For more than 77 years, Laradon has been a bright light in Colorado—a place where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find opportunity, belonging, and a community that loves them back. Our programs have grown, the world around us has changed, but our mission to empower and support has stayed beautifully true.
And during this season of gratitude and celebration, we’re turning the spotlight on some of the brightest stars in our Laradon universe—individuals who have been part of our family for over 45 years. Some first walked through our doors as young students. Others began as hardworking members of our employment program. Today, they are the heartbeat of our campus—living proof of what community, consistency, and care can create.
This holiday, we honor their stories. Their joy. Their history.
Meet Laradon’s Legacy.
Bob: The Record Setter (60 Years)
As Laradon’s oldest living individual in our programs, Bob has been a cherished member of the Laradon family for 60 years.
He started in the Laradon School at age 11, where he met his lifelong friend and fellow Laradon Legacy member, Dennis. After finishing school, Bob went on to join Laradon’s Employment Program and Work Teams.
Now, Bob spends his days relaxing in his Host Home with his new furry friend, Lucky. His Host Home has given him a rich life of adventure
“My host home provider and I go on trips. I’ve been to Hawaii. I feel lucky that Laradon found them for me.” – Bob
JoAnn: The Performer (57 Years)
With 57 years spent across all Laradon’s programs, JoAnn has loved every minute, with her family calling Laradon her second home.
Starting at the Laradon School at age 7, JoAnn found a place where she could fully be herself. Staff watched her come out of her shell and grow into the person she is today. JoAnn loves to perform to Lady Gaga music and has even had the opportunity to meet her! She also enjoys volunteering with Work Teams and giving back to her community.
“I remember Mrs. Calabrese. I met her when I lived in the dorms. She took care of us. She was nice. I am glad she made Laradon.” – JoAnn
Dolores: The Ray of Sunshine (55 Years)
Known affectionately as Laradon’s ray of sunshine, Dolores lights up every room she enters. Dolores started at Laradon in 1970, 55 years ago, in our Employment and Adult Day Programs.
She held a variety of jobs over the years, but her favorite was working in a pet store, where she loved hanging out with the animals and watching them find new, loving homes. Today, Dolores fills her time doing puzzles and thriving in Laradon’s Culinary Training Service.
“I like it here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” – Dolores
Dennis: The Campus Celebrity (55 Years)
Dennis is a celebrity on the Laradon campus. As a 55-year Laradon veteran, he has done it all. Starting at age 8 with fellow Legacies JoAnn, Mary Beth, and Bob, Dennis learned to love school, excelling in math class and singing in the Laradon choir.
Today, Dennis splits his time between his job at Taco Bell (achieved through our Employment Program), hanging out with friends in the day program, and proudly serving on the Laradon Foundation Board.
“Laradon has changed quite a bit but it is still wonderful.” – Dennis
Mary Beth: The Lifelong Friend (54 Years)
Mary Beth began her journey at the Laradon School when she was 11 years old, after facing difficulty and bullying in her public school. Here, she found safety, acceptance, and the space to fully be herself, quickly forging lifelong friendships with Dennis and Joann. During her school days, she lived in the dorms and worked at Laradon’s old title shop.
Fifty-four years later, Mary Beth still attends Laradon’s Adult Day Program every Thursday, and her enthusiasm hasn’t wavered.
“I love Laradon. I say I want to go back to Laradon every day because everyone is my friend here.” – Mary Beth
Vicki: The Artist ( 52 years)
For 52 years, Vicki has called Laradon home. Starting at age 20, she found a supportive community that she will have for her entire life.
Being a Laradon veteran, Vicki is very well known and cherished by the staff. She loves doing art class with Laradon staffer Peggy and engaging in the weekly Muay Tai class. Every morning, Vicki starts her day in the same comforting way: in her lounge chair, surrounded by her friends.
“The best part about Laradon is that it’s open for people and it feels like a home.” – Vicki
William Dowd: The Cornerstone of Commitment (51 years)
From finding love to a career, William has found it all in his 51 years at Laradon. William started at the Laradon School at age 14, where he lived in the dorms. After graduating, he went on to work as a server in the school cafeteria.
Today, he works three days a week at Pizza Hut, folding pizza boxes with the guidance of long-time Laradon job coach, Gloria.
While he loves his job, the best part of William’s story is how Laradon brought him to his wife. After meeting his wife in one of Laradon’s programs, the pair married in 2002 and have been together ever since.
“Laradon helped me find new opportunities and friends. Gloria, my job coach, has given me good advice that helps me do good in my job.” – William
Paul: The World Traveler (50 Years)
World traveler Paul has been part of Laradon’s Adult Day Program and Residential Program for 50 years.
In 2001, Laradon’s Community Living Services placed Paul with Host Home Provider, Roger, and ever since then they have been the best of pals. Roger has been a constant in Paul’s life and has been able to give him a full and exciting life.
“Paul is fiercely independent. He enjoys traveling to go see things. Did you know he’s been to almost all 50 states?” – Roger, Paul’s Host Home Provider
Sharon: The Vibrant Heart (47 years)
With her signature red hair and bright pink nails, Sharon has been a vibrant part of the Laradon community since 1978, a remarkable 47-year journey. Over her time here, Sharon has experienced and achieved so much: from working diligently at the Holiday Inn cleaning rooms, to building a lasting friendship with others like Dennis, to settling into a loving Host Home.
Today, Sharon enjoys a relaxed life spending time with her host home family’s dogs, doing puzzles, and watching Harry Potter.
“My host home is so nice. They let me help take care of Blue, one of their dogs. I like being here.” – Sharon
Robbie: The Sports Fan (46 years)
46 years ago, 12-year-old Robbie started at the Laradon School. During his school days, Robbie loved recess and hanging out with his Laradon friends.
Now Robbie lives in a Host Home that he was paired with through Laradon’s Community Living Services , which he loves. As a big Colorado sports fan, Robbie enjoys getting to watch the games with his Host Home Provider.
“I like my host home. We watch games. I love the nuggets.” – Robbie
Elmer: The Dedicated Employee (46 years)
Since 1993, Elmer has worked hard at a local Taco Bell restaurant, never missing a shift. He is one of Laradon’s most dedicated individuals who is part of our Employment Program.
Since 1979, Elmer has consistently worked with a Laradon job coach to maintain and thrive in the workplace. Through this support, he has learned crucial life skills, like time management and social interactions which ultimately led to him living independently in his own apartment.
Though some people might get bored working at the same place for 32 years, Elmer loves it.
“It is awesome to work here. I am friends with my coworkers, and I like washing dishes. I also like getting chalupas after my shift. It is the best place to work.” – Elmer
John: The Dancing King (45 Years)
John can always be found wearing his blue headphones, happily jamming out to music on his Walkman; his favorites include 80’s classics. Starting at Laradon 45 years ago, John has grown so much. Laradon helped him find his voice and express his emotions through music and dance. John is always down to dance and have a good time, often inviting others to join in the fun. His favorite invitation is simple:
“Dance with me.”
The commitment of these incredible individuals reminds us that Laradon is truly a second home. As we honor these incredible legacies, we ask you to help us ensure the next generation of individuals find the same sense of joy, belonging, and opportunity. Support our Laradon Legacy by making a gift today and ensuring future generations find their place, their passion, and their community here.
By: Katey Lewicki, Communications Coordinator
