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Center for Community Partnerships

Center for Community Partnerships Belong Program

The Center for Community Partnerships Belong Program

The Belong Program is an independent living program for neurodiverse young adults (ages 18-26) who want to gain confidence and skills living independently with a roommate. The program is focused on developing confidence and skills in the six pillars of independent living: personal care skills, health & wellness, community transportation & participation, social & leisure participation, homemaking, and financial management.

Now Accepting Applications!

We only have one spot remaining for the upcoming Belong 2022-23 cohort! The upcoming program year begins in August 2022. To apply for the 2022-23 program year, fill out the Belong Program Application and the Roommate Preferences Checklist. Send completed copies of both forms to Rebecca (rebecca.reinhardt@colostate.edu). While the priority application deadline has passed, we will review qualified applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. Select, qualified candidates will then be invited to interview for admission to the Belong Program.

If you encounter any difficulties with downloading the application materials from our website, please email Rebecca (rebecca.reinhardt@colostate.edu) to request copies of the application materials.

Additional Information

Who should apply?

Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Are a neurodiverse young adult between the ages of 18-26
  • Are his/her/their own legal guardian
  • Have graduated from high school or have GED
  • Are enrolled in post-high school courses OR have a job where they work a minimum of 12 hours/week
  • Will commit to a one year apartment lease AND a one year Belong Program contract
  • Are motivated to live on their own in a shared apartment with a roommate
  • Have emerging independent living skills
  • Are willing to set achievable goals to continue developing independent living skills through participation in the program

What can I expect in the Belong program?

Support will be individualized to each participant, based off of individualized goal setting at the beginning of the year and measured progress towards goals. Support levels will vary based on the support tier that the participant selects. The different kinds of support offered through participation in the program include:

  • Community meetings
  • Individualized 1:1 meetings
  • Roommate meetings
  • Social gatherings

What is the program cost?

The cost of the Belong Program are divided into two categories: rental cost for the apartment, and program fees for participation in the program.

Apartment rental cost:

  • $1,210/unit ($605/room)
  • Rental cost includes all utilities except electric & WiFi/Cable
  • Rent will be paid monthly directly to the property management company
  • Rental lease agreement will be from August 1, 2022-July 31, 2023

Belong Program fees:

  • Base program fee is $500/month
  • Additional tiers available for increased support levels
  • Program fees are billed monthly and paid directly to the Center for Community Partnerships
  • Program contract will be from August 1, 2022-July 31, 2023

What are the support tiers available?

Tier I ($500/month):

  • Monthly 1:1 meeting
  • Monthly roommate meeting
  • Monthly social gathering
  • Monthly community meeting

Tier II ($575/month):

  • Twice a month 1:1 meeting
  • Monthly roommate meeting
  • Monthly social gathering
  • Monthly community meeting

Tier III ($675/month):

  • Weekly 1:1 meeting
  • Monthly roommate meeting
  • Monthly social gathering
  • Monthly community meeting

**Additional individual meetings are available for add on at the rate of $75/hour, regardless of tier level.

Where would I be living?

  • The apartment complex is located in northwest Fort Collins, off of Prospect & Overland (about 2.5 miles from CSU’s main campus)
  • This complex is a short walking distance from the 2 & 32 TransFort bus routes
  • There are four, 2 bedroom/1 bathroom units in the complex
  • There is a common area for community gatherings

How will I find a roommate?

  • All participants in the Belong program live with a roommate
  • Applicants who are accepted into the Belong program will have social opportunities to get to know the other participants. Afterwards, participants will rank their roommate preferences individually with the program staff members
  • Belong staff members will assign roommate pairs based off of roommate preference questionnaires and rankings
  • Participants are also welcome to apply as a roommate pair, as long as both participants meet the required eligibility criteria for the program

What is the application process?

Applications for the 2022-23 program year are currently open! Below is the application timeline for the 2022-23 program year:

  • Applications open: March 21, 2022
  • Select applicants will be invited to a program interview based off of their application.
  • Accepted applicants will take part in program social activities to meet other participants and rank roommate preferences.
  • Individualized goal setting and roommate meetings will take place in June & July 2022
  • Move in day: August 1, 2022!