News & Announcements

2024 Needs Assessment

We are conducting this survey to help us identify the needs of the 12 counties we serve. Our goal is to identify which areas are lacking services or needing to amp up services currently offered, not just from CFI but all agencies across our communities. Let us know how we can better help you navigate.

Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is preventable.

Thank you for your Colorado Gives Day support!!!

Click Here to Donate Now and help us continue to advocate for people with disabilities!

Join the CO Healthcare Corps

Interested in healthcare and serving your community? Community Resource Center is now recruiting for the Colorado Healthcare Corps in our region! Colorado Healthcare Corps allows you to serve in hospitals, residential care facilities, and clinics statewide — some even provide training and professional certifications.

This position allows you to get hands-on experience and support your community during a critical time while receiving competitive benefits such as career coaching, money for education, a housing stipend, childcare support, and more!

Apply for these positions or register for an info session at https://crcamerica.org/chc/

Thank you KREX for creating this commercial highlighting how the Center for Independence empowers people with disabilities.

 

AccessiBe: Don't just do it to be compliant, do it because it's the right thing to do; Open the Internet

We are proud to be partners with making the web accessible for everyone with the #1 automated web accessibility solution for ADA & WCAG compliance, AccessiBe. Not only are they making everything more accessible with the plug-in seen on our very own website but are also developing a new search engine specific to people with disabilities. AccessFind, the search engine, will allow easy access to accessible websites through simple searches using keywords. If interested in learning more please check out the videos above and stay tuned for us to share information as AccessFind launches and becomes live. 

Grand Junction Office

Service Area: Mesa, Delta & Montrose Counties

Address: 740 Gunnison Ave.

Grand Junction, CO 81501

Phone: 970-241-0315

Toll Free: 800-613-2271

Hours: 8a-5p M-Th, 8a-12p F

Closed Daily 12:00-12:30 for lunch

Glenwood Springs Office

Service Area: Eagle, Pitkin & Garfield Counties

Address: 401 27th St, Ste 115

Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601

Phone: 970-718-5155

Toll Free: 800-613-2271

Hours: 8a-5p M-Th, 8a-12p F

Closed Daily 12:00-12:30 for lunch

Montrose Office

Service Area: Montrose, Ouray & San Miguel Counties

Address: By Appointment

Phone: 970-822-2294

Toll Free: 800-613-2271

Hours: By appointment only

 

Salida Office

Service Area: Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison & Hinsdale Counties

Address: By Appointment

Phone: 970-822-2294

Toll Free: 800-613-2271

Hours: By Appointment

Contact Us

 If you have questions about services we offer please complete this contact form and someone from the appropriate department/location will respond.

Areas We Serve

The Center for Independence proudly serves 12 counties of the Western Slope of Colorado with offices in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, and Salida.  

Meet Our Staff

Click here to see our detailed staff list with personal staff bios.

Apply for Services

The Center for Independence has been serving people with disabilities on the Western Slope of Colorado since 1982. Our services include benefits counseling, peer counseling, personal systems advocacy, information and referral, support groups, transitional support, vocational support, independent living skills classes and education. All individuals with disabilities are eligible for services free of charge.

The Center for Independence is a proud member of The Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living. Should you need services outside of our counties please contact your closest Center for Independent living. 

Atlantis Community, Inc.

Serves Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, and Jefferson counties.

201 South Cherokee Street Suite 100 Denver, CO 80113                                    Phone: 303.733.9324| Fax: 303.733.6211 Toll Free: 877-262-6525                                Video Phone: 720.386.1633

Connections Colorado

Serves Weld, Morgan, Sedgewick, Logan, Yuma, Phillips and Washington counties.

1331 8th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631-4601                                 Phone: 970.352.8682| Fax: 970.353.8058

The Center for People With Disabilities

Serves Boulder, Adams, Weld and Broomfield counties.

1675 Range Street                                Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 303.442.8662| Fax: 303.442.0502

Center Toward Self-Reliance

Serves Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Mineral, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties.

901 W. 8th St.
Pueblo, CO 81003
Phone: 719.546.1271| Fax: 719.546.1374

Community Comments

Lisa Lingo – Oct. 2017

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.

L.O. – Aug. 2020

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.

D.R. – Aug. 2020

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.

Mesa County Veteran Services Officer – Jan. 2021

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

Cheri Martin – Jan. 2021

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.”

Vicki & Batman – Mar. 2021

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.

David Reimer – June 2021

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.

Glenwood Springs Consumer - June 2021

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.

V. Johnson - Oct. 2021

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.

Robin Henson - Jan. 2022

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

Marilyn B. & Beverly F. - Jan. 2022

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

Drene Stevens - Feb. 2022

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.

Sandi Laughton - Feb. 2022

When I met Sandra, or as she likes to be called Sandi, she was living in a trailer home that was in less-than-livable conditions. Danger took many forms in this single wide residence, especially for someone like Sandi that has very limited vision due to macular degeneration and cataracts. From the furniture, chewed and worn with its sharp wooden bones peeking through, to her two small pets that needed grooming and a place to relieve themselves. Sandi’s home was beyond repair and she needed a lot of help.

I started with warming Sandi to the idea of having a volunteer from Ark Valley Helping Hands come in and help her clean a few times a week. Sandi often responded to this idea by changing the subject. It was not long after this that Sandi experienced a cooking accident which left her entire foot badly burned and infected. I came to her home to bring her burn cream after a call from her saying she was having a hard time walking. Upon examining her foot it was clear that she needed medical attention. During her hospital stay, our conversation changed from cleaning help to assisted living. This accident scared Sandi and she was suddenly ready to admit she needed help.

With the help of the Sandi’s medical team and the staff at Columbine Manor we transferred Sandi from Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center to the only option in Salida for senior living. While Columbine is an excellent facility for seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s disease/Dementia, those in need of regular physical therapy and 24 hour nurse care it is not suited to seniors like Sandi who are still quite savvy and independent. Initially Sandi’s only complaint was the food, but it was clear to me that she needed an environment that allowed her more freedoms.

As Sandi’s foot was healing and she was working through her physical therapy, I requested a meeting with the Executive Director and Social Worker at Columbine as Sand’s advocate and expressed her desire to find a less restrictive living arrangement. They gave me a few suggestions and I began researching assisted living in nearby communities designed for more independent individuals. After a few phone calls, Sandi and I were on our way to Silver Cliff, Colorado (about one hour south of Salida) to take a tour of Vali Assisted Living. She loved the staff and small community of Vali but the main draw for Sandi was her own room/shower and ability to control the air temperature. She was sold. We started the transfer process immediately and within a week Sandi was enjoying the self-regulated heating system in her new, private room.

During a checkup call with Sandi recently she exclaimed that the food is always warm and tasty and there are sweet Rotary volunteers that come to take her to church and AA meetings regularly. She keeps her room nice and warm and happily listens to her talking library books as she pleases.

Amber Jacobs, CFI Case Manager, Salida office

The Center for Independence would like to thank our partner agencies and supporters who help make this work possible on the Western Slope.

The Center for Independence is a proud member of the Grand Valley’s Disability Resource Alliance with many of the agencies above