Mountain Valley Developmental Services, Inc. (MVDS) has received a $25,000 Community Giving Grant from the Black Hills Energy Foundation to support its upcoming Cozy Home Project, the organization announced Tuesday in a news release.
MVDS has been caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) since 1973, serving over 600 participants in four counties, infants through adulthood.
The Cozy Home Project, slated to begin in early 2026 will be “not the flashiest” improvements according to Developmental Director Maura Masters, but “the most necessary.”
The grant received from Black Hills Energy Foundation will go towards replacing single-pane windows at the Oakhurst house in Glenwood Springs, the oldest of 10 MVDS group homes. Built in 1974, the home is one of several where MVDS provides housing for 75 adult participants.
“We own 10 group homes, all in Garfield County,” Masters said. “Our participants either live in the group homes, they live in their own homes with their families, they live with host families, and we have several apartments for those who are more high-functional, but they still have support systems.
“I wouldn’t say that raising money to maintain houses is necessarily the flashiest, but it’s necessary,” she continued. “How we measure that is by our participants’ smiling faces and their ability to live at ease in their homes, so cozy home will spruce up the different places they live.”
The cozy home project will begin with the installation of 18 new annealed, Low-E glass windows that will replace the current single-paned windows at the Oakhurst house. The new Low-E glass windows contain a coating that reflects heat and is proven to enhance energy efficiency.
“We are so excited to be receiving this grant award from Black Hills Energy,” MVDS Executive Director Sara Sims said in the release. “BHE will be lead partners in the Cozy Home Project. Without this funding, and this partnership, we would not be able to install new windows, bringing Oakhurst into a more energy efficient future.”
Clear Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), the Rotary Club of Glenwood Springs, and Defiance Thrift Stores are also supporting the Cozy Home Project.
The project will help the living situation of a vastly underappreciated section of the Garfield County work force.
“Mountain Valley Developmental Services, Inc. encourages and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enhancing their abilities to live, learn, and work in an independent and inclusive manner, and to educate the community about their contributions and capabilities,” the release reads.
“We work with 50 different businesses up and down the valley,” Masters continued.
She continued to explain that the continued expansion of community support and knowledge can only support the selfless mission MVDS is committed to fulfilling.
“Community support like that from Black Hills Energy Foundation, activities, and involvement are key program elements to success.”
