National Autism Awareness MonthAutism is a debilitating disorder for those living with it and their loved ones. Most people who have autism will need daily living assistance forever. Much of the world does not think about autism 24-7 – at least not yet. Today, about one in 68 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It is the fastest growing developmental disorder. Certainly, a disorder so common deserves at least a month dedicated to educating people about its effects and raising money for critical social programs that can make people with autism lives happier, healthier and safer.

If you’re compelled to contribute to Autism Awareness Month, we suggest you make a donation to Roundup Fellowship and help families in our community. If your child has a classmate on the spectrum, invite that classmate to your child’s next birthday party. You know that cashier at the grocery store who doesn’t look at you as she takes care of your order? Smile at her, even if she does not smile back. The best way we can support Autism Awareness Month is to turn it into Autism Action Month. People with autism deserve a bright – not just a blue – future.

His Smileby Maria Moore, Community Participation Program Staff Member

His SmileYou would walk a mile to see his smile, it might take awhile, you’d even cross the Nile, get in a single file, just to see his smile.

He lives life without a care because he knows his life is one to share. So it’s okay if you stare, its one smile that’s definitely rare. None can compare.

Sometimes life isn’t fair that doesn’t matter when he’s near. So beware when you are near but don’t be scared or have any fear, his smile is a gentle smile, a loving smile. He doesn’t always put into words what he feels but when you get to know him, his smile makes everything clear.

So if you ever meet him, be patient and be kind. Embrace the moment and you will see what his smile can inspire you to be...

...in as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brothers...

Serving and Supporting

Spring 2015

Phone 303-757-8008Fax 303-353-8305

www.rup.org

Roundup

Fellowship-

Serving people

who have

developmental

disabilities,

recognizing

their worth,

affirming

their ability to

contribute,

and striving to

promote dignity

in all

relationships.

Evans House * Sturdy wheelchair w/seatbelt & detachable foot rest * Wheelchair-accessible scale to weigh our clients

Quivas House * Six sturdy dining room chairs * Landscaping materials (flowers, seed, etc.)

Meade House * Funds for outings and activities

Fortune Circle House * Two window air conditioners or Home Depot gift cards * Used DVDs and Playstation/Xbox Games

Roundup School * Gym equipment

Community Participation Programs * Photo albums and scrap booking materials * Memberships and tickets for community activities

Spring is a Season for Renewal and New BeginningsThis is a time of transition in the state of Colorado as well as Roundup Fellowship. It introduces new opportunities and challenges in fulfilling our mission. We are in the process of change and want to keep you informed.

Early in March, Stacy Gulmantovicz became Roundup’s Interim Executive Director. Stacy brings many years of experience working with Roundup clients and staff alike. We ask you to join us in welcoming her to this role.

As the interim director, she is replacing Jim Vander Kamp, who was Roundup’s Executive Director for many years. Jim Vander Kamp oversaw Roundup from its early years through its growth into a service provider in both Denver and Colorado Springs.

One of our goals for the immediate future is to find a new executive director to effectively lead Roundup Fellowship into its next chapter, meet its mission, and help define and implement a path for the ministry’s future.

Roundup is dedicated to continuing quality service for special needs children and adults. We look forward to strengthening our current programs and establishing new ones that lead us to more effectively, in the words of our mission statement, “serve people with developmental disabilities, recognizing their worth, affirming their ability to contribute and striving to promote dignity in all relationships.”

We hope you will continue to team with Roundup during this time of transition. We value your support and we know our clients do as well.

We appreciate all that you have meant to Roundup in the past and trust that you will continue to move forward with us into the future. Your support means much to the continuation of the ministry of Roundup Fellowship.

Roundup Fellowship Board of Directors

Evans House Quivas Apartments Meade House Fortune House

Roundup Fellowship Everyday WishesRoundup can always use linens, towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies and volunteers for storytelling, meal preparation, music therapy, landscaping, painting and much more! Call 303-353-8312 for more information.

Positive Uplifting Experience for All-The benefits of job development and supported employment include low absentee rate, high reliability and inspiration to co-workers.

