Exploring Life & Business with Keithan Holiday of Sēb’s Recreation Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keithan Holiday.

Hi Keithan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story started ten years ago when I was working at a City of Aurora recreation facility, teaching a class. When I finished class, my son Sēbian asked me what the facility had for him to do. Unfortunately, I had to tell him that the pool was the only activity for him. Sēbian was born with muscular myopathy (a deterioration of muscle) and lost his ability to walk at a very young age, meaning opportunities for him in a fitness facility were extremely limited, let alone anywhere else in the Denver Metro area.

At that time, opportunities for most disabled individuals in the Denver Metro area were extremely limited. The city offered summer camps that lasted only a couple of weeks, and that was it. No gyms or recreational facilities had fully accessible fitness equipment (equipment that individuals in wheelchairs could use without having to leave their chairs), therefore, only catering to fully functional individuals.

Hearing that the only activity available was the pool deeply upset Sēbian. On the way home, he stayed completely silent. When we got home, I asked him, “What’s wrong?” Sēbian replied, “That’s not right; in that entire facility, there was nothing I could do.” I apologized. Then Sēbian said, “We should open a place for people like me, for the disabled!” I replied, “Oh yeah, what would you have in it?” He answered, “A fitness area because you like to work out, an arts and crafts area because I like to draw, a media area because I like computers, and a gaming area.” Again, I asked, “Oh yeah, what would you call it?” He thought for a moment and said, “Sēb’s Recreation Center (SRC).” Sēb, after his nickname his grandfather had given him.

That night, I sat down and began the paperwork for the name and the EIN, knowing it was more than forms and signatures; it was the first real step toward a dream. Becoming a nonprofit felt right because the mission was never about money. It was about creating a place where everyone truly belonged, regardless of ability. The vision was a center built with love and purpose, one that welcomed our aging and disabled community with dignity, inclusion, and care. By choosing the nonprofit path, the hope was that the community would see the heart behind the work and choose to walk alongside us, offering support.

As my son and I began laying the groundwork for the facility, Sēbian’s elementary school, Aurora Frontier K–8, hosted our first fundraising event, a Carnival. The school also hosted several fundraising events throughout Sebian’s last year in school. Even without the center having a physical location, Aurora Frontier believed in my son and his dream of opening a center for people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers.
After two years of writing our business plan, hosting events and fundraisers, and obtaining legal guidance for our bylaws and articles of incorporation, SRC was finally ready to find a location. A location close to home was essential because of my son’s declining health. Fortunately, a nearby shopping center had recently lost several major businesses, causing a sharp drop in value and opening multiple vacancies. After exploring the options, a 3,000 sq. ft. corner unit was secured through a lease with Arizona Property.

I made large personal investments since we were unable to secure a commercial loan due to being too new an organization. To help save us money, my uncle and I completed construction ourselves to make the space accessible for our disabled community and to include all the areas my son envisioned. Because we were not very familiar with commercial property requirements, we faced several hurdles along the way. About a year later, the center was nearly ready to open, but we still needed essential equipment. Despite facing many financial burdens from specialized equipment and a lack of payment arrangements, I used another personal investment to purchase our fully accessible fitness equipment.

When a local news outlet asked to feature SRC, the opportunity was too important to miss—so the decision was made to open even though the equipment hadn’t arrived. The doors opened on January 19, 2018, and the specialized equipment followed nearly three months later.
When our doors were opened, I thought this facility would automatically be packed with disabled individuals. Boy, was I wrong. As my son’s condition became worse, our time at the center became less. On June 19th, 2018, my son Sēbian Lee Holiday passed away at the age of 16 years old, leaving me with his legacy. By July, the center only had a handful of members, made up of friends and past clients, with very few inquiries.

Desperate to make the community more aware of what SRC was all about, I sat outside in front of the center one day in July with our popcorn machine, hot dog roller, and snow cone machine, along with flyers, and offered lunch for a donation while asking people what they thought about the center. Most people believed it was only for individuals in wheelchairs, and others had no idea what it was at all.

