Some of the most caring, hard-working people for people that need it…if they can’t help you they will find someone who can.

I just wanted to share my very happy experience I have had with Tobie Truman at the Salida satellite office of the Center for Independence, as she has worked tirelessly to help me get my life together. In February 2020, I had to leave my job due to rather marked symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Hence, I am no longer able to work. But Tobie figured out what I would need to make it on my own, disabled and unable to work. I have been working with Tobie on my case, which is coming to a very happy, successful result of all her hard work. I have been able to get to know her well, and what I see is a very energetic, dedicated, people-oriented, bright, and professional woman.

Tobie gives her clients all of her attention. I appreciate her very much. I can live comfortably with a decent income. I never would have been able to figure out the path I needed to go down on my own. Tobie Thruman is a super asset to a community in dire need.

Dear Center for Independence,

I would like to thank you and your employee, Ruby Martinez, for providing care to those who need it most in Western Colorado and in Mesa County. We most appreciate Ruby’s hard work and dedication to helping our family navigate the SSDI system and help us manage the after-effects of Cliff’s massive stroke.

In appreciation, enclosed please find a donation of $1,500 to help assist others.

Thank you for doing everything you can! I’ve heard nothing but good things about your service to our community.

Cheri was referred to CFI by Grand Valley Peace & Justice in January 2021. Her RV/home had broken down on the interstate in Garfield County, Colorado. Law enforcement stopped to check on her. Not having any proof of insurance they took her drivers license and impounded her RV, then sent her to Grand Junction directing her to services. She had no money, no medications for her mental illness, no ID, no food and was not prepared for the cold weather. CFI case manager Tracy Morton helped her get a replacement ID, get a motel room for a couple of nights, new clothes and some hot meals. In the meantime, Tracy set up a management plan for her in our Glenwood Springs office where she wanted to be located. In a video interview she stated, “I was almost exhausted, passed out to sleep forever… This is an amazing place with amazing people…They’ve given me hope. CFI and Tracy saved my life.”

Hi Mary,

I just wanted to let you know how deeply grateful I am to you. You have put up with me through my anger, impatience, fear and joy and helped Batman and me get into our home. Thank you, Mary! You are a wonderful person. You helped me come out of a very dark place in my life. This year has been one of the toughest times in my life and the good Lord put people like yourself here to see me through. So, from Batman and I, THANK YOU for caring about us.

To Linda Taylor,

Thank you for bringing Tobie Thurman and Amber Jacobs into my life. They have been a great help. They have been my backbone of support and don’t give up. You have two great people working for you. I can’t tell you how much they’ve done for me and the hope she and Amber have given me when I needed it most. They believed in me when no one else would.

Tobie and Amber are a big help in the Salida community and they do a great job. Tobie was a friend when I needed one. She has been like a sister I never had and got things done for me and never gave up. She is an inspiration to me and others she has helped. She has a kind heart and cares for people in need. I would refer anyone to her who needed help. Thanks again for fighting for me.

I’m in a program called Center for Independence and you so kindly bought me a lock for my bike.
This means so very much to me because we are strangers and I believe showing kindness to strangers is the greatest form of love there is.  It truly would save humanity if more people would believe in kindness to strangers. And you my dear friend have restored my faith in humanity just a bit.
This world we live in seems to focus on only trusting and loving our family and friends, which I am strongly against that way of thinking because it installs fear.
We are truly of ONE race in this world. And we truly are capable of love everyone.
Anyways I could go on for days talking about this. But the point is you are truly a beautiful person and I wholeheartedly thank you.

Dear Mary & Tracy,

Just wanted to thank you for helping me during a time when everything in my life was falling apart!

I’m now in an apartment, taking classes for a new career and focusing on self care.

Thank you for being a part of my new start.

To Whom It May Concern,

I find myself to be in a rather unique situation penning this email.  For approximately the past seven years I have suffered from a debilitating nerve condition.  I have seen multiple specialists and have had two brain procedures and one major brain surgery.  It has been difficult to find an advocate to help me pull all of this together and access resources as my specialists are very scattered and very many.

Because of the multitude of medications I take I am no longer able drive and living about 15 miles from town makes it difficult for me to access even the most basic resources without the help of friends or family.

While our family does have private insurance I was still facing a mountain of medical debt (and will continue to be with another upcoming brain surgery) I was referred to our local Department of Human Services through their Medicaid office to the Center for Independence.  I was immediately in touch with them and began the tedious process of applying for SSI/SSDI.  While I know the system well due to my professional history I was unable to navigate that system alone.  I have been working with Tobie Thurman from the Salida office and she has provided not only guidance through the application process but also transportation as needed for various appointments as well as general activities of daily living like grocery shopping.

I do not write this letter simply to promote Tobie, however, it is to promote the program as a whole.  I am well educated and experienced professionally and I can say I would not have been able to jump through these hoops without the help of the local Center for Independence.  Thank you very much for taking the time to read this email.

Respectfully,
Robin Henson, MSW

Dear Ms. Taylor,

On behalf of our family I want to express appreciation and gratitude regarding your employee, Mary Moore.

Mary has been invaluable in assisting our brother, who lives in Grand Junction and who has needed help in finding special needs housing. Finding Mary was a real God send. She was able to meet with him and begin the difficult process of locating  a new home that would meet his special needs requirements. Mary was such a help in explaining and helping him fill out confusing, government paperwork and meeting time-constraints. She was patient, knowledgeable, and supportive. In addition, Mary kept us informed on the progress that was being made and helped us understand the process as well.

We are so impressed with Miss Moore that we strongly feel she should be recognized for her valuable work, professionalism and assistance.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Benter and Beverly Fisher

My name is Drene Stevens. I came to Grand Junction from Denver in 1989. Coming from Denver to Grand Junction was a big step in my life, especially when you have a disability (seizures). In Denver all my needs were met with help from family and friends as were all my medical needs which were close by.  Just shortly after getting married, my husband’s new job brought us to Grand Junction, a new place, new people and a new lifestyle.  Things went well for a while until my seizures prevented me from holding down a job.  Explaining to employers about a disability that cannot be seen is a little difficult at times.  That is when disappointment and insecurity set in and I didn’t know what to do.  I have always had someone close by to take care of me when things went badly, but not this time.  Except for my husband, I was on my own.  Then I came across a place called Hellen Campbell Center for the Blind.  It was a little house on Colorado Avenue established by a small group of ladies.  Even though it was set up to help the visually impaired, they opened their doors to persons with other disabilities.  To tell the truth I don’t remember how I found this unique place but for me it was a god send. I had a place to go that I felt comfortable and no one questioned my disability.  Who knew that this little house would grow in to the establishment it is today, the Center for Independence!  As I watched the Center for Independence grow, I grew with it.  The feelings of insecurity slowly vanished and I began doing things for myself.  It was that feeling of standing on my own that keeps me going today. Over the past 25 years I have been involved with the Center for Independence. I have helped and watched people like myself grow to overcome their fears, insecurities and achieve their goals.  Just like the ladies who opened their door for others in 1983, the staff at the Center opens their arms and knowledge with compassion to help those with disabilities be on their own with the feeling of independence.