On one hot sunny morning in July of 1968, seven-year-old JoAnn Simms excitedly waited for a big yellow school bus. Little did she know this would mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would span 58 years (and counting) at Laradon.
In the 1960’s, societal understanding of disabilities was very different, and many often focused on limitations instead of the remarkable capabilities individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, like JoAnn, could develop. Yet, within her large family of six siblings, JoAnn always thrived, surrounded by unconditional love and support.
“When you grow up with a sibling who is differently-abled and you’re a kid too, you don’t really notice that there’s anything different with them,” JoAnn’s sister Barbara shared.
“She didn’t go to the same school as we did, but she was still part of the family. We didn’t separate her or treat her differently, and neither did our friends.”
During JoAnn’s education at Laradon’s school, she gained meaningful life skills that allowed her to blossom into the remarkable person she is today. She learned to read and write, discovered her profound love for music, and even had the chance to meet Laradon’s founders, Joseph and Elizabeth Calabrese.
“I remember Mrs. Calabrese. She kept learning going in the school. I met her when I lived in the dorms. She took care of us and was nice,” JoAnn recalled.
After completing her schooling, JoAnn’s family knew keeping her at Laradon was essential. Laradon had become her second family, a place where she truly belonged.
“Laradon is her salvation. This is her life, and she has spent a lifetime here, so it means everything to her,” Barbara said with gratitude. “Without Laradon and she would not have had the same experiences. She wouldn’t have friends and she wouldn’t know what it means to work. She would have just stayed with us. She wouldn’t have had a full life.“
Today, JoAnn is an active participant in Laradon’s Adult Day and Employment program. She has continually expanded her experiences, learning valuable job skills and earning a living. Her impressive resume includes roles at McDonald’s, Colorado Christian Academy, Excel Energy, and The Hilton. Currently she works during the Rockies games picking up trash. She says it’s her favorite job so far.
As JoAnn has grown up, her sister has always been at her side cheering her on. The pair enjoys simple pleasures like dining out and attending concerts. When it came time for Barbara to create her estate plans, including Laradon was a clear and meaningful decision.
“This is JoAnn’s home away from home. I knew I had to. She gets to be out in the world, in the community, and I want other kids to have the same experience. Everyone deserves to have an advocate like Laradon,” Barbara said.
By including Laradon in her estate plans, Barbara is now a proud member of Laradon’s Calabrese Legacy Society, a group that honors and thanks those who have chosen to leave a lasting impact through their estate.
As Make a Will Month approaches in August, Laradon invites you to consider leaving a legacy like Barbara’s.
“What makes Laradon special is it’s a family. There’s a sense of caring, everybody’s valued and everybody’s appreciated, “Barbara shared. “Laradon is part of my family now and I hope more people have the opportunity to have a saint like JoAnn part of their life.”
By: Katey Lewicki, Communications Coordinator
