💚 2026 Employees of Distinction💚

Who makes Imagine! extraordinary? Tell us.

Every day, Imagine! employees bring our mission and values to life in ways big and small. They help people pursue their goals, support families through challenges, strengthen our programs, build connections in our community, solve problems creatively, and step up when it matters.

Each year, our Employees of Distinction recognition celebrates employees whose work reflects the values at the heart of Imagine!. This year, we’re inviting our whole Imagine! community to help us recognize them.

If you receive services from Imagine!, are a family member or friend, community partner, volunteer, contractor, or simply someone who has seen an Imagine! employee make a difference, we want to hear from you.

Think of someone who went the extra mile. Someone who listened. Someone who solved a problem, opened a door, made you feel welcome, or simply showed up exactly when they were needed.

Nominations are open October 8–25, 2026.

The nomination form takes about 5–10 minutes to complete, and you don't need to write the “perfect” nomination. Just tell us what this person did, what you saw or experienced, and why it mattered. Specific stories and examples are especially helpful

.

Click here to nominate an employee of distinction!

A Note From Jodi



There’s a lot happening across Imagine! and our community this month. As I read through this issue of The Pulse, though, what stands out to me isn’t how much is happening. It’s how many different voices are helping shape it.

Your voice matters here.

It matters when you tell us about an employee who made a difference. It matters when people receiving services tell us what they want from work, home and community life. It matters when families, providers and advocates share what Medicaid services make possible. And it matters when neighbors, partners and community members bring their experiences and ideas to the table.

We won’t always agree on every answer, especially when the questions are hard. But listening to one another, staying curious, and making room for the people closest to an issue makes our work and our communities stronger.

So this month, I hope you’ll find at least one way to join the conversation: nominate someone, share your perspective, attend an event, learn about an issue, or simply reach out to someone doing good work and tell them you noticed.

There’s a lot happening. I’m grateful we get to keep shaping what comes next, together.

Jodi Walters

Chief Executive Officer

DAF Day



Yesterday was DAF Day, a national day celebrating the difference donor-advised funds can make for nonprofits and the communities they serve. 

Have a donor-advised fund? Consider putting it to work for Imagine! today, tomorrow, or next year.

Don't have a donor-advised fund but want to make a difference? Chek out our Ways to Give page to see how you can contribute today.

🍬October 29 | Trunk or Treat

Costumes, candy and community! 

Join us for Imagine!’s annual Trunk or Treat, a free, family-friendly evening with decorated cars, candy and non-candy treats, and plenty of Halloween fun.

When: Thursday, October 29th from 5:30-7:30 pm

Where: 1400 Dixon Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026

🎁Holiday Gift Resources Are Open

Holiday gift programs throughout Boulder County and beyond are already accepting applications.

Boulder County has gathered available programs in one handy resource. 

Take a look for yourself or share it with someone who could use a little extra support this holiday season.

And thanks to our Boulder County partners for putting this resource together! We appreciate you.

Different Paths. Shared Possibilities.

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the talents, contributions, and opportunities of people with disabilities in workplaces and communities.

At Imagine!, we know there's no single path to meaningful employment. Some people build skills and gain experience before moving into competitive employment. Others find the right opportunity by connecting their unique strengths and interests with the needs of a local employer. What matters is having the support, choices, and opportunities to pursue work that fits.

For Bobbie, that journey has been years in the making.

Bobbie began in group employment, developing workplace skills, exploring her interests, and gaining valuable experience. When she was ready for her next challenge, she transitioned into competitive, integrated employment at Arc Thrift Store.

With support from Imagine!'s Employment Services team, including job coaching and assistive technology, Bobbie continued building independence and confidence on the job.

Over time, she needed less direct support. Today, she's celebrating five years with Arc Thrift Store!

For Autumn, the right opportunity was practically in her own backyard.

Through Imagine!'s Customized Employment approach, Autumn explored what mattered most to her: working close to her community, connecting with people while having space when she needed it, using her considerable organizing skills, and finding a workplace where she belonged.

Enter St. Vrain Market in Lyons.

A community fixture since 1964, the market is transitioning to new ownership this year while remaining rooted in the community. And Autumn's strengths turned out to be a wonderful match for the market's needs.

As she begins her new role greeting customers and stocking shelves, Autumn will see plenty of familiar faces. She already knows many of the people who walk through those doors.

