50 Years at Foothills Gateway: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

December 05, 2022

As we near the end of Foothills Gateway’s 50^th year, it is astounding what has been accomplished for people with disabilities and their families in our community.  Throughout our anniversary year we have looked back at the early years of Foothills Gateway, and it is evident that disability services have evolved and changed in a positive direction.  We are encouraged to have witnessed great shifts in the acceptance and empowerment of people with disabilities over the past 50 years.  Looking back also revealed that the combined efforts of many caring people, over many years, have resulted in positive impacts to thousands of people in Larimer County.  Each parent, friend, provider, case manager, employee, board member, donor, volunteer – all have played a vital role in making Foothills Gateway what it is today. What an amazing legacy of service!

Now, as we enter a new year, we look ahead at what the future holds for Foothills Gateway and people with disabilities in our community.  We are filled with hope and confidence that the solid foundation laid by those who have come before will stand strong, no matter the changes and challenges we may face.  Our employees and leadership continue to be committed to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families, and our Board of Directors is strong and invested in guiding Foothills Gateway into the next half a century as the premier provider for people with disabilities in northern Colorado.

Our current Board President, Mark Durand, had this to say about Foothills Gateway:

Serving on Foothills Gateway’s Board of Directors has been a privilege and an opportunity to serve the community.  My philosophy has always been that when you give better, your community gets better.  With my work for Foothills Gateway, I have had an ability to support a cause that many, including myself, care about and have been able to help the organization navigate an everchanging, unyielding future. 

I was encouraged to serve here by my father, who spent many years on this Board and connected with this cause, including a short stint as its interim Executive Director.  For sure, that is a tough act to follow.  Yet it has been a wonderful and important journey for me.

Being able to share my personal and professional experience as it relates to issues of leadership, diversity, strategy, and stewardship has been a privilege.  Make no mistake, Foothills Gateway, Inc. has always been, and continues to be, a top-tier provider of disability services in our community – successfully navigating a continuously changing environment, while maintaining a persistent focus on the people served.  The organization truly is the gold standard for the state of Colorado.

I am proud to be a part of this fine organization, especially as we celebrate the significant milestone of our 50^th anniversary.

Thank you to everyone who helped Foothills Gateway celebrate 50 years!