The Metropolitan Football Stadium District Funding may be used for a variety of youth activities programs. One category the Douglas County Youth Initiative and Douglas County Youth Commission are exploring is Special Needs. Proposals submitted that fit into this category can be found below.
Project Name: Incredibles Club
Funding Amount Requested: $2,500.00
Funding Awarded: $2,500
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
We are a club of Special Needs kids with various disabilities from Wheel chair to higher functioning. We coach the kids in basketball, softball, triathlons, soccer, kickball & powerlifting. Holiday parties are also included.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
If granted the money will help purchase uniforms and equipment for the various sports we provide the kids. The money will go towards anything else to help give the kids a great experience. Something to be proud of!
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Our goals are to give the kids the same opportunity as typical kids get while playing sports. We can have up to 20-30 athletes from Castle Rock, Parker (Douglas County) areas. My goal is not to have parents pay for their child.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
The money if granted might help put together a website so people can see what program / club is about. Giving parents and others the opportunity to see what The Incredibles are doing / what programs are being offered
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Our club is mostly word of mouth. Through the schools, participating in Special Olympic events. People see and ask about our logo, which leads to asking about the Incredibles. they ask to join. Especially when their kids get our of school.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
The Incredibles club has been around for over 10 years. Mostly supported by our family an every now and then we get donations. We will not let it end due to the fact these kids need what we provide as do the parents.
Project Name: Adam’s Camp Therapy Camp for families with Disabilities
Funding Amount Requested: $15,000.00
Funding Awarded: $15,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Adam’s Camp’s intensive family programs simultaneously deliver: therapy for disabilities, sibling camps, and parent education/respite — producing stronger families and accelerated gains toward independence and meaningful contribution to community.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Adam’s Camp enrollment fees only cover 80% of the total costs to run therapy camp and we rely on fundraising and grants to support the other half of our expenses. Through COVID our costs have increased and we aim to keep it affordable for families.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Adam’s Camp has been focused on building a strong infrastructure since 2021 to support the demand for growth (waitlist of 250 campers). We expect to serve 25% more campers in 2024 with an estimated 15-20 children from Douglas County.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Adam’s Camp is focused on serving kids with disabilities and their families. Additionally we offer scholarships based on need to ensure Adam’s Camp is accessible for anyone.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Adam’s Camp has a 36 yr history and is well-known in the disability community with a waitlist of 250 people. We partner with many organizations including Developmental Pathways and other community center boards that connect families to services..
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Adam’s Camp has 36 years of experience fundraising and grant writing to sustain our services. We have built the infrastructure with streamlined processes to support a scaled growth, however we rely on strong supporters in our community.
Project Name: Discovery Club in Douglas County
Funding Amount Requested: $10,000.00
Funding Awarded: $10,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Easterseals Colorado (ESC) leads the way to equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers across Colorado by enhancing opportunities for well-being, expanding employment, and elevating community.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Discovery Club addresses the lack of options for youth with disabilities for social and recreational activities by offering a Saturday recreational program staffed with student nurses that provide 1:1 care. The program also gives caregivers respite.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Discovery Club’s enriching activities are designed to encourage socialization between children so they can develop and practice social skills with a community of peers. ESC expects to serve 30 youth at its Douglas County location in 2024.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Discovery Club is the only program in Douglas County where children with disabilities and their siblings experience consistent Saturday recreation and activities outside their normal routines with a high level of individual care from student nurses.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
ESC markets Discovery Club through distributing e-flyers and leveraging personal and long-standing relationships with schools, community-based organizations, and local student nursing programs.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
ESC’s long-term vision is to continue to offer Discovery Club into the foreseeable future. Should ESC not be awarded funds in subsequent years, the program will remain in operation, however ESC would need to reevaluate its size and scope.
Project Name: Friendship Circle Expansion to Douglas County
Funding Amount Requested: $45,000.00
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
The Friendship Circle of Colorado is a non-profit dedicated to making a dramatic difference in the lives of children and young adults with special needs, and their families, through one-to-one peer mentoring and social-recreational programs.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Post Covid, we aim to relaunch in Douglas County. Currently we offer programing in Araphoe County, and this grant will help us offer programing in Douglas County and serve Douglas County special needs youth.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
The goal is to offer Friendship Circle events, programs & services to underserved special needs children in Douglas County. Friendship Circle’s proven model of matching teen volunteers with special needs children impacts the chid, teen& our community
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Currently, there is no program like it in Douglas County. We have had tremendous success offering FC programs in the Denver area and we will build off that model in Douglas County.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Marketing and working with schools, youth programs, Developmental Pathways and our many partners.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
As we continue to grow, we continue to attract more sources of both private and public funding, including many Foundations.
Project Name: Youth Sports & Therapeutic Recreation Equipment
Funding Amount Requested: $36,000.00
Funding Awarded: $36,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
The HRCA is a nationally recognized, award winning, non-profit organization that provides community leadership, first class recreational facilities, educational & recreational programming, community & special events.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Funding is needed for the HRCA youth sports and therapeutic recreation volleyball programs to aid in providing essential resources and opportunities for our communities’ youth. We are in need of updated nets and a camera.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Sustainability and efficiency. This financial support would enable the organization to maintain and purchase necessary equipment and to ensure continued and sustained access to activities for all children of all abilities.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
This funding would aid in expanded and enhance program offerings, increased program capacity and provide long-term sustainability. Increased funding can make HRCA youth programs more accessible, equitable, and effective.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Will be promoted and accompanied with engaging content through co mmunity e-blasts, HRCA recreation center marketing boards and flyers. Marketing efforts will include program details and a call to action to participate.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
HRCA youth programs will not need to update our volleyball nets for another 10+ years nor purchase a camera for the foreseeable future. This will benefit thousands upon thousands of youth in Douglas County for years to come.
