70 Years of Impact2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT

P A G E T I T L E

32

C E O L E T T E R

MissionLaradon’s Mission is to be an organization

of excellence that provides superior, individualized services to children and adults with intellectual, developmental

and other disabilities, supporting their independence in daily life and

maximizing their full potential. 11 studentsfrom The Laradon School

graduated or moved on to adult programs in the last fiscal year.

0% recidivism rate

of students who graduated from The Laradon School.

Of the

14 childrenin Laradon’s FIT Program who

turned three during the last quarter of 2017, 13 have

successfully enrolled in pre-school.

In the last year,

13 individuals from Adult Day Programs

moved on to community and employment programs, by

demonstrating the desire, skill, and ability to actively live, work, and

volunteer in the community.

Inspired by legacy; building a bright future

Culminating with our 70th Anniversary Celebration, this year has moved quickly with the completion and occupancy of the new Laradon School building, and the groundbreaking for the 91-unit Elisabetta affordable housing complex. Our programs also saw growth and increased activity with the opening of a Learning Center with access to adaptive technologies for our adult programs and the launch of our adult program satellite location in Aurora.

As we reflect on our history, I stand in awe of Mr. and Mrs. Calabrese, whose vision and foresight have transcended decades of service for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We now serve nearly 700 individuals every day. I often ponder their reaction to the transformation of Laradon, especially at the 70th Anniversary event where they were heralded as trailblazers in breaking down the barriers that allow every child and adult to learn, grow, and contribute to society. Today, Laradon’s path may be different, but the mission and goals remain constant.

The vision for Laradon is grounded in transforming the campus into a platform for partnership. This strengthens our mission and performance by allowing us to share key resources like people, programming, and technology to elevate the lives of children and adults with IDD. Through partnerships with fellow non-profit organizations, we will better address the needs of those individuals who are dually diagnosed with a developmental and mental disability.

The source of funding for this campus transformation comes through the People. Building. People. Capital Campaign for Laradon that aims to raise $6 Million and has achieved great success over the past year. This capital campaign has not only allowed us to expand and improve Laradon but, it has served as a community awareness campaign. As we continue to grow, it’s important to cultivate more friends, community partners and corporate connections, while reengaging those who have contributed to our legacy.

None of the Laradon community impact is possible without the enormous support from our many volunteers, partners, Laradon staff, and the nearly 700 families we serve each day. Their support is heartening and meaningful, allowing us to make a difference in not only the lives of children, adults, and families, but also across our community.

Thank you for being a part of this amazing 70-year journey.

Sincerely,

Douglas W. McNeill, CEO

7 0 Y E A R S O F I M P A C T

P A G E T I T L E P A G E T I T L E

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 I M P A C T R E P O R T 54

In 1948, Joseph and Elizabeth Calabrese were told that their sons with

developmental disabilities would have no place to go for services or education.

So the couple created the very first school, of its kind, for individuals with disabilities in the

Rocky Mountain region.

Services begin to shift to emphasize community

integration and employment opportunities.

Laradon became the State Major Project of the

Colorado Elks Association, who bought and donated the abandoned Globeville

Elementary School to them; making the

Calabreses’ dream a reality.

Laradon was recognized

as one of the first organizations to shift from campus centered programs

to community based.

The Robert R. Wilson Education Center was

dedicated to accommodate an increasing need for alternative education.

Laradon expands programs to serve even more

people with disabilities, including individuals

who are medically fragile and seniors.

Laradon develops teaching

and testing methods to measure the extent of

developmental disabilities.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver visits Laradon and

addresses the needs and rights of people

with disabilities.

Laradon expands its

community integration programs, including

independent living and host home providers.

Laradon begins providing

in-home therapy (what is now called the FIT program) to infants

and preschoolers with developmental disabilities.

New residential buildings were added to meet a growing need for residential services.

Laradon begins its first employment and

vocational skills program.

1940s 1980s1950s 1990s1960s 2000s1970s 2010s

2010-2018

Laradon improves program space through renovations and additions to campus, while enhancing key partnerships, and seeking better ways to serve the community.

