DENVER – December 2007 – Mayor John W. Hickenlooper joined UCP Colorado in celebrating the opening of their new 61,427 square foot state of the art facility today. The organization, founded by nine mothers in a church basement more than 60 years ago, now serves 800 people per day through their various programs.

“We are proud to join UCP Colorado in opening this wonderful new facility in Denver. We are prouder still of their invaluable, collaborative work in our community and throughout Colorado.” Mayor Hickenlooper said. “UCP Colorado excels at creating opportunities for people of all abilities, enhancing their quality of life and helping them achieve their full potential.”

In 1946 the nine founding mothers decided, instead of sending their severely disabled children to an institution, they would create a caring and loving environment for them to learn and grow. The new facility keeps the mothers dream alive and expands it by serving all children and families regardless of ability or income level.

“The courage, hope and triumph of our founding mothers is what has brought us to this celebration today,” Judith Ham, president, UCP Colorado said. “They made it possible for us to open this incredible facility, where every person is given the promise of a future filled with opportunity.”

The new comprehensive campus enables UCP Colorado to serve as a hub for statewide efforts and provides additional space to develop new programs based on the needs of the community. UCP Colorado’s employment program, statewide support, early childhood center, administrative offices and a new charter school named Vanguard Classical School are all housed in the new facility.

Education programs have been a focus for UCP Colorado since its inception. With the opening of the new building, they have been able to expand that focus by opening a new public, free charter school offering kindergarten through sixth grade (seventh grade opening in 2008 and eighth grade in 2009). Two existing early childhood education centers have been moved into the facility as well, serving children from six weeks to five years old. Both programs allow students to learn and grow in a unique inclusive environment.

“I wanted my daughter to be a normal little girl and go to school, make friends,” Heather Montoya-Hyatt said. “She was wearing casts, so there had to be a nurse on site in case anything happened to her. I knew public school wasn’t the answer, but the Creative Options Center for Early Education was the perfect setting for her. She was accepted for who she was and not judged by the casts she wore.”

UCP Colorado’s employment program and family support programs are also better able to serve their participants as a result of the new building. State-of-the-art facilities are available to build skill sets and job readiness of disabled job seekers. Additionally, improved technology and tighter coordination of service in communities across Colorado allows the family support system to better serve their constituents throughout the state.

All UCP Colorado programs emphasize respect and regard for differences and offer inclusive opportunities for every person to reach their maximum potential. The new facility allows more within the community to take advantage of these unique and innovative services.