Our story starts with friendship.
Amicitia Reciproca means “reciprocal friendship” in Latin. We're a small Colorado nonprofit built on a simple belief: the right support can come from friendship, and both people grow when it does.
Our mission and vision.
We cultivate mutually beneficial relationships that transform the lives of volunteers and the people they support, grounded in equity, personal growth, global understanding, and the belief that reciprocal friendship is the foundation of community belonging. Our vision is a world where all people with disabilities have the support they need to live fulfilling, independent lives.
How it started.
Our founder, James Peth, sustained a spinal cord injury in 1999 and completed his rehabilitation at Craig Hospital. After moving to Fort Collins, he built a life through friendships with people from different countries and backgrounds who shared daily life with him, cooked together, and explored the community together. Those friendships showed him that when support comes from friendship, both people thrive. He started Amicitia Reciproca in 2021 to make that kind of friendship possible for others, and it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2022.
Why Colorado.
Colorado is home to Craig Hospital, one of the nation's leading rehabilitation centers for spinal cord injury, and to Colorado State University, with students in public health, occupational therapy, and nursing. Fort Collins is where our founder built his own circle of friends, and it's where our first matches will begin. Over time, we hope to bring this model to other Colorado communities.
What we value
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![An older man using a wheelchair and a young woman folding dumplings together at a kitchen table]()
Reciprocity
Every relationship should offer growth, benefit, and dignity to both people. Both friends contribute, and both friends receive.
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![Three people harvesting herbs from a raised garden bed, one using a wheelchair]()
Equity
We open doors for people whose talents and compassion are often overlooked, whether because of disability, nationality, or income.
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![Four friends sharing drinks at an outdoor patio table with mountains behind them, one using a wheelchair]()
Inclusion
Disability is part of the rich fabric of human experience. People with disabilities are full members of our community, and their voices shape everything we do.
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![A man and a woman using a wheelchair looking over a trail map together at a picnic table near the mountains]()
Global Engagement
Friendship isn't limited by borders. Volunteers from around the world bring traditions of community support that enrich life here in Colorado.
Who we are
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Dave Schach, President
A longtime friend of the founder, Dave brings decades of experience and leads the board with integrity and transparency.
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Mark Coan, Secretary
Mark serves as secretary of the board, helping keep the organization's governance and records in good order.
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Jenny White, Volunteer Grant Writer
Jenny brings deep insight into the needs of people with disabilities from her work as a host home provider, along with real skill in grant writing and advocacy.
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James Peth, Founder and Volunteer Coordinator
James is an Associate Professor at Colorado State University in Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Colorado School of Public Health, and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. He serves Amicitia Reciproca as a volunteer.
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Carleigh Drill, Grant Writer
Carleigh joins us in November 2026 to lead our grant research and writing, finding Colorado funders who share our goals and turning our plans into strong proposals.