7 0 Y E A R S O F I M P A C T 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 I M P A C T R E P O R T6

L A R A D O N ’ S I M P A C T E A R L Y I N T E R V E N T I O N P R O G R A M

SUPPORT IN THE EARLY YEARS

Laradon supports families through its Family, Infant, and Toddler (FIT) Early Intervention Program. Decades of research show that a child’s earliest experiences play a critical role in brain development. Highly skilled therapists meet families in the home to provide resources, tools, and tactics to encourage growth and facilitate learning.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Education, resources, and therapies for developmental delays and disabilities

• Training for parents so they can encourage healthy development at home

• Access to community groups, gatherings, and connections

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 I M P A C T R E P O R T

Early Intervention Program

“Maureen (FIT therapist) got me through the hardest

time in my life. She was really there for us.”

Rocio, Tony’s Mother

It was when Antonio “Tony” turned two and he still didn’t say any words that his mother, Rocio, began to worry.

She sought support and answers from Laradon and its highly trained therapists in the Family, Infant, and Toddler Program. Laradon therapists began working with Tony and his family at home to learn ways to play and communicate that would encourage healthy development.

Before, Tony was often upset and cried frequently because he couldn’t communicate what he needed.

Maureen Raemakers, a Laradon speech therapist, worked particularly diligently on “pre-linguistic” communication skills, such as gestures and imitation. These are the language skills that come before talking.

During sessions in their home, Maureen also began developing a strong relationship with Tony, his mother and grandmother, and everyone in the family.

“I was worried that Tony might take a while to bond with a new therapist, but it was the opposite with Maureen. Tony loved her right away! It also helps that she is bilingual, just like him.”

When the family received a diagnosis that placed Tony on the Autism spectrum, they were very emotional. Tony will require more support and will have unique needs his whole life; but with supports like those from Laradon, they can be confident he will receive the services he needs to be successful.

Meet Tony

�����������������������������

698*Some adults and students are

served in multiple programsEarlyIntervention

123

The LaradonSchool

87

Day Programs126

EmploymentPrograms

261

CommunityLiving

101

**Many individuals report multiple disabilities

��������������

59 48 95 48 26 24 18 36 96

Anxiety D

isord

er

Attentio

n Deficit

Hyperactiv

ity D

isord

er Autis

m

Cerebra

l Palsy

Down Syndro

me

Hearing Im

paired

Obsess

ive C

ompulsi

ve Diso

rder

Physically

Disa

bled

Seizure D

isord

er

9

Traum

atic B

rain

Inju

ry

33

Visually

Impaire

d

0-5 yrs25%

6-10 yrs2%

11-20 yrs16%

21-30 yrs14%

31-40 yrs14%

41-50 yrs8%

51-60 yrs14%

61-70 yrs6%

71-80 yrs2%

���

Children’s Programs Adult Programs

7

123CHILDREN SERVED

7 0 Y E A R S O F I M P A C T8

A D U L T P R O G R A M ST H E L A R A D O N S C H O O L

The Laradon SchoolEDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION

Since 1948, Laradon has been molding the future of education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As Laradon celebrates its 70th Anniversary, we look back with a special fondness to our legacy program – The Laradon School.

Laradon is a top resource to schools and families looking for behavioral intervention and individualized attention in the Rocky Mountain Region.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Unparalleled educational instruction with a teacher-to-student ratio of up to 1:3

• Individualized support plans developed by behavioral specialists

• Person-centered goals based on an individual’s interests and needs

• Occupational, speech, and physical therapy and special programs

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 I M P A C T R E P O R T

“Meet MarioA few years ago, Mario had frequently high behaviors at his home school that got in the way of his learning, risking his own safety—and that of others. The 13-year-old has a developmental disability that sometimes caused frustration and aggression when he felt unable to communicate his needs.

After working with Laradon’s highly trained behavior specialists, Mario has made many strides. He can now go several weeks demonstrating safe behaviors; he no longer expresses anger by destroying property at school. In fact, Mario has been celebrating many academic successes, including growth in reading, writing, and math.

His teachers are thrilled at Mario’s progress and are preparing him to transition back to his home school to learn among his peers and let his fun personality shine.

