Sample Supports’ clients work during the day or attend the program’s daily outings. “Day program is doing what everyone loves to do,” said Alexa Cataldo, Sample Supports’ regional director for Boulder County. “We tour breweries and museums, do crafts and picnics, take in Longmont music events.” Cataldo recently led a group to Rocky Mountain National Park. “Our goal is to help these individuals live in community,” she said. “We do play bingo and Uno, but we do it at the park.” Sample Supports’ clients cheer when community members join in. Because people with disabilities often achieve a higher quality of life if they receive therapy at a young age,
The company’s high success rate with clients and low turnover rate in residential placements has made Sample Supports a leader in support services. Sample, named among the 2017 BizWest Boulder Valley Class of 40 Under 40, offers a mentoring program to organizations seeking to emulate the Sample business model. Sample Supports became a statelicensed child placement agency in February. Sample Supports’ providers of both adults and foster youth take 30 to 50 hours of classes and are financially compensated. “If you have the desire to impact someone’s life in the biggest way, we’ll do everything it takes to meet the needs,” Sample said. “We provide intensive support for both our residents and providers.”
“We know life can be hard for our clients,” Cataldo said. “So when we can make a difference – when we can help individuals get their first job and their face beams or when they’re so happy playing a game or learning to cook – that’s the highlight of our year.”
Spring into Summer! kids kid ds
373 Main St. • Longmont
303.776.2920 Mon-Fri 9:30-6, Sat 10-5, closed Sun
May-June 2017
LongmontMagazine.com
LONGMONT MAGAZINE 47