Connections for Independent Living

A nonprofit organization

$10,415 raised by 64 donors

42% complete

$25,000 Goal

A Community of Support

Connections is a Center for Independent Living, an inclusive place where people who live with disabling conditions, and those who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing, come together to challenge barriers, become empowered, and live with greater independence. It is our mission to enrich the communities we serve with the self-determination, productivity, and leadership of every citizen.

Testimonials

Connections for Independence made sure to help me find the job I wanted. It didn't take months, but rather just a few weeks. I knew it was up to me to prove myself. I kept pushing forward, and so did they. We worked together as a team and made a difference. My family, friends, and Connections for Independent believed in me and encouraged me to go further. Even though I initially faced some setbacks, I didn't give up. They helped me fix my application and made it more like a professional resume. I applied to two different companies - one as a caregiver and the other as an inventory assistant and cook at a hospital.
- S.B, age 35

I was living in a nursing home and never thought I could ever move out. Connections worked with me to find a place to live and the services I need. In three months time I was able to move into my own apartment. Connections helped me in more ways than I can count. I am happier and healthier than I have been in years.
- E.M., age 54

Connections has helped me so much over the past few years. They have done so much good for me that I don't even know where to begin. N.T. was living with her adopted family, but longed to get out on her own. Blind since birth, she felt that with some assistance she could live on her own and get away from the people who were taking her disability income and leaving her with nothing. Connections provided training in budgeting, public transportation, independent living skills, and job seeking skills. N.T. was eventually able to move into her own apartment. She learned to budget her money and perform needed homemaking tasks. She now lives independently with the services of a volunteer reader and some assistance with homemaking.
- N.T. is now 34 years old.

Mission

Connections challenges barriers, both physical and attitudinal, which restrict the rights and personal development opportunities of people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote the full inclusion and integration of people who live with all types of disabilities into all levels of society.

Background Statement

Connections for Independent Living was established as a grassroots effort of persons who live with disabling conditions with an interest in tearing down barriers to personal independence. We embrace independent living for persons with disabilities and have a strong commitment to the provision of core services to increase personal independence. These services include information and referral, systems and individual advocacy, peer support, skills training, housing, and employment. Connections remains consumer controlled - persons who live with disabilities comprise the majority of our board of directors and our staff. We are non-residential, believing that people have the right to live where they choose. Connections has grown greatly, currently serving more than 400 people in seven northeastern Colorado counties annually. Each of our consumers has the right to an independent living plan detailing their goals and we can assist in reaching these goals. We are certified to receive both state and federal funding in support of independent living.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Connections for Independent Living

Year Established

1985

Tax id (EIN)

74-2418249

Category

Human Services

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

1331 8th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631

Service areas

Weld County, CO, US

Phone

970-352-8682

Fax

970-353-8058

Social Media