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Laradon turns 70 this year and to celebrate, we’re highlighting the stories of individuals and employees who have seen this organization grow into what it is today! There are several individuals we serve, staff, and members of the community that have been involved with Laradon for a very long time. Sharing these stories will give us a glimpse into Laradon's past and the lives of our founders, the Calabrese Family.

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8/8/2018 - Ricky's Story

Ricky visiting the Pepsi Plant with Laradon's Adult Day Programs.

For many years, Richard ‘Ricky’ Dinges has dreamed of being a truck driver.
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He has always idolized his brother who drives a truck for a living. One day, when he was out and about with his group in the Laradon Transitions Program, they saw a large Pepsi truck making deliveries and it made him so happy.

From then on, he decided that someday he’d like to drive a Pepsi truck. He shared this dream with the staff at Laradon, who took it upon themselves to put the wheels in motion. They contacted the nearby Pepsi bottling plant and asked if they could stop by.
Pepsi was more than accommodating, organizing a tour of the plant, a meet-and-greet with a long-time Pepsi truck driver, and lots of Pepsi gear for Ricky to take home. Ricky’s sheer excitement could not be contained that day. It was an exhilarating and inspirational event for all involved.

​"Ricky’s story is a great example of how Laradon puts people first, helping them meet life goals and forming activities and programming around each individual’s abilities and interests. I am so proud of Ricky and how far he’s come.” Janita Rodarte, Ricky's staff coordinator at Laradon.
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What is even more remarkable is that ever since that day, Ricky has shown incredible progress at Laradon. He’s transitioned into a higher-functioning day program that allows him even more opportunities to learn, grow, and explore his interests.

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7/24/2018 - Isaiah's Story

Isaiah and his family with Laradon's FIT Therapist, Sharla.

For 70 years, Laradon has been providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live to their fullest potential. Our early intervention programs begin working with infants and children as soon as a developmental delay is identified, which can be the key to success later in life.

The Laradon Family, Infant, and Toddler (FIT) Program provides family-centered therapeutic support for children, aged birth to three, to encourage the healthy physical and cognitive development and nurture a safe and loving environment at home.

When Isaiah was born with a developmental delay, his parents wondered what they could do to support his development and growth, so they reached out to Laradon. For nearly two years now Isaiah’s parents, Gina and Alejandro, have opened the doors of their home to Laradon therapist, Sharla Marshall. Sharla visits frequently to help model communication tactics, play strategies, and ways to encourage skill development.
 
“Sharla is like my coach. She has provided me with the tools and resources to help my son. I can see the growth; Isaiah has come a long way!” Gina, Isaiah’s mom.
 
In addition, Gina and Alejandro bring Isaiah to Play-and-Learn Group sessions coordinated by Laradon’s Family Navigator. These sessions provide a time for families and their children to interact with typically-developed children from the neighborhood, encouraging integration and varied skill development.
 
At first, Isaiah was shy and didn’t enjoy engaging with others. Now, he is at the ready with hugs for Sharla! He thoroughly enjoys playing with others, reading books, stacking blocks, and other developmentally appropriate play.
 
Gina and Alejandro say that Laradon’s support has given them perspective. They are more comfortable with Isaiah out in the community and they are confident that he will be well-prepared for preschool -- and beyond.  

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6/21/2018 - Dennis's Story

Dennis (left) and Dennis at the microphone (right) in an undated picture.

Dennis started at Laradon when he was just 9 years old in 1972. Shortly after starting the school program, his mother asked if he’d like to live on campus as well. Dennis agreed, and began to enjoy his time living with his newfound friends at Laradon. Every day began with classes, then recreational activities like kickball or softball, then spending time at home in the dorms with friends. On the weekends, Dennis was on the “Home List”, meaning he would go back home to spend time with his mother. Dennis happened to attend school while our founders, the Calabrese family, were still alive. Mr. Calabrese taught classes, Mrs. Calabrese took care of the dorms, and Larry and Donald attended the school. “Larry would say hi to me in passing,” Dennis said, “He was always smiling.”

His favorite part about Laradon, was being a member of the children’s choir. They would often perform at Laradon as well as out in the community. “Mr. and Mrs. Calabrese really enjoyed our performances,” said Dennis.

Not only did Laradon provide a place for him to live and get an education, but it served as a place to launch into adulthood as well. As Dennis grew older, he became more independent and started working in Laradon’s vocational programs. He has worked at Taco Bell for over 20 years with the support of Laradon’s employment program managers. He also met his current girlfriend of 20 years, Sharon Dawson at Laradon. She was a fellow participant in Laradon’s vocational programs, and they now live with Host Home Providers that also happen to be neighbors.

