Thank You, City Of Lafayette, CO

Today, we’d like to say “thanks” to the City of Lafayette, CO for its generous $1,500 grant to Imagine! as part of the One Lafayette grant program. The funds will go toward Imagine!’s Case Management Emergency Fund for individuals living in Lafayette.

Through the Emergency Fund, Imagine! provides limited financial assistance to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) meet urgent or extraordinary needs not covered by Medicaid or other funding sources. Examples of approved expenses include mental health services, extraordinary medical bills, respite care during times of upheaval, IV sedation for dental procedures, short-term housing for clients at risk of homelessness, and home modifications for clients with decreasing mobility.

This year, the State of Colorado broadened its definition of intellectual and developmental disabilities and pledged to increase the funding it provides for some services for people with I/DD. Imagine! is in the process of ramping up its Case Management and direct service staff to handle the projected 200-300 additional individuals who will now be eligible to receive services in our area. The Case Management Emergency Fund exists specifically to respond to exceptional needs for which other sources of funding are not available. The project is therefore a small – but essential – part of Imagine!'s services. As the overall client base grows, the demand for Emergency Fund support is expected to grow proportionately, so this grant is timely and vital.

This is our fourth One Lafayette grant, bringing the total to $4,500. All were for the Emergency Fund.

Thank you, City of Lafayette, for your continued commitment to the health, safety, and well being of all members of your community!