Mario has come a long way with Laradon’s

help. He’s made great improvements and has excelled academically.”Bob Elskamp, Laradon Special Education Teacher

Meet EvelynMost of us take for granted something seemingly simple like choosing the direction in which we travel. For Evelyn, the act of making those decisions and getting herself where she needs to go is extremely empowering.

Evelyn uses an electric wheelchair to get around. She needs to improve her dexterity in order to use the controls. This is a goal that Evelyn has identified to work on with support of her Laradon team.

Support staff have discovered that Evelyn learns similar skills while engaging with adaptive technology and sensory equipment in Laradon’s new Learning Center.

Laradon staff supports Evelyn to identify her own goals and support her to get there. It’s this person-centered thinking that differentiates Laradon and helps Evelyn, and many others, succeed.

ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE

By understanding an individual’s interests and abilities, Laradon is able to provide personalized support to adults with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities. Laradon’s Adult Day Programs help individuals develop goals to teach them new skills, promote independence, and be a part of the life of the community.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Engaging therapy and activities to encourage mental and physical well-being

• Community excursions and volunteer opportunities

• Individualized therapies

Adult Programs

“It’s beneficial to bring Evelyn to the Learning Center because the iPads actually help her use

her wheelchair better. Plus, Evelyn enjoys it!Romey Manzanares, Laradon Program Employee

9

126ADULTS SERVED

87STUDENTS SERVED, NO MORE THAN 70

AT ONE TIME

E M P L O Y M E N T P R O G R A M S C O M M U N I T Y L I V I N G P R O G R A M S

Meet MichaelMichael’s job is a particular accomplishment for him since his anxiety disorder and uncomfortable spinal condition, called cervical dystonia, makes it extremely difficult for him to interact with others.

When Michael first came to Laradon, he was shy, and mostly kept to himself. His spinal disorder was akin to wearing his heart on his sleeve; any time he felt uneasy, it would cause his neck muscles to contract and contort his head.

In Laradon’s Work Teams Program, Michael had the opportunity to work with Laradon’s specialists who helped him explore various work and volunteer opportunities. These experiences helped him work on skills, but also showed him what could be possible.

With the help of Laradon, Michael began participating more and talking to his peers. His Laradon job coach showed him how to take the bus to TJ Maxx. He also learned new tips for communicating at work and managing his anxiety. As a result, he is a hard, helpful, and proud worker.

He wants to live on his own and someday find a career working with horses. His job coaches at

Laradon will continue to help empower him to make his

dream a reality.

Meet ErinFor most of her life, Erin Bargman lived with her grandmother, but as her grandmother’s health worsened and she had to be hospitalized, Erin was left wondering what would happen next. Erin’s grandmother had already put things into motion to help her find a good home after she died. When she found Laradon’s Host Home Provider Program and Terry and Christin Frasier, they knew it would be a good fit.

After Erin’s grandmother passed away, Erin moved in with the Frasiers. Albeit a difficult transition for Erin, she was welcomed as a part of the family. For a while Erin was very sad, and didn’t want to do much. One day at dinner, Terry asked Erin what she wanted to do with her life. Erin replied, “Terry, I think I want to live on my own.” – and that has been her goal ever since.

The Frasiers have been instrumental in teaching Erin the necessary life skills to live safely and independently. At home and at Laradon, Erin is learning to cook, clean, do laundry, go shopping, and handle money. She’s currently working on writing her own grocery list and going shopping on Saturday mornings.

Erin also began working with Laradon’s Employment Program. Her job at The Arc Thrift Store, helps her continue to develop social skills, manage life’s tasks, engage with the community, and earn money. Erin is an inspiration to her peers and we have no doubt she will meet her goal of living independently!

