June Family Caregiver of the Month!

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Support, Inc. has had the pleasure of working with Family Caregiver, Karina Desantiago, and her son Victor for a few years now. Recently Victor graduated from high school and is now starting a new job due to the amazing support that Karina offers. Not only is she kindhearted and sweet with her son, but she is also caring for everyone on Victor’s team. She is a strong advocate for his needs and safety and ensures that doors and opportunities stay open for him. It’s been wonderful working with both Karina and Victor, and we look forward to seeing what adventures lay ahead for them.

Karina, you have been working through a lot of changes these past few months with Victor graduating from LS-ACE, aging out of some services, his birthday coming up, and his new job on top of day-to-day life. Victor couldn’t be happier to start working at King Scoopers and Happy Day Plant. He is working to make his own money and try new things after graduation. Karina, you have worked so hard to help all of this become a reality and have always encouraged him in all that he wants to do in life. Congratulations to you both and a happy early birthday to Victor! Thank you so much, Karina, for all that you do and congratulations on being nominated as our June Family Caregiver of the Month!!!

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Residential Team News & Updates

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☀️ Summer is Here – A Note from the Residential Team!

We hope you and your families are finding fun and creative ways to stay cool this season!

We’re excited to invite you to our Annual Summer BBQ—a day full of food, fun, and fantastic prizes! Come enjoy lawn games, two delicious food trucks, a refreshing ice cream vendor, a raffle, and more.

📅 Date: July 24th
📍 Location: Phillip S. Miller Park – 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock, CO

📱 New Way to Stay in Touch!
We know that sometimes a quick text is the easiest way to connect. Earlier this year, we upgraded our phone system, and now team members can send and receive SMS messages directly from their work numbers! This is in addition to phone calls and Microsoft Teams meetings.
If texting is your preferred method of communication, feel free to ask a team member for their direct line 😊.

🏢 Program Expansion Update
We’re thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of our Greeley Day Program on July 9th! This is part of our ongoing effort to bring services closer to the communities where you live.
We’re actively exploring new locations in Colorado Springs, Jefferson County, and Boulder County. As new offices open, and in an effort to regionalize, your case may have already been transferred or may transfer to a new team—especially within the Denver Metro Region.
We truly appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work to better connect our employees with the people they serve. We’ll be sure to communicate these changes with you every step of the way.

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QA Corner- June is National Safety Month

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Ways to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses

  1. Prevent workplace injuries by having good lifting posture.
  2. Before lifting
    • Be aware of the object’s weight
    • Make sure the work environment is flat, dry, and debris-free
    • Check that the lift direction is straight
    • Take care of any tripping risks or debris
    • Look for any muddy or slippery areas
    • Make multiple trips, don’t try to do it all at one time
  3. During lifting
    • Never twist your torso while lifting
    • Stay “nose between your toes”
    • Never lift a heavy item above shoulder level
    • Never carry a load that obstructs your vision
    • Never hold your breath while lifting, moving, and setting the load down
    • Keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible
    • Adopt a stable position
    • Don’t flex your back any further while lifting
    • Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways especially while your back is bent
    • Keep your head up when handling
    • Get a good handhold and do not twist while lifting

 

  1. Always follow standard precautions.
    • Standard precautions apply to the care of all people and are applied when there is a risk of exposure to (1) blood; (2) bodily fluids/secretions/excretions; (3) non-intact skin, and (4) mucous membranes.
    • Standard precautions include:
      1. Hand hygiene: wash hands frequently for at least 40-60 seconds.
      2. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to serve as a barrier to protect skin, mucous membrane, airway, and clothing. This includes gloves, masks and gowns.
      3. Follow respiratory hygiene/ cough etiquette.
      4. Properly handle, clean and disinfect care equipment.
      5. Routinely clean and disinfect the environment.
      6. Follow safe injection practices.

 

  1. Prevent slips, trips, and falls.
    • Falls can happen anywhere. Whether it’s working at heights or tripping on the same level, you always need to keep your eyes out for hazards.
      • Keep walkways and staircases clear.
      • Practice good cord management! Secure cords and when needed, tape down power cords and cables to prevent tripping.
      • Clean up spills and messes promptly.
      • Ensure there is proper lighting.
      • Keep floors clean and dry.
  1. Be prepared for an emergency.
    • The 1st week of June is national CPR & AED awareness week. Delivering first aid quickly and effectively can be lifesaving as every second counts when someone has lost consciousness. CPR/FA training must be renewed every 2 years, to find a class near you- American Heart Association CPR and First Aid
    • Have basic supplies: water, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, radio, etc.
    • Be prepared for natural disasters, listen to EAS, NOAA weather radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
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Support Inc. Network Spotlight- Chase

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Chase joined the Pueblo Community Resources and Support Inc. Network family upon turning 18, as he transitioned into adult services. His journey has been supported every step of the way by his dedicated mother, Autumn, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that Chase receives access to all the services and opportunities available to him.

Over the past year, Chase has demonstrated remarkable personal growth and has become an integral part of our community. He is a valued member of our karaoke group, often taking the lead as DJ and helping to create a fun, inclusive environment for his peers.

Chase has also excelled athletically, earning notable achievements in both wrestling and unified swimming, where he proudly qualified for the state competition. This year, he celebrates another significant milestone—graduating from Pueblo West High School!!

In addition to graduating, Chase received a very special award at his graduation ceremony, bringing the whole room to their feet and most everyone to tears. This award is given to one special needs student every year in the city of Pueblo who embodies the “Team Taneisha” spirit. Chase was awarded this beautiful honor for his helpfulness with his peers, regardless of their abilities. For his amazing positive attitude, his excellent participation in all his classes and activities, his energetic school spirit, kindness, and sportsmanship in all he participated in. Chase was celebrated for seeing the needs of others even while he navigates life with his own needs. He has been passionate about seeing everyone succeed around him and carries on the spirit of Ms. Taneisha’s legacy.