Project Name: Parker Personal Care Homes, Inc. dba Hive (name pending)
Funding Amount Requested: $250,000.00
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Parker Personal Care Homes, Inc. was established in 1995. PPCH provides residential, day program, work services, behavioral services and recreational options to adults and children with developmental disabilities.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
PPCH is opening a Community Center to serve children, youth and their families in the Parker Colorado area. These funds will assist us in the opening and operations of the Community Center.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Our goal is to provide a recreational space to the citizens of Parker, including youth and their families. The center will provide opportunities to participate in group glasses, self-directed art projects, etc.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
PPCH has provided oppotunities to underserved adults and children since 1995. We provide the individuals we serve the oppotunity to live, work, and integrate in their community every day.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
PPCH will promote the center through active advertising, including promoting through Douglas County Department of Human Services, Developmental Pathways, and other programs centered on serving the youth of Douglas County.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
We anticipate charging a small fee to enter and participate in the activities provided by the center.
Project Name: Inclusive Recreation Program Staff Request
Funding Amount Requested: $72,728.00
Funding Awarded: $72,280
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Promise Ranch Therapies & Recreation (PRTR) is an equine-assisted/ranch-based service agency. PRTR and Praying Hands Ranch are legally merging into one organization at one location in order to combine resources and better serve the community.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
PRTR addresses the social-emotional needs of youth through therapeutic and recreational opportunities. PRTR’s model of equine-assisted and ranch-based programming connects youth to mental health counseling, adaptive riding and skills-based learning.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Annually, 250-400 youth will benefit from activities open to both kids with disabilities and typical peers. Program staff coordinates and facilitates weekly workshops like Cooking, Arts, Fitness and Animal Care. Family Bingo Night will be monthly!
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
PRTR’s mission is to enhance our community through inclusion and connection. Many organizations serve either neurodiverse youth or neurotypical kids. Through this effort, we will promote activities for all youth, their siblings and their families.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
PRTR maintains a social media presence, partnerships with DC schools and has a waiting list for those who want services but because of staffing shortage in this department, are not yet served. Our pool of 200+ volunteers are also great promoters!
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
The position will be sustainable through fee-for-service revenue. Some programs will be free, sponsored via other grants or business sponsorships; others will charge a fee to attend. Due to a unique setting and offerings, long term demand is assured.
Project Name: Unified Champion Schools in Douglas County
Funding Amount Requested: $50,000.00
Funding Awarded: $50,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
SOCO will continue work in current Unified Champion Schools(UCS) and increase the # of UCS schools in Douglas County with inclusive programming bringing together students with and without disabilities creating welcoming school environments for all.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
60 schools currently served by Unified Champion Schools with a goal of adding 7 new schools. This project currently serves 1,000 students with disabilities and impacts over 25,000 students in schools with UCS programming.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Special Olympics fills the gaps in promoting full inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities creating fully inclusive environments where all people feel they belong. Our work creates positive experiences in the world for people with IDD.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
UCS programming will be promoted within the schools through pep rallies, sports competitions and other whole schools engagement. In addition this will be promoted on social media and through community partners.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Special Olympics Colorado has multiple funding sources in the event that one funding stream diminishes in a given year the program doesn’t change. Diversified funding ensures sustainability and SOCO plans to continue this critical programming.
Project Name: iCan Bike
Funding Amount Requested: $12,000.00
Funding Awarded: $12,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
The Town of Castle Rock’s Therapeutic Recreation Program is designed to enhance the quality of life for youth, adolescents, and adults with disabilities through participation in recreational activities.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Many people with disabilities never experience the thrill of independently riding a two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. The iCan Bike program would give our participants an opportunity to learn how to ride a bike during our 2024 summer camp.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Our goal is to provide opportunities that focus on promoting skill development and growth related to self-esteem, appropriate socialization, independence, and overall wellness to 40 DC individuals with disabilities, aged 8-15 years old.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
The opportunities for engagement and participation for individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities are limited. The funding would allow our youth participants to participate without worrying about any financial barriers.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
The opportunity will be promoted through our monthly newsletter email of over 200 families and participants. In addition, we can promote on our social media platforms and fliers at our recreation centers.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
The program will continue to be offered and supported through our departments community fundraising efforts.
Project Name: Youth Scholarship Fund
Funding Amount Requested: $5,000.00
Funding Awarded: $5,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
The Town of Parker’s Recreation Department provides a wide variety of recreation and leisure services to the residents of Parker, Colorado, including sports, fitness, swimming, day camps, and more.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Seeking funding to increase scholarship awareness and recipients for recreation programs for those with limited resources. This would allow more low-income families to participate in these programs, creating several positive impacts.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
50 DC children. Increase the number of scholarships provided. Increase awareness donations to scholarship fund. Specific benefits include a positive impact on their physical, social, and academic well-being, reduced stress/other chronic diseases.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
The scholarship program will promote access by making programs more affordable, encouraging pro-social activities, and raising awareness of financial barriers promoting understanding and compassion for those who are struggling.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Current coaches and participants; partners providing financial assistance in DC, i.e. Task Force, SECOR, CASA; current scholarship recipients; Parker Rec print/electronic publications: brochure, website, Social Media, Town and TR Newsletters, email.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Funds are requested to assure the scholarship account is healthy and fully funded before increasing marketing and award amounts. Long term funding will be through marketing campaigns, donations and grant funding to serve 100 recipients annually.
