*Areas covered are subject to change
Ault, Berthoud, Eaton, Fort Collins, Johnstown, Kersey, Laporte, LaSalle, Loveland, Greeley, Milliken, Pierce, Severance, Timnath, Wellington & Windsor Areas.
Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Dacono, Erie, Fort Lupton, Keensburg, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Thornton and Westminster Areas.
Western half of Denver metro and foothills areas from Commerce City down to Castle Rock and from Golden out to DIA.
Eastern half of Denver metro and foothills areas from Commerce City down to Highlands Ranch and from Golden out to DIA.
Aspen Park, Conifer, Evergreen, Indian Hills, Kittridge, Marshdale, Oethmann Park, Stanley Park, Turkey Creek
Castle Rock, Elizabeth, Parker, The Pinery, Ponderosa Park, Sedalia & Windy Hills Areas.
Dave’s life passion has always been to protect and uplift those in our community that need our support and protection the most. Beginning in high school, he began his work with the school IDD program as a mentor. He studied psychology and played football at San Joaquin Delta College and then was recruited by Marietta College as a defensive lineman where he studied psychology. In 1998, Dave moved to Colorado and worked at a group home for adults with IDDs. At the advice of that organization, he opened - Rocky Mountain Community Participation on July 1, 1999. In 2008, he renamed his day program Encouraging Development Inc and continued to provide community-based services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dave Drum has continuously been the CEO and program director for 26 years and still works personally with his clients and their families every day.
At Encouraging Development Inc, our mission is to provide excellent person-centered community support and access services to adults with IDDs. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for a wide spectrum of individuals by providing transportation and community-based services all over Denver Metro, Foothills areas and beyond.
We, at Encouraging Development Inc, teach our clients how to access their communities which profoundly increases their social circles and quality of life. We help individuals reach their goals by supporting and mentoring them in personal development, money skills, safety, appropriate social behavior, making suitable food selections and appropriate peer-conflict resolution techniques. Dave's time-tested methods greatly increase self-esteem, confidence, independence and social skills including mentoring in the establishment of meaningful and long-lasting friendships within and outside of the group. Encouraging Development Inc staff work closely with the individuals, families and care takers to better understand each person's experience and situation to best support them and their changing needs.
Supported Employment services support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in the DD and SLS Waivers* to obtain, learn, and maintain competitive, integrated employment in community settings. Services are individualized, person‑centered, and designed to promote independence, skill development, and long‑term employment success consistent with the individual’s interests, strengths, abilities, and informed choice.
Supported Employment emphasizes work in typical community businesses where individuals earn at least minimum wage (or prevailing wage) competitive to others who work in their field work, alongside individuals without disabilities, and are fully included in the workplace culture. *Currently only available for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funding. Contact us if you would like to be placed on our waiting list and receive updates on our approval status for Medicaid Waiver funding options.
The purpose of Prevocational Services is to support individuals who are not yet ready for competitive, integrated employment by helping them develop foundational skills necessary for future employment success. These services are intended to be time‑limited and outcome‑oriented, with a clear pathway toward Supported Employment or other vocational services. Our certificate programs help translate this training into resume building skills. *Currently only available for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funding. Contact us if you would like to be placed on our waiting list and receive updates on our approval status for Medicaid Waiver funding options.
Mentorship Services provides individualized guidance, encouragement, and skill development through a supportive relationship with a trained mentor. Services are delivered in community-based, integrated settings and support increased independence, self‑determination, community participation, and personal growth. They focus on building social, life, and community navigation skills rather than providing supervision, therapy, or employment services.
The purpose of Mentorship Services is to:
· Support self‑confidence and personal development
· Promote community inclusion and natural relationships
· Strengthen decision‑making and self‑advocacy skills
· Support progress toward goals identified in the Person‑Centered Support Plan (PCSP)
Supported Employment Program Manager
Customized Individual Employment Specialist
Company Manager & Customized Individual Employment Specialist
Employment Services Specialist & Foothills West Program Manager
North Program Manager
Central Program Manager
Foothills West Program Manager
Community Educator
Community Educator
Community Educator
Community Educator
Community Educator
Community Educator
Community Educator
Community Educator
Community Educator
CEO Company Manager
Assistant Company Manager
Bookkeeper
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Permanent Document Destruction