History of Roundup Fellowship

"...inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me"
Matthew 25:40

• 1973
  After much prayer, discussion, and research by a small group of founders, Roundup Fellowship is incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
   

• 1974
  Roundup opens two group homes, one in Sheridan, Colorado and one on St. Paul Street in Denver.  These homes serve boys who are in trouble with the law or have been abused/ neglected.
   

• 1975
  A group home on Josephine Street is opened, as well as a ranch in Ramah, Colorado.  The ranch offers the boys a chance to get away from city life, learn responsibility, and how to function in a family.
   

• 1976
  At the state level, children with developmental disabilities are being moved out of institutional settings and into smaller, family-like homes in regular neighborhoods. State officials ask Roundup if we are willing to use our experience to establish homes for these children.  Roundup responds by converting St. Paul House into a home for children with developmental disabilities.  St. Paul is the second such small home in the state of Colorado established for children.
   

• 1977
  We open our first home in Colorado Springs: Fortune Circle House.
   

• 1978
  Monroe House in Denver opens.
   

• 1979
  Roundup opens Meade house in Colorado Springs and decides to close Josephine House.  Jim VanderKamp assumes the role of Executive Director.
   

• 1980
  Senate Bill 26 takes effect, significantly reducing funding for Roundup's boys programs.  Several agencies that serve only troubled youths are forced out of existence.  The Roundup Board realizes the financial drain of operating the ranch will jeopardize all of the other programs, and the decision is made to close the ranch.  In six years of service, Roundup Ranch helped 150 troubled boys reach a better future.
   

• 1981
  A zoning dispute forces Monroe House to relocate.  Roundup acquires a home on Monaco Parkway and moves the residents there.  For the next six years, Roundup Fellowship focuses on establishing quality residential programs for children with developmental disabilities.
   

• 1987
  Roundup's "kids" are growing up. We recognize the need to provide adult residential and vocational options.  In February, Roundup's first vocational client receives a job in a community setting.  In May, our apartment complex on Quivas Street opens, providing homes for six young men.  Three of these men are Roundup "graduates"; the other three are new to our program.
   

• 1988
  Roundup operates its first Personal Care Alternative (PCA) when a St. Paul resident moves into his own apartment.
   

• 1990
  Roundup receives the green light from the state to initiate an In-Home Training Program.  This program is the first of its kind in Denver County.  The goal of this program is to provide training and support to families who have a developmentally disabled child in order to prevent out of home placement.
   

• 1995
  Roundup creates its own school in Colorado Springs.  This allows our kids who live with us an alternative to traditional public school settings, while providing an individualized educational experience.
   

• 1996
  The Roundup School quickly outgrew its initial location and had to relocate. Roundup found a building in downtown Colorado Springs that allowed for greater community participation and vocational experiences.
   

• 1997
  The vocational department realizes that there are many clients who can not work in a community setting.  In order to provide structure and activities to a larger number of developmentally disabled adults, Roundup begins its Community Participation Program.
   

• 1997
  Roundup is approached by Denver Options to purchase a group home for medically fragile adults who have developmental disabilities.  Roundup purchases and begins operating what is now known as Evans House.
   

• 1998
  The Roundup School expands in a new direction by accepting a child who does not live in one of our group homes.  This is the first child we accept into our day treatment program.
   

• 2001
  The In-Home Training Program expands by including parents who are developmentally disabled. The emphasis is no longer specifically on the child, but on how the family works together.

Today Roundup is:

• 30 children growing up with love and guidance in four group homes.
   

• 15 adults receiving the support they need to live as independently as possible
   

• 40+ individuals experiencing the challenges and rewards of regular employment and community participation.
   

• 20 families supported and equipped to meet the unique challenges of raising a child with a developmental disability.
   

• 20 students learning skills, receiving educational support, and having the courage to plan for the future.
   

• 120 staff members committed to their clients' growth, dignity, and long-term happiness.
   

• A Board of Directors dedicated to charting Roundup's course through sometimes rough waters.
   

• Many, many others: foundations, corporations, service clubs, churches, and individuals who invest their time and financial support to make sure Roundup can continue its work.