Jonathan Sandberg’s journey with Brothers Redevelopment is one rooted in purpose and fueled by a deep-seated desire to make a difference.
After spending 34 years as the owner-operator of a carpet cleaning and restoration company in Boulder, Sandberg found himself at a crossroads in his late 40s, pondering the inevitable limitations of physical labor as he approached the future.
Determined to continue his path of service and innovation, Sandberg embarked on a new chapter, pursuing degrees in Anthropology and Sustainable Innovation from MSU Denver. Armed with fresh knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, he set out to explore new opportunities aligned with his values.
It was during that time when Sandberg discovered Brothers Redevelopment and the transformative potential of its Home Modification and Repair Program. Five years later, he stands as a Home Rehabilitation Coordinator, orchestrating home modification and repair projects for older adult clients, including those enrolled in the organization’s CAPABLE Program.
The program is dedicated to empowering individuals to age in place with dignity and operates on a unique model of participant-driven goal setting. Led by an interdisciplinary team comprising an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a maintenance technician, the program guides participants through a series of 10 visits over four to six months, tailored to enhance mobility, function, and overall independence.
“I found my dream job. I pursued this job… And I’m glad I did,” Sandberg said about his role at Brothers. “It’s been very rewarding for me. And that positive feedback from clients is probably the most rewarding part about it.”
Sandberg’s dedication and contributions to the CAPABLE Program were recently recognized with The Recognition Award from the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado — a nonprofit that strives to increase the quality of care and level of professionalism to the practice of occupational therapy in Colorado. The award acknowledges an individual or organization’s dedication to and support of the profession of occupational therapy in Colorado, recognizing hard work done by non-occupational therapist colleagues to advance occupational therapy.
“I don’t do my job for the accolades and things like that. I’m kind of a private person in a lot of ways,” said Sandberg. “I don’t need that kind of feedback to keep motivated, but I am happy I got this award, and I am proud of it.”
Sandberg reflected on the impact he’s seen the CAPABLE Program make on its 45 clients and pointed to Colorado Springs resident Deborah Johnson’s success with the program. Through the service, Johnson received raised garden beds, a garden kneeler, new patio steps and a porch light, medication for her toes, shoes that ease walking, a tool to reach difficult places that are trigger points in her back, and help with doing chair exercises.
“It occurred to me that one of the biggest impacts of the program is having all those different lenses focusing on one individual. By working together, we all see different sides of it, and I think the improvements for our clients are that much greater because of the collaborative effort in the CAPABLE Program,” said Sandberg.
Looking ahead, Sandberg remains steadfast in his commitment to enhancing outcomes within the CAPABLE Program, recognizing its proven efficacy and potential for continued growth.
Sandberg’s humility and work ethic are precisely the kind of assets that propel programs like CAPABLE forward. Brothers is incredibly fortunate to have him on the team, and we offer our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
Congrats Jonathan for this well deserved recognition!