The Center for Community Partnerships Belong Program
The Belong Program is an independent living program for neurodiverse young adults (18+) who want to gain confidence and independent living skills before, during, and after they transition to independent living. The program is designed to foster community and teach the all-important skills of self-reliance, self-advocacy, and self-care. The six pillars of independent living include personal care skills, health & wellness, community transportation and participation, social and leisure participation, homemaking, and financial management. Belong Participants receive individualized training to increase competence in all six pillars.
Learn more about the application process below.
It’s never too early to plan to live independently! If you have questions about the Belong Program, please reach out to Devin Barth by emailing devin.barth@colostate.edu.
The Life Lab
In the Fall 2026, Belong will be offering ‘The Life Lab’ – an 8-week, evidence-based, occupational therapy-informed, experiential learning course. Participants will receive over 30 hours of hands-on, guided skill development in a group setting. This curriculum is designed as an introductory course for young adults See “Additional Information” below for pricing.
Email Lynn (lynn.grasso@colostate.edu) or Devin (devin.barth@colostate.edu) with interest.
Applications close August 21, 2026.
Additional Information
Who should apply?
Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Are a (self-identified or diagnosed) neurodiverse young adult over the age of 18
- Have graduated from high school or have a GED
- Are pursuing, considering pursuing, or currently enrolled in a higher education program or paid employment.
- Are motivated to live independently
- Have emerging independent living skills
- Are willing to participate in an initial evaluation and set achievable goals to develop independent living skills
- Are seeking increased engagement in their community
What can I expect in the Belong program?
1:1 coaching services are offered by licensed occupational therapists. All services are individualized to each participant, based on an independent living skills assessment and collaborative goal setting at admission. Goals and action steps are frequently re-evaluated to measure and gain progress towards goals. Support levels will vary based on the admission evaluation. Participation in the Belong Program includes:
- Individualized coaching sessions
- Monthly community meetings
- Monthly social gatherings
- Roommate meetings (if applicable)
What is the program cost?
The Belong Program consists of 1:1 Coaching Services OR participation in The Life Lab curriculum. All 1:1 coaching services begin with weekly visits and taper as needed depending on skill development.
| 1:1 Coaching Services | The Life Lab | |
| Fee | $400/mo | $1500 |
| Meeting Frequency | 1 individual coaching session per week for at least 1 hour | 2, 2 hour classes each week for 8 weeks. Fall 2026 start date TBD |
| Monthly Wellness Community Meetings | Monthly attendance REQUIRED | Monthly attendance ENCOURAGED |
| Monthly Social Gatherings | Monthly attendance REQUIRED | Monthly attendance ENCOURAGED |
Does The Belong Program provide housing?
- No, The Belong Program does not offer housing for its participants.
- The Belong Program is working to develop lasting partnerships with a variety of Fort Collins organizations to provide affordable and neuro-affirming housing in the community. Stay tuned for updates.
- Belong Program coordinators work with young adults in any living environment including living in the community, with caregivers, or with roommates.
- The Belong Program can house up to 4 enrolled and active CSU students in on-campus living at Aggie Village who would pay the regular CSU Housing fee.
What is the application process?
Please complete the following instructions — these steps must be completed in order.
- Contact Devin Barth (devin.barth@colostate.edu) and Lynn Grasso (lynn.grasso@colostate.edu) by email or phone to schedule a program interview.
- Complete the application. (Application will be emailed to the participant after completion of the initial interview).
- Schedule and complete the Independent Living Skills Assessment conducted by Devin and/or Lynn.
- Sign participation contracts committing to at least 6 months of participation.
- Complete re-evaluation to ensure sustained program fit every 6 months.