We are excited to celebrate the 5th anniversary of our King Adult Day Enrichment Program (KADEP) at Rocky Mountain MS Center’s facility in Westminster. KADEP is an innovative, community-based and cost-effective day program providing a dynamic array of classes and activities, nursing care and other services. KADEP’s programs are designed to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive and social wellbeing of each participant. The program also offers vital weekday respite for caregivers.
In 2010, KADEP located to its current home at Rocky Mountain MS Center’s Vista Grande facility in Westminster. It occupies a space of 24,400 square feet. Our building is a former elementary school with a dining room area, gym, fitness center, arts and crafts room, store, and four open classrooms. The building has wide halls and fully accessible bathrooms.
“It’s wonderful to be celebrating our 5th anniversary here in this building. I’m proud to be a part of such an incredible team and feel privileged to work with such amazing clients each day,” says Michelle King, KADEP Director.
Clients at KADEP choose to participate in more than 65 different activities per week during the 16 week trimester system. Courses include everything from gardening, cooking, arts and fitness classes. Clients can also choose to take part in outings for hydrotherapy, bowling, summer sports, equine therapy and others. Participants review course descriptions and choose which classes they’d like to take. Our KADEP team includes a team of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, one Exercise Specialist and Therapeutic Recreation Interns, and Registered Nurses. Together, our team strives to maximize functioning, independence, wellness and life enjoyment of participants.
Clients and staff view KADEP as a true family and community. At KADEP, a new client is greeted by many fellow clients with the simple and powerful phrase: “Welcome to the family.”
“Every day I wake up and I look forward to coming to KADEP. I get to do things I normally would not be able to do, like hydrotherapy, boxing, and camping,” explains Ryan Merwin, a client at KADEP.
Rachelle Cardinals describes KADEP’s impact on her life: “I have been a client since the doors opened in 1991. I believe KADEP saved my life. It was a KADEP where I found the love and encouragement to not give up on myself and know that MS did not have me. KADEP is my home away from home. People understand you here and are willing to stand by you during your hardships.”
Happy Anniversary, KADEP!