It is a story of hope, humanity and abundant love. Treeline Pass (TLP) was born from the dream and desire to create the very best life for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

Kari Ansay, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines for more than 22 years, is one of the founders of this incredible organization that started in January 2020. She, along with two other parents of developmentally disabled adults, created TLP to offer a brighter future for their children and others like them.

At the age of 21, schooling and services for those with disabilities abruptly stops. At that time, it’s up to parents and caregivers to decide what the future will hold.

“Deep down, we are all the same. We want and need meaning in our lives,” said Ansay, a passionate and steadfast advocate for this vulnerable population.

After spending time in temporary space within two separate churches, TLP officially moved into permanent space last September, located near Broadway and Hampden in Denver. A staff of 10 serves eight clients. With the new space, there is room to grow fourfold. The hope is to start by doubling the number of clients by the end of 2023 so more individuals can embrace the beauty of TLP.

At TLP, clients are fully engaged in their home away from home. They have routines with daily life skills such as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and personal care. Giving back to the community through supporting programs such as Meals on Wheels, making care kits for the homeless and adopting families during the holidays creates purpose. There is also plenty of fun with games, crafts and so much more. “Our staff and this new space are everything,” said Ansay. “It’s become home and our clients love it.”

The financial piece is complex but in its simplest form, families do not incur additional costs to attend TLP. “Fundraising and grants are critical to bridge the gap from what Medicaid covers and what it truly takes to have a successful day program for our clients,” said John Hermann, longtime resident in the Village and TLP board member.

On December 15, the Douglas County Department of Community Development granted TLP $38,250 as part of The Community Immersion Initiative. The funds are designated for a new vehicle to take clients to job and vocational sites and to and from the program itself.   “We are so humbled to receive this grant and grateful for the growth potential it provides,” said Hermann.

In the long term, the founders desire more. “We hope and dream for a residential facility, because what happens when we are gone?” said Ansay.

In 2023, Treeline Pass will continue its annual fundraising events: Game Changers Virtual Trivia Night (February 23), XDrive Classic Golf Tournament (July 31), and Ghouls Night Out (October 21). They will also offer two community events: Navigating Adult Services (April 26) and Sensory Santa (December 4). All are welcome. To learn more about Treeline Pass, visit www.treelinepass.org.

 

Article and photo by Elean Gersack; courtesy photos