Developmental Pathways invites public to celebrate 50th anniversary
By Elizabeth Wood West
Developmental Pathways (DP) is inviting the public to attend its 50th Anniversary Golden Gala and 11th Annual Pathways Client Achievement Awards. The landmark event will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, 1881 Curtis Street in downtown Denver. DP is a non-profit agency whose mission is “To enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities to lead a meaningful life.”
DP was established in 1964 as a community-based alternative to institutional care, and operates on the principle that full inclusion and participation in community life is attainable for every individual with a developmental disability.
Former Douglas County Commissioner Melanie Worley joined DP in 2009 as CEO and has made significant contributions to the organization’s levels of care and quality of service. After serving the citizens of Douglas County for two terms, Worley wanted to continue to work within the public service arena and was very excited for the opportunity to join DP. “The Douglas County taxpayers invested a lot of training and education in me; I wanted to make the best use of that investment by helping a population that needed advocacy,” said Worley.
DP currently offers a wide range of services in all of Douglas and Arapahoe Counties, the City of Aurora, and portions of Adams County within Aurora’s city limits. DP’s clients range in age from birth to senior citizen and include people with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental challenges. More than 3,000 individuals receive assistance including early intervention for children (age zero to three years), day programs, employment services, personal care and therapeutic services, residential services, and case management. DP estimates that 2,000 individuals are currently wait-listed for resources, funding, and services.
DP’s Golden Gala will include a gourmet dinner, special guest speakers, musical entertainment, silent auction, and client achievement awards in the categories of employment, athletics, personal growth, outstanding community volunteer, family involvement, and others.
For information about Developmental Pathway’s 50th Anniversary Golden Gala, contact Jason Berney, Event and Meeting Manager, at 303-858-2092 or by e-mail. For information about Developmental Pathways, call 303-858-2255 or visit www.developmentalpathways.org.