CONFIDENCE AT HOME

Laradon’s Community Living Programs provide a host of services and support in order for individuals to live in the community. Whether independently or with the support of a Host Home provider or Family Caregiver, individuals benefit from a caring support system.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Personal care, cleaning, meal prep, and other support services in the home of individuals who wish to live independently

• Financial support for family members who can provide bathing, dressing, meal prep, and other supportive services

• 24/7 access to nursing consultation and support to individuals and families, providers as needed

• Behavioral services that improve social skills and increase community inclusion by reinforcing appropriate behaviors

• A benefits coordinator to help individuals navigate Social Security and Medicaid

THE POWER OF A JOB

When one has the opportunity to earn a paycheck – and experience the pride that comes with it – it’s a quick path to independence and self-sufficiency. Laradon’s Employment Programs help people find meaningful work opportunities in individual or group settings and support them with job skills, training, and on-site job coaching.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Individual and group employment and prevocational opportunities

• Specialized instruction and skill development

• Employer liaison support

• Counseling to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients who want to return to work

Community Living ProgramsEmployment Programs

“My favorite part of my job is getting paid on payday. It makes

me happy and proud.”Michael

7 0 Y E A R S O F I M P A C T1 0 1 1“As soon as we met Erin, we knew it was the right fit, right away.”

Terry Frasier, Host Home Proivder

261INDIVIDUALS SERVED

101PEOPLE SERVED

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 I M P A C T R E P O R T 1 3

P E O P L E . B U I L D I N G . P E O P L E . C A P I T A L C A M P A I G N 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 H I G H L I G H T S

1 2 7 0 Y E A R S O F I M P A C T

Cap

ital

Cam

pai

gn S

tatu

s

2017-2018 Highlights Capital Campaign Progress

2017-2020Goal:

$6 millionThe People. Building. People. Capital Campaign for Laradon launches in 2017.

Continued partnerships with the City of Denver, North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative to address community issues.

Laradon opens a satellite location for community programming in Aurora in December 2017.

Laradon’s Learning Center opens in January 2018 to help people with disabilities become more self-sufficient through adaptive technology and sensory equipment.

Groundbreaking in January 2018 and Grand re-opening in July 2018 of our newly constructed Laradon School.

Groundbreaking on new affordable housing complex, named Elisabetta after Laradon’s co-founder Elizabeth Calabrese in May 2018.

Laradon was voted Top Special Needs Resource Organization in Colorado Parent’s Family Favorite issue for the second year in a row in June 2018.

����

In the last year, Laradon has made significant strides in its Capital Campaign to rebuild, renovate, and restore its 70 year old campus, in order to improve technology, facilities, and enhance and expand services.

Phase 1: The Laradon School

Construction of a new High School and renovation of Elementary & Middle Schools

Phase 2: LaSalle Building

Renovations to Adult Programming and Community Space

Phase 3: West Campus Project

Affordable Housing Complex & New Adult Program Space

The People. Building. People. Capital Campaign for Laradon will raise funds to build a more inclusive and empowered community of individuals with disabilities who can live life without limits.

1

2

3

7 0 Y E A R S O F I M P A C T 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 I M P A C T R E P O R T 1 51 4

$3,623,728Thank you to our donors for contributing $3,623,728 to Laradon programs, individuals, and to our Capital Campaign. Recognized below are those donors who contributed over $1,000 to Laradon this past fiscal year. Thank you for your generosity and support!

D O N O R SA U D I T E D F I N A N C I A L S

2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7 F I S C A L Y E A R

$2,500,000+The Laradon Foundation*†

$750,000+Daniels Fund*

$100,000 +Colorado Elks Association*Rocky Mountain Human Services

$50,000 - $99,999Luff Family Fund

$20,000 - $49,999Boettcher Foundation* Calcon Constructors, Inc.*Dresner FoundationGates Family Foundation*Virginia W. Hill FoundationLowe Family FundDouglas and Anne McNeill*The Estate of Mr. Robert E. NabbJay & Rose Phillips Family

Foundation of ColoradoSusan and Mark Ruhl*

$10,000 – $19,999Michael and Martha Burns*Barry and Mary Colacurci*Kimball Crangle and Tim Hoppin*Pinnacol AssuranceLouis and Harold Price FoundationRose Community FoundationShopworks Architecture*Sterling Elks Lodge #1336Stone Family Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999Colorado St. Bank and Trust Denver Active 20-30Developmental PathwaysDaniel and Linda Gordon Family FoundationJerry and Alice Hilzer*Bob and Sharla HottmanKeyBank FoundationMaximus FoundationBill and Linda Mitchell*Herbert Parker Charitable TrustLeota Pekrul TrustSchlessman Family Foundation, Inc.Barbara and Frank Shaw*Robyn C. Steffelin Revocable Trust St. Michael’s SocietySubaru of America Foundation, Inc.Zeppelin Family Foundation*

