About the Nonprofit
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Tall Tales Ranch was founded in 2014 by Pat & Susan Mooney, to honor their son Ross, who acquired a brain injury, and permanent disability at the age of 14. Dismayed to find a lack of ingenuity and creativity available for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and ultimately unsatisfied with the opportunities and options for housing and employment that awaited their son once he reached adulthood, they decided to tackle the issue head-on and create it themselves by building a vibrant community for people living with I/DD.
The recognition that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community has led to a growing demand for community-based housing fueled by young adults educated in inclusive schools, and by adults with IDD who live with elderly parents. At least 127,000 people with I/DD have requested services in Colorado, but many more are uncounted. It is estimated that at least 20,000 adults with IDD in Colorado live with parents or a caregiver 60 years or older and are at risk of involuntary displacement or homelessness. Unfortunately, this demand is met with lack of affordable options, poor service coordination among funding systems and options that provide little integration or sense of community.
These factors pose major barriers to community living, making it difficult for people to safely live more independently and putting many people with IDD at risk of unnecessary institutionalization, homelessness or at best continuing to live with aging parents without a plan for the future. These barriers also rob our existing community members of the opportunity to live in a complete and inclusive community; and the enrichment, joy and understanding that living in a truly inclusive community provides.
Additionally, it takes an average of 52 weeks for a neurodiverse individual to find a job, over double that of their neurotypical peers who take an average of 22 weeks to find a job. Furthermore, about 82% of adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. This is because opportunities for vocational training and work are scarce. It is a crisis that is largely unseen, as the burden to create a fulfilling existence and secure future often falls quietly on aging parents with few options. The reality is that there aren’t enough vocational and work opportunities for an entire demographic of people capable and willing to work.
The reality is there aren’t enough supportive vocational and work opportunities or housing options offering progressive, integrated, supportive enrichment and programming for this often marginalized population and Tall Tales Ranch was created to provide a solution.
Over the past decade, Tall Tales Ranch has focused on social programs, employment initiatives, and building its community. Programs include:
- Young Professional Board: A neurodiverse group of young adults committed to raising community awareness and advancing our mission. Members develop social and professional skills through monthly meetings and community projects, empowering them as advocates and change-makers.
- Life Skills Program: This program equips participants with essential tools for independent living, using immersive experiences, problem-solving, and relationship-building to prepare them for life beyond their familial homes.
- Tall Tales Coffee Company: Provides vocational training and employment for 20 adults with I/DD, helping them gain work experience, build social and professional skills, and achieve greater independence in a supportive environment. We attend events and businesses with our mobile coffee trailer and catering programs.
- Workforce Development Program: In 2024, with a $20,000 grant from the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, we developed a workforce program to connect adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to meaningful employment. Launching in 2025, the program will provide participants with the tools and support needed to succeed, including on-the-job guidance from Tall Tales Ranch job coaches. By partnering with local businesses, we aim to create an inclusive workforce while empowering individuals with I/DD to thrive in their careers.
- The Tall Tales Ranch Community: As we grow our other programs, our mission remains to build an inclusive community in Lone Tree, Colorado with 28 units of affordable housing, a community event barn, a coffee shop, and a community resource center. This community is designed to provide inclusive and independent housing options, meaningful employment, dedicated vocational training, and enriching social engagement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
