Community

Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized /

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 […]

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Showing Up Matters: Why We Took Our Advocacy to the State Capitol

Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, The Pursuit of the American Dream /

A few weeks ago, I stood in the halls of the Colorado State Capitol, surrounded by families, advocates, and individuals with disabilities. It wasn’t just another day—it was a day to advocate for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and ensure the voices of those who rely on these essential services were heard loud and clear. Mikelle, as always,

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wintery colors of white gray and blue, a bouquet of blue flowers

Embracing the Storm: Rise, Transform and Carry on.

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

  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

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New Year, New Reality: Navigating 2025 with Strength and Grace

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination /

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

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A Shining Beautiful Christmas: Finding Joy in the Little Things

A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Friends, Self-Determination /

A time of good cheer. The holiday season is always a special time for the Shining Beautiful Team. It’s a chance to gather with our favorite people, share laughter, and celebrate all the moments that make life meaningful. But this year, like so many others, we’ve had to adjust and find new ways to embrace

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red ,white and blue poster with ballto box for voting

Medicaid: How the 2024 Presidential Election Could Reshape Disability Services

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, The Pursuit of the American Dream /

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

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Siloutees of Mikelle and Katherine look at a golden circular firework in the evening sky.

Independence Day with Mikelle: A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience

A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

Independence Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and coming together as a community. It represents the freedom and independence that we all cherish. I think Mikelle embodies the true spirit of community, resilience, and the American desire and opportunities to achieve your dreams. For many years, our family has celebrated Denver’s 3rd of July

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brown and white photo with people gathered around the kitchen table talking. Featured hands and coffee cups.

Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized /

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

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Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8

21st Century Rehabiliation Solutions, A Home of My Own, Community, Daily Life, Self-Determination, Special Needs Parenting /

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

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