To further promote the center and bring people inside to experience SRC firsthand, I knew I needed a new approach.
In November of 2018, SRC started our First Fridays, offering a meal and entertainment for $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids. This was the moment the community began to better understand SRC and our mission:
Sēb’s Recreation Center is dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs and unique challenges through community outreach, health and wellness, recreational, and education that promotes learning opportunities designed to strengthen and develop lives.
After meeting other organizations that worked with our disabled community and establishing a social media platform, SRC was on its way to becoming a center recognized for working with our disabled and aging community.

Over the years, Sēb’s Recreation Center has faced obstacles that would have brought many small nonprofits to a halt. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rethink how to safely serve a community that depends on connection. Later, due to accounting negligence, SRC lost its 501(c)(3) status—a setback that required extensive work, financial strain, and months of rebuilding trust and compliance. And when unexpected flooding forced us to close for more than three weeks, the disruption affected our members, our programs, and our operations. Yet despite each of these challenges—any one of which could have closed our doors—SRC continues to thrive. We have rebuilt, reorganized, and reopened every time, driven by a mission that is too important to pause.

In addition, Medicaid billing has proved to be a big obstacle to our growth. SRC has always wanted to make its services accessible to everyone, especially those who rely on Medicaid. But Medicaid can only be billed for specific types of services, and general recreation or fitness activities don’t qualify. That meant our original hope—allowing people to use Medicaid to access SRC—simply wasn’t an option under the existing rules. To bill Medicaid, an organization must either operate a Day Program or become a PASA that offers Specialized Services such as massage therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, movement therapy, or transportation. We were approved to run a Day Program, but our current facility is not large enough to operate one safely or effectively. That left the PASA route as the only viable path. Even then, we faced challenges. PASA billing regulations prevent billing the same client twice for overlapping services, which limits what we could offer under a standard PASA model. The only sustainable solution is to become a Specialized Services PASA, allowing us to provide therapies and transportation services that Medicaid can reimburse.

Becoming a Specialized Services organization is valuable because it will finally allow SRC to:
1. Bill Medicaid for the services we already know our community needs
2. Offer additional therapeutic and other services to members who rely on Medicaid (i.e. Massage therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, movement therapy, and transportation)
3. Provide many of these services at no cost to current members
4. Expand our impact without placing the financial burden on families

In short, the Specialized Services status will open the door for SRC to grow, sustain itself, and serve the community more fully. It allows us to honor our mission while ensuring that people with disabilities can access the support they deserve—without barriers.

Every obstacle has strengthened our resolve and reaffirmed why SRC exists: to provide a place where people of all abilities belong, connect, and grow.
Eight years later, with the unwavering support of our donors, community partners, and the valuable lessons learned along the way, SRC’s doors remain open and our mission continues to grow stronger. Although SRC has faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout its journey, we remain hopeful, resilient, and committed to achieving long-term sustainability while expanding our impact.

