Weld County, CO, March 16, 2021 – Connections for Independent Living is resuming a weekly on-site service program called Connections Cares. The program is designed for persons who live with disabilities in Greeley and northeastern Colorado who have not been able to be fully accommodated by remote and online services.
Beginning March 19, and continuing each Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., trained independent living and housing specialists will be on hand at Connections’ Greeley office to provide personal assistance and guidance.
The Connections Cares program began in October to provide limited personal assistance to qualifying residents in a fully outdoor environment. Cold weather required the temporary shuttering of the program prior to Christmas. It is resuming with limited indoor services by appointment or by checking in at an outdoor tent.
Through the program, persons who live with disabling conditions can receive assistance in housing options, arranging for a COVID-19 vaccination, and determining if they qualify for SSI/SSDI financial benefits. In addition, complimentary pantry boxes of supplemental food will be available for residents of northeastern Colorado living with a disability that are in need, along with face masks for COVID-19 safety.
“Providing 97 percent of our services remotely for the past year has been widely successful, yet it does fall short on some in-person necessities,” said Rochelle Miller, Executive Director. “Connections Cares gives a one-stop-shop for our highest demand in-person services and I am grateful to our innovative team for coming up with this solution for our community.”
Joshua Fulenwider, Director of Independent Living Services for Connections, is looking forward to the resumption of the program. “I am so excited for Connections Cares to restart. So many people get overlooked in our community and don’t have access to the resources they need. This program helps people with disabilities meet some of their urgent needs as well as gets them the information necessary to make long lasting changes in their lives.”
The highest status of care and safety for all has been taken into account. Masks and health check-in are mandatory.
Connections for Independent Living is a non-residential, participant-controlled nonprofit Independent Living Center that promotes independent living and the empowerment of all persons with disabilities. The organization is one of nine certified Independent Living Centers throughout Colorado and since 1986 has specifically served individuals in seven northeastern counties.
