Wellspring Community: A Place to Thrive in Castle Rock, CO

Wellspring Community

For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the biggest challenge isn’t finding meaningful work or community – it’s finding a place to live. In Colorado, more than 20,000 adults with I/DD live with caregivers over age 60, leaving families anxious about the future.

Castle Rock-based Wellspring Community is stepping in with a vision of inclusion and independence.

“From the beginning, our founder Mary Lou Fenton wanted to create a community where her daughter, Emily, could live, work and thrive,” says Development Officer Allen Lundberg. “Through conversations with families and caregivers, it became clear that housing is essential to future security and wellbeing.”

That vision came to life with Unity on Park, Colorado’s first known hotel-to-integrated-apartment conversion for supportive housing for adults with I/DD. Located at 884 Park St., the project opened in December 2024 in partnership with the Douglas County Housing Partnership. The 42-unit community brings together residents with and without disabilities, offering affordable homes and on-site support, from life-skills coaching to 24-hour assistance.

“Our goal is that each resident feels the pride of independence,” Lundberg says.

Next up is Unity on Wolfensberger, a mixed-use development slated for 2026 that will house Wellspring’s expanded day programs on the first floor and 24 for-sale condominiums above. Adults with and without disabilities, and their families, will have the chance to own homes in an inclusive setting in Castle Rock.

Funding for these projects has come through a blend of local, state and private support, including a $4 million state grant and a $650,000 town fee waiver. But for Wellspring, it’s about more than buildings. 

As Lundberg puts it: “It’s about creating community – places where people with and without disabilities can truly live life together.”