As of January 19, 2026, SRC proudly serves over 1,000 members across the Denver Metro area. With continued community support, we look forward to expanding into a new facility by the end of 2028. Above all, we remain dedicated to keeping the dream and legacy of my son, Sēbian Lee Holiday, alive by providing a welcoming space for recreation, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals and families like ours.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey from the first idea of Sēb’s Recreation Center (SRC) to the community space it is today has been filled with obstacles. In the early days, opening the doors was only the beginning. Furnishing the center took time, and with a limited budget, SRC grew piece by piece.
1) The lengthy PASA approval process slowed our ability to fully launch services and delayed the programming we envisioned.
2) Building recognition and forming partnerships with established organizations proved difficult, limiting collaboration and access to shared resources.
3) Financial barriers added another layer of challenge—securing loans and funding as a new recreation focused nonprofit was already tough, those hurdles were compounded by the systemic barriers faced as a minority owned business in Colorado.
4) Administrative and regulatory requirements demanded constant documentation and navigation of complex systems, stretching our time and capacity.
5) Staffing has also remained a challenge, as recruiting and retaining qualified team members affects how quickly we can grow and expand services. Even maintaining a suitable facility while working toward long term sustainability has required ongoing effort and creativity.
6) Marketing was another uphill climb. Many neighbors walked by without coming in—some assumed, because of the wheelchair logo, that the center was only for people with disabilities; others saw toys and games and thought it was a children’s space. During sidewalk sales of donated goods, some even mistook SRC for a thrift store.
7) Donations have kept the center alive, but funding for larger projects, classes, and activities remains scarce. And while building an online presence has helped, it still hasn’t been enough to fully reach the community we serve.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do you do:
Sēb’s Recreation Center (SRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recreational and fitness needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and the families, friends, and caregivers who support them. Through inclusive programming, fully accessible fitness and personal training, and a variety of indoor activities and classes designed for people with special needs and unique challenges, SRC promotes health, independence, social connection, and overall, well-being in a safe and welcoming environment. The center also hosts community events that bring people together and raise awareness about the needs and strengths of the disabled population.
What are you known for:
SRC, a Black owned nonprofit founded by Sēbian Lee Holiday, is dedicated to strengthening the community by providing a safe, welcoming space for aging adults and people with disabilities. The center offers accessible fitness equipment, wellness programs, inclusive activities, free community events, food drives, and vital resource support for families in need. SRC is known as a place where individuals with disabilities can participate fully, feel a true sense of belonging, and have their accomplishments celebrated. With programs designed specifically for seniors and people with disabilities, SRC fosters health, dignity, connection, and empowerment—fulfilling its mission to uplift the community through accessibility, compassion, and shared support.
What sets you apart from others:
SRC recognizes a critical need within the disabled community and is committed to building a comprehensive, inclusive center where individuals and their families feel safe, supported, and welcomed. From wheelchair accessible fitness equipment to daily activities intentionally designed around the needs of people with disabilities, every part of SRC reflects our dedication to accessibility and dignity. We encourage caregivers and families to participate alongside their loved ones, creating a truly family focused environment. Through accessible services, thoughtful programs, and community centered activities, SRC fosters connection, confidence, and well-being for people throughout the Denver Metropolitan Area.
What are you most proud brand wise:
For eight years, we have proudly served as the only recreation center in Colorado dedicated specifically to the disabled community—a place built on the legacy of my son and shaped by the belief that every person deserves to feel valued. What began as a vision has grown into a thriving center, serving more than 1,000 members, offering inclusive programs and supportive services that help individuals with disabilities and seniors stay active, connected, and valued. We stand with a population whose needs are too often overlooked and whose worth is too often dismissed, creating a welcoming environment where accessibility, dignity, and community come first. At SRC, every accomplishment is celebrated, every person is seen, and everyone belongs.
We want our readers to know:
SRC wants readers to know that we believe every individual—regardless of physical limitations—deserves access to a supportive environment where they can thrive, pursue personal goals, and improve their overall well-being. Our center provides a safe, welcoming space where people with physical challenges can engage in accessible fitness, attend educational classes, participate in informational seminars, and build meaningful connections through community and fellowship. We also recognize the essential role of families and caregivers, and are committed to offering programs, resources, and supportive services that promote wellness, education, and a sense of belonging for those who provide daily care. Above all, SRC remains committed to our mission: empowering individuals with special needs and unique challenges through community outreach, health and wellness, recreation, and education that strengthens and enriches lives.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Anyone starting a nonprofit can benefit from collaborating with experienced founders or professionals who understand the process. Guidance on operating with a small budget and taking strategic, incremental steps can make the journey far more manageable resources that would have been invaluable at the inception of SRC. If it’s something you believe in, never give up on your dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sebsrec.org
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sebsreccenter
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sebsreccenter

Image Credits
In the Personal Photo:
My son, Sēbian Lee Holiday

Names in the Additional Photos:
1) The center’s logo
2) Mr. Anirudh’s first fish at Wilderness on Wheels outing
3) Miss Kum at Wilderness of Wheels outing
4) A few members from the Leadership Aurora Class of 2026 team
5) My son Sēbian and me
6) A member using our accessible fitness equipment
7) Miss Mack, Miss Cheryl, and other members at one of SRC’ s indoor event
8) Mr. Jeffery Marshall and me at a Brewability event
9) A group from Ability Specialists using our accessible fitness equipment
10) Two members going at it in foosball