Ella's College Dream:
Funded, Fulfilled, and Thriving
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At DDRC, we believe in opening doors and supporting dreams—and Ella, a determined young woman, is living hers thanks to our Self Determination Initiative (SDI) funding. She’s enrolled in the Inclusive Higher Education Solutions (IHES) Certificate Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver (Metro), designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and is fully experiencing college life.
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“I’ve dreamed of going to college like my older sister since high school,” Ella shared. “I didn’t think I could because of my learning challenges.” But inclusive higher education changed that.
Though the program doesn’t offer financial aid, assistance through DDRC’s SDI funding made enrollment possible. Ella is thriving—commuting independently, making friends, engaging on campus, and earning A’s and B’s. “I’ve learned how to do presentations, and even though I was scared at first, I stood up in front of my college class and did it,” she said proudly. With support from program mentors and leaders like Diego, Claire, and Cathi, Ella is gaining confidence and valuable skills. After her first year, she’s excited for classes to begin again in August. “It’s great to be a Metro Roadrunner,” she says.
“While I love my job at a doggie daycare, I know I can do more,” she explained. “College helps me learn what I enjoy and what career I might want.” Her message to herself and others: “I can do this, and I am doing this.”
Way to go, Ella! And we’re proud of the impact SDI funding continues to make.
| | Vacation, Staycation & Experiences Auction | | |
August 1 - August 11, we’re turning up the volume on giving back! In tune with our Rockin’ the Fairways Golf Tournament at Hiwan Golf Club, this online auction is packed with chart-toppers and our bidders' favorite items over the years—think epic new getaways, local escapes, outings, and one-of-a-kind experiences. All proceeds go to support DDRC!
Score something amazing for yourself, or your bandmates (aka friends & family), and feel great doing it. So easy since it’s all online! Bidding closes when the curtain drops at 6 PM on August 11—don’t miss your shot at the spotlight!
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Back to School, Big on Fun:
Join the Bash
| | Jefferson County Schools is throwing the ultimate Back to School Bash, and you're invited! Join DDRC and many other school partners for a day packed with fun, food, games, and community connection — all for free! Students, families, and community members, this is your chance to kick off the school year with a day that’s as exciting as it is helpful. | | |
📍 When & Where:
🗓️ Saturday, August 9th | 🕘 9 AM - 2 PM
🏢 Jeffco Stadium | 500 Kipling St, Lakewood, CO 80226
💥 DDRC is bringing the bash to our booth
Swing by to:
✨ Meet our friendly staff
✨ Learn about our latest programs and resources
✨ Snag some awesome giveaways
✨ Play a fun game or two
✨ See how DDRC can help your student and family lead a life of inclusion
Let's make this school year the best one yet — and it all starts with the Bash! 📍
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Fresh Off the Grill!
The 2025 Legislative BBQ is heating up, and you don't want to miss it!
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Save the Date: September 4th, 2025
Time: 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Location: Apex Community Center 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada 80003
Get ready for an evening of good food, meaningful conversations, and community connections. It’s your chance to mix, mingle, and dig in with elected officials, candidates, and fellow community members. Let’s fire up new understandings and savor the flavor of civic engagement—BBQ style!
Stay tuned—official invites and registration details are coming soon from event host, Family Tree, along with awesome cohosts: DDRC, Jefferson Center, Seniors Resource Center, and The Action Center.
| | Behavioral Health Community Conversations | | Succession Planning for a Loved One When You're No Longer There | | |
Do you provide care for a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability?
If you've ever worried about their future without you, you're not alone. That's where succession planning comes in.
The Colorado Office of Employment First (COEF) and the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council (CDDC) are offering free Foundational Succession Planning sessions to help families prepare for the future. With nearly 20,000 adults in Colorado with IDD living with caregivers over age 60, this support is more important than ever.
Sessions will be held later this summer and fall (dates TBD). Space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.
| | 📢 Attention: Funding Available for Jefferson County IDD/DD Service Providers | |
DDRC is proud of our Provider Support Funding (PSF) Program—a unique funding opportunity designed to help service providers address unmet needs, remove barriers, and enhance or innovate their offerings for individuals in Jefferson County with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or developmental delays.
Who Can Apply?
Funds are available to a wide range of providers and organizations serving individuals in Jefferson County, including but not limited to:
- PASAs (Program Approved Service Agencies)
- Community Organizations
- Advocacy Agencies
- Schools
Whether you're looking to expand services, introduce a new program, or reach more individuals in need, this funding can help your organization take the next step.
Broad Impact:
So far, DDRC has provided funding support to more than 40 different organizations, reflecting our commitment to diverse and inclusive service delivery throughout the community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your impact!
For details on eligibility and to complete, visit DDRC’s Community Funding Programs page. For questions, please contact Julia at CFP@ddrcco.com.
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We’re committed to meeting the highest standards for charitable operations
and giving, and are proud of the ratings we've achieved!
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