Grove Stories
Rooted in Love
The story of The Grove began with a simple but powerful conversation. Local parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) approached the Broomfield Housing Alliance (BHA) to share their greatest hope—that their loved ones could live independently in a safe, supportive community. For too long, families across Colorado have faced the same challenge: limited housing options that truly meet the needs of people with I/DD.
From that first conversation grew a vision that was bigger than housing. It was about creating a place where independence and belonging could flourish side by side—a neighborhood built with intention, where residents live with confidence and families find peace of mind.
What better place for that vision to take root than on the very first parcel of land BHA had purchased? At the time, we couldn’t have imagined the history this site already carried. Nestled between Bal Swan, a neuro-inclusive early childhood education center, and Glory Home, originally built to serve adults with I/DD, this land had long been connected to the idea of inclusion and support. With plans for additional group homes once envisioned here, it became clear that the original spirit of this land was calling to be realized.
Partnering with BlueLine Development, and Caddis Architecture, we began designing a community that would reflect those values.
The Grove at Cottonwood is the result: a first-of-its-kind neuro-inclusive independent living community in Broomfield, designed for and with individuals with I/DD. With thoughtful spaces, supportive services, and a strong sense of connection, The Grove is more than a housing development—it’s a home where people can thrive, together.
Telling Stories, Changing Lives
Jennifer’s Story
Click below to watch a short news story about Jennifer’s story and The Grove!
I distinctly remember when Brian, Jennifer’s younger brother, was 8 years old. He asked me if he would have to take care of Jennifer when we died. his question broke my heart. At such a young age he was wondering how his future would be impacted by being the only sibling to his sister with special needs. My response was a big hug and assuring him that Dad and I would work to provide for Jennifer and the amount of involvement in his sister’s life would be his choice, not a requirement. After that, my husband and I re-committed that we would do everything possible to make Jenn as independent as possible.
Since 2019 I have been dreaming about a housing option for Jennifer and her peers. I wanted Jenn to stay in Broomfield where she had familiarity, support and friends. A small group of parents started meeting to address this issue and bring awareness to the critical need for aging parents to have housing alternatives for their adult children with I/DD. Gina Coufal, Sue Myers, Nina Taylor, and I met with the newly formed Broomfield Housing Alliance in April 2022 and shared our vision for a neuroinclusive community in Broomfield.
The lucky parents whose children will reside at The Grove will have peace of mind knowing that their child will be safe, amongst friends, and receive the support they need to have a high-quality life .
I hope the Grove at Cottonwood is the first of many housing options for I/DD families that live in Broomfield and the north metro area. The need for I/DD housing is great and will continue to grow.
As I reflect back on my 8-year-old son’s concern I can honestly say that I worked so hard on making The Grove at Cottonwood a reality not only for Jennifer and her peers, but also for Brian and other siblings.
-Susanne, Jennifer’s Mom
David’s Story
“I want to live by myself or with a roommate but not mom and dad”
What 36 year old doesn’t want to live away from mom and dad? For young adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities(I/DD), there are very limited options for that choice. Our son David has I/DD, two part time jobs, accesses public transportation and Uber independently, and participates in numerous recreation and social planned activities. As independent as he is, he still lives at home.
After living outside the family home for 6 years in both a dorm setting and a group home, David had to move back home due to lack of options. Trying to find an affordable housing option that also offers David the support, community, social activities and daily living skills assistance he sometimes needs has been an ongoing process. As we, his parents age, we continue to seek not just a building for David to live in but an alternate family: A community that will offer support when things go wrong, activities to engage with his neighbors, and a caring , inclusive environment.
The Grove at Cottonwood is just such a community. Surrounded by his peers and neurotypical residents, David can access supported services as provided by Blue Spruce Community, his support team at FRIENDS of Broomfield, and natural community supports. David can go to his jobs and social activities out in the larger community and return to a home that offers him support and inclusion.
David deserves to live in the environment he wants with the people he wants to live with.
Contact us if you are interested in sharing your story with us!