Check out the Fall issue of Connect, the ACCO Newsletter!

Ability Connection Colorado (ACCO) is working on its fifth Creative Options Center for Early Childhood Education to serve an additional 175 of Colorado’s most vulnerable children.Annually, more than 600 children from birth to age five enroll across four Creative Options Centers for Early Childhood Education. Creative Options Five will be located at 13th and Peoria in Aurora, an area Piton Foundation referred to as “the Children’s Corridor” because of the area’s significant needs and at-risk children.

A local developer, MGL Partners, is providing land in this low-income area currently in the process of redevelopment, and ACCO has accepted the challenge to raise $3.7 million to build and equip the facility. The goal is to open this new 8,935 square foot facility in 2016 and we need your help!

If you or someone you know is passionate about the high need for quality early childhood education, let us know. Cash and in-kind donations are welcome. There are still naming opportunities available as well. And, the tax savings for early childhood education contributions help you to make the most of every hard-earned dollar.

Atop Keystone Mountain, ACCO’s Wine and Food Tasting Event Shines in its 33rd Year. Colorado’s premier wine and gourmet food tasting supports employment for people with disabilities.

Ability Connection Colorado’s 33rd International Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting, “Wine in the Pines”, takes place on Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 6pm-11pm at the Keystone Conference Center. This fundraiser features an elegant tasting of over 500 wines along with delicious cuisine prepared by Keystone’s finest chefs and restaurants, as well as, live and silent auctions. This year’s theme is 70’s Disco, and attendees will enjoy live entertainment, including the musical talents of the 17th Avenue Allstars Dance Band.

Dress for the event is black tie formal, cocktail, or 70’s themed attire. Advance open seating tickets are $130 and available online at WineInThePines.org, by calling Ability Connection Colorado at 303-691-9339, or by emailing tarmstrong@abilityconnectioncolorado.org. General Open Seating Tickets will be available at Dillon Ridge Liquors beginning October 1st for $130 and at the door for $155. Special lodging rates available from Keystone Reservations for event attendees (see WineInThePines.org for more information on rates).

Proceeds benefit the Kelly Smith Employment Center at Ability Connection Colorado, which provides pathways to meaningful, choice-driven employment for people with disabilities. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The official winemaker at this year’s event: Hope Family Wines’ Treana label. Special wines will be paired with multiple courses at the Winemaker’s Dinner on Friday, October 21 at the Keystone Ranch. (Limited availability – call for more information).

Wine in the Pines is possible, thanks to the desire of The Smith Family to “pay it forward,” as well as, the generous support of our sponsors: Circle K Southwest, Keystone Resort, Dillon Ridge Liquors, Summit Daily News, Krystal 93 and Denver Life Magazine.

Being a parent is a big job under any circumstances. But for those who have a child with a disability, the job can be truly daunting. Caregivers are rarely able to relax or take a break, thus creating tremendous strain on families. Two people who know this all too well are Carol and Des Hague, owners of Serenity Spa and Salon in Keystone. As parents of a child with a disability, both know firsthand the lack of respite care available to these often overworked families. As a result, they are opening up the salon once per month to caregivers in need of a break. Every month, one of the parents served by Ability Connection Colorado is treated to a full spa day, free of charge.”I know how badly these parents need a break. I know how little they put into taking care of themselves. And so I decided to use my business to provide something for them that they would never give to themselves. It is a small gesture, but having a break to care for yourself can really improve your state of mind and well-being. It allows you to put more energy into your children and your family,” says Carol.Donors like the Hagues exemplify the impact of Ability Connection Colorado’s Statewide Support Services. Our family support services reach over 40,000 Coloradans every year, by providing critical services and resources to help parents advocate and care for their sons and daughters with disabilities at every stage of life. Donors can make a difference in many different ways, and we are grateful to Serenity Spa and Salon for their support of our families!

If you are not familiar with this exciting event, Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado and is sponsored by FirstBank and Community First Foundation. Many of you already support Ability Connection Colorado throughout the year and we are so grateful. Look for ACCO reminders in your inbox and mailbox.