The Five Core Services
Atlantis Community Inc.’s programs and services are based upon five core principles:
- Advocacy
- Information and Referral
- Peer Support
- Independent Living
- Transition
By utilizing these services, you can be sure to take advantage of all Atlantis has to offer. Please visit each page to see a detailed description of these opportunities and services. If you have any questions, feel free to Contact Us.
Advocacy
Many people with disabilities qualify for programs and services through local, State, and Federal programs, as well as other non-profit and private sector organizations. However, these programs can seem complicated and can be difficult to navigate alone. Atlantis Community, Inc. has multiple experienced and knowledgeable advocates on staff, who can help with applying, appealing, and/or re-certifying for programs such as Social Security Disability (SSI), Medicaid, Food stamps (SNAP), Adult Financial Assistance Programs (e.g. TANF, AND, OAP) and many more.
Our advocates are also able to assist with housing advocacy-whether it be problems with a landlord, accessibility, reasonable accommodations, discriminatory evictions, or other disability-related housing issues.
If you would like to learn more about this program, or contact an advocate about your personal situation, please Contact Us.
Information & Referral
Sometimes Atlantis Community, Inc. may not have the resources, programs, or staff necessary to help in a particular situation—whether that’s due to funding constraints, limitations of our Independent Living programs, or a lack of training/knowledge (for example: we do not have anyone on staff qualified to give legal advice or provide legal services). However, that does not mean we cannot still be useful to you! Even when there is nothing we can personally do, we still have the information and networking necessary to connect people with the programs and services that they need out in the community. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new wheelchair or trying to find apartment that is affordable and accessible, Atlantis may be able to help guide you in the right direction.
Peer Support
It is our hope at Atlantis that by bringing people with disabilities and their non-disabled peers together, through their shared energies and experiences, teach and support each other in achieving freedom and growth. More than half of Atlantis’ staff members are people with a variety of disabilities and whenever our building is open, we welcome members of the community to come in, relax, spend some time with us and with each other.
Atlantis is currently offering a variety of workshops and peer support groups such as a Housing Workshop Preparing for Everything Workshop, Social Security Workshop, Art Group, Cooking Class, Fix and Mintain Your Wheelchair, a Self-Empoerment Group, and the Youth Peer Support group. Please see our upcoming Events page for the next scheduled support group meeting.
If you are looking for a sense of community and belonging, or have an idea that can help us increase our peer support opportunities, please Contact Us.
Independent Living Skills
Independent Living is at the heart of what we do here at Atlantis. Our working definition of Independent Living Skills would be any skills you need to acquire in order to live outside of an institutional setting. Whether you would like to learn how to cook and do laundry, practice basic math and reading comprehension skills, or learn how to manage a budget and negotiate with service providers, we can help!
Those seeking Independent Living Skills can join our weekly group sessions in the Learning Center (please see our events page for the next scheduled session), or sign up for one-on-one training with one of our Independent Living Skills specialists. Step one is to complete an Independent Living Plan, where you outline the goal or goals you are looking to achieve. Step two is to meet regularly with your specialist until you are satisfied with your progress!
The Atlantis Community Inc. financial management program is designed to assist people with a wide range of disabilities to learn to manage their own finances. Atlantis works with each consumer to develop an Independent Living Plan that is tailored to meet their needs and promote making informed financial decisions. Financial management services include, but are not limited to: learning to balance your own checkbook, assistance with maintaining a monthly budget, assistance with communicating with service providers and assisting consumers with managing their State and Federal benefits.
If you would like to learn more about Independent Living Skills and/or Financial Management, or contact a specialist about your personal situation, please Contact Us.
Transition and Youth Transition
Over forty years ago, Atlantis was founded by a small group of people seeking to escape nursing home life and live in the community—and we are proud to continue in that tradition with our transitions program. We believe it is important that individuals with disabilities live in the community, rather than being segregated into institutions and facilities where they can be mistreated and forgotten. Everyone deserves the right to freedom, independence, and risk, with fully and informed consent to every part of their lives.
Transition services are specifically provided to individuals living in nursing homes or Developmental Disabilities Systems’ regional centers. You must be eligible for Long Term Care through Medicaid in order to take advantage of this program. More detailed eligibility criteria can be found here: http://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/colorado-choice-transitions.
If you are referred to us for transition services, and suitable housing is available, you will be assisted in your move by our dedicated Transition Coordinator.
If you are currently living in a nursing home or DDS regional center and/or would like more information about transitioning into the community, please Contact Us.