At Community Living Alternatives (CLA), every story begins with belonging — and every act of generosity creates new opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive in homes, relationships, and communities where they are truly valued. Real Stories, Real Impact. This year’s Colorado Gives Day campaign features five individuals whose journeys reflect what community living truly means:
Each story is a testament to what your support makes possible. With your gift, CLA continues to create homes and programs where adults with I/DD can live meaningful, connected, and fulfilling lives.
Hear James' mom, Chris, share their story in her own words.
We believe everyone deserves a safe home, meaningful daily engagement, and a place to belong. For more than four decades, CLA has partnered with individuals and families to make that vision a reality.
We provide:
Residential Services — through host home and family caregiver models, matched carefully to each person’s needs and lifestyle.
Total Served in Fiscal Year 2025: 35
Total Served in Fiscal Year 2025: 21
- "Over the years CLA has been instrumental in providing Tony with opportunities to grow and excellent staff that have helped facilitate such a positive outcome for him. We could not have done it without them. — Lynelle Z., Family Member
- “This young man has just blossomed. He now looks forward to the routine, the communication, and the friendships he’s built at CLASS. I could not ask for a better place for him to be.” — Chris W.
"Love Juni!!! (DSP at CLASS) The care she shows for her clients is unmatched and she is always up for going the extra mile for us. D wouldn't be where she is without her." — Parent
CLA's mission is to enhance the life of each person with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) towards fulfillment of their life goals through choice and support in homes, employment and community.
Community Living Alternatives (CLA) was founded in 1979, during a national movement to transition people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) out of large institutions and into inclusive community settings.
CLA began with a groundbreaking idea: that adults with I/DD could live in family homes — not facilities — surrounded by care, connection, and belonging. With support from the ARC of Denver, we launched Colorado’s first host home program, serving 35 individuals across four counties.
Over the years, CLA expanded thoughtfully to meet the evolving needs of the people we serve. In the 1980s and 1990s, we added supported living options and community engagement programs, always with a focus on quality over quantity. In 2005, we launched the CLASS Day Program, creating new opportunities for skill-building, creativity, wellness, and community involvement.
For more than four decades, CLA has remained intentionally right-sized to provide individualized care, maintain low staff turnover, and build lasting relationships. Many participants, providers, and staff have been with CLA for decades — a testament to our stability, trust, and deep community roots.
Today, CLA continues to uphold its founding values: person-centered support, strong partnerships with families, and a commitment to helping every individual live a meaningful, connected life in their community.
Organization name
Community Living Alternatives, Inc.
other names
CLA
1981
Tax id (EIN)
84-0838882
Category
Human Services, Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
14252 E. Evans AveHeadquarters
14252 E. Evans AveOther
1770 S. Helena StArapahoe County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US