Casting Connections:
Boon Fly Fishing & DDRC Share a Day of Joy on the Water
| | Boon Fly Fishing isn’t just about rods and reels—it’s a club built on a love for the outdoors, the art of fly fishing, and the friendships formed along the way. But more than that, Boon Fly believes in giving back—sharing their passion to help others experience the confidence and joy of catching a fish on the fly. | | |
That generosity came to life when Matt Rotter, a member of both the DDRC Board of Directors and Boon Fly, reached out to his fellow club members with a heartfelt idea: host a special fly-fishing day for DDRC Day Program participants. With help from Kerrianne Rigney, DDRC Day Program Director, and her dedicated team, the plan came together.
On a sunny afternoon at Lake Lehow, nestled against the foothills, eight DDRC participants met eight friendly and patient Boon Fly volunteers. The group learned about fly types, casting techniques, and how water temperature affects fish behavior—then put those new skills to the test.
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It didn’t take long for excitement to ripple across the water. A joyful “Whoop—we got it!” broke the calm as the first catch came in. Later, Marti, a DDRC participant, stole the show by reeling in two fish using a double-fly technique—drawing cheers and big smiles. Garett, fishing with Boon Fly member Tom, took turns casting and holding the rod. “Just being here in this cool place is great!” he said.
After a fun and fulfilling afternoon, the group gathered under a nearby pavilion for lunch and conversation. As the DDRC participants started to leave, the warm goodbyes and shared laughter were a clear sign of success.
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Thanks to Boon Fly Fishing and the initiative of Matt Rotter to include people with disabilities in this experience, a new kind of connection was made—one cast at a time.
If you have an idea for how your club or organization might connect with DDRC, please contact us.
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Celebrating Our DDRC Spark Leaders:
NADSP Achievers Leading the Way!
| | We’re excited to share that several more of our dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Front-Line Supervisors (FLS) have joined Meghan Maxwell and Chris Hansen in earning their DSP-1 or FLS Certificates through the nationally recognized NADSP (National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals) E-Badge Academy. This program supports professional growth in vital areas such as person-centered practices, communication, ethics, and community inclusion—raising the standard of care across our field. Meghan and Chris were the first DDRC team members to earn the DSP-1 and FLS E-Badges, respectively. We proudly celebrate them—and the inspiring staff featured below—as true “Spark Leaders.” | Ryan Monroe, Support Specialist at our Walters site, earned his DSP-1 Certificate after over 50 hours of training and 11 targeted reflections. “I am thrilled to be a part of the NADSP certificate program as it helps me better serve the individuals I work with,” Monroe said. | “I’m thankful for the opportunity to keep learning and growing,” said Amanda Romero, another Walters Support Specialist, upon earning her E-badge—reflecting DDRC’s commitment to continuing excellence. Melissa DePriest, also from Walters, added, “I'm grateful for the chance to attend the NADSP Academy to enhance my training and better serve the people at Walters.” Her dedication reflects the heart of DDRC. | Leadership is also shining bright! Kimberlee Barela earned her Front-Line Supervisor Certificate, saying, “I wanted to gain the skills to move up and become a Program Manager — and I was able to achieve that!” Bravo as well to Brandon Thibodeau, who completed the same FLS certification while also serving as a Program Manager. | To all our staff who’ve accomplished this feat—our Spark Leaders—thank you for lighting the way forward for your peers, our organization, and the people we support every day. | | Helpful Tips; Fun Tricks and Treats at the Children's Resource Fair | | 🎃 Hey Jeffco & Clear Creek Families, got kiddos at home? Save the date of Wednesday, October 29th, for the Tips, Tricks, and Treats-themed Children’s Resource Fair at the Jeffco Fairgrounds, where you can find help and have fun too! Come dressed in your favorite costume if you’d like, and enjoy free treat giveaways while exploring all kinds of helpful resources for your family. | | Hosted by the Jefferson County Case Management Association (CMA), this fun and informative event features local vendors and organizations. DDRC will be there sharing how we support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families with: | |
✨ Behavioral Health Services
✨ Our Pediatric ABA Clinic
✨ Caregiver Support & CES Waiver Assistance
✨ Help for families with unique and extensive care needs
✨ And more!
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🕠 When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Jeffco Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall
📫 Address: 15200 W. 6th Ave, Golden, CO 80401
🍬Come for the fun, leave with helpful info (and goodies too)!
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Season of Support:
Delicious Giving, Holiday Cheer & Double the Impact!
| | We’re excited to share what’s coming up for our community and those who support DDRC! On Thursday, November 13th, join us at the Arvada Beau Jo’s ( 53rd Ave & Wadsworth) for a Benefit Night where a portion of your meal purchase supports our programs. It’s a delicious way to make a difference for DDRC! | | | Our Annual Appeal will be landing in mailboxes around Thanksgiving—the perfect time to give thanks, give back, and make your impact felt. Thanks to the generous Mai Family Trust, every gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $30,000, doubling the difference you make in the lives of those we serve. | | Plus, get ready for some holiday cheer on Saturday, December 13th, at the Mrs. Claus Benefit Event hosted at 6 and 40 Brewery (883 Parfet St., Lakewood)—a festive celebration for families and kiddos alike, all in support of our programs and those we serve. More information coming soon, so mark your calendars and stay tuned! | | | Child Care Announcement – Walters | DDRC is pleased to welcome a licensed daycare provider to our Walters facility. The daycare will lease a designated area within the building, without impact on our current operations, space, or anticipated future space needs. This strategic partnership aligns with our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for families in our community while contributing to the financial sustainability of our operations. The daycare will operate independently, with its own secure access and clearly defined boundaries to ensure the safety and privacy of both its operations and ours. | Construction for the daycare will begin in October. The anticipated opening for the daycare is early 2026. We will provide additional updates regarding the move-in timeline and relevant logistics as the transition progresses. | | Celebrating the Professionals Who Make a Difference: Honoring DSPs and Caregivers | | Direct Support Professionals (DSP)—emphasis on professionals! These dedicated individuals make a meaningful difference in people's lives every single day. Throughout the year, we focus on helping them grow their skills, elevate their profession, and, most importantly, enhance the lives of the people they serve. | |
But every so often—especially during September National DSP Recognition Week—we take a moment to shift from developing skills and knowledge to celebration. It’s a special time to have fun and honor the incredible work of our DSPs, host home providers, and family caregivers. This year’s recognition events brought joy and connection through activities like puppy yoga, offering a moment of calm and laughter. A coffee truck kept spirits high, and everyone enjoyed a delicious boxed or catered lunch as a small token of our immense gratitude.
| If you or a loved one benefits from the care of a DSP, host home provider, or family caregiver, we encourage you to share your appreciation anytime. A heartfelt "thank you" goes a long way. | | Where Policy Meets the People:
The 25th Annual Legislative BBQ
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Another great gathering! Our 2025 Legislative BBQ on September 4 brought neighbors, elected officials, candidates, and community leaders together over good food and conversations. The event, now 25 years running, was hosted by DDRC, Family Tree, Jefferson Center, Seniors Resource Center, and The Action Center. | | |
Even with tough issues on the table, the tone stayed focused on the commitment to work together to meet challenges. Real connections were made—and the energy in the crowd reflected a commitment to understanding and a sincere enjoyment of meeting people who care about our community.
Thank you to all who joined us, and please make a note to watch for this event again next year. Staying engaged is as important as ever!
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We’re committed to meeting the highest standards for charitable operations
and giving, and are proud of the ratings we've achieved!
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