 303-233-3363. Space will be limited, so early outreach is encouraged.

Annual Appeal, Mai Match, and Colorado Gives Day

We’re delighted to announce that the Mai Family Trust’s generous $30,000 matching challenge was not just met—it was surpassed during our Annual Appeal, which wrapped up on December 31, 2025! Their leadership and generosity inspire others to give, and this match has been a driving force behind DDRC’s ongoing charitable success.

But the excitement didn’t stop there—our community came together during Colorado Gives Day, culminating on December 9, to contribute even more support for our mission.

Every donation, whether from our Annual Appeal, Colorado Gives Day, or other gifts and in-kind contributions, is crucial in building DDRC’s financial strength and sustainability. Thanks to you, we’re empowered to keep growing our impact and making a difference every day!

A Jingle Bell Holiday at Six and Forty Brewery

T’was just two weeks till Christmas, and all through the brewery,

Dads, moms, and kiddos were buzzing with jubilee.

A fundraiser hosted by Six and Forty so bright,

Filled with laughter, giving, and holiday delight.

With cookies and cocoa, and chili piled high,

While moms, dads, and others sipped brews with a sigh.

Mrs. Claus spread a blanket right down on the floor,

As the kiddos sat cross-legged, asking for one story more.

She read The Polar Express with warmth and great care,

Delighting each child with a gift bell with flair.

Red ribbon strung, a small keepsake to bring,

A reminder of wonder and the joy gifting brings.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Eileen Schurmann, owner of 6 and 40 Brewery, 883 Parfait St. in Lakewood, for initiating this wonderful fundraiser for DDRC. Eileen made a delightful Mrs. Claus, captivating her audience with warm and engaging readings and spreading true holiday spirit. A portion of brewery sales and chili proceeds was generously donated to DDRC in support of our mission. Thank you, Eileen and Six and Forty, for creating such a joyful way to gather, give back, and celebrate what truly matters.

Ruth, Family and Friends' Gift Tradition

Giving truly runs in the family! For more than 10 years, Ruth Probasco, with her husband John, daughter, and, in earlier years, her colleagues from the Federal Center, has joyfully gathered gifts to be given to DDRC participants during the holidays and special times of the year.

With their pickup truck overflowing with art supplies, coloring books, toys, backpacks, winter hats, gloves, and more, Ruth and her family arrive with huge smiles, ready to spread joy. Inspired by a family legacy of special education—her father was an administrator, and her daughter is a special education teacher—Ruth says, “We have so much fun gathering and buying these gifts throughout the year and then bringing them here.”

Thank you, Ruth and your family, for showing that the joy of giving is truly priceless.

Holiday Gift Card Drive Brings Choice and Independence

For many of us, the simple pleasure of going to a store and choosing something we truly want or need is priceless. It represents independence, dignity, and a sense of freedom that can’t be overstated.

Thanks to generous donations to our Holiday Gift Card Drive, that experience became a reality for many of the women, men, and families with young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) served by DDRC. Donations were used to purchase more than $2,500 in $25 gift cards to Walmart, Target, King Soopers and Amazon. These were distributed directly to DDRC participants—giving them the opportunity to shop for gifts or necessities for themselves and make choices that matter to them.



This meaningful initiative was made possible through the ongoing support of the Masons Marquis De Lafayette Lodge 41, Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis, Lynn Fiedorowiz and friends (and Lynn’s lovely annual party for this purpose), along with other individual donors. Because of their generosity, DDRC participants enjoyed shopping with smiles throughout the holidays—and continue to do so during the post-holiday sale season.

Celebrating the Holidays with Pietra's Pizza

Pietra’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant in Wheat Ridge, a valued DDRC Partner, has proudly sponsored our Therapeutic Recreation holiday gift exchange for over 10 years! This year, more than 40 attendees—including Recreation participants, staff, and Pietra’s hosts—enjoyed a fun-filled celebration.

Owner Joe DeMott generously covered the cost of all the food and surprised participants with stylish Pietra’s T-shirts and festive holiday treats. Our participants look forward to this annual gathering, a special time to socialize with friends and exchange gifts. Joe and his team always welcome our group with open arms, creating an atmosphere full of joy and smiles.

We are so grateful to have such a caring business and community partner in Pietra’s Pizza!

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