Colorado Bluesky In Pueblo Loses Millions Of Dollars

Adults with disability in Pueblo could now struggle to get the help they need. Budget cuts have caused Colorado Bluesky to lose millions of dollars.

Lucy Frausto and Margaret Rebetrano are just two of the hundreds of adults Colorado Bluesky Adult Supported Services in Pueblo helps.

They?re one of the hundreds of adults Colorado Bluesky Adult Supported Services helps.

Their goal is to improve the lives of adults with developmental disabilities in Pueblo. Now, it is getting harder and harder to reach that goal.

?Because of the cut the state had to make during the recession, it resulted in a significant loss of funds for us,? said Michael Atlas-Acuo, the executive director.

Between 2007 and 2011 Colorado Bluesky lost $3.5 million.

?It?s like a tsunami. That’s what we’ve been experiencing these last few years,” said Marty Guerra, board president.

Bluesky provides services that include job placement, helping adults live on their own and improving their math and reading skills.

“I learned to work with people,” said Margaret Rebetrano, who attends Bluesky.

“Its great here. I really like it,” agreed Lucy Frausto, who also attends Bluesky.

Bluesky is now forced to rely on fundraisers to get by.

Rebetrano and Frausto are already practicing for their next fundraiser. They will be participating in a fashion show on Nov.10 at the Union Depot.

“We use to have them just to supplement for things. Now they’re crucial for us,” said Guerra about fundraisers.

There are at least 100 people still on a waiting list to receive services from Bluesky. They can?t be helped due to the cuts.