For the past 50 years Mountain Valley Developmental Services has been providing opportunities to live rich and full lives for area youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What started out in 1973 as a preschool for developmentally disabled children as grown into a thriving “person-centered” organization that supports over 600 clients (350 adults and 250 children) in enrichment activities, meaningful work, and supported living in Eagle, Lake, Garfield, and Pitkin counties.
MVDS Development Director, Maura Masters, attended the Friday meeting and shared an engaging outline of the work being done by this magnificent organization. Her summary was enriched by stories from Rotarians present about the history of Mountain Valley's founding and community contributions.
Did you know the main building at 700 Mt. Sopris Drive (on the way to Ski Sunlight) was once a monastery that was given/sold to MVDS? This is the location of the two greenhouses and the offices and classrooms.
There is also a weaving studio upstairs at 209 8th Street in GWS where clients create stunning and sturdy hand-woven goods on beautiful hardwood looms. Both the greenhouses and weaving studio provide adult clients with employment opportunities in therapeutic, supportive community.
In addition to employment in the greenhouses and weaving studio, the organization partners with 60+ businesses that employ MVDS clients. Each client is assisted by a Direct Service Professional (DSP) in a 1:1 support capacity ensuring a quality experience for both the business partner and the client.
The activity-rich day program provides enrichment activities and outings for clients in Minturn, Glenwood, and Silt. A look at the activity calendar is pretty astounding: visits to the hot springs, hiking, snowshoeing, bocce, bowling, rafting, dances, fishing, visits to art galleries, horseback riding at Wind Walkers, and so much more!
MVDS also provides independent housing for 63 adults in 10 organization-owned group homes. Other adult clients live with family members in the community.
As Development Director Masters has developed a robust fundraising goal to augment the main financial support from Medicaid. She spoke of three new campaigns: “Grow with Us” will raise funds to support the continued maintenance and improvements on the homes MVDS owns for clients with developmental disabilities. Like all homes, they are aging and need attention to keep them operational. In addition the “Cozy at Home” project will partner with CLEER, Habitat for Humanity, and various Rotary clubs (Yea!) to improve energy utilization and decrease utility costs.
“Got Sneakers” project is another way to easily support MVDS. All you have to do is give them your used sneakers, tennis shoes, etc. The program helps everyone involved. It gets shoes to people who need, but cannot afford them. It keeps the shoes out of landfills. It reduces the amount of energy used to manufacture another pair of shoes. And the program pays “Got Sneakers” collection organizations who promote this effective recycling program. It sounds perfect for MVDS and our communities. So start collecting up your old sneakers in anticipation of your donation.
There are many ways to help Mountain Valley Developmental Services. You can donate directly, give during Colorado Gives Day in December, buy products at the greenhouse or weaving studio, or volunteer. That's what several Rotarians did last Thursday when they mounted mosaic tiles to the raised planting beds at the greenhouse. Everyone is welcome! Thank you to Maura and the volunteers who made that day a success.