In the often unseen world of disability, neurodiversity is perhaps even less understood.
The term first appeared on Google Search trends in 2008, with interest climbing steadily over the past 17 years. It is often used alongside the words neurodivergent and neurotypical to describe differences in brain function and cognition.
Lafayette’s Neurodiversity Community Center (NCC) defines neurodiversity as “a celebration of how uniquely each of us experiences the world.” The center is “a space where everyone belongs.”
I sat down with Renee Boos, NCC’s founder, to learn more.
In simple terms, neurodivergent is how sensory perception is used to interpret the world.
Renee is neurodiverse; she created the NCC so she and others could have a supportive environment in which to pursue their interests and abilities while also developing and deepening their relationships with themselves and one another.
NCC is a safe place for kids to explore their gifts, Renee says.
Located in a cute, cozy house in the heart of old town Lafayette, NCC bursts with color and positive energy. The walls are decorated with framed artwork that was created at the center’s art studio. Another area houses old computers, parts and cables used weekly in an equipment dismantling program. (Renee collects most of these parts herself, but the center accepts donated electronics regardless of condition — broken equipment is never turned away.)
NCC hosts meditations, music and Minecraft sessions, a photography club and potluck dinners. A knitting and crocheting group meets Sundays, and a young adult social group gathers on Wednesdays — refreshing, in-real-life alternatives in a world of video games and online interaction.
A unique aspect of programming at NCC is that adult programming coincides with children's programming. The NCC hosts after-school hours Monday and Tuesday nights. Renee keeps the kids busy while encouraging the parents to get to know each other and ultimately form a support system; a parents support group meets Sundays as well.
At the heart of the NCC is community, Renee says. It’s her dream for the center to become a blueprint for communities around the country.
To realize that dream, and keep the Neurodiversity Community Center open, its members and founders need to find a funding stream apart from program fees. For now, Renee donated the property and pays the building’s expenses with her own money.
“I am funding everything with credit cards, donating my property for nothing and not paying myself anything,” Renee wrote in response to emailed questions. “I do everything myself, as I have no funds for staff of any kind.”
The center can survive on a yearly budget of $250,000, Renee says, but they’d ideally like to raise $350,000. NCC is also in need of skilled volunteers to lead sessions or classes, and to help around the center.
According to Renee, “This would allow us to pay our monthly utilities, insurance, rent, fund programming and pay a very small salary for myself and another few part-time staff members.”
Donations are “slowly starting to trickle in,” Renee says. “The numbers above are big numbers, but every dollar literally helps me stay afloat.”
The Neurodiversity Community Center is truly magical. So this is my ask to Boulder Weekly readers: Let’s help this wonderful, local nonprofit find a sustainable funding plan.
Learn more and donate: neurodiversitycc.org.
Jenn Ochs lives in Boulder and enjoys listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks while painting or drawing. She is a disability rights advocate and a graduate from Baylor University in Texas, which is where she realized that Boulder is the best place to live. Read more from Jenn.