Earlier this year, Roundup Fellowship started a new Job Development and Supported Employment Program. It is a person-centered career planning process, designed to support people who have developmental disabilities and who would like to pursue meaningful employment. Clients work with a certified job consultant to discover their interests and goals in order to develop and implement an employment plan.

Supported employment provides an integrated setting with support services from a certified job coach. The job coach accompanies the individual to the workplace to enable him or her to learn the necessary job skills and to prepare to work independently. Usually, the job coach works with the individual full-time at first, and moves toward the goal of providing only periodic support such as visiting the job site to assist in training the individual for new assignments.

Matching the Right Expectations and Supports for a Win Win with Employee and EmployerNikia is 40 years old and lives with a host home provider. Nikia has been described as a detail oriented guy who is very friendly and who gets along well with others. Nikia has some experience working in the community, stocking and piece work at warehouses and customer service at the ARC. He has also been a long time participant in our Community Participation Program and recently decided that he would like to re-enter the workforce. Roundup began by giving Nikia a Skills Assessment to identify his interests, weaknesses and strengths. It turned out that Nikia wanted to work in a setting that he could socialize with customers while also performing tasks which had tangible results.

With this in mind, Roundup went out into the community to begin the search for a job. During this time Roundup began performing Job Development tasks with Nikia. We practiced interview skills, guided him through application processes and went out into thecommunity to introduce him to prospective employers. Finding employment for Nikia was a bit of a scheduling challenge. In addition to participating in our Community Participation Program, he is also a competitive weightlifter, competing at the state and national level. After months of searching, applying and interviewing that did not pan out, a local business agreed to employ Nikia. Ian’s Pizza, a Wisconsin based gourmet pizza company located across from Coors Field, hired Nikia to clean their large front windows on rotating shifts which accommodate his busy schedule.

For Nikia, one of the best parts of working at Ian’s is the relaxed atmosphere where he can work at his own pace to finish the job and see immediate results of his efforts. Then there’s the pizza. Nikia enjoys a slice after every shift. “Have you ever had sweet potatoes on your pizza? You should try it. Ian’s has the best pizza in Colorado,” states Nikia. While he may be a little biased, he definitely knows his pie and he’ll need much more as he heads to the Special Olympics for weight lifting later this year.

Ian’s Pizza and other companies that have employees with disabilities often cite their low absentee rate and high reliability. They are often an inspiration to their co-workers as they are living proof of what can be accomplished with courage and a little help from their friends. If you or anyone you know has a business in need of friendly, dependable, meticulous workers contact Ryan in Roundup Fellowship’s vocational department at 303-757-8008 or email reldridge@rup.org.

In this world wishing you...A Little PeaceA Little LoveA Little LuckA Little SunshineA Little HappinessA Little Fun

Upcoming Events

3443 South Galena St., Suite 310Denver, CO 80231

Saturday, April 25AMP the Cause Community Day Benefiting Evans House and Quivas Apartments

Saturday, May 23A Million For What Matters 2015 Ford Escape Raffle Winner Announced 7:30 pm at the Denver Day of Rock Skyline Park Stage

Saturday, June 22Ankeny Christian ChurchYouth Volunteer Mission Benefiting Roundup Fellowship Denver Group Homes

For additional information call 303-353-8312

Saturday, July 113rd Annual Car Show Benefiting Roundup Fellowship Denver Day Programs1 pm- 4 pm at Lincoln High School

It’s a family affair with burgers, brats, sodas and prizes. Browse classics, antiques, street rod, motorcycles and even bicycles!

Free to the public. Requested $20 donation to enter vehicles. Call Danni or Peter at 303-757-8008 to sponsor, donate a prize or for moreinformation.

Roundup Fellowship2015 Board of Directors

Ed Schans-PresidentCarol Osborn-Vice PresidentAndy Tjeerdsma-Treasurer

Lori Plucker-SecretaryDr. Melissa Luzzi

Andy PluckerE. Wolf Thompson

Stacy Gulmantovicz,Interim Executive Director

Roundup Fellowship3443 S. Galena St., Suite 310

Denver, CO 80231303.757.8008 www.rup.org