In 1967, after years of extensive research on mental retardation, Mrs. Peggy Marshall, whose daughter has a developmental disability, wanted to create a new social program to help adults with developmental disabilities live independent lives. In cooperation with various human services agencies and other concerned parents and citizens, Mrs. Marshall formed a private, non-profit corporation to establish a residential training center for adults. In 1971, Cheyenne Village, Inc. purchased McLaughlin Lodge, a vacation lodge in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Living and working alongside 24-hour staff, the first twelve individuals carried out the day-to-day operations of the lodge. Individually tailored program plans provided training in living skills, self-care, transportation, and job skills. Cheyenne Village was the first agency in the state to be licensed by the Colorado Department of Health and the Department of Social Services.

News of this innovative venture spread quickly throughout the nation. By the end of the year, 30 young adults were enrolled as resident trainees in Cheyenne Village, Inc. programs. As the reputation of Cheyenne Village, Inc. continued to grow, residential services were expanded by building four ten-bed residences on the grounds of McLaughlin Lodge. Four additional homes were acquired in Colorado Springs. In 1973, the Training Apartment Program was initiated as a transitional setting between group homes and independent living. By the end of the decade, 120 persons from 13 states were enrolled in residential programs. The large number of persons with disabilities moving into community homes and apartments prompted an expansion of the vocational training program. The sheltered work environment of the early 1970s continued to provide appropriate training for individuals who required constant supervision. More independent individuals were enrolled in work programs which prepared them for community employment.

The 1980s was a decade of rapidly occurring changes in philosophy and service delivery. Persons with disabilities began to advocate for individual choice in determining their lifestyles. The Apartment Living program offered the individual an alternative to living in a group home. Additionally, the need for age-related residential programs became apparent. In 1985, Cheyenne Village, Inc. initiated the first community-based program in the State specifically designed for elderly persons with developmental disabilities. Towne Apartments was purchased to provide Residential and Day Services and activity programs structured specifically for retired and semi-retired persons. Meanwhile, the Vocational Department continued to expand community-based job opportunities. In 1986, Village Creations, a screen printing and embroidery shop, was opened to teach individuals marketable job skills and enable them to earn an income. In 1988, the Community Integrated Employment program was implemented. Working in cooperation with local businesses, the program provided training, support and placement in jobs throughout the community. The Vocational Department relocated to a separate site in 1989 to further integrate individuals into the community.

The social movement away from group homes and sheltered workshops toward community living and employment necessitated a change in the type of training and services given the individual. Cheyenne Village, Inc. consolidated its services in October 1990 to a new location at 6275 Lehman Drive. From here, staff provides support to the many homes, apartments and jobsites throughout the Colorado Springs area where individuals receiving Cheyenne Village services live and work. As the demand for age-related and medically-fragile needs increased, it was necessary that a home be built to accommodate elderly individuals. Weed Home was the first fully-accessible home in Colorado designed specifically for wheelchair users and medically-fragile individuals.

Recognizing that the year 2000 was a time of great change and opportunity, Cheyenne Village, Inc. embarked upon “Person Centered Planning” as a means to further individualize services and ensure collaboration with individuals and their families to help each achieve their personal and professional goals. Sparked by a grant in 2001, Cheyenne Village, Inc. began research into a program to assist individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Services are being examined to help maintain independence, stimulate lost motor skills, and explore possibilities of alternative life-style planning. A pilot project utilizing assistive technology to allow individuals with developmental disabilities to access the internet and use email was initiated in 2003.

As we look to the future, Cheyenne Village, Inc. will continue to explore the latest research and best practices to ensure that the individuals we serve lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. .