Loveland Participant Celebrates his 40th Year at the Loveland Center
Loveland participant Craig has recently celebrated a major milestone – his 40th year at the Loveland Center.
Craig still has the same smile!
Craig arrived at Loveland in 1985, back when Reagan was president, the blockbuster movie Back to the Future was released, and people were jamming out to Madonna, Hall & Oates and Phil Collins.
Back to the Future was released the year Craig arrived at Loveland.
When Craig arrived, the Loveland Center had existed for over 20 years. While the campus may have been smaller back in the 1980s, the core essence of what makes Loveland special has always stayed the same. Articles and photographs from the Loveland archives showed that participants enjoyed gardening, being outside and going out on trips in the community, just like they do today. Loveland’s programming and supportive services have helped Craig thrive through the years. “Loveland is fun!” Craig said with a smile.
Craig has been a unifying presence throughout his years at Loveland. Maria, a Loveland Direct Support Professional who works with Craig said that, “Craig has always been kind. He is a very nice person who connects everybody.” She said that Craig loves puzzles, board games and Solitaire. He also has developed a passion and talent for art during his time at Loveland and loves to paint and draw. “Loveland is proud to offer programs that support individuals’ interests, goals, and choices. Craig has thrived here over the last four decades, working on everything from job skills to gaining enough independence to move out of his parents’ house, and learning how to use a computer,” said Chief Programs Officer Becca Eldredge.
While so many years have passed and so much has changed at Loveland in four decades, the thing that has been constant is Craig’s cheerful smile and wonderful presence. Loveland is honored that Craig has spent so much of his life here, making the campus a better place.
