Change – the pace of change is real! None of us could have planned for COVID, protests, economic challenges, job loss, and alterations in services for our families. I know Mikelle, and I never thought we would be social distancing. Our focus has always been on being active in our community. Mikelle and I […]
Flexibility, Creativity, and Hope: Our Everyday Power Tools Read More »
Basketball fans know the thrill and chaos of March Madness every March — an unpredictable tournament where anything can happen. For those of us relying on Medicaid services, that same sense of unpredictability is playing out in real life, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Colorado and the federal government are both considering cuts to
March Medicaid Madness: Bracket-Busting Cuts and the Fight for Survival Read More »
The Lingering Scent of Conflict Conflict smells vague and bitter—like day-old coffee, sulfur before a match ignites, or uncollected trash lingering too long on a sweltering day. It clings to frozen sidewalks on a frosty morning, settling into the cracks of daily life. Left unattended, conflict can shudder a window, shut a door, or close a once-open
Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World Read More »
The Arrival of Winter’s Chill It is dawn on a cold winter morning, a sharp contrast to the days prior when temperatures soared to nearly sixty degrees. Now, water droplets—frozen mid-flight—fall from the darkened heavens above. Each one is unique and intricate, with a center surrounded by six crystalline arms. Their architecture depends on
Embracing the Storm: Rise, Transform and Carry on. Read More »
As the last holiday feasts are enjoyed, the parties quiet down, and the resolutions begin to take shape, we enter a new year filled with uncertainty and possible cuts to our beloved long-term services and supports. While often stressful, the holiday season brings exceptional warmth and joy to those who celebrate. At Shining Beautiful, we
New Year, New Reality: Navigating 2025 with Strength and Grace Read More »
As we gear up for the 2024 presidential election, it’s a good time to reflect on how previous battles over healthcare, particularly Medicaid, have shaped the support systems that millions of people rely on today. It feels like déjà vu—just like in 2017, there are concerns that the programs we depend on could be drastically
Medicaid: How the 2024 Presidential Election Could Reshape Disability Services Read More »
In recognition of *National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we continue exploring *creativity* in the workplace and how it can revolutionize job development for people with disabilities. The first part of this series focused on frustration and the desire for improved job development outcomes. In this segment, we zero in on a critical element necessary
How Do You Get from Here to There? Celebrating NDEAM with Creativity. Read More »
Change is inevitable, but… Change is an inevitable part of any journey, and it’s with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Abby and Elise. Abby has left us to pursue an exciting new position at a local museum, and Elise is moving on to new opportunities. While we will miss them both, we are
New Beginnings: How to Embrace Change and Strengthen Your Caregiving Team Read More »
The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate croissants, and the weight of
Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World Read More »
It Starts By Listening to the Dream Mikelle Learned’s story is a testament to the transformative power of home ownership, particularly for individuals navigating life with disabilities. Despite facing challenges, Mikelle’s journey illuminates the possibilities that Section 8 assistance offers in achieving this dream. In 2004, Mikelle let her community and her family know she
Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8 Read More »