Now, she'll welcome them not just as a neighbor and customer, but as a St. Vrain Market employee.

Two people. Two different pathways. One important idea: meaningful employment begins with opportunity, choice, and the right support.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we're celebrating Bobbie, Autumn, and everyone finding their own way forward. We're also grateful for the employers who recognize the talents people bring to their teams and help create workplaces where everyone can contribute.

Interested in exploring employment opportunities or partnering with Imagine! as an employer?

Contact our Supported Employment Team Today



What does housing look like when it is designed from the beginning to support greater choice, independence, connection and belonging?

On October 26, the Inclusive Housing Coalition (IHC) will explore that question at its free 2026 Inclusive Housing Workshop at Willoughby Corner in Lafayette.

The workshop will explore different approaches to neuro-inclusive housing through model

presentations, community conversation, and opportunities to share ideas and feedback.

Imagine! CEO Jodi Walters and L’Arche of Northern Colorado Executive Director Dustin Barrington will be among the presenters, sharing more about Willoughby Corner and Imagine!’s work there.

October 26 | 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

The workshop is free, but space is limited.

[Click here to register for the Inclusive Housing Workshop

Policy Updates

Colorado Medicaid: Difficult Choices Taking Shape

Colorado is facing difficult decisions about the future of Medicaid-funded Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), with specific proposals now under consideration that could affect people receiving services, families, caregivers and providers.

Our state Medicaid office, Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to Personal Care and Homemaker services, including lower service caps, limits on some paid care provided by family members, and removing Personal Care for children from Community First Choice (CFC) because it is a benefit under Health First Colorado.

These aren't abstract budget decisions. Personal Care and Homemaker services can help people stay healthy and safe, live more independently, work, maintain relationships, and participate in their communities. Changes can also affect families and the workforce providing those supports.

HCPF is asking the LTSS community to help identify where the greatest impacts could occur, what protections or exceptions should be considered, whether there are better ways to achieve savings, and what could make implementation more workable.

The stakeholder roundtables will be over by the time this newsletter reaches you, but HCPF's written survey remains open through Sunday, October 11.

You don't need to respond to every proposal. Share what you know. Specific examples of what these services make possible, what could happen if they change, and practical alternatives or solutions are especially helpful.

Click here to access the Survey



Click here to learn more about the proposed changes

Colorado’s Medicaid Commission:

Moving Toward Recommendations

Colorado’s temporary Commission on Medicaid is entering the later stages of its work examining Medicaid spending, services and opportunities for change.

Its September 17 meeting focused heavily on LTSS, including spending and growth, HCBS provider costs, member experiences, and the tradeoffs involved in changing services people rely on.

The Commission has three meetings remaining: October 7, November 10 and November 18, before recommendations are due later this year.



CFC Group Rates: Final Adoption Scheduled October 9

Colorado’s Office of Community Living has updated its proposed Group Rates rule for Community First Choice (CFC) and Long-Term Home Health services based on stakeholder feedback.

Group rates apply when one direct care worker supports multiple people at the same time. The latest draft includes changes addressing how one-to-one care interacts with group rates and clarifies the case manager’s role.



The proposed rule is scheduled for final adoption by the Medical Services Board on October 9.

Imagine! Board Endorses 2026 Ballot Measure

The Imagine! Board of Directors has endorsed one measure on the November ballot that intersects with issues important to the people and communities Imagine! serves.

Broomfield Ballot Issue 1A | Housing

Would increase Broomfield’s lodging tax and dedicate the revenue to preserving and expanding housing opportunities through the Broomfield Housing Alliance.

Showing Up for One Another

A recent shout-out from one of our Residential leaders offered a pretty great example of what collaboration can look like at Imagine!.

Faced with a challenging situation, Imagine!’s Residential Leadership and Nursing teams came together to make sure both the person receiving services and the staff supporting them had what they needed.

“I truly felt like they all had my back,” she shared, describing a team that listened, stepped in, and offered support without making her feel like she was asking too much.

That’s collaboration in action: bringing the right people together, sharing expertise, and making sure no one has to navigate the hard stuff alone.

Thank you to our Residential Leadership and Nursing teams for showing up for the people we support and for one another.

Want to be part of what happens here? Imagine! is always looking for people who bring curiosity, compassion, creativity, and their own talents to our community.

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