In July, Laradon’s Board of Directors voted to approve our Annual Operating Plan, 5-Year Strategic Plan and budget. We expect to have a great 2010-11 fiscal year. We have been a fortunate non-profit during this bad economic time – a testament to Laradon’s longevity and stability. We were able to create jobs based on the needs of the participants and the organization as a whole. We are proud to say that we had some growth and were able to give back to the community this way.
Laradon works with school districts across the state, although mainly in the Denver-metro area, to provide special education services to children who cannot be served in the public school environment because of their disability and challenging behaviors. Last week contracts with 14 School Districts were signed and I anticipate a few more coming aboard. These students are really benefitting from Laradon’s Alternative School program. Many have graduated and returned to public school while others have moved on to join Laradon’s Adult Services Division in either Day Habilitation or Community and Employment Services. Others have gained much independence and only require minimal assistance living in the community now. We are looking forward to providing quality education services to many more children this year.
Our Adult Services division also had a great year with oversight agencies giving us accolades for the services we provide to Day Habilitation participants.
Over this past summer, Laradon became a Provider Network for the Ticket to Work program. We are currently serving a few individuals in this program and we are working with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide even more people with special needs the opportunity for employment.
I always look forward to meeting new people in the community. I have met many folks who are very interested in helping Laradon in a variety of capacities including financial support, volunteer opportunities, event sponsorships, etc. If you are a member of a community group, club or organization and would like for a representative to make a visit and speak to your group about Laradon, please let us know.
PS: Don't forget to visit our updated website at http://www.laradon.org./
