Our History

Through the efforts of parents and professionals, The Resource Exchange (TRE) was incorporated in 1964. By 1968, there was one full-time coordinator, a secretary, two bus drivers, and a budget of $75,000, serving 85 children and adults. Later, a sheltered workshop was started providing 35 people with vocational training. Currently TRE has just under 100 employees, seven community based offices throughout El Paso, Park and Teller counties, and an operating budget of about $11.5 million. We serve people with developmental disabilities in communities through the region, with a mission to build independence for people with developmental disabilities.

The Resource Exchange is a “Community Centered Board.” For more than four decades, Community Centered Boards (CCBs) have managed and delivered services to children and adults with developmental disabilities in partnership with private, community-based service agencies and providers. In 1963, Colorado statute authorized CCBs to be responsible for community services for people with developmental disabilities, offering an alternative to institutionalization in state operated regional facilities. Currently there are twenty Community Centered Boards serving approximately 19,000 individuals and their families throughout Colorado.

As a Community Centered Board, TRE is responsible to determine eligibility, provide comprehensive case management and provide or purchase services and supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities. TRE’s three-county service area includes El Paso, Park and Teller Counties.

CCBs continue to lead the nation in supporting the independence, productivity, and integration of people with developmental disabilities. CCBs enable them to exercise their rights to live, learn, play and work in their home communities with dignity, abundant choices, opportunities and responsibilities accorded to all citizens. Above all, CCBs believe that all people have the inherent value and the right to exert control and responsibility over their own lives.

Our Governance

The Resource Exchange is governed by a Community Centered Board (CCB) for El Paso, Park and Teller counties. CCBs are authorized by the State of Colorado to manage and deliver services to people with developmental disabilities. The Board of Directors provides strategic and fiduciary oversight and through management of the President/CEO, directs programs and services that support the independence of people with developmental disabilities.

Board of Directors 2012-2013

William (Bill) Cool, President

William Cool, Board President, moved to Colorado Springs from Texas after retiring from the Dell Corporation. As the parent of a child with a developmental disability, Bill has learned how difficult it can be to navigate the system and find the right services for a child. Thanks to the ARC, which was the gateway organization in Texas, Bill found the services his child needed. Bill started out doing intake for TRE, and Kim Matthews, mother of former client Chris Matthews, recruited him for the Board. “When I moved here I knew I wanted to get involved. I looked at a lot of organizations before settling on The Resource Exchange,” Bill says. “I like the way they function, helping people negotiate the path to services so they don’t have to do it alone.”

Tracy Narvet, Memorial Health System, Vice- President/Secretary

Tracy Narvet is the Vice-President/Secretary of the Board. Her day job as Controller at Memorial Health System provides her with a comprehensive understanding of health care financial issues. Tracy’s first contact with TRE came when she had a son that she thought might need services. The experience hit a nerve as she saw the complexities of navigating through the myriad of care options. “I feel good about giving my time to help others who, through no fault of their own, are limited in their ability to take care of their own needs,” Tracy states. “I get great satisfaction seeing the results of what people accomplish with the support of The Resource Exchange.” Tracy was recommended for the Board by former chair Gary Flansberg.

Lauren Jervik, Memorial Health System, Treasurer/Chair, Finance Committee

Lauren Jervik is Treasurer/Assistant Secretary of the Board of Directors and also Chair of the Finance Committee.

William (Bill) Kurtz, William Kurtz Ltd., Chair, Development Committee and Immediate Past President

William Kurtz, owner of William Kurtz, Ltd., men’s clothier, is currently Development Committee Chair. Bill has hired a number of students with developmental disabilities to help in his store through his with the special education program at Palmer High School. “Many of these young people have autism, but they are able to greet people as they came in the door and perform office related tasks for me,” he says. Bill also got to know The Resource Exchange through Kim and Dave Matthews, loyal supporters of TRE. His sister now works in speech pathology with the Early Intervention program at TRE. To people considering a donation Bill says, “The money you give to TRE is well spent in helping people live more independent lives."

