|
Hello from Imagine!’s CEO
As we move into September, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Each of you — staff, families, community partners, and donors — brings energy, compassion, and commitment that keeps Imagine! strong. Together, you are the pulse of our mission.
We’ve named this newsletter The Pulse because it reflects the heartbeat of Imagine! — the people and moments that connect us, remind us why we do this work, and inspire us to keep moving forward.
In every story you’ll read today, you’ll find examples of what happens when compassion drives action: Direct Support Professionals changing lives through their daily dedication, new housing opportunities opening doors for families, and community members stepping up to give and get involved.
We face challenges, yes — like Colorado’s budget constraints and the uncertainty that brings. But I believe in the strength of this community. When we stay connected, informed, and inspired, there is no challenge we cannot meet.
Thank you for being part of the Imagine! community. May this issue leave you with a renewed sense of gratitude, hope, and possibility.
With appreciation,
Jodi Walters
| | |
Our Community in Action:
Celebrating National Direct Support Professionals (DSP)
Earlier this month, Imagine! joined organizations across the nation in celebrating Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week — and what a celebration it was!
From September 7–13, our entire community came together to honor the people who bring Imagine!’s mission of independence, dignity, and belonging to life every single day.
Our Culture Club help fill DSP Week with energy and creativity through a Spirit Week lineup that included pajama day, cookie decorating, bracelet-making, sugar scrubs, and even a burrito breakfast. Selfie stations and themed outfits brought smiles across our programs, while daily thank-you notes, and gift bags reminded DSPs how valued they are.
On social media, we spotlighted DSPs like Colin and Kate, who “move humanity forward” through their dedication; Shelby, known for her rock-solid presence and big smile; and Sydney, who advocates not only in classrooms and homes but also on policy stages. Every story highlighted the compassion, patience, and joy DSPs bring to the people they support.
To all DSPs: thank you! Your work inspires independence, builds community, and fills each day with meaning.
👉 See more stories and photos on our Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
| | |
Advocacy & Impact: Budget Realities, Community Values
At Imagine!, we know our community looks to us not only for services, but also for clarity, connection, and leadership in uncertain times. Part of our role is to help make sense of the bigger picture — what’s happening at the state level, and what it means for the people and families we serve.
Right now, Colorado is facing a serious budget gap of more than $1.2 billion this year, following changes in federal tax law. Because programs like education and the system that funds disability services make up a large share of the state budget, state leaders need to find savings in those areas.
Here’s what that means for Imagine! and our community:
This Calendar Year (2025:
-
On October 1, 2025, the 1.6% rate increase for Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) will roll back to FY2025 rates.
- This fall, Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) begins stakeholder engagement and rulemaking on future proposed changes for other long-term services and supports.
Next Calendar Year (2026):
-
On January 1, 2026, Community Connector rates will decrease by 15%.
-
On March 1, 2026, the state will reduce residential Family Caregiver rates to match residential Host Home Provider rates, addressing funding disparities between the models.
-
Additional changes may come as the legislature takes up the next state budget in July 2026.
Our plan here at Imagine!:
- Imagine! has already reached out to each group impacted to share both our plan and the timeline.
- We will also host town hall Q&As, giving providers, families, and caregivers the chance to hear details, ask questions, and share feedback. These conversations will not only strengthen understanding, but also equip us to advocate more effectively for our community this fall.
We know these adjustments create stress and uncertainty. But they also remind us why Imagine!’s mission matters: to stand beside people and families, provide stability in challenging times, and protect opportunities for every individual to thrive.
We will continue to advocate, to share information as we have it, and to lead with compassion and courage. You can count on Imagine! to stay steady, to speak up, and to keep this community strong.
👉 Download the full summary of Colorado Medicaid cuts and proposed changes
| | |
Spotlight: The Iris Bistro — Meals, Moments, and More
At Imagine!, food is more than a meal — it’s a way to bring people together. That spirit is alive and well at the Iris Bistro, where Chef Raul and his team are cooking up not only fresh dishes, but also fresh opportunities for connection.
This fall, Chef Raul led our “Let’s Taco ’Bout a Party! DSP Week Contractor Fiesta,” serving up flavor, fun, and gratitude for the people who bring Imagine!’s mission to life every day. It was one more example of how the Bistro is becoming a hub for celebration and community.
Looking ahead, the Kitchen is expanding its reach. Beginning in January 2026, Imagine! plans to launch a home-delivered meals program out of the Bistro, providing healthy, chef-prepared food directly to the doorsteps of people and families in our community.
The Iris Bistro is part of Imagine!’s commitment to inclusive employment and meaningful engagement. With Chef Raul’s guidance, individuals learn kitchen skills, teamwork, and confidence while serving meals that nourish both body and community. It’s a space where everyone belongs — whether you’re preparing food, enjoying it, or sharing stories across the table.
👉 Follow more Iris Bistro updates and stories on our Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
| |
Ways to Engage:
The Imagine! Celebration
For 25 years, the Imagine! Celebration has been where generosity meets impact. It’s our night to come together—honor what we’ve built, celebrate the people at the heart of it, and invest in what’s next.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, we’ll roll out the red carpet for a night of fine dining, live entertainment, and both silent and live auctions — but most importantly, for impact.
Join us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future--your presence and generosity will help carry Imagine!’s mission forward!
👉Click here to Secure Your Spot!
Other ways to help make this milestone count:
✅ Sponsor a table to host colleagues, clients, or friends with purpose.
✅ Donate auction items (getaways, experiences, tickets, services, curated baskets, gift cards).
✅ Underwrite an element (entertainment, décor, production) to stretch every dollar.
✅ Register to attend and add your voice to the celebration.
👉Click here to Donate an Auction Item
Contact Stephany Precourt for more information: 303.775.7558 | sprecourt@imaginecolorado.org
| | |
Community Resource: Housing Choice Voucher Lottery
The Denver Housing Authority will open its 2026 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Lottery for just 48 hours:
September 18, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. until September 19, 2025 at 11:59 a.m.
Key Highlights
- No residency requirement: Anyone can apply, no matter where they live.
- Portability allowed: If selected, you can use the voucher where you currently live, including Boulder County.
- Who’s eligible: Anyone age 18+ who meets income and eligibility rules (not limited to elderly, disabled, or families with kids).
Basic Requirements
- Must not be a registered sex offender.
-
No meth production convictions on public housing property.
-
No eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related activity in the past 3 years.
-
No eviction from federally assisted housing in the past 5 years.
-
No money owed to subsidized housing programs.
-
Must fall within income limits (50% AMI for 2025).
👉 Click here for more info & application: Denver Housing Authority HCV Lottery
| | |
Closing Note
Thank you for reading this month’s Pulse. Just as a heartbeat keeps us moving forward, your engagement keeps Imagine! strong. Whether you are a staff member, family, donor, or friend — you are part of what makes this community vibrant.
We hope these stories leave you with encouragement, gratitude, and inspiration to carry into the weeks ahead. Together, we are creating a world of opportunity for all abilities — one moment, one connection, one act of generosity at a time.
Stay connected with us on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn, and join us in sharing Imagine!’s mission with others.
With appreciation,
The Imagine! Team
| | Have a question or a story idea? Email Us by Clicking HERE. | | | | |
