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About the Division of Regional Centers

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The Division of Regional Centers is a collection of group homes integrated into the communities of the state’s southern, Denver metro and Western Slope regions. There are three Regional Centers in Colorado: Grand Junction Regional Center, Pueblo Regional Center and Wheat Ridge Regional Center.

Services available to residents

Regional Center staff provide the following services to residents:

  • Activities of daily living (ADL) support, such as with hygiene, dining and dressing
  • Adaptive equipment services
  • Audiology
  • Behavioral and psychological services
  • Case management and social work services
  • Community Integration and Habilitation Support (CIHS)
  • Dietary services
  • Medical coordinated care
  • Mental health services
  • Physical, occupational and speech/language therapy
  • Residential support
  • Therapeutic recreation and community therapy
Regional Center staff wear PPE masks

A male resident of Pueblo Regional Center walks under a haunted house inflatable

Treatment models for residents

Short-term treatment and stabilization

Individuals with acute needs that cannot be met in the community are admitted for short-term services. Individuals in this program receive stabilization services and are transitioned to a less restrictive environment within the community once they have met transition criteria. 

Long-term habilitation

Individuals are no longer admitted into this program. The Regional Centers have individuals in the long-term habilitation model, however, as individuals are stabilized, they are transitioned to a less restrictive environment in the community.

Our mission, vision and values

  Mission

We support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through high quality, innovative and comprehensive services to empower individuals to live the lives they choose.

  Vision

We will be the center of excellence for services in Colorado for the intellectual and developmental disability community.

  Values

Belonging: We believe in equity, respect and having  a whole-person approach for each individual who lives and works with us.

Community: We commit to being good stewards of the public’s trust in using our resources and collaborating with others for the empowerment of all.

Innovation: We adapt and leverage the expertise and skills we possess to implement best practices as we learn and grow together.

Integrity: We expect our actions and behaviors to be honest, reliable, and performed with humility as we hold ourselves accountable and responsible for the work that we do.

Accreditation with the Council of Quality and Leadership

DRC staff smile for group photo

The Regional Centers are working toward Center of Excellence accreditation by 2026 with the Council of Quality and Leadership. Becoming an accredited Center of Excellence allows the Division of Regional Centers to stay accountable to the individuals supported by ensuring a thorough adoption and recognition of person-centered practices.

At the end of 2025, each Regional Center will achieve a three-year Quality Assurance Accreditation, offering a proven framework for quality monitoring and improvement through person-centered practices. View current progress on Council of Quality and Leadership accreditation milestones.

More information

Frequently asked questions
What is the first step in obtaining services for individuals with IDD? 

Contact the Case Management Agency (CMA) in your local area/county. A CMA Directory list is available on the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s website.

How do I refer someone for admission to a Regional Center? 

Contact the Case Management Agency (CMA). A CMA can email a referral to cdhs_regionalcenterreferrals@state.co.us. If an individual is not with a CMA, contact the CMA to start the eligibility determination process.

Are the Regional Centers in Colorado the same as the Regional Centers in California?

No. The Regional Centers in California are the equivalent to the Case Management Agencies (CMAs) in Colorado.

Does DRC offer consultation for community teams?

Yes. View our fact sheet.

Is placement at the Regional Centers long-term?

No. The Regional Centers are for short-term stabilization only.

Are the Regional Centers psychiatric or substance abuse treatment facilities?

No.

Are the Regional Centers part of the criminal justice system?

No.

Are the Regional Centers locked settings?

No.

Are the Regional Centers immediate placement options?

No.

A male resident of Pueblo Regional Center reads a chapter book by himself.

Contact the Regional Centers

Division of Regional Centers

  Address
1575 Sherman St.,
Denver, CO 80203

  Email
Arista Cruse
arista.cruse@state.co.us

  Phone
720.498.3851

Grand Junction Regional Center

  Address
3199 D Road, Building A
Grand Junction, CO 81504

  Email
Jennifer Brown, director
jennifer.a.brown@state.co.us

  Phone
970.245.2100

Pueblo Regional Center

  Address
270 W. John Powell Blvd. 
Pueblo West, CO 81007

  Email
Rose Works, interim director
rose.works@state.co.us

  Phone
719.585.4001

Wheat Ridge Regional Center

  Address
10285 Ridge Rd.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

  Email
Joelle Henao, director
joelle.henao@state.co.us

  Phone
303.463.2500

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