Dastrup

01/05/2026

♿ Disability Awareness: World Braille Day
📅 January 4
Today we recognize World Braille Day, an international day established by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of braille as a vital form of communication for people who are blind or visually impaired and to honor the birthday of Louis Braille, its creator.
Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in France. After losing his sight at a young age, he went on to develop the braille writing system at just 15 years old, inspired by a military night-reading code. His system transformed access to literacy, education, and independence for millions worldwide.
First officially observed in 2019, World Braille Day reminds us that accessibility is a human right, and inclusive communication matters.
🤍⚫ White with black raised dots represents today.

12/19/2025

The cooking class was a big success! The SPECHAB program keeps getting better, and it’s great to see everyone working hard and becoming more independent.

11/20/2025

🧡 Community Support Spotlight🧡

We wanted to take a moment to highlight something truly special happening in our community and to give well-deserved props to The Arc Pikes Peak Region and Slice420 for the heart they’re showing this holiday season.

With the government shutdown, reduced Medicaid support, and SNAP challenges affecting so many families, The Arc PPR and Slice420 are stepping up in a huge way. They’re offering 100 FREE, fully prepared Thanksgiving meals to families in the IDD community who could use a little extra support right now.

🦃 Meal Details (Feeds 6–8 People):
A full Thanksgiving spread including slow-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, mac & cheese, cranberry sauce, garlic rolls, mini cannoli's, and Pepsi products all prepared and ready to enjoy.

📍 Pickup Locations:
• Slice420 – Old Colorado City
2501 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs
• Slice420 – Oro Blanco Drive
13425 Oro Blanco Dr, Colorado Springs
• The Arc Pikes Peak Region
10 N. Meade Ave, Colorado Springs

🗓 Pickup Date & Time:
Wednesday, November 26th | 11 AM – 2 PM

🚗 Limited Delivery:
Available within Colorado Springs for individuals who cannot travel.

✔️ Who’s Eligible:
IDD individuals and families within the Pikes Peak Region.
To receive your free holiday meal, please provide one of the following for verification by emailing [email protected]:
• Arc PPR Membership Card
• Letter of Disability from SSI / SSDI / TRE / Long-Term Medicaid
• Disability Placard

🧡 We’re grateful to see organizations in our city showing up for those who need it most. Please share this resource with anyone who might benefit community care is what the holidays are all about.

The Arcs Phone: 719-471-4800

Our most popular service is our residential program for adults 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing safe housing and support. our most popular service is our residential program for adults 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. we provide i...

10/23/2025

We’re beyond excited to share that Dastrup is proudly sponsoring this year’s Manitou Coffin Races! 🏁⚰️

This community tradition is one of the most creative, spooky, and fun events in Colorado and we’re honored to be part of it! For us, it’s not just about the races; it’s about connection, inclusion, and community spirit.

As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we believe in celebrating every person’s abilities and strengths. Through our programs — Specialized Habilitation, Host Homes, and Heather’s Closet (offering free clothing and hygiene items to families in need) — we’re helping our community thrive together.
Come cheer with us, stop by our booth, and learn how Dastrup is making a difference—one smile at a time! 💜

Dastrup.community |

09/20/2025

World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21)

Upcoming is World Alzheimer’s Day — a reminder of the importance of compassion, patience, and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

At Dastrup, we recognize that memory loss doesn’t take away a person’s worth, dignity, or need for connection. Direct Support Professionals and caregivers play a vital role in creating safe, supportive environments where people can thrive. 💜

Together, let’s raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support families and caregivers who give so much every day.

09/19/2025

Celebrating Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week

Yes, Yes we are a little late, but we just want to say thank you to all of our DSP in the community!

Governor Jared Polis has officially declared September 7–13, 2025 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in Colorado!

At Dastrup, we proudly join the Governor in honoring the incredible Direct Support Professionals whose impact goes far beyond one week—they make a difference every single day of the year.

Who are Direct Support Professionals?
DSPs are dedicated team members who provide essential support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They empower people to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives by assisting with daily needs, promoting inclusion in the community, and building trusted relationships rooted in dignity and respect.

Why They Matter
Through their compassion, skill, and commitment, DSPs strengthen our communities by creating opportunities for greater inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities.
We are deeply grateful for the passion and heart that DSPs bring to their work.
This week, and every week, please join us in thanking Direct Support Professionals everywhere for the difference they make.

09/16/2025

At DASTRUP, we believe that care is more than a responsibility—it’s an act of love, compassion, and community. 💙

👩‍👩‍👦 Now Accepting New Family Caregivers & Host Home Providers
We’re looking for people with big hearts who are ready to provide quality care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Whether you’re a family caregiver supporting your loved one, or a host home provider opening your home, DASTRUP offers support, training, and compensation so you can focus on what truly matters: giving care with love and dignity.

☀️ Day Program Openings in Colorado Springs
We’re also accepting new individuals into our day program in Colorado Springs! Our program empowers individuals with I/DD through meaningful activities, social opportunities, and a caring community. From cooking classes to BBQs, trips to the lake, and other fun experiences, there’s always something exciting to look forward to.

📍 Location: 424 W. Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
If you or someone you know is interested in joining our program—or becoming a family caregiver or host home provider—we’d love to connect with you! Together, we can build brighter futures. ✨

📞 Call: 719-344-5826
🌐 Visit: dastrup.community

09/16/2025

🌟 Join Us in Making a Difference! 🌟

DASTRUP is excited to announce our Food Drive and Clothing Drive! Together, we can bring comfort, hope, and support to individuals and families in our community. 💙

🥫 Food Drive
We are collecting non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and other pantry staples. Every donation helps provide a meal for someone in need.

👕 Clothing Drive
We are gathering gently used or new clothing of all sizes—children, teens, and adults. Coats, warm wear, and everyday clothing are all appreciated to help keep our neighbors safe and comfortable.

📍JOIN US THIS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19 10:00-1:00 SPREAD THE WORD ANYONE IN NEED OF FOOD OR CLOSE PLEASE STOP BY

424 W Kiowa St, Colorado Springs 80905

Your kindness makes a difference! Whether big or small, your donation helps us create a stronger, more caring community. 💜

🙏 Thank you for standing with us in this mission of giving!

09/09/2025

💙💛 Down Syndrome Walk Success! 💙💛
This past weekend, our group proudly joined the Down Syndrome Walk — and together we raised over $900! 🎉 Every single step we took was fueled by love, inclusion, and the incredible support from our community.
We want to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated, walked, and cheered us on. Your generosity helps us continue building opportunities, awareness, and a stronger community for individuals with Down Syndrome.
This walk wasn’t just about raising funds — it was about celebrating abilities, spreading kindness, and showing the power of coming together. 💕
🐾 From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and walking beside us. Here’s to more milestones ahead!

09/02/2025

🌟 Food Drive & Free Clothing Giveaway! 🌟

We’re coming together on September 19, 2025 to make a difference in our community 💙

🎯 Our Goal: Collect 100 pounds of non-perishable food = 80+ meals for families in need 🥫🍚
👕 PLUS: Free children’s & adult clothing for anyone who needs it!

📍 Join us in showing the power of kindness, compassion, and community. Every can, every box, every item of clothing makes a HUGE impact.

✨ Let’s do this together — help us reach (and exceed!) our 100-pound goal!

Our most popular service is our residential program for adults 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing safe housing and support. our most popular service is our residential program for adults 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. we provide i...