About us:
We founded an idea called the Adventure Center in 1999. Our main goal was to provide respite for families of children with special needs for one full day a month. We began with 35 to 40 members one Saturday a month from 1:00 to 7:00. We provided a computer lab and other educational opportunities for the children, training opportunities for college students in several disciplines, support groups for parents and siblings of children with special needs, entertainment and a chance to organize for positive change. We raised money to pay for snacks and meals, two CNAs and drivers for donated vans. The Adventure Center has been through many changes in location and leadership over the years, but still meets every third Saturday at the Boys and Girls Club from 1:00 to 7:00 pm.
Focus Areas:
Our current focus areas are employment for people with special needs, epilepsy support and the dispersion of our large equipment “library.”
We have 17 operable motorized wheelchairs, batteries not included. The property where we store the equipment is up for sale. If you know of anyone who needs something, call and we will find a way to get it to you.
Accomplishments:
We are very excited about our Walkabout Work Project. A “walkabout” is the word Australian Aborigines use to describe the arduous journey a young person must undertake to find their place in the world. For someone with a significant disability, finding work can be a difficult and amazing journey, full of twists and turns, barriers, and unforeseen consequences. We have enlisted Adams State College, Trinidad State Junior College, area service agencies, and even some businesses as we seek to create our own jobs. We have three enterprises on the drawing board: paper shredding, with markets in pet litter, wood burning fuel, and landscaping; concession stands along the Rio Grande Cumbres Railroad route, and a goat handling operation for weed control. We have a business plan and the framework for a red caboose: all we need is an entrepreneur to direct the project.
Upcoming Events/Meetings:
We still meet at the Adventure Center every third Saturday, usually around 2:00 pm at the Boys and Girls Club.
Contact Info:
If you want to know more, call Belinda Toth at 719-589-8773 or email bena84@msn.com
