Information about
Connections for Independent Living
MISSION STATEMENT:
To promote the full inclusion and integration of people with disabilities into all levels of society. Connections for Independent Living works to promote independence and equality for people with disabilities.
Brief history of organization:
Connections began as a grass roots organization of people with disabilities who needed independent living services in the community. We have maintained that consumer control so that we continue to offer the services and programs that meet the needs of the disability community. In fact, the majority of our board of directors and decision-making staff are people with significant disabilities. Our programs now include self-sufficiency, advocacy, employment, housing, emergency assistance, peer support and skills training. We have been providing emergency assistance with rent, mortgage and utilities for the past twelve years.
How many total clients are served annually:
727
How are Empty Stocking funds expended to
benefit your clients:
The funds allocated to Connections go directly to consumer assistance, primarily for assistance with rent, mortgage, and utilities. These funds have resulted in homelessness prevention for dozens of families here in Northern Colorado. For other families, it has helped them to end their homelessness. We have been fortunate to participate in the program since 2007. Since that time, we have provided direct consumer assistance to 169 households.
What is the true, lasting impact of the Empty
Stocking Fund on your organization/clients:
Families are immediately impacted when they receive assistance from the Empty Stocking Fund. It helps them to become housed or prevents them from becoming homeless. It can prevent a utility shut-off or help restore power. In the longer term, they learn about Connections and many become involved in our ongoing programs and services to help them to become more independent and self-sufficient. The increased community awareness of our organization as a result of our participation in the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund has resulted in people with disabilities learning about and then making use of our programs and services.