Housing Solutions
By: Nicole DeVries
One of the best parts of my job is sitting down with parents and hearing their stories. While each story is unique, there are some similarities. First, nobody was prepared or knew what they were getting into when they discovered they had a child with disabilities. All of them just figured it out, day by day, sometimes minute by minute. At some point along the way, when they were able to lift their heads up enough to look down the road, every parent saw a different future than the one they had originally envisioned. The future held many questions like “What will my child do after high school?”, “Will they ever be able to get a job?”, “Who will take care of them when I no longer can?”. The uncertainty of the future can be overwhelming for most of our families.
Wellspring has become an answer to many of those questions. By providing a place where adults with IDD belong, work, and grow, families experience the joy and hope of seeing their loved one living an abundant life. But a big question remains for most families and that question is “Is there a place where my adult child can live independently?”
We are excited to announce that Wellspring is ready to take the next step and provide a residential and housing solution for adults with IDD!
At the end of 2021, the Board of County Commissioners, made an intentional effort to listen to our families and what they heard loud and clear was the lack of housing and residential options for adults with IDD here in Douglas County. The Commissioners made the decision to do something about it. In an incredible act of generosity, the county has acquired the La Quinta hotel directly adjacent to our day program, which Wellspring Housing will convert into a 42-unit apartment building dedicated to providing an affordable housing and residential care option for adults with IDD. This unique partnership with the county and other local agencies, is providing hope and answers for families. We believe the integrated and intentional community that will be created in this space is not just good for the IDD population, but is good for the whole community.
There is much work to be done and we know we need additional partners and lots of prayer for this project to be made a reality. We are trusting God to provide and show us each next step. There are many questions left to be answered and you can expect to hear more in the coming months. If you are interested in partnering with us on this project or have questions, please email housing@wearewellspring.org.
14th Annual Evening of Inspiration: Success!
Last Friday, October 14th we dusted off our best red-carpet attire for the 14th Annual Evening of Inspiration: Hollywood Glam. With STAR performances, premieres, delicious deserts, a red carpet, and inspiring news, it was in fact an evening to remember. Wellspring is the organization and program it is today because of people who have partnered with us, sacrificed for us, and given generously to us along the way. The last 14 years are a testament to the community that surrounds Wellspring. Once again, our community showed up at the Evening of Inspiration and overwhelmed us. We are thrilled to share that because of YOUR generosity, Wellspring was able to raise $344,800! Thank you also to our event sponsors, your support made it all possible
DCCF Grant Award!
The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) provides leadership and responsible stewardship of philanthropic resources to enrich the lives of every resident in Douglas County. Wellspring is proud recipient of a DCCF Community grant. This funding will go towards supporting individuals participating in our online program and ensuring they have the supplies needed to be successful in their classes.
Spirit Week
Wellspring Appreciation Day at The Vintage Theater
The Vintage Theater (1468 Dayton St., Aurora) is hosting Wellspring Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 13th at 2:30pm. Tickets for Spamalot are on sale now! You can purchase tickets HERE and use the code, “wellspring” to receive the discounted rate.
The Vintage Theater is a friend of Wellspring, just last month they brought their performance of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to our own stage during program! We are so thankful for this partnership and hope that you enjoy a day at the theater!