Nowadays, Dennis is an active participant in The Laradon Officers group (a self-advocacy group at Laradon that focuses on discussing rights and policies). He still enjoys performing by participating in local community theatre groups and has wishes to speak to others with IDD about his experiences with independence and self-advocacy. When asked where he would be without Laradon, Dennis had only one thing to say: “Thank god Laradon is here.” As Laradon has evolved over 70 years, Dennis is excited to see the new changes in progress and development that come with its capital campaign.  

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6/11/2018 - Mary's Story

Mary (left) and Mary participating in a Play and Learn Group (right).

For Mary Thompson, one of Laradon’s best assets is the belief that nothing is impossible, everyone has strengths and everyone can learn.  It’s this principle that, she believes, has helped the organization reach this 70th milestone year.

“I think Laradon has always looked for new ways to be innovative in order to serve the community,” she says. “We came from meager beginnings, but realized early on that if there was problem, Laradon could solve it. We have always been growing and changing – adapting to our clients’ needs.”

That same concept is what drives Mary’s work as a therapist in the Family, Infant, and Toddler Program at Laradon.
For more than 30 years, Mary has worked with families of infants and toddlers who have been identified for potential developmental delays. She meets parents and caregivers in the home to give them the tools they need to encourage healthy development. She also provides opportunities to engage kids with typically developing children in the community through Play and Learn groups in the community.

Mary says that she loves her job because she gets to work with families and children alike... and she is always learning.
“I learn from the children, parents, grandparents, other caregivers, and professionals. They teach me as much as I teach them. I never get bored,” she said.
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When Mary first started at Laradon, its founders Mr. and Mrs. Calabrese were still present and very much involved. Mary got to see their dedication and hard work in action. She is an integral part of the Laradon team and one who embodies its mission to provide superior, individualized services that maximize the full potential of each individual we serve.
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Thank you, Mary, for your years of service to Laradon and the countless families you have supported!

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5/30/2018 - Katie's Story

Katie Romero (left) and an older picture of the front of Laradon's campus (undated).

Although Katie Romero wasn’t here for Laradon’s entire 70 years of existence of course, she does remember other big milestones. Katie was there for Laradon’s 50th anniversary gala and she even ate cake at the 90th birthday party for one of our founders, Elizabeth Calabrese. Her fondest memories are those that involve the individuals we serve and the employees who have come to mean so much more to her than simply the “people she works with.” “It’s my job, but it’s not like a job. We’re more like a family here.”

Twenty seven years ago, Katie was perusing the want-ads section of the newspaper -- when she wasn’t even looking for a job!
“For some reason, the Laradon job posting attracted me,” said Katie. “I wrote a letter – in pencil – and they called me the next day.”
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Katie began her career at Laradon as a teaching assistant in The Laradon School. She then went on to serve in the Human Resources department, and eventually began running the front desk. Over the years, she has also recruited several family members, including her three children, to work or volunteer with Laradon. The lines between family and coworkers continue to blur.

​Katie is the first point of contact at Laradon and is the first smile we all see every day. She is an advocate and a friend to all of the individuals we serve and their families – some who have been there as long as she has.
She’s seen a lot of changes at Laradon – and in the neighborhood – through the years. All for the positive, according to her.
Katie says that her favorite part of her job is the people – the staff, individuals and families, and new guests with whom she has the pleasure of interacting. “There are a lot of stars here.”

Thank you, Katie for 27 years of service to Laradon – you are definitely one of our brightest stars. We’re so glad you were reading the paper that day!

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5/24/2018 - Joan's Story

Joan (left) is standing with her friend Dolores. They used to work together in one of Laradon's Employment Programs. The picture on the right was taken this year!

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Joan began at Laradon in 1984 after graduating high school from the Colorado School For The Deaf and Blind in Colorado Springs. Joan is deaf with a history of epilepsy and a mild intellectual disability. Her program manager, Calena Camacho, describes her as a sponge “always soaking in new information.”

When asked about her feelings towards Laradon, Joan says, “I like Laradon a lot, I like coming here. If it wasn’t for Laradon I’d probably just stay at home with my family all day.”

At 55, Joan is in Laradon’s Work Teams program where she goes out into the community with a group every day to work at local stores. She receives at least minimum wage for her work, like everyone else. She’s a hard worker who enjoys doing things correctly. Calena mentions that Joan is very particular about how things should be done, and that she is always the last to finish at their work site. “That’s just because she’s a perfectionist,” Calena explains, “It doesn’t bother the group at all to wait for her because we know she’s doing good job.”  
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Joan was at Laradon early enough to meet Laradon's founders, the Calabrese family, and remembers Elizabeth Calabrese vividly. “I remember her being so nice and fun all the time,” Joan says,” She would walk around, check on the programs, and make sure we had everything we needed. She would even sign (ASL) with me sometimes.” 

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