Murray Weiner, Mulliken Weiner Karsh Berg & Jolivet, Chair, Nominating Committee

Murray Weiner is a partner in the law firm of Mulliken, Weiner, Karsh, Berg and Jolivet, P.C. Murray has always been involved in community activities, especially ones that help young people. He has served with The Community Partnership for Child Development and Head Start, but volunteering with The Resource Exchange is particularly meaningful. Murray has a daughter with a developmental disability, and he understands the value the organization provides to families. “People tend not to understand when a disorder is in the mind,” says Murray. “The disabilities are not as easily recognized, and people don’t realize that they are not the result of choices, but rather are the effect of genetic or chromosomal happenstance over which the person has no control.” Former member Drew Willis recommended Murray to the Board.

Heidi Brandon

Joe Doyle, Six & Geving Insurance

Joe Doyle is the CEO of Six & Geving Insurance and has been a resident of Teller County for 19 years. As a parent of a young adult with a developmental disability, he has found this journey of life intensely challenging yet extremely rewarding. It has been his desire to be involved on a community basis and was honored to be chosen to work with other board members. Joe says: “Life and the need for resources can be complicated with a family member with a disability however; The Resource Exchange has made a significant difference in my son’s life.”

Joe Homlar, Park County Dept of Human Services Director

Joe Homlar currently serves as the Director of the Park County Department of Human Services, and was introduced to The Resource Exchange through its presence in Park County and by Park County Commissioner and fellow Board Member, John Tighe. "I'm pleased to be a part of the forward-thinking team at The Resource Exchange," he says, "and am impressed by the hard work of staff that deliver truly person-first services in such a diverse region." Joe and his family live in Bailey.

Steve Rodemer, Attorney-at-Law

Harry Salzman, Salzman Real Estate Services

Harry Salzman is the owner of Salzman Real Estate Services, specializing in Residential Real Estate since 1972 and focused for individual and employer relocations. He became aware of The Resource Exchange when he helped Executive Director David Ervin find a home upon David’s move to Colorado Springs to take the position at TRE. Harry has always given back to the community and brings a business perspective to the Board. “I am impressed with the TRE staff and especially appreciate that staff listens to the Board and takes advantage of the varied expertise on the Non Profit Board,” says Harry.

Gerry Sunderland

Gerard "Gerry" Sunderland is a volunteer who was recommended for the Board by avid TRE supporter Kim Matthews and Tom Brandon. Gerard has a personal interest in the work of The Resource Exchange because he has Cerebral Palsy and is hearing impaired. “I experienced developmental awkwardness in the process of growing up,” Gerard writes. He very much enjoys being with other people and as he expresses so eloquently, “I understand disability, and the only thing that keeps me from expressing myself fully is uncertainty about what other people are saying [because of my impaired hearing].”

John Tighe, Park County Commissioner

John Tighe is committed to service. He is a Park County Commissioner, Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and he represents Park County on the TRE Board. John’s son grew up with a friend with special needs. He saw first hand the difficulties and hardships the young man and his family faced trying to find needed services. John enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity to join the TRE Board with the goal of bringing a higher level of service to Park County. “Park County is very large and demographically diverse,” says John. “The northern part of the county is more closely tied to Denver and the South Park area is closer to Colorado Springs. Finding a way to deliver services to this spread out population has been difficult, and TRE has done an excellent job of growing its service capacity in the County.”

Lisa Wieland, Integrity Bank & Trust

Lisa Wieland is the business banking officer for Integrity Bank & Trust. Lisa was first introduced to The Resource Exchange through Integrity Bank & Trust's support and sponsorship of the Building the Dream luncheon. She was impressed and deeply touched by TRE's mission and success in making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. She made a commitment to help make a difference too. "As a business banker, I have the privilege of working with people from all walks of life. I know and understand the daily challenges that people with developmental disabilities face and I want to be part of improving this community. It's an honor to be involved with TRE's committed staff, volunteers and clients." Lisa is a member of the Development Committee of the Board.

David Ervin, President and CEO