Celebrating Developmental Disability Awareness Month & World Down Syndrome Day
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month & World Down Syndrome Day are recognized each year in March. It is a time to celebrate the inclusion of people with disabilities while also drawing attention to the barriers that prevent people with DD or I/DD from fully participating in our communities.
At Wellspring, we believe that community rooted in radical inclusion, one where people with I/DD thrive as neighbors, leaders, and friends, is a community that flourishes. When people with and without disabilities live and serve alongside each other; we all benefit through shared experiences and collaborative efforts. Each of us has something valuable to offer.
To celebrate Developmental Disability Awareness Month & World Down Syndrome Day- we are shining a spotlight on Wellspring’s Development Associates, Kiersten and Damon. Both Damon & Kiersten make Wellspring Community and our staff more vibrant through their hard work, go-getter attitudes, and willingness to try new things.
Kiersten
Development Associate
What is something you’d like people to know about you?
My name is Kiersten and what I want people to know is that I am a Christian and I have known God ever since I was a little girl. I also want people to know that I have had Type 1 Diabetes since I was diagnosed when I was 6 years old in 2005.
Do you have a goal you are currently working towards? If so, can you share a little bit about it?
I want to work on helping with the Wellspring Tours more often because I like to help and serve people in our community. I like to meet and greet people and share what Wellspring is all about.
What are your gifts/strengths/talents?
I have God given gifts through me; I bring love and joy and shine through to other people.
Damon
Development Associate
What do you like to do for fun?
What I like to do for fun is travel, binge watch tv, and watch movies. I love to dance and sing to music. I also love to listen to stand-up comedy. During the Summer, I love going to the free outdoor concerts and I love Summer evenings at the Southlands Mall where there are lots of activities to do and food to try. On occasion, I like to head to downtown Denver to see theater performances and go to Denver Milk Market.
What are your gifts/strengths/talents?
My strengths are effective communications within social activism to see people with I/DD in a different perspective. I am very personable, social, smart, educated. I am brave and talented and can command a room during performances.
Do you have a goal you are currently working towards? If so, can you share a little bit about it?
Yes, I do have a goal that I am currently working on and that is becoming more independent and moving into my own apartment. I am trying to be more open minded and take leaps of faith by trying new things. I am learning and growing and blossoming into a beautiful flower.
Bowl-A-Rama Strikes Back
Bowl-A-Rama is an event that brings our community together to raise funds for Wellspring through peer-to-peer fundraising. Peer-to-peer fundraising thrives on the collaborative efforts of each of us. This year’s Bowl-A-Rama goal is $100,000 and we can’t do it without you! This is a great opportunity to share your Wellspring story and help fundraise to support our mission.
Registration is open and there are so many ways to get involved!
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Don’t miss out! There are a lot of exciting things happening at Wellspring, see below.
Community Night at Parry's
Our friends at Parry’s Pizza (Parker Location) are hosting Community Night on Wednesday, April 17th to benefit Wellspring; twenty percent of all food and beverage sales will be donated back to our programs and opportunities!
Welcome to Wellspring Community Tour
Experience Wellspring! Learn more about the heart of our mission and connect with our community.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- March 28th
- April 11th
- April 25th
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 Created By Damon
Town Hall
Join us Monday, April 15th from 7-8 PM on Zoom for a Wellspring Community Town Hall Meeting. This is a great time to connect with leadership, ask questions, and get updates about all things Wellspring.
Graphic Created By Damon