In This Issue:
- Case Management Redesign Update - New Director Appointed
- Helpful Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
- Limited Tickets Available for Comedy Night With Josh Blue
- Your Opinion Matters - Take The Arc-CO's Guardianship/Conservatorship Survey
- What Happens After High School? - Free Virtual Workshop
- PossAbilities Expo - February 3
- Join People First and Promote Positive Change
- Project Search - Applications Due February 9
- Coffee House - February 15
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Case Management Redesign Update
Tim Young Appointed JCHS Case Management Agency Director
The Arc-Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties has been an important voice in the process of Case Management Redesign and in the selection of Tim Young as the new Case Management Agency Director at Jefferson County Human Services (JCHS). His first day will be February 11.
Lori Ropa, our Executive Director was part of a team selected to collaborate with JCHS and Developmental Disabilities Resource Center in selecting Tim for the position.
“It’s extraordinary that The Arc was invited to be a part of the interview process for this position and is reflective of the mutually respectful relationship between us and Jeffco Human Services,” Lori said.
The Arc-JCCGC committed to partnership with the new Case Management Division to ensure the smoothest transition possible and clear and consistent communication with individuals and families receiving services.
“What stood out to me about Tim during the interview process was his focus on and commitment to the people being served,” Lori said. “In any new endeavor there will be learning necessary and infrastructure to build, but you can’t manufacture passion for people.”
Tim has been a leader within the Children, Youth, Family, and Adult Protection (CYFAP) division of Jefferson County for the past 23 years, starting as a child protection caseworker and supervisor. For the past 13 years, Tim has been a Program Manager in the Permanency section of CYFAP overseeing permanency teams that included the Juvenile Delinquency unit, Sex Abuse Unit, Early Intervention Services as well as traditional permanency teams. Additionally, Tim is currently the manager of Jefferson County’s Adult Protection teams.
“Everyone gets dignity and respect,” Tim said. “I have an overall belief in the inherent worth of human beings.”
Lori said she and Tim will be in regular contact throughout the transition and ongoing to be sure people get what they need. “There will be bumps in the road, but we will do everything we can to make sure they’re as small as possible.”
The Arc-JCCGC is a resource for you and your family through the Case Management Redesign changes. We know the process has not been easy for everyone. Do you have experiences, concerns, challenges, or success stories you want to tell us about? Connect with us by email: [email protected] with the subject line “Case Management Redesign.”
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Helpful Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
This is Identity Theft Awareness Week. Simple steps to protect your personal information can help lessen the chance of identity theft happening to you. It can take a long time to recover from having personal information stolen and used to open bank accounts, credit cards, obtain tax refunds, or file fake health insurance claims.
Here are some helpful tips from consumer.gov to prevent identity theft:
- Keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards in a safe place.
- Shred papers that have your personal or medical information.
- Take mail out of your mailbox as soon as you can.
- Do not give your personal information to someone who calls you or emails you.
- Use computer passwords that are not easy to guess. Use numbers and symbols when you can.
- Do not respond to emails or other messages that ask for personal information.
- Do not put personal information on a computer in a public place, like the library.
For more information about identity theft and how to avoid it, click here.
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Don't Miss Comedy Night With Josh Blue
Get your tickets today!
Critics have said Josh is not a cerebral palsy comic; he’s a comic who happens to have cerebral palsy. He has funny stories that spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities.
Comedy Night with Josh Blue is being presented by The Arc-JCCGC as part of our Developmental Disability Awareness Month activities this March. All tickets include a 60-minute comedy performance and a Q&A with Josh. Limited tickets are available, so get yours today before they are sold out.
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What: Comedy Night with Josh Blue
The content of this show is "adult-friendly"
When: March 8 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30)
Where: Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood
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Ticket Price: $59.00
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Post-Show VIP Party: $119.00 - includes a ticket for the comedy show followed by a reception with Josh. Light food and drinks included at the party.