Chase looks toward the future with enthusiasm and optimism. We are incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished and are excited to see where his path will take him next. Congratulations, Chase, and thank you for letting us share the journey with you!

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Lucy Road Trips to San Diego!

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Support Inc. person receiving services, Lucy Casias, recently went on a road trip to San Diego for her birthday! She was accompanied by her Host Home Provider (HHP) on the trip. While in San Diego they had lunch at Chicken BBQ and took photos at the garden in Sea World. Lucy visited Korheim Korean Beauty where she bought make up and cute masks. Lucy and her HHP also went to Universal Studios theme park and visited Little Tokyo. Lucy said she really felt like she was in Japan and took many photos with characters throughout the park! We’re so happy that Lucy got to enjoy her birthday in San Diego!! We’re also appreciative of her Host Home Provider for assisting with this amazing trip! Check out pictures from the trip below.

 

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Becky’s Bathroom Renovation

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We would like to congratulate person receiving services, Becky Krekow, and her Brother/Family Caregiver, Marty Krekow for their hard work in getting their recent bathroom renovation completed. As her Brother, Marty has always made sure Becky has all the supports needed for her to thrive in her home and in the community. This home renovation was not an easy one, but he made sure to reach out and make it happen! Please read a little message below from Marty:

“Becky needed a bathroom modification from a tub to a step-in shower with a seat for her bathing and personal hygiene needs. Her ability to enter and exit the bathtub had become increasingly more difficult as her slips and falls have also become more frequent. I was worried about Becky’s safety while bathing and possibly getting injured. As her brother and FCG, I’m looking out for Becky’s safety and well-being so she can maintain her health and most importantly her independence. I would like to recognize and give credit to all those involved that helped Becky receive a safe and comfortable way to maintain her personal hygiene and keep her independence.  The staff at Support Inc. (Paulyn, Ashley and Katie) and Developmental Pathways (Miranda Brinkman and Alexis Aviles) helped us navigate through the process to achieve the modification.”

Thanks to everyone for their hard work and congratulations to Becky on her new and improved bathroom!!

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Lily Moves to a Host Home!

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We want to congratulate one of our individuals in services! This past month Lily moved from a Family Caregiver (FCG) setting to a Host Home setting.

Lily has had the goal of moving from her parents home for some time and now it is truly happening!! Lily and her FCG worked on money management, how to navigate her work schedule and both had made lists on what was important to each of them when finding a Host Home. Lily goes to a Day Program where she found a very interested Direct Support Professional who was hoping to become her Host Home Provider (HHP) full time. After a few meetings we quickly realized what a great fit this would be! The soon to be HHP asked her questions, but was also mindful to address any concerns and questions from Lily and her FCG. The HHP and Lily were very excited to see Lily’s goal of moving out of her family home was coming to fruition. This transition went so smoothly, Lily and her family had everything packed and ready to go before we arrived to help. They were clearly very organized. Lily wants to gain more independence and her FCG was very supportive of helping her achieve this goal. Lily’s new HHPs showed up to help her load her belongings in their truck. In a time that could have been stressful, this process was simple and encouraging to see Lily being put first in her goal of reaching more independence. The FCG followed us to the HHP’s home and helped unload Lily’s belongings, hugged her and said call me if you need anything. It was heartwarming to see how supportive both the FCG and HHP’s were in this transition. Congratulations to Lily and all for accomplishing this goal!

 

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SH is the Change!

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When SH decided to find a therapist for personal counseling last fall, she knew that finding a counselor with disabilities was important to a good fit. She looked for months, through various avenues like her medical providers, her insurance, friends and family, but could not find a single therapist with disabilities. Rather than giving up, SH decided that she would fill that role and become a therapist for others with disabilities, even if she has to be the first one.

She is enrolled at Arapahoe Community College to start her studies in the Spring 2025 semester. This step is just one example of the way she lives her life in determined advocacy for herself and others with disabilities. With the persistence she floods into pursuing her goals, we feel certain SH is going to better the field she studies and we wish her much success.  Thank you SH for inspiring us to be the change we want to see in the world!

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Walk for Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association

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Support, Inc. recently joined a walk in Windsor hosted by the Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association. Brian and Cathy first met Lori and Melinda at the respite retreat hosted by the newly rebranded ARC of Northeast Colorado back in July. What a nice coincidence to share a table at this gathering- the conversations they had together led Support, Inc. to host a booth at the walk earlier this month.

Cathy had a great time meeting new families and connecting with community partners. The Resource Fair allowed for members to learn more about the agencies in the area as they pertain to Down Syndrome. Cathy met a few new providers and relayed her contact information to anyone needing additional information on the DD waiver.

The best surprise of all was hearing Jillian Ball give her speech! Jillian is a current Person Receiving Services with Support, Inc. and such a wonderful keynote speaker. She will have you laughing and crying in one sitting. It was truly a pleasure to hear her address the crowd and we hope to catch her around again sometime soon!

Thanks again to the Northern Colorado Down Syndrome Association for allowing us to share a space with you during the walk recently. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to connect with community members and hope to join again next year!

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DSP Appreciation Week!

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Dear Direct Support Professionals,
During this DSP Appreciation Week, celebrated September 8th – September 14th, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible work you do every day. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of those you serve make an immeasurable difference.
You are the backbone of care and support, offering kindness, patience, and understanding in ways that truly empower individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives. The impact you make extends far beyond the hours you work—it touches hearts, families, and entire communities.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping others thrive. You are appreciated today and every day for the extraordinary care you provide. Thank you so much to all the Direct Support Professionals out there!
With immense gratitude,
The Support Inc. Network