On a cool, winter evening in late February, a few dozen young, urban professionals gathered at the newest location of Lime, an upscale Mexican restaurant at the downtown Denver Pavilions’ plaza located on the 16th Street Mall in the center of Denver. They gathered to focus on building a rich, vibrant, inclusive community in the […]
Building a City Rich with Inclusive Communities Read More »
There’s no denying it: as caregivers, providers and family members, we love the idea of natural supports, but don’t really believe they will work. Sure, you have read our blogs about Mikelle and how fantastic “the community” can be. And, trust me, it can be incredible. But, is community and natural supports a
Natural Supports. Do They Work? Depends. Read More »
A Note from Katherine Carol. (the Mom) I sent this poem to members of the Roommate Club like Lauren Perfors, Kari Delany and Adriana Carlson Pogar. It wasn’t long before I heard from them all. Yep. This captures the experience of knowing Mikelle. I could see the smiles cross their beautiful faces as if I
10 Things I Like About You Read More »
Mikelle throws unforgettable parties, and her 30th birthday party today proved once again her uncanny ability to bring together an unexpected community of people in all different places in life with one common denominator: we are all addicted to hanging out with Mikelle. Mikelle expressed herself with her normally unique style that can’t help but
Party Time… Community Time! Leading by Example on Her Bday Read More »
A Case for Inclusion Mikelle Learned and Jerome Stewart were introduced to each other by a thoughtful teacher that had a hunch these two might be friends. Jerome played football, ran track and was a well-liked senior at East High School. He, like Mikelle, was a recent transfer student from another high school. When they
Inclusion Works. Mikelle and Jerome’s Lasting Friendship Read More »
By Ian Harwick Being friends with Mikelle and preparing for a surprise is always good. As strange as that sounds, if you are prepared for the unexpected, you can move quickly. As my friendship with her has morphed over time, I have grasped three key insights: understand what you are working with, be flexible at
Do Your Shoes Match Your Friendship? Read More »
Watch out! Here comes Mikelle! No matter the setting, this woman knows how to make an entrance. I remember the first time I met her, it was back in 2005 at Rocky Mountain Village and I was brand new. She came speeding into the room and was immediately the life of the party…everyone knew
The Gift of Great Friendship with Denver’s cbs4’s, Dominic Garcia Read More »
Well, the Part 2 didn’t go as planned. The Denver Broncos changed the time of training camp from afternoon to morning practice due to the threat of thunderous storms tumbling over the Rocky Mountains. Bummer. Disappointed by not deterred. Mikelle, Ian, Jerome and I were set to go. Her boys were ready to watch Peyton
Broncos and Boys, Celebrating Friendship Part 2 Read More »
In a bone-dry park in the middle of Denver, Colorado—friends gathered for a celebration. Cool people came on this hot, record breaking summer day. The temperature raced to the top of the thermometer, breaking open a 105 degree record. As the smell of parched grass filled the air the wind sucked out the remains of
Community in Action and Celebration Read More »
By Katherine Carol Take two twenty “somethings” dressed like early summer, one gliding gracefully, looking like a modern Renaissance painting, long, lightly seasoned red hair, luminous blue eyes with a smile that softly creeps up her porcelain face. The other shorter, dark, exotically Asian, slender limbs seated elegantly in her red carriage, its whirs and
Recipe for the Perfect Cherry Pie Read More »
