WHALE CO Gives Day 2026

At WHALE Respite Center, we believe children with delays and disabilities deserve the same opportunities as every other child—to learn, play, build friendships, try new things, and be part of their community. We also believe families deserve support that makes everyday life more manageable.

WHALE was created to fill a gap that too many families experience: finding safe, inclusive, dependable care for a child with additional needs. Since opening in July 2024, WHALE has grown into a place where children and families can access multiple supports in one welcoming community. More than 150 children have been served, and WHALE has provided more than 100,000 hours of care. Approximately 90% of the children we serve have a disability, developmental delay, medical need, or other support need.

Our mission is simple: We build inclusive communities where families who have children with delays and disabilities THRIVE through equal opportunities to live, learn, and play.

WHALE provides inclusive childcare, Colorado Universal Preschool, before- and after-school care, school-out-day programming, summer opportunities, weekend respite, and pediatric therapy services. Our goal is not to create a separate world for children with disabilities, but to create a community where every child belongs.

Inclusion Means Everyone Gets to Participate

At WHALE, inclusion is more than allowing a child to be present. It means making sure they can participate.

That may mean adaptive equipment so a child can join friends on a walk. It may mean sensory supports, communication tools, individualized teaching strategies, or simply having adults who take the time to understand what helps that child succeed.

We believe the world works better when children with disabilities are fully included in it.

Your Gift Makes This Possible

Colorado Gives Day provides an opportunity to invest directly in children and families in our community.

Donations help WHALE provide adaptive equipment, classroom and sensory materials, activities, community experiences, therapy resources, staff training, family support, and the additional resources needed to create truly inclusive programs.

Your gift helps create more than childcare or respite. It creates belonging. It helps a parent continue working. It gives a sibling time with Mom or Dad. It gives a child the opportunity to make a friend, learn a new skill, communicate a need, participate in an activity, or experience something for the very first time.

Every child deserves the opportunity to live, learn, play, and belong.

Thank you for helping WHALE build a community where children and families can thrive.