Happy 11th Birthday to Us

This Monday, January 6th, marks DRC's 11th Birthday! It seems entirely plausible that we have been around that long, yet - hasn't it been just a blink of an eye since we opened with one kiddo in that icy cold, dingy space - without WiFi? When I consider those humble beginnings, I realize how far we have come in those eleven years. (Especially after a really rough tenth year!)

Mike and I have been sorting out our storage space during this break. (Yes, even we minimalists have to reorganize and purge every once in a while.) In the process, I cleaned out two old file cabinets and discovered some correspondence from 2012 & 13.

Rereading those letters instantly brought back all the frustration, anger, and helplessness I felt back then. However, I can now reflect with gratitude on those difficult times (and countless tears) because those experiences are why DRC exists. It was in those moments of pain that I discovered Ken Danford and North Star for Teens.. (DRC is a member of the Liberated Learner Network.) They also reminded me exactly why I have poured all my time and energy into learning from Ken and then building this organization while making some important promises to our community.

I recognized that so many kids (neurodivergent or not) were not being served by school and needed a safe space where they were heard and trusted, before I understood neurodivergence on a broad level or even had the tiniest of clues that my lifelong eccentricity and straight-up weirdness were influenced by my own neuro-spiciness (which I discovered three years ago, at the age of 57).

Eleven years later, I can say without hesitation that DRC is that space - where each young person who wants to join us, no matter their family's financial situation, is celebrated and encouraged to follow their interests and aspirations and fully be themselves. Additionally, we support any family who wants to homeschool on their own through our consultation services.

From the very beginning, drawing from my previous experiences, I consciously decided to be completely transparent about absolutely everything. These blog posts have served as a platform for that transparency. From the start, you have all have been a vital piece of this journey with front row seats - where you have witnessed hair-brained ideas (some that worked and others that crashed and burned spectacularly), trials, tribulations, mistakes, and moments of success. I can't begin to thank you for cheering me on through it all.

As we jump boldly into year eleven to explore all the possibilities it presents, I am beyond grateful for your support.

DRC News

We will be back in the building on Monday to celebrate our Birthday after this much-needed Holiday break. 

---

The Pop-ups will start up again on Wednesday, January 8th, at the Nicandri Nature Center. Pop-ups are open to any homeschool family in the NoCo.

---

Funding Appeal News

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Annual Funding Appeal. With a substantial sustaining contribution, we have a grand total of $3,295.00. This eases us into the new year with a level of financial comfort we have not felt before.

Thank you also to the folks who support us through the year with monthly contributions.  

You can help DRC keep our promises by supporting us with one-time or monthly donations, or sponsorship.

Donate

Sponsorship

---

Resources

Our resources page was recently updated. You will find various resources for your homeschool, as well as general info about self-directed learning - including links to videos and books. You will also find links to the Digital DRC Homeschool Guide and YouTube Presentation, there.