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October 2026

Community Partner Newsletter

Highlights

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Arapahoe/Douglas Works! provides a variety of no-cost services to job seekers and businesses, serving as a critical resource to connect talent and industry in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties and throughout the Denver/Aurora metropolitan region.

ODEP red NDEAM poster

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)


October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions workers with disabilities, including nonobvious disabilities and mental health conditions, bring to our economy. 


NDEAM raises awareness about disability employment topics and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Although national in scope, NDEAM’s true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level. Employers of all sizes and in all industries can take part.


Learn more about what Colorado is doing to celebrate NDEAM.

FEATURED

JOB SEEKER WORKSHOP


Fair Chance Employment


October 21, 2026

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Virtual Event

Register for the featured job seeker workshop.

FEATURED

JOB SEEKER

HIRING EVENT


ESS Education


October 22, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

In-Person Event

Register for the featured job seeker hiring event.

FEATURED EMPLOYER EVENTS

Discovering A/D Works! Business Services


October 20, 2026

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Virtual Event

Register for the featured employer event.

Sign up to be notified about future hiring events.


Need help with your recruiting goals? Call 303.636.1359 or fill out a request form to connect with a Business Development Representative!

View all of our upcoming events.

Now Hiring Weekly Report Cover

Visit our website to explore the latest job openings in the Denver Metro area.

Referral program badge with megaphone

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has a referral process specifically for community partners. You can refer individuals interested in our services by completing the Community Partner Referral Form. Individuals will be contacted within two business days and we can provide updates to you upon request. Start referring today!


To refer veterans experiencing homelessness, fill out the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Referral Form.

 

Resources

  • Are you a nonprofit serving Denver learners through apprenticeships or credential programs? You may qualify for up to 75% reimbursement of training costs through the Prosperity Denver Fund.


  • ONEOK Foundation supports programs that enhance the quality of life and economic well-being in the communities where ONEOK operates and where employees work and live. Areas of interest include arts and culture, community improvement, education, the environment, and health and human services. Grant amount: $500-$500,000. Application deadline: None (Requests for greater than $5,000 are reviewed quarterly.)



  • The NBA Foundation invests in making grants to local and national organizations serving under-resourced youth ages 14-24, that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement.

News from Partners

Pathways to Progress 2026
Workforce Innovation Summit 2026 flyer
Flyer for Valuing Inclusivity Job Fair hosted by SHHRP.

Ascend Aerospace is a free, six-month cohort for Disabled professionals in Colorado who want to build a career in aerospace, aviation, and the industries that support them. Prior aerospace experience and education is welcome, but not required.


Application Deadline: November 8, 2026.

Ascend Aerospace

Career opportunity for New Americans in Colorado!


Interested in exploring a career in oral health?


The Spring Institute Entry to Oral Health Program offers free 1:1 career coaching, career exploration, professional connections, English support, and scholarship opportunities up to $800 for eligible participants. No dental experience required!


Complete the interest form for more information.

Diverse group of four individuals in dental scrubs on a promotional flyer for free career coaching in oral health, detailing eligibility and services provided by Spring Institute.

Claim State Tax Credits


You could get up to $4,473 per child or dependent in state tax money.


You could get this money even if you have low or no income or do not usually file taxes.

Apply by October 15th.

Ad promoting Colorado families could get up to $4,473 per child, showing a smiling parent carrying two young children.
Informational poster about 2027 federal changes to Colorado Medicaid, featuring a smiling food-service worker holding a plate of sandwiches.

Are you part of an organization making a difference in mental health, housing and basic needs, or the arts? East Community Center invites mission-aligned programs to join our vibrant community! As the center progresses through subsequent phases of growth, we are pleased to offer additional opportunities for organizations to become partners and contribute to this thriving community hub.

 

East Community Center has welcomed more than 40,000 visits and nourished over 11,800 individuals through dedicated food programs. Our center has supported community members with mental health services and provided many youth enrichment activities, all made possible by volunteers.

 

This is more than a space; it’s a chance to be part of something powerful. If your work aligns with our mission to support, uplift, and inspire the Littleton community, we'd love to connect!

 

Interested in partnering? Contact Director Jose Cardenas.

Apprenticeship Colorado hosts bi-weekly orientations for potential Sponsors interested in learning more about registering a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in Colorado. 


Orientations occur on the


Live webinar in computer. Online register on webinar.

The Colorado Apprenticeship Hub hosts the Apprenticeship Monthly Exchange.


It is collaborative space where businesses and community partners can come together to engage in shared learning, explore best practices, and encourage innovative thinking.


Monthly virtual meetings feature guest speakers and include resources and tools designed to ease the process of registered apprenticeship development, expansion and program management.


Meetings occur the second Wednesday of each month from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join the Zoom meeting at the designated time.

CommUNITY Power Hour logo

The CommUNITY Partners Power Hour is a virtual networking event designed for nonprofit and community agencies. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the valuable resources available within our community.


Event Details:

  • Frequency: Held on the 4th Tuesday of every other month.
  • Upcoming Meeting Date(s): October 27th
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Format: 3 presentations, 10 minutes each and a Q&A session
  • Opportunity for introductions and networking


Join the Microsoft Teams meeting at the designated time.

hand holding book icon

County Resource Guides


Arapahoe County Housing Resource Brochure


Douglas County Community Resource Guide

Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Board

Board on the Move

Josh Brence at CCA event

Josh Brence is a Senior Executive Recruiter for Johnson Controls. He joined the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board in May 2024 and was elected Vice Chair in December 2025.


He recently attended the Community College of Aurora Foundation's Beyond Scholarship Breakfast. Now in its third year, this inspiring event is built on a simple, but powerful idea: putting donors and scholars at the exact same table. Instead of a traditional presentation that just talks about students, the morning brought together students, community partners, and the CCA family to share real, lived stories. 

 

Get Involved with the Board

The board is actively seeking new members.

2025 WDB Panel Card

The Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Board meets on the first Thursday, bi-monthly from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.


Next meeting: December 3, 2026

Task Force rubber stamp

Marketing / Outreach / Engagement Task Force


This task force is focused on enhancing the efficiency and reach on marketing efforts.


Young Adult Engagement

Task Force


This task force is dedicated to increasing the engagement and enrollment of young adults (age 16-24), in workforce development services.


Data & Labor Market Information Task Force


This task force is focused on shaping data products and labor market information to best meet the needs of businesses and community partners.


If you are interested in hosting a board meeting, receiving more information, participating with, or applying to serve on the Board or a Task Force, please contact Sydney Golditch at 303.636.1178 or SGolditch@arapahoegov.com.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! | Email Us | View our Website

 

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Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is a proud partner of the American Job Center network.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! programs are federally funded. Visit https://bit.ly/ADWStevensAmendment for more information.