PPITT November 20, 2025
Introductions—please go to PPITT.org to sign up for email blasts…also on the
Facebook page.
TACT Teaching the Autism Community Trades—Matt Somsky
msomsky@buildwithtact.org 773-220-4287 (cell) Can schedule a tour in Englewood.
Small non-profit to serve full spectrum individuals with autism for employment in the
trades.
Data: First and Only (10 years) exclusively for Autism, now open to all spec. ed.
90% of the autism community is under employed. New data shows 92% of our clients
have been employed at the same employer for 5+ years with a 95% job success rate.
Growth is 283% just this year.
Have had 5 students from TACT gain employment at Empower…
Programs:
Specialized Day school 18-21 In depth trade education with goal of increased
knowledge/life skills. Concurrent enrollment w/transition program
Career Tracks 18+
Workshops 7+
Summer camps 7+
Supported Employment 16+
Current trades= Auto, Carpentry, Culinary, Cybersecurity, Electrical, Tech for Trades and
Welding
Soft and Hard Skills training
*In the next 1-2 years they are looking to expand along the whole front range, including
Colorado Springs. Currently located in Englewood, CO.
There is NO age cap. Funding is an issue; historically, it’s been funded by DVR. Using
other resources to fund clients…100% of clients right now are totally funded.
Cheyenne Village- Nathaniel Hawkins nhawkins@cheyennevillage.org 719-572-
7467
Oldest residential provider for individuals with IDD.
Services Include:
Residential Services (DD Waiver)
Supported Living
Day Programs
Service Coordination (advocacy, guidance and coordination of care)
Healthcare Coordination (Fulltime nursing staff, medical transportation, etc)
Temporary Respite Care (dependent on availability; however, it is generally available)
**Can give a great tour of their facilities!
Dungarvin—Mary Anne Cooper
Similar to Cheyenne Village. Been around 50 years. National Organization in 17 states.
Locally, we are in Southern and Northern Colorado (Alamosa-Grand Junction). Very
family oriented.
Host homes, apartments, mostly thru TRE waivers and some are private pay. Family
caregivers, day programs (2 programs-one higher, one lower) Foster Care program
(Chirp waiver??) have currently 5 homes without DHS involvement, Supported Living
Services (SLS).
Staff have longevity.
Agency Updates:
Kaum -First PCA house in Grand Junction. Hiring for a new Day Program Manager.
Disability Connections: last fundraisers for the year. This Friday, Panda Express is
donating 28% through online orders with a code Carol will share.
Tuesday, Dec. 9 th 5pm Goat Patch Brewery $1 for every pint will go to disability
connections.
Dec. 19 th Secret Santa Christmas Party…like Angel Tree.
CSDB is looking for a Transition Teacher that is Asl and Para educators
Joe from Christmas This Year…December 13 and 14
The show this year is “What am I made for?” Variety show that showcases those with
disabilities, in particular Down’s Syndrome. Singing and Dancing and professional
musicians. Organizations can bring a group, with group ticket sales if you contact them.
Nicole
Special Olympics- Kyle is having doctors come and provide a health fair, anyone in
the IDD community. Dec. 6 th , Saturday 10am-3pm. Medfest screening for physicals, free
vision screening, free glasses, audiologist for hearing and ear checks. If they can’t do it
there, they will write a referral for the appropriate next steps.
Freezing for a reason in March at Rock Ledge Ranch with a 5k if you’d like.
PPITT team for Polar Plunge, different agencies participate and represent…goal would
be $100 per person. If you’re interested contact Nicole Beauvais.
ARC (Pete)- Free Thanksgiving Meal giveaway for families with IDD. Need to verify the
disability. Must sign up by 11/25.
*Next Dance- Dec. 16 th , D12 will not be there. Carol=pizza, D2=chips,
MaryAnne=cookies
11 th grade through age 21. Hillside Community Center. Nicole will send out the flier
today.
Next Month’s meeting, December 18, at Bubba’s for lunch 3 rd Thursday of December. If
you can donate SWAG for prizes, bring them…wine is a great prize.
May dance- Kaum will provide Pizza for the May dance.
D8 (chips), D12 (water), Dungarvin (Cookies)
February-Cookies (Dungarvin), Carol (Chips) NEED Pizza.
Next Month’s Speakers:
Bob Barrows
Pasco and/or Cognitive Connections