A Safe Place in Pagosa, Inc.

Background Statement

A Safe Place in Pagosa (Aspen House/Aspen Services) was formed by a group of motivated parents who wanted to provide a home for their adult children with developmental disabilities. They expanded this idea to equally embrace similar adults in the Pagosa Springs area. These adult children have aged out of the various programs and entitlements offered by the state. The waiting lists at other facilities state and nationwide are running as long as 10 years. In addition, the parents and guardians of these children are becoming older and seek the security of knowing their children can comfortably live out their lives.

Currently, there are no facilities available in the Pagosa Springs area that provide housing for this particular group of adults. The purpose of A Safe Place in Pagosa, Inc. is to fill this need by providing room and board for adults with developmental disabilities. While Aspen House will house adults with mild- moderate needs, we look forward to creating additional homes for other populations and needs. These houses will also offer services such as recreation, therapy, community engagement and, as applicable to each individual member of the home, vocational support services. All services will be available to non-resident community members that qualify.

Aspen House will be designed to house 8-10 adults with developmental disabilities along with support staff in the home at all times. The residents will be selected from those in need of housing and care, and a desire for independence at a time when their families are in need of long-term housing solutions for their dependent adult children. Aspen House will be a large home having nine independent living apartments with a large kitchen and dining room, and indoor and outdoor activity areas. The Board of Directors will oversee the construction, operations and staff of Aspen House. The staff will manage and maintain the daily operations of the home alongside the residents, as well as provide the support for other services.