Summary
Organization name
Laradon Hall Society for Exceptional Children and Adults
other names
Laradon, Laradon Hall Society
1948
Tax id (EIN)
84-0412621
Category
Human Services
Address
5100 Lincoln StreetDenver, CO 80216
Denver County, CO, US
Since 1948, Laradon has empowered children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can embrace possibility and reach their full potential.
How big of an impact did Laradon make in Fiscal Year 2021-2022?
73 Students Served at the Laradon School
12 Teenagers served at the Calabrese Youth Center
148 Adults served in Adult Day Programs
86 Workers served in Employment Programs
125 Individuals served in Community Living Services
Testimonials
"I love coming to Laradon and getting to spend time with my friends. Laradon has taught me a lot."- Jo Ann, Current Adult Day Program Participant
“I like Laradon. It helps me get a job and work on job skills.” –Tinisha, A Current Employment Program Participant
“I love doing math and learning new things at Laradon.”-Mark, A Current Employment Program Participant
"Without Laradon I wouldn't have had my first job, I wouldn't have known what it means to communicate with other people, I wouldn't know what it means to accept responsibility for the job. I would not have had the chance to meet my husband. We've got 36 years of a marriage and he is the best thing that has happened to me...outside of Laradon."- Pat P., former Laradon participant
"I admire Laradon staff. They always took such good care of my nephew. They helped him with everything he needed and wanted. I'm so thankful that they made such a nice life for him."- Lois S., aunt of Laradon participant
"I want to thank Laradon for all they have done for me!" - Dennis C., Host Home participant
"They taught me how to work and they taught me how to keep a job. If it wasn't for their help I wouldn't be here today." - Hugh P., former Laradon participant
Mission
Laradon empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Background Statement
When Joseph and Elizabeth Calabrese's sons were denied admission to public school because of their developmental disabilities, Joe Calabrese said, "If no one will take my sons, by golly, I'll open my own school."
The Calabrese's invested their life savings into establishing the first school in the Rocky Mountain region for children with developmental disabilities. In 1948 Laradon, which is named after the Calabrese children, Larry and Donald, opened its doors to three enrollments in a renovated home on Federal Boulevard in Denver, Colorado.
The Calabrese's had a vision that that if people with disabilities were given the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as those without disabilities they could realize their full potential, contribute to their communities in their own unique ways, and become valued members of society.
In the 1940's, there were little, if any, services available to children with developmental disabilities and the news quickly spread that there was finally a place for special needs children to receive an education and training. For this reason, Laradon quickly outgrew the original home on Federal Boulevard. In 1951, Laradon moved to its current location at 5100 Lincoln Street in the abandoned Globeville school building.
In the beginning, Laradon only provided education and training to children, but as these children grew into adulthood, Laradon expanded its services to include adults with special needs.
The vision of the Calabrese's still drives Laradon's mission and goals today. We continue to grow and expand services and programs to reach as many people with special needs as possible, giving each individual the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as those without disabilities.
Laradon serves nearly 700 individuals throughout the spectrum of age and ability, in 5 unique programs. Laradon's comprehensive services and broad array of programs provide each participant with the highest caliber of training, therapy and support so that they can be successful in reaching their full potential and thrive in a dynamic world.
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Organization Data
Denver, CO 80216