Individuals served FY 2023
Laradon’s mission is to empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives.
Laradon’s vision is to be the employer of choice providing innovative services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Laradon strives to foster a culture that celebrates diversity, ensuring that each member of our community has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. We are committed to promoting equity and accessibility by identifying and eliminating systemic barriers that may hinder the growth and advancement of underrepresented groups through intentional and inclusive practices.
Take a virtual tour of Laradon’s 10-acre campus located in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood. It serves as the home for 5 unique programs and roughly 200 full and part-time employees all serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Other affiliates who utilize the Laradon campus include the following:
Within a short time, Laradon gained national recognition as an innovator of education and training services for people with special needs. As referrals dramatically increased, the need for a larger facility, additional staff, and financial support became apparent. In 1950, Laradon moved to its current facility at 5100 Lincoln Street in northwest Denver, where services continue to expand and enrollments continue to rise.
In partnership with parents, professionals, philanthropic organizations and generous community members, Joseph and Elizabeth Calabrese created a training center for people seeking the opportunity to expand their work skills, a school for children with special needs and housing for people in need of a home.The Calabrese’s knew that when provided with the proper education, training and support, people with disabilities could realize their full potential, contribute to the community and become valued members of society.
That vision still exists today. It is manifested in Laradon’s culture and operating philosophy; it is embodied in its mission statement and is seen on the faces of the children and adults who are experiencing a life of inclusion, independence and success.
Larry Burgess, Chair
L&M Capital Investment
Littleton, CO
Jo-Ann Scharmann, Treasurer
Retired, United Way CFO
Centennial, CO
Jim Wolf, Secretary
Attorney, Stokes & Wolf, P.C.
Denver, CO
Zachary Al-Tabbaa
Intellectual Property Associate, Hall Estill
Aurora, CO
Suzanne Bradeen
Retired CPA, Colorado Elks Member
Englewood, CO
Chad Dreier
Director of Finance, Fluid Truck
Denver, CO
Alice Hilzer, Honorary Board Member
Physical Therapy Assistant; Colorado Elks Member
Ft. Morgan, CO
Joyce Joransen
Principal, J. Joransen Consulting LLC.
Denver, CO
Jean Lawhead
Retired Healthcare Executive
Denver, CO
Queenie Liu
Controller, Aces Quality Management
Centennial, CO
Geff McDaniel
Tax Examiner, Colorado Department of Revenue
Lakewood, CO
Manny Mendez
CFO, Modern Tech
Denver, CO
Julie Radulovich
Controller, GH Phipps Construction Companies
Littleton, CO
Wayne Rogers
Retired Professional, Colorado Elks Member
Golden, CO
Karen Safran
Attorney, Goodspeed Merrill
Arvada, CO
Val Saiz, LCSW
Co-Founder, Calming Space
Denver, CO
April 11 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm MDT
Donate to Laradon Hall Society for Exceptional Children and Adults this Colorado Gives Day!
