Join The FRIENDzy at FRIENDS of Broomfield!

Why I Support FRIENDS — and Why I Hope You Will Too

When I first walked through the doors of FRIENDS of Broomfield, I thought I was just showing up to volunteer. I had no idea that one day would put me back on the path that started my passion for human services-based work in the first place.

From the moment I met our participants—smiling, welcoming, and full of personality—I knew this was more than just a good cause. This was a community. A place where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are not just supported—they are celebrated. It only took a few hours of volunteering for me to be completely hooked. 

As I left that first shift at FRIENDS of Broomfield, I knew two things for certain:
1. My heart had finally found its place.
2. I needed to be a part of this in every way I could.

Since that first volunteer day, my role has grown and deepened in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I now serve as a grant writer and a member of the Development Team, helping secure the funding that powers our programs and creates life-changing opportunities for our participants. I’ve jumped into support roles with our Social Program, helped bring magic to life in our annual Variety Show (pictured above), celebrated mother nature with our FRIENDS on our annual Rocky Mountain camping trip, and have the privilege of teaching as an instructor at the Independent Living Academy (ILA)—a program that helps adults with IDD build the skills they need to live with greater independence and confidence.

But if I’m honest, no matter how many roles I take on, I still feel like I’m the one receiving the most.

Every single one of our participants inspires me. Whether it’s someone developing skills to live a happier and healthy life, watching our friends build supported connections in our community, landing a job that is meaningful and fulfilling for them, or simply showing up with a smile and an open heart for the day ahead—they remind me every day of what it means to live life fully and authentically.

Their determination, joy, humor, and resilience push me to not only give my best at work—but to live my own life with more intention, courage, and compassion.

I hope the stories of our FRIENDS compells you to support a cause that is so incredibly near and dear to my heart. Together with your donation, big or small, we can foment change in the most profound ways for our FRIENDS. 

More information about how your donation can impact our FRIENDS can be found below:

🎁 The Spallone Family is matching the first $5,000 donated 

💚 Community First Foundation will match the first month’s gift of every new monthly donor, up to $100, until their $250,000 matching fund runs out!

This means if you give early, your gift will be matched at least once — and if you become a monthly donor, your impact could be matched not once, but twice, tripling the difference you make!

🥧 Why Pie It Forward? 

When you sign up to become a monthly donor, you’ll also get to select a willing FRIENDS staff member or community supporter to receive a pie to the face — delivered with love (and laughter) by one of our Friends!

It’s our way of celebrating generosity with joy. Each pie is a reminder that giving back should be fun, inclusive, and full of heart. At FRIENDS, every act of kindness creates ripples of connection and laughter across our community.

💛 Why Give This Season? 

• Support Independence: Help Friends gain essential life and job skills. 
• Create Connection: Fund social and community programs that foster belonging. 
• Empower Caregivers: Provide respite, resources, and community for families. 
• Build Opportunities: Medicaid covers 75% of what it takes to serve our Friends. You help fill the 25% gap that allows our Friends to learn, connect, and thrive in their community.

💛 $10/month – Opens the door for a Friend to join a monthly activity that supports wellness, growth, and independence.                                                                                           💛 $25/month – Covers essential materials that help our Friends learn and grow.             💛 $50/month – Provides social opportunities that foster friendship and connection.       💛 $100/month – Provides transportation for Friends to connect with their community.