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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.

We are now accepting applications for the upcoming program year (August 2023-July 2024)! To apply, please complete both the Roommate Preferences Checklist and the Belong Program Application. Please email the completed application materials to Rebecca (rebecca.reinhardt@colostate.edu). We are accepting applications through March 31st, 2023. 

After submitting an application, select applicants will be invited to a program interview. Final decisions about program acceptances will be sent out by April 14, 2023.

If you are interested in learning more information about the Belong Program, or if you would like to receive email updates about the program, please reach out to Rebecca (rebecca.reinhardt@colostate.edu).

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 a 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
  • Individual 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) **rates subject to change for 2023-24 at the discretion of the property management company**
  • Rental cost includes all utilities except electric & WiFi/Cable, which are paid directly to utility companies by the tenants
  • 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, 2023-July 31, 2024

What are the support tiers available?

Tier I ($500/month):

  • Individual meeting 2x/month
  • Monthly roommate meeting
  • Monthly social gathering
  • Monthly community meeting

Tier II ($600/month):

  • Weekly individual 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.

**This information reflects anticipated tier levels for the 2023-24 program year and does not apply to past or current participants.

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
  • Belong staff members assign roommate pairs based off of roommate preference questionnaires, which provide information about interests and living preferences
  • 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 upcoming program year will open on March 6, 2023. Applications will be available on the Belong Program website. Below is the application timeline for an August 2023 move in:

  • Applications open: March 6, 2023
  • Select applicants will be invited to a program interview based off of their application. Interviews will take place throughout March and early April 2023
  • Program acceptances sent out by April 14, 2023
  • Accepted applicants will take part in program social activities to meet other participants in May 2023
  • Initial roommate meetings will take place in June 2023
  • Move in day: August 1, 2023!