Focus on the Family Welcome Center — Local services in Colorado Springs

Focus on the Family has always been a safe space and place for my Autistic children, until yesterday. We encountered an altercation with an older gray-haired woman who was working behind the counter at the soda shop. My Autistic son approached the candy area as he was touching the shiny silver candy lids. I repeatedly told my son not to touch the candy lids and to please stand by me. The older gray-haired lady abruptly scolds my son to stop “touching” the candy. My Autistic son did as she said and then immediately became emotional and I held him tight saying “son I know you weren’t touching the candy, sometimes people can be harsh in the way they say things” as she heard me say this, she instantly says “ma’am I just told him to stop touching the candy” I replied “yes you did, but my son was clearly NOT touching the candy” I then proceeded to tell her that my son is on the Autism spectrum and as a special needs mom, I can only do my best to try to control my son. Which in this case, he was simply being intrigued by the shiny silver candy lids. After my comment about my son being on the spectrum, she didn’t care and proceeds to continue to argue with me about my son. I then stopped, and just held my son tight and ignored her. As she left to the back, she starts talking about me to the other younger girls who are working there, I watched as they spoke and laughed at me.

My continued thoughts were, if you’re going to work in an environment where children of all kinds are present, and a Christian-based facility where we are also believers of the Lord, why act in such a manner that doesn’t reflect what this place’s values hold to? Why work around children, if you yourself do not have the patience OR kindness for them? Please, please remind your staff to be gentle and kind. That’s all we ask...

I spoke with a guy named Samuel he is a counselor here,, I called to talk to a manager nobody called me BK regarding Samuels just because ppl say they are of God doesn't mean they all are, bottom line Samuel is a envious man, his prayer had no sincere love or care behind it, I had to rebuke his prayer, the fact this is my first time calling and first time receiving prayer, this put me right BK in my square,, I believe in first impressions, all y'all want to hear is good things the fact I'm under spiritual warfare, I needed guidance and answers he was focused on a situation that I have that some ppl don't, has nothing to do with me,, I was a shelter coordinator and a DUI coordinator, half of these ppl won't stop using drugs or alcohol to even get in a shelter to be warm because of they won't put it down for a night, my situation is different from others and he didn't take the time to listen he heard one thing and took it as if I'm not grateful, that's how I know he didn't a thing I said. I will not be calling y'all ever again! I will be calling whoever will listen truly Samuel doesn't need to be there, listen to our recording u will hear exactly what I'm saying! Ppl y'all need to read the Lord's word for urself because ppl will send u to hell, with their way of teaching be careful and mindful not everyone has good intentions to see u make it,, study the word so u can hear the lord guide u and speak to u! Going to man isn't always the answer! Especially with no good intentions of a loving...

Amazing experience! On a whim we decided to visit here because as a kid I enjoyed listening to Adventures in Odyssey. My kids have listened to Paws & Tails but not a lot of Odyssey yet. I thought it looked cute and was thinking we’d spend an hour here. We spent 4 hours here and if we hadn’t been meeting up with someone later we would have spent the whole day here. It’s simply magical: from the background music, themed rooms, friendly staff and food. Every aspect is planned to be better than good, but great. My kids had ice cream cones and the employee offered to put sprinkles on their cones. At the bottom of the 3 story slide the kids were greeted with an employee that smiled at them. We recorded an episode of Adventures in Odyssey and my kids loved that! The employee at that station explained how she would edit out any mistakes they might make and just to try again. This made my kids feel at ease and they loved the experience! They’ve already listened to their recording several times. The employees at the front welcomed us so warmly. It truly felt as if the employees love working there and genuinely value their guests. We are visiting from out of state (WI) and have already done some amazing hikes in the mountains and other fun things but this has been my kids (and ours) one of our favorite activities. We plan on visiting again at least once but hoping for twice more before we leave Colorado Springs. Thank...