Arts and Community Exploration

The Arts and Community Exploration (ACE) program is a people-centered interactive program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities engaging in both center-based and community outings. Participants explore the community at cultural and art centers, parks, libraries, downtown adventures, and museums. They enjoy helping others by volunteering and donating time to give back to the community.

Dedicated staff are trained and experienced to support self-determined goals. Participants are empowered to learn new skills, develop relationships, and engage safely in their community.

Meaningful activities include:

    • Art projects 

    • Gardening 

    • Cooking 

    • Pet therapy through Denver Pet Partners  

    • Science and Book Club 

    • Basketball and Bocce 

    • Outdoor adaptive recreation with Staunton State Park and Denver Parks and Rec 

    • Holiday light tours 

    • MANE Mission 

    • National Western Stock Show 

    • Plays at Denver Center for the Performing Arts 

    • Museum tours 

    • Bowling 

    • Yoga

    • Libraries

    • Weinberg Food Pantry 

    • JFS Community Table Lunch program 

    • Hygiene kit assembly for Justice Necessary  

    • Free Range Bees Honey Bottling 

June ACE Activity Calendar

Take a closer look at the ACE program in this behind-the-scenes tour video.

Activities and Adventures

  • Person with a dog at Mane Mission

  • Person playing bocce

  • Person riding an adaptive bike

  • Person harvesting carrots

  • A person with glasses and curly hair, smiling, is sitting at a table filling small glass jars from a large white container with a tap. The person is wearing a white sweatshirt and black camouflage pants, and appears in an indoor setting with a gray door and framed pictures on the wall.

  • Pet Therapy

  • Two women working at a table with small glass jars and lids, in an indoor room. One woman is standing and placing jar lids on the table, the other is sitting, wearing gloves, and handling more jars. There are supplies including a roll of paper towels, a white bucket, and a red container on the table.

  • Individual with a horse at Mane Mission

  • Three young people are in a modern, well-lit workspace with large windows and tables. One woman is standing and handing something to a seated woman with long hair. Another young man, sitting and focused on some papers, is across the table.

  • A man grilling hot dogs on a barbecue grill outdoors with a woman standing beside him, both smiling. They are in a backyard with a wooden fence and trees in the background.

  • A woman in a motorized tracked wheelchair smiling and holding a device, with a man standing beside her wearing a hat and sunglasses, in a forested outdoor setting.

  • A young girl with glasses, wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt and black shorts, standing outdoors on a dirt path. She is touching a large piece of a fallen tree trunk with her right hand. There are green plants around her and a large leafy tree in the background under a blue sky.

  • People sitting on an inflatable paddleboard on a calm body of water, with trees, houses, and a clear blue sky in the background.

  • A smiling man with missing teeth sitting at a bowling alley, wearing a blue shirt. Behind him, there are two other people, one with glasses and the other with a black and orange shirt, facing the bowling lanes. Several electronic score screens are hanging from the ceiling, displaying scores and bowling graphics.

  • Four people, including an elderly man in a wheelchair, are setting up yellow ball golf targets on the floor of an indoor sports facility. Two of them are holding large white tubes, and yellow golf balls are scattered on the dark floor.

  • Four people, two women and two girls, posing inside a picklesball court, smiling, with a black chain link fence and people playing in the background.

  • Four people standing on a tennis court inside a gym, smiling, with a wall in the background that says 'Community Gathering Friendship'.

Special Olympics logo

ACE completed its first year of competition with Special Olympics Colorado, participating in bowling, basketball, and bocce events across the Denver metro area. The community involvement has been invaluable, and our participants have made remarkable progress in their skills for each sport. We look forward to many more years of participation!

Meet the Team

  • A woman with wavy brown hair smiling, standing in front of a lush green pine tree.

    Judy Pankoff, Program Manager

    Judy has been with JFS since 2017. She has a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to becoming the ACE program manager, she worked at the JFS Group Home as an activities specialist. Before coming to JFS, Judy worked for Denver Parks and Recreation in the Adaptive Recreation Program for 20 years. She was the coordinator of the Saturday Challengers Bowling and Activity Program for 10 years, a Special Olympics coach, lead many various activities from crafts to cultural exploration, organized rafting and camping trips, adaptive biking, and taught swimming lessons.

    “We are like family in ACE. I love that our family is willing to try new things. Where every day is an adventure!”

    FUN FACT: As a transplant from Massachusetts, Judy roots for the Red Sox and the Patriots whenever they play Denver!

    What do you want to make sure you do before you die? 
    Be fluent in another language.

  • A person with long, dark hair, glasses, and a septum piercing standing in front of a blue spruce tree. The person is wearing a black button-up shirt and light-colored shorts, smiling at the camera.

