Wellspring Community and Douglas County today announced a partnership to create a housing solution for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Douglas County. This partnership represents an important step forward in creating opportunities for adults with I/DD to live independently while also becoming more fully integrated into the community.

“Wellspring is thrilled to partner with the County Commissioners on this project,” said Nicole DeVries, Wellspring Executive Director. “The housing options available to adults with I/DD in Douglas County are limited. Of the families we serve through Wellspring, 70% have no viable housing option for their loved one with I/DD if they are no longer able to provide direct care, and 85% of them are relying on state funding to pay for this care. The partnership with Douglas County is the first step in addressing and potentially providing a sustainable solution for this long-standing need. Through this venture, adults with I/DD can experience the dignity of a place to call their own, with support around them so they can thrive in a safe and secure environment.”

As the first step in this partnership, Douglas County has initiated a contract to purchase the La Quinta Hotel, located at 884 Park St. in Castle Rock—directly adjacent to Wellspring’s main facility.  The planned purchase of this property will be funded through the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amount of $6.4 million. The plan is for Wellspring to convert that existing structure into 35 apartment units, where adults with I/DD can live independently, with onsite staff providing oversight and support 24/7. While many contingencies have yet to be addressed through the due diligence process, including onboarding additional partners, both Wellspring and Douglas County are confident that this project will move forward successfully.

“The citizens of Douglas County have made it clear that supporting persons with I/DD is a high priority. Ensuring that there is a greater physical presence in this County that delivers effective services will help accomplish this goal,” said Douglas County Commissioner and Board Chair Abe Laydon on behalf of the full Board.

About Wellspring: Wellspring Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Castle Rock, CO. Wellspring was founded to meet the needs of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities—or STARS (because they are the stars of the Wellspring story). Today, over 100 STARS from 5 different counties participate in Wellspring’s day program, which focuses on supporting the STARS as they develop social, emotional, intellectual, and job-related skills