Posts tagged: Support Inc

Hi Team! My name is Vince Johnson, and I have recently joined Support Inc. as an Associate Director of Operations for the Loveland region. I most recently worked as a Lead Case Manager for Imagine!, the Community Centered Board (CCB) servicing Boulder and Broomfield counties. Additionally, I have participated in two AmeriCorps programs, FEMA Corps, and Teach for America (Memphis, TN). I grew up and spent most of my life living in Wisconsin. I have called Colorado home for the past three years.

Outside of work I enjoy being active outdoors hiking, camping, skiing, and playing yard games. I am looking forward to growing in my position and having the opportunity to meet and work with you all.

Support, Inc. hosted it’s annual Summer BBQ last week for the first time in two years. With the pandemic putting a pause on in-person activities, we were forced to forego our traditions last year. Luckily, the STAR Committee was able to host it’s summer gathering again, and we were thrilled to have everyone at our main office in Aurora. Between the food, the games, the raffles and the prizes, it was a great time to enjoy each other’s company. The friendships and comradery developed through the years always shines through when we all get together as one big bunch of people helping people.

Disability pride month occurs every July in the United States to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life including jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the general public. This law makes sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.

Did you know Disability pride month even has it’s own flag? The flag has a black background and diagonally across the flag are five lines colored blue, yellow, white, red, and green. Each color represents something unique about the disability community. The flag was created to encompass all disabilities and was designed by Ann Magill member of the disability community. The black background represents the suffering of the disability community from violence and serves as a color of rebellion and protest. The lightning bolt represents how individuals with disabilities must navigate barriers and demonstrates their creativity in doing so. The five colors represent the variety of needs and experiences: Mental Illness, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Invisible and Undiagnosed Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, and Sensory Disabilities.

July is an occasion to celebrate people with disabilities, honor their inherent dignity and inalienable rights, promote their visibility, and applaud their achievements. July is also a powerful reminder about the importance of disability rights and why we fight for them.

We are pleased to announce the Denver-Colorado Springs Team’s HHP of the Month- Jamie Sanchez! The following write-up was produced by Kayla.

Jamie began with Support Inc, in 2018. Since starting as a Respite provider she quickly proved how valuable she could be to our agency and individual’s lives alike. She found the right fit with three different gentleman who are all in our services. Being a 3-bed is a challenge for any provider, but Jamie takes it with stride. She enlisted the help of friend, Carrie McDaniel, to be her full time Respite, but she is more than that to Jamie and the guys. Carrie is an unofficial Co-Provider who also goes above and beyond to ensure all guys are well taken care of.

The dynamic of Jamie and Carrie is unmatched when it comes to the care they provide. Each time I am in the home, Carrie and Jamie have this bond with each guy and both show a genuine interest in them as well as the things they like. Jamie schedules an annual camping trip for the guys in her home. This year they are going to Bayfield and stopping in Gunnison for a University tour for one gentleman since he loves all colleges. Next, they will be going to the marina for some R&R by a lake. They will also play games, enjoy bonfires and make s’mores! They will also be going around Durango to see some shops and get out and about after the wonderful weekend of camping.

Jamie and Carrie, we are so lucky to have you both as providers and it is such a pleasure working with you. Please help join me in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of Jamie and Carrie. The Colorado Springs Team could not do it without you!