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Self-Advocate Discounted Ticket: A limited number of $19 tickets are available for self-advocates. These tickets must be coordinated through The Arc.
Want tickets for a self-advocate, or have questions about show content?
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Your Opinion Matters
Take The Arc-CO's Guardianship/Conservatorship Survey
The Arc of Colorado is taking a survey about guardianship and/or conservatorship experiences in Colorado. Its target audience includes individuals with disabilities who are currently - or could be - subject to guardianship and/or conservatorship, their families, and supports.
Do you have stories you'd like to share about your guardianship and/or conservatorship experience? If so, click below to take the survey by February 15. The estimated time to complete the survey is eight minutes.
If you or someone you know might need assistance in filling out this form, contact The Arc of Colorado at [email protected] or by calling (303) 864.9794.
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What Happens After High School? - Free Virtual Workshop
Project Independence - What Happens After High School - is a free virtual workshop for parents being presented by Show+Tell. Topics include:
- Obtaining Employment
- College as an Option
- Transportation
- Advocacy
- Community Resources
- Social Security Income
- Transition on the IEP
The workshop is scheduled on six Thursdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m. starting on Thursday, February 8.
Spanish interpretation will be available.
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Lakewood's PossAbilities Expo - February 3
Connecting the Disability Community with Recreation and Resources
The City of Lakewood is planning its first PossAbilities Expo to highlight opportunities for the disability community and bring together resources for people who have disabilities and their families or caregivers.
Many local adaptive recreation opportunities and organizations that provide services that benefit individuals with disabilities and their families/caregivers will be represented. People of all ages and abilities are welcome.
Stop by and say hello to members of The Arc-JCCGC’s team. Explore a wide variety of vendors, resources, and services for different abilities, including therapeutic recreation, adaptive sports, health care, funding sources, transportation and more. Interactive demos and activities are planned.
When: Saturday, February 3: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Charles Whitlock Recreation Center: 1555 Dover St., Lakewood
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Join People First and Promote Positive Change
Do you want to be part of an organization that promotes positive change?
Then, attend the next People First meeting on February 7.
People First members practice strengthening their self-advocacy skills while supporting each other. Engagement, collaboration, and community are among the numerous positive benefits of People First - a local chapter of Speaking For Ourselves – Colorado - is an inclusive organization that empowers individuals, supports people to speak for themselves, and helps enhance self-advocacy skills.
Interested? People First meetings are scheduled on the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Attend in person at The Arc-JCCGC's office in Lakewood or virtually on Zoom.
People First
Wednesday, February 7: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
In Person at The Arc's Office -- 13949 W. Colfax Ave, #102, Lakewood
Or, to join by Zoom.
Check out our website for more information about People First and/or to join the meeting virtually: click here.
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Project Search Applications Due February 9
Project SEARCH is an innovative school-to-work transition program for high school students who have disabilities. The program is dedicated to workforce development that benefits the individual, community, and workplace.
Children’s Hospital Colorado serves as the host business providing opportunities for students to learn workplace skills and emerge from the program ready for employment.
To be eligible to apply to Project SEARCH, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Currently enrolled in a local high school special education program or transition program
- Nearing their last year(s) of school services
- Completed graduation requirements but deferred diploma
- Have a strong desire to work
- Are comfortable working in a healthcare setting
- Qualify for services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and their local Community Centered Board (CCB)
- Willing to travel to and from the program independently (public transportation, Access-a-Ride, carpooling, etc)
Applications are for both Children’s Hospital Colorado and UCHealth. The application deadline is February 9, 2024.
More information about Project Search including eligibility criteria and application instructions is available by clicking here.
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Don't Miss Coffee House!
Top Five Reasons to Join Us at Coffee House
1. everyone is welcome
2. make new friends
3. mingle with people of all abilities
4. promote inclusion in our community
5. it’s fun!
Thursday, February 15: 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Panera Bread - 650 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
See you there!
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