AROUND TOWN: Resource Exchange builds dreams

Last year, The Resource Exchange invited the community to come and learn about, and perhaps assist in, “Building the Dream” of helping more and more of those with developmental disabilities achieve independence.

There were 300 at that first luncheon.

Year two, Sept. 16 at The Broadmoor’s Colorado Hall, the crowd swelled to more than 500 supporters and representatives of partner agencies, who raised $86,000 for TRE, which, like so many others, had experienced funding slashes by the state.

“We are amazed and delighted by the support shown from the community for our work,” said enthusiastic Development Director Jennifer Malenky.

David Ervin, TRE’s executive director, said that the people they serve all have dreams. Sometimes it’s to walk, maybe it’s to own his or her own business or play professional baseball, another just wants to talk so people can understand him. “Without a dream, we’re rudderless,” Ervin told the audience.

Ervin’s dream was to be a doctor — and a professional soccer player. One day he leaped for a header in a game “and then it all goes blank.” His opponent walked away but Ervin didn’t.

The concussion didn’t stop him from trying to play soccer again, but a teacher, seeing his hand shaking, did. There were tests and “my dreams of being a surgeon were extinguished, too.”

Now, he said, at TRE they can help the dreams of the developmentally disabled come true.
Devin Hoskins, who starred in the day’s video, smiled as she watched her story on the screen. Someday, she said, she dreams of walking instead of using a wheelchair.

Jennifer Pressey told the attentive audience that when her second daughter was born she wondered, “would she be athletic, would she be funny, would she dance?” Instead, little Naomi had heart surgery when she was 4 days old and her heart stopped for 33 minutes.

There was severe brain damage, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and Naomi couldn’t walk or talk. Today, at 31/2 years old, the adorable little blonde took steps across the stage, and she’s trying to talk. As her photo was being taken, she smiled and gave the photographer a high five. There were tears throughout the audience.

Also sharing their “I Dream of” stories were Rodger Bittleston, who is Devin’s best friend, and Joe Derdzinski, who told his son’s story.

A performance by the Gotta Dance Troupe, all of whom have dreams, brought a standing ovation.

Trevor Dierdorff shared that he experienced a day of realization when he toured the sites utilized by TRE caseworkers and those they work with. But more than anything, the president of Amnet was appalled by the reams of paperwork required, taking caseworkers’ time away from working with people to do the redundant chores. Cut down on redundant paperwork and the long waiting list of people and families needing services, often waiting for years, could be shortened, he reasoned.

There were nods of agreement and sardonic smiles all around the room.

Photos: tinyurl.com/3dkzxuj