CLA 4oth Program

First agency in Colorado to provide residential services in host homes. Started the host homes with children moving out of a group home and with individuals coming out of institutions. Provided services in Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson and Denver counties. At its peak, it provided residential services to 105 individuals.

Known for individualized versus group services.

Formed in 1979 as a pilot project of Denver ARC. In 1981, it became its own entity under the name of Family Living Project. In 1986, it changed its name to Community Living Alternatives, Inc.

Expanded services to include employment services, retirement services, residential services in apartments (including with individuals needing 24 hour support), 1:1 and 1:2 supported community connection services, Family Caregiver and day habilitation services at Community Living Alternatives, Specialized Services and in the community.

Provided innovative, unfunded services over the years such as Positive Images (public television show by and about people with disabilities), Artists In Bloom (art program and gallery to promote the artistic talents of people with disabilities), Friday Afternoon Club (opportunities to socialize and explore new activities in the community) and Zante House (a respite house for CLA and other agencies).

Individuals are supported to live as independently as possible while having access to trained staff 24 hours a day. We take care to ensure all the individual’s needs are met- medical, emotional, social, financial and residential. We have three residential programs from which an individual may choose: The Family Caregiver Act: FCA is where the individual may live in their own home and receive support from their family and/or paid staff.

Host Home Families: A host home is made up of a family, a couple, or a single male or female.

There can be up to one other individual living in the home who is also receiving support services.

Apartment Living: We provide services to individuals who wish to live in apartment settings, either living alone or with a roommate with support from our staff.

Our day programs are unique in the community, providing individually designed day services for individuals who desire to stay active, who want to learn, volunteer, and connect with others in their community. CLASS is comprised of two components: Specialized Habilitation Activities and Supported Community Connections.

Specialized Habilitation Activities: Classes in our day program include: gardening, computer skills, cell phone skills, digital photography, music, dance, healthy menu planning and cooking, skills and money management, as well as social and relationship skills.

Supported Community Connections: Individuals have opportunities to volunteer with others in the community, while taking part in diverse educational and leisure activities. Individuals have opportunities to visit places such as: museums, parks, stores, photography and studios/galleries.

This day program service provides job seekers with individualized job development services including preparation of an Individual Marketing Profile (IMP) to determine skills and desirable employment options, assistance with resumé writing, completing applications, and interviewing with potential employers. It also provides job coaching for those individuals who have obtained a job and need support to maintain employment.

Career Planning: • Personal profiles and vocational goals • Network building- meeting with employers to build relationships and access cultures Hiring Process: • Practice and attend interviews • Job site and computer training Post Hire: • Positive liaison between employee and employer • Frequent site visits and feedback

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Community Living Alternatives, Inc. has a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee the mission, policies and finances of the agency. Over the years, our Board has been comprised of community members of various backgrounds including, but not limited to, people who receive IDD services, family members of people who receive IDD services, physicians, attorneys, business owners, real estate, veterans, professional advocates for those with IDD and quality assurance. We have an active Board who dedicate countless hours in fundraising, event planning and marketing the agency.

CLA Staff We pride ourselves on having a low staff turnover rate. Our average staff longevity is 9 years; with the longest being 30 years. Our staff members include the Executive Director, Residential Director, Administrative Director, Day Program Director, Controller, Accountant, Benefits Technician, Nursing, Intake Coordinator, Program Managers and Direct Support Professionals. We promise to do our best to develop and implement plans that helps individuals achieve their goals and dreams!

We also thank the following for their extraordinary support of this production.