As part of the 23rd Annual Wine in the Pines, held in October, 2006, a special paddle auction was held to help raise money for the Kelly Smith Employment Center. The response could not have been more overwhelming as bidders throughout the venue made individual pledges to the new center totaling $57,250.Kelly Smith, who was in attendance at the event, was visibly touched by the outpouring of support. The money raised is earmarked for the technology needs of the facility.

The Kelly Smith Employment Center was named in honor of Kelly for her determination and unfailing spirit to succeed.  She exemplifies the values and motivation that CP of Colorado’s Employment Services seeks to offer and is a real-life example for others to follow.

In keeping with CP of Colorado’s mission of promoting personal choice and self-fulfillment, the Kelly Smith Employment Center will provide job readiness, job placement, retention, and benefits planning (including intensive case management) for youth and adult job seekers with disabilities or other barriers to employment. The facility will also provide a state of the art technology center for job seekers as well as serve as an entrepreneurial incubator, where individuals wishing to start a small business can find resources, support and guidance.

To learn more about Kelly Smith and the Employment Center, please take a moment to view the short video below. Click on "play" on the version that best suits your internet connection.