When I first started at Community Connections (back in the dark ages when dinosaurs walked the earth), I told an acquaintance where I worked, and she responded, “Oh, I know someone at the Sheriff’s Office.” I think I smiled and nodded at this apparent non-sequitur and went off to find someone more coherent to speak with.
Another time, I met a woman who was vending at Community Connections’ Festival of Trees. She said she was happy to be supporting the organization because “we’re all going to need Community Connections eventually.” Again, I smiled and nodded, although I had no clue what she meant.
It only was later I realized how many people confused “Community Corrections” with Community Connections. And I never did figure out why the vendor thought everyone would end up in Community Connections somehow, although it does seem like at least half of La Plata County has worked for us at some point in their careers.
What was obvious from these conversations was that people get confused about who we are and what we do.
Let me set the record straight.
Community Connections, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Colorado. Our mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives within our community.
But what does that really mean?
Individuals who receive our services must have an intellectual or developmental disability as defined in Colorado statute. While these individuals may have co-occurring physical or mental health impairments, they also must have an intellectual disability.
Developmental disabilities by definition occur before the age of 22.
All of CCI services are provided in the community with the goal of helping people have stronger ties within their communities. Whenever possible, the goal is to replace paid support with natural connections.
CCI provides support that covers a life span. There are programs that start at birth (Early Intervention), continue through childhood (Family Support, Tambo Respite, Children’s Waivers) and can last throughout adulthood (Residential and Supported Living Programs).
While Community Connections is the only organization providing these specific state-funded programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are not the only option. Some individuals with IDD live independently; others have support from family and friends that meets their needs, or they participate in other programs, such as those provided through San Juan Basin Health or Southwest Center for Independence.
Individuals with IDD are not carbon copies. They all have different strengths, different needs and different circumstances. Community Connections is here to be one choice for support and to give individuals with IDD as much a chance to live safe and happily within our communities as any one of us.
If you are interested in learning more details about any of CCI’s programs or you would like more information on how someone qualifies for services, please contact us at 385-3445 or check out our website at www.communityconnectionsco.org.
Tara Kiene is the director of case management with Community Connections Inc.
