Community Connections, Inc.

Our Own Lives is searching for an Office Manager! Join their growing team in Southwest Colorado. Support daily operations & manage communication, tech, & more. We value lived experience & welcome all applications! Apply by May 1st! What you'll do: Manage communication & technology Oversee office policies & supplies ️ Assist with events & projects Support staff with learning new systems Why Our Own Lives? Competitive benefits package (available for full-time employees) to support you and your family. Flexible work location options! Choose between our Durango or Cortez office based on what works best for you. Make a real difference! Be part of a supportive team that's passionate about empowering people with disabilities. Qualifications: High school diploma (4-year degree preferred). 1 year of experience with general administrative tasks. Strong computer skills & experience with office software (MS Office a plus). **$18.39/hour + benefits for FT. More details and application available at https://lnkd.in/e7U_Yei. Contact Community Connections at 970-259-2464 with questions.** #directservices #nonprofit #hiring

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we'd like to shine a spotlight on a longtime volunteer, Greg Furda. Greg has been a champion for social justice and disability rights since 1985, when as a young attorney, his law firm encouraged him to do pro bono work for non-profits serving people with disabilities. Greg became a Community Connections volunteer in 2018 after retiring and moving to the Durango area. "It was easy for me to get behind an organization with a mission that aligned with my early civil rights work," said Greg. Until recently, Greg served as the Chair of our Fund Development Committee, helping organize the annual Festival of Trees & Wreaths event and educate others about our mission and the impact of their support. We have been so fortunate to have Greg on our team and cannot thank him enough for his years of service!

The terms "wheelchair bound" or "confined to a wheelchair" perpetuate a negative and ableist misconception about what it is like to utilize a wheelchair. To say that a person is "wheelchair bound" implies that the person is restricted, bound, helpless, and completely defined by their wheelchair. For those who rely on wheelchairs, the opposite is true. Wheelchairs are a tool that offers mobility, freedom, and independence. To help others feel supported, try saying "wheelchair user" or "someone who uses a wheelchair" instead. Visit our Language Style Guide here https://lnkd.in/g4khyY_R for more helpful tips for respectful interaction!

🌟 Big News Alert 🌟 Please join us in welcoming Scott Smith as the new CEO at Our Own Lives! 🎉 Our Own Lives is a new nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities, on their terms, in our region. This announcement marks a big step as Community Connections is evolving into two distinct entities to offer specialized services for people with disabilities. With Scott's leadership in behavioral health and advocacy, we're working to make a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities in Southwest Colorado. Learn more about Our Own Lives and the evolution of Community Connections 👉 https://bit.ly/3xC5KJD.

A big thank you to the El Pomar Foundation! This organization, rooted in our beautiful state of Colorado, has been positively impacting lives for more than 80 years. Their mission to promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado is well aligned with Community Connections' work. We are beyond grateful for their generosity, which supports our efforts to empower people with disabilities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives in our community. To learn more about them, please visit: https://www.elpomar.org/

This summer, the direct services branch of Community Connections will separate into a new non-profit organization called Our Own Lives. Jeff Newman, Vice President of Operations for Our Own Lives, is our guest blogger this month and explains what we've been up to and what to expect with the transition. One critical shift is putting the power in the hands of people with disabilities! To read the blog visit: https://lnkd.in/gxup6Ah5

In partnership with the Adaptive Sports Association, Community Connections offered clients the opportunity to participate in 2 ski days this winter, including attending San Juan Shredfest, a party and ski race event with over 200 participants! We are looking forward to offering additional ski days next year and getting more people involved. Stay tuned for details when the snow starts to fly!

Thank you to everyone who generously donated to our Red Ball Express event! We are thrilled to announce that together, we raised $704 to support our mission of helping people with disabilities live healthy and fulfilling lives!

Today, and every day, we stand with our transgender friends and loved ones. We see you, we hear you, and we support you. Your visibility and presence in our community is a beautiful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. We are honored to be your allies and will continue to fight alongside you for equality and acceptance.

Join us in raising awareness and ending stereotypes this #worlddownsyndromeday 🌎🧡 Your voice can make a difference to #endthestereotypes for those with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. Visit https://lnkd.in/evvNKJ3 for resources on how your voice can help!