Arts and Community Exploration

The Arts and Community Exploration (ACE) program is a people-centered interactive program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities engaging in both center-based and community outings. Participants explore the community at cultural and art centers, parks, libraries, downtown adventures, and museums. They enjoy helping others by volunteering and donating time to give back to the community.

Dedicated staff are trained and experienced to support self-determined goals. Participants are empowered to learn new skills, develop relationships, and engage safely in their community.

Meaningful center-based activities include:

Art projects
Cooking
Yoga
Pet therapy
Research and learn

Explore the community through fun and engaging activities like:

Outdoor recreation -
- Staunton State Park: Track Chair program and fishing
- DPR Adaptive Recreation: paddle boarding and adaptive cycling
Holiday light tours
National Western Stock Show
Plays at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Museum tours
Bowling

We also offer volunteer opportunities for participants:

Weinberg Food Pantry
JFS Community Table Lunch program
Hygiene kit assembly for Justice Necessary

Learn more about the ACE Program.

Activities and Adventures

Our disability team was recently introduced to Free Range Beehives, which utilizes honeybees to deliver engaging wellness programs. Through this partnership, our Arts and Community Exploration (ACE) participants learned about the honey business, the importance of bees in our environment and got hands-on experience bottling around 400 jars of honey - it's safe to say our ACE team had a sweet time. We're buzzing with excitement about this newfound friendship and can't wait for more collaborations with the Free Range Beehives team in the future 🐝.

Meet the Team

Judy Pankoff, Program Manager

Judy has been with JFS for 7 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to becoming the ACE program manager, she worked at the JFS Group Home. Before coming to JFS, Judy worked for Denver Parks and Recreation in the Adaptive Recreation Program for 20 years. She was the coordinator of the Saturday Challengers Bowling and Activity Program for 10 years, a Special Olympics coach, lead many various activities from crafts to cultural exploration, organized rafting and camping trips, adaptive biking, and taught swimming lessons.
“We are like family in ACE. I love that our family is willing to try new things. Where every day is an adventure!”
FUN FACT: As a transplant from Massachusetts, Judy roots for the Red Sox and the Patriots whenever they play Denver!
Hanna Jones, Lead Activities Specialist

Hanna has been with JFS since April 2022. Her first time working for the IDD community was at a summer camp for individuals ages 6-36. She worked with the adult group and decided that she wanted to find a career working for this population. She worked privately for two individuals doing DSP work. Hanna got the opportunity to be a RBT practicing ABA therapy for young children with autism in a clinic setting. When she came to Colorado, she worked in a day program as a job coach. Most recently, Hanna assisted individuals in building resumes, filling out job applications, and completing work readiness training as a Supported Employment Specialist.
“My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is the overall expectation that we will use a person-centered approach to ensure that our clients are heard, respected, and play a huge part in creating their own programing.”
FUN FACT: Hanna’s cat, Sushi, kayaks with her.
Dea Fleming, Activities Specialist

Dea joined the ACE team in June 2022. Dea has an Associate of Arts from Miles City Community College. She worked for Eastern Montana Industries in the day program as a direct support professional in Miles City, MT for over 7 years. She also worked in the activities department in a mental health setting while she was in college. Dea has done in-home care for older adults and folks with IDD, helping with activities of daily living, and in older adult living communities in activities.
“My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is putting smiles on people’s faces and introducing new experiences.”
FUN FACT: Dea likes to be goofy and add a little song and dance just for fun. She once crocheted a baby blanket by feel.
Emily Overly, Activities Specialist

Emily joined JFS in June 2023. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She did her internship and worked at the Eugene Adaptive Recreation Program in Eugene, OR running programs for individuals with IDD. Emily didn’t know about this field until she took an Intro to Therapeutic Recreation class. When her professor described the work as improving the quality of life of individuals we work with, she knew it was something she wanted to do as a career.
“My favorite thing about the ACE program is how connected everyone is, you can really tell how much everyone cares about each other. Being a new staff member can be a little nerve-wracking, but making connections at ACE has come so naturally.“

FUN FACT: Emily’s cat, Malcolm, has officially been voted cutest cat at ACE! She cannot sleep if she doesn’t have socks on.