Wellspring Housing Update
Unity on Park Welcomes First Residents
When Mary Lou dreamed of Wellspring, it included creating a place where her daughter Emily and her friends could learn, grow, and live in community. Now, sixteen years later, we are thrilled to share that Unity on Park has welcomed its first residents!
This intentional community is providing affordable housing to the community with units designed for residents with disabilities while providing support and resources for successful independence. Both non-disabled and disabled residents live here!
For many Wellspring participants who have moved into Unity, this is their first time living independently away from home and is a dream come true.
Unity on Park is an example of the power of community. This one-of-a-kind housing solution is the culmination of people coming together with a shared belief that communities are enriched when everyone gets to live a full and robust life. We are so thankful for the many people, businesses, and organizations that have rallied around this vision and donated their time and resources to making this possible.
To celebrate this milestone, Wellspring hosted an Open House where members of our day program wrote messages of hope and homecoming to its residents, made ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree and cut the ribbon with the Board of County Commissioners and Douglas County Housing Partnership.
"Today, we cut this ribbon not just to open a space, but to open doors to inclusion, dignity, and hope. Unity on Park stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together, guided by a shared purpose. Though the path here faced challenges, Unity prevailed- because when hearts and hands join in true collaboration, no obstacle can divide the progress of a unified vision. Here unity isn’t just a name; it’s a promise to uplift every individual who walks through these doors."
We look forward to celebrating Unity on Park with a Grand Opening in Spring 2025, more information to come.
Expanding Work Opportunities
Wellspring Print Shop Cooperative & Online Store Launch
This past trimester, we expanded our Work Opportunities to include the Wellspring & Co. Print Shop. With support from the True North Legacy Foundation, we acquired the equipment and started bringing the print shop to life.
Before officially launching as a cooperative opportunity, the print shop started as a class where members of the classes learned to use the equipment, brainstormed product ideas, and practiced designing and printing. You may have seen some of the very first shirts printed in the Valentines and St. Patrick’s day fundraisers earlier this year.
Now members of the Print Shop Cooperative are involved in every step of the process, choosing designs, setting them up on the computer, and operating the printers. Everyone involved has been so excited and proud of the projects completed so far.
You can find products created by the Print Shop Cooperative at the Castle Rock Collective and online at the online store! Here you can find printed items from the Print Shop Cooperative alongside pieces from the Art Studio Ceramics and Upcycled Art Cooperatives.
Making Spirits Bright
Celebrating Wellspring Community's 4th Annual Winter Showcase
Thank you to everyone who joined the fun and celebrated the holiday season with us at our 4th Annual Winter Showcase. Thank you to our program and work opportunities teams for your creativity in highlighting the various opportunities at Wellspring. Thank you to all Wellspring participants for sharing your Christmas cheer with our community; your performances, presentations, videos, and artwork were amazing!
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Don’t miss out! There are a lot of exciting things happening at Wellspring, see below.
See You in 2025
Wellspring Community & our offices will be closed for the Christmas & New Years holidays. Wellspring Online will be offering special holiday classes- currently enrolled participants and families, please see your inbox for more information.
Welcome to Wellspring Community Tour
Experience Wellspring! Learn more about the heart of our mission and connect with our community.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- January 9th
- January 23rd
- February 13th
Club 21
Club 21 is a once-a-month social event hosted by Wellspring Community and designed to give adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a place to socialize, relax and have a great time. Club 21 also gives parents and caregivers a night off! Participants must pre-register and pay.
Graphic by Kiersten