    Hanna Jones, Lead Activities Specialist

    Hanna has been with JFS since April 2022. Her first time working for the IDD community was at a summer camp for individuals ages 6-36. She worked with the adult group and decided that she wanted to find a career working for this population. She worked privately for two individuals doing DSP work. Hanna got the opportunity to be a RBT practicing ABA therapy for young children with autism in a clinic setting. When she came to Colorado, she worked in a day program as a job coach. Most recently, Hanna assisted individuals in building resumes, filling out job applications, and completing work readiness training as a Supported Employment Specialist.

    “My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is the overall expectation that we will use a person-centered approach to ensure that our clients are heard, respected, and play a huge part in creating their own programing.”

    FUN FACT: Hanna’s cat, Sushi, kayaks with her.

    What do you want to make sure you do before you die?
    Travel as much as possible.

  • A woman with medium-length dark hair wearing pink-tinted sunglasses and a beige dress standing outdoors in front of a pine tree.

    Dea Fleming, Activities Specialist

    Dea joined the ACE team in June 2022. Dea has an Associate of Arts from Miles City Community College. She worked for Eastern Montana Industries in the day program as a direct support professional in Miles City, MT for over 7 years. She also worked in the activities department in a mental health setting while she was in college. Dea has done in-home care for older adults and folks with IDD, helping with activities of daily living, and in older adult living communities in activities.

    “My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is putting smiles on people’s faces and introducing new experiences.”

    FUN FACT: Dea likes to be goofy and add a little song and dance just for fun. She once crocheted a baby blanket by feel.

    What would be your personal motto? “You don’t know what you can do until you try”

  • Kim Badget

    Kim Badger, Activities Specialist

    Kim joined the ACE team in January 2025. She graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in biology and with minors in psychology and leadership. She continued at DU to earn her teacher’s license and used to teach 4th grade. Since having kids, she has been a competitive soccer coach, provided daycare, been a volunteer in multiple settings and worked in a doctor’s office.

    “My favorite thing about working at the ACE program is the people! One of the first things I noticed about ACE is how much the participants and staff all clearly care for and respect each other and have created a real feeling of family. I feel so lucky to be a part of this group.”

    FUN FACT: Kim loves being active, playing sports and being part of a team. She plays soccer, volleyball and recently have taken up pickleball!  You name it, she is game to play!

    What would be your personal motto?
    “In a world where you can be anything, be KIND!”

  • Ricci Ontiveros

    Ricci Ontiveros, Activities Specialist

    Ricci joined JFS in February 2025. Before becoming part of the ACE team, Ricci served as a Team Lead at a residential youth facility for two years, a Residential Rehab Counselor at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island for three years, and a private caregiver for six years. Ricci is also a military veteran.

    “My favorite thing about the ACE program is interacting with the participants and forming new ideas and activities that would be fun and interactive for them.”

    FUN FACT: Ricci used to play roller derby.

    What do you like to do when you are not in the office?
    When I am not at work I like to spend time with my family, especially my new grandbaby, Atlys.

  • Lucy Robertson

    Lucy Robertson , Activities Specialist

    Lucy joined the ACE team in December 2025. She has a background in different creative fields, ranging from the Cherry Creek Arts Festival every 4th of July for multiple years to working in logistics with a start-up company that offered crafting tutorials and yarn.  

    “My favorite thing about JFS is the staff and the participants. It is a really kind and inviting team. I love our creativity.”

    FUN FACT: Lucy has lived in Denver for 15 years and identifies as a Juggalo.

    Who is someone you admire, and why?

    Betty White and all the Golden Girls. Their humor and generosity throughout their lives are very inspiring. 

  • Hannah Daggett

    Hannah Daggett, Activities Specialist

    Hannah joined the ACE team in February 2026. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Illinois State University in 2024. While in college, Hannah interned with Bloomington Parks and Recreation in their IDD programming. After moving to Colorado, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician with children aged 1-5. She is looking forward to working with adults again.

    “My favorite thing about the ACE program is getting to know the people we serve.”

    FUN FACT: The house Hannah grew up in was a barn.

    What do you like to do when you are not in the office?
    I like to spend time outside hiking with my dog. I also enjoy reading and crafting.

  • Robin Payne

    Robin Payne, Activity Specialist On Call

    Robin has been with JFS for 3.5 years. She spent 35 years in education and educational human resources, including early childhood teacher, recruiting, HRIS systems, bargaining, benefits, and 13 years as human resources director.

    Favorite thing about working at JFS and the ACE program?  The clients and staff. I learn so much from both groups and enjoy coming to work each day.

    FUN FACT: Due to my father’s career, I lived overseas when I was younger. I am thankful for the experience and feel it opened my mind and eyes to the world as a whole. I feel it’s been the spice in my life.

    Who is someone you admire, and why? My children and really the younger generation. I learn a great deal about the changing world from them. I also admire people who give of themselves to help others with no expectations.

For more information, contact Judy Pankoff, Program Manager, at 720.459.3897.