Making Wellspring More Vibrant
Katie's Story
When Katie walks into the Castle Rock Collective, she says hello to everyone, “Hi Colton! Hi Trinity! Hi Tracy!” She has a good laugh with the baristas and volunteers. She introduces herself to a volunteer she doesn’t know as she waits for her apple cider, which she says is really good on a cold day. With Katie in the dining room, the energy at the Collective becomes even brighter.
Once she has her drink, she raises her cup and says, “Cheers,” with a huge smile! She then shares about how excited she is for her mom’s birthday and how she is looking forward to having Indian food for dinner to celebrate. She beams as she talks about her nephew Sebastian, or Sebby as she calls him. Katie is looking forward to having pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving and loves the Christmas movie, Home Alone. She talks about how she likes to paint pictures at home and wants people reading this to know that she has a lot of different interests that she gets to explore at Wellspring.
Katie really enjoys taking many different classes during program. She hopes to take Bowling and Paint and Sip next trimester, but LOVES Social Club with Deb. She enjoys visiting different places in the community and her favorite outings include kittens. When asked about her goals and her dreams, she answers, “working.” And more specifically she hopes to work at the Castle Rock Collective one day. Katie would make an excellent barista not only because she loves warm drinks, but because she makes people feel seen and brings joy to their day.
Each morning when she arrives at Wellspring, she makes a point to say hello to most everyone. She may share a joke, tell a story about her nephew, or just give out a high five. She looks forward to seeing her friends throughout the week including one of her favorite volunteers, Troy. Each Wednesday morning, she pops into the bakery looking for Troy, though she knows that he won’t be arriving until later in the day, but is so excited to see him that she checks in. Katie ends most days at Wellspring by giving someone else a shout out. Typically, she shouts out a friend who sat with her at lunch or on the bus and thanks that person for also being a good friend.
Katie is not only a part of our community at Wellspring, but she fosters it. Her ability to bring people together and create a sense of belonging at Wellspring is unparalleled. Her energy, excitement, and love of people make Wellspring more vibrant, and we are thankful that she is a member of this community.
Letter of Thanksgiving
From The STARS Leadership Committee
Dear Friends and Family,
This month is a time to reflect and acknowledge our gratitude, hope, and community. We are so grateful and glad that you receive our monthly newsletter and hope you enjoy reading what we are thankful for.
- We are thankful to Wellspring for providing opportunities to try new things that help us learn and grow. Wellspring feels like home and the people here are like family.
- We are thankful to our friends and significant others for being there to talk and laugh with. You are special to us, lift us up, and care about us.
- We are thankful to our families for the time they spend with us. Whether you are cousins, parents, or siblings you support us and are always there to talk to.
- We are thankful to God for making us happy in our hearts.
We wish you happy holidays and a warm Thanksgiving; full of rolls, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Sincerely,
The STARS Leadership Committee
Nate, Zach, Carly, Chenoa, Rachel F., Brianna, Rachel G., Damon, Colton, Katrina, and Dianna
Winter Showcase
Please join us on Wednesday, December 13th for Wellspring Community’s 3rd Annual Winter Showcase to ring in the holiday season. There will be performances and presentations from Wellspring classes. The STARS Public Benefit Cooperative will have baked goods and ceramics available to purchase. You won’t want to miss it!
Help Us Get To 100
Join a Tour!
We are so close to reaching our goal! If 100 people attend a tour before the end of the year, Wellspring will host an ice cream party for our participants. We are only 14 away, so please join us! Our participants and staff have been eager to invite community members on a tour and we can’t wait to share the exciting things happening at Wellspring with you. Upcoming Tours are on November 30th & December 14th.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Colorado Gives Day
Save the Date!
Colorado Gives Day is December 5th! Colorado Gives is a statewide movement that encourages supporting the work of local non-profit organizations. This year Wellspring is hoping to raise funds to support the expansion of our services to include residential care in 2024. You can give where you live and support Wellspring on Colorado Gives Day by clicking the button below.
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 preregister and pay.
Our Gingerbread House Party is the last Club 21 of the year! Mark your calendar for December 15th and keep your eyes peeled for more information, including the registration link.
Thank You to our Evening of Inspiration Sponsors!
Strohm-Link Family Foundation