$1,000 - $4,999Jason D. and Hyeyong Kristie AdamsThe Allstate FoundationBabiesNow! FoundationGreg and Debbie BeacomJohnathon BeukelmanJoe BlakeBoeing Employee Community Foundation Suzanne and Robert BradeenCaring Connection Workplace Giving Campaign Cynthia and Patrick ChavoustieCity Projects*Colorado Department of EducationRobert and Lenore Damrauer Gloria DeVoeEmily McKissick-Diaz and Matthew Diaz*

Paul Durack and Heather Cameron*Mike and Julie DwyerEvergreen Elks LodgeFirst Plymouth FoundationVictor and Norma FrankJames Garcia and Gloria Padilla de Garcia*Linda Haskins*Chad HoltzingerAlbert Johnstone and Sharon

Emery-JohnstoneCorey and Amanda Kala*Rollie R. Kelley Family Foundation FundHeather and Ted Kijanka*Janet Paprocki Killick and Charles KillickJobey King*Mandelbaum Family Charitable FoundationJacque and John Montgomery*Morgridge Family FoundationBrent and Barb Pick*Frank Sommer*Donna Thurston*Harry W. & Louis L. Vickman

Family Charitable TrustSara Vogel*Randall WeeksWestminster Elks Lodge

*Contributed to the People. Building.

People. Capital Campaign

† The Laradon Foundation is a supporting entity with its own consolidated finances

T H A N K Y O U

To Our Generous Donors

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F I S C A L Y E A R

Audited Financials

������������������

�������������������

Program Fees$11,168,890

Contributions/Grants

$1,721,217

Other Revenue$806,618

Program Services$11,948,770

General &Administrative

$1,139,825

Fundraising$577,190

6%

12%

82%

4%8%

88%

LARADON BOARD OF DIRECTORSLarry Burgess, CHAIRPERSONL&M Capital Investments

Anna Jones, VICE CHAIRJones Consulting

Jason Adams, TREASURERCPA, Poysti & Adams, LLC

Rachel DeWitt, SECRETARYColorado Acute LTC, Colorado Elks

Douglas McNeill, EX OFFICIOCEO of Laradon

Sarah BattDwelling Development LLC

Greg BeacomAdams & Broomfield Counties,

17th Judicial District

Mike BurnsColorado State Bank & Trust

Peter DroegeDigital Continent

Peter FrankBlue Pine Construction Corp. ,

Colorado Elks

James GarciaClinica Tepeyac

Alice HilzerMcDonalds Physical Therapy, Colorado Elks

Emily McKissick DiazLegal Shield and Kroll, Inc.

Jacque MontgomeryOffice of the Governor of Colorado

Dennis MorganMorgan Auto Parts, Colorado Elks

Brent PickColorado Elks

Susan RuhlICC, Inc.

Tom WelchColorado Elks

CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEEMike BurnsColorado State Bank & Trust

Kimball CrangleGorman and Company

James GarciaClinica Tepeyac

Bob HottmanEKS&H

Jacque MontgomeryOffice of the Governor of Colorado

Scott Neiderbrach Cherry Creek Benefits

Brian O’NeilBNY Mellon Investments

Susan RuhlICC, Inc.

LARADON FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSMike Burns, PRESIDENTColorado State Bank & Trust

Jerry Hilzer, VICE PRESIDENTColorado Elks

Suzanne Bradeen, TREASURERCPA, Suzanne Bradeen, P.C., Colorado Elks

Bill Mitchell, SECRETARYDenver Police Department

Jennifer Hendrick, EX OFFICIOLaradon Foundation Executive Director

Brian O’Neil BNY Mellon Investments

Debbie Trujillo Key Bank

5100 Lincoln St., Denver, Colorado 80216P: 303.296.2400

www.laradon.org

Get InvolvedContact us to see how you or your company can get involved by donating, partnering, or volunteering. E-mail Jennifer Hendrick, Laradon Foundation Executive Director at Jennifer.Hendrick@laradon.orgor call 720-974-6815