ALAMOSA — The Knight of Columbus in Alamosa hosted the 30th anniversary of the Center Toward Self Reliance (CTSR) on Saturday.

CTSR is based out of Pueblo and has offices located all over Southern Colorado. The agency focuses on empowering those with disabilities to function as independently as possible. To help those individuals, the center provides services such as – advocacy, referrals, life skills all with support from trained Independent Living Specialists.

Saturday had plenty on the agenda -  door prizes, live music from Adams State Music Professor Willaim Lipke as well as a speech from Keynote Speaker Karie Valdez.

Valdez has grown up with a developmental disability but hasn’t let that stop her and competes in the Special Olympics with the SLV Dust Devils. Valdez is also the Vice President of a state organization called Speaking For Ourselves, which seeks to help find a voice for the disabled on matters such as employment, independence and inclusion.

Valdez touched on her unique perspective, “I am so blessed to live in two worlds, of being developmentally challenged and somewhat get along in the ‘regular’ world.” She went on to share her optimism,

“Having family and friends to encourage a person truly helps. I wake up with a good attitude almost every day and I try to see the good in people.”

Attendees were also treated to a meal and an opportunity to experience Low Vision and Deafness via an interactive game.