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Serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays (IDD)
and their families.
December 2024 News
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Meet our new Deputy Director and new CFO, read about upcoming resource fairs and classes, holiday gift card availability, and ways to engage with us! | |
Meet Our New Deputy Director and New Chief Financial Officer | |
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DDRC is pleased and proud to announce that this fall we hired Lindsay Menough as our Deputy Director. “I’m honored and energized to help DDRC craft its exciting future,” she shared.
Lindsay will help lead DDRC’s day programs, employment services, support services, residential services and our housing choice voucher program.
Lindsay has more than 20 years of experience in the health and human services field with the majority of that time spent serving children and adults with IDD.
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Before joining DDRC she was Chief Program Officer for Tennyson Center for Children, the President of Overture, and the Director of Children and Family Services for Parker Personal Care Homes.
“I’m a fierce advocate for the IDD population, a champion of best practices and efficiency, but an even stronger champion of individualized services that help people lean-in to their hopes and desires,” she said. Lindsay’s values stem from her professional experience as well as from being a 17-year host home provider to a woman with Down Syndrome, who Lindsay deems as “really cool.”
Lindsay’s vast knowledge of Colorado’s IDD system and successful record of program operation, growth and expansion will be greatly beneficial to DDRC and to the people and families we serve. We are delighted she is on our team!
| DDRC is also excited to announce that Jamie Luark joined DDRC in late summer as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Just prior to coming to DDRC, she was the Director of Finance and Administration for Front Range Health Partners, LLC, a joint division of Jefferson Center and Mental Health Partners. | |
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Jamie brings a deep understanding of the world in which DDRC operates as she been in the nonprofit sector for a substantial part of her professional career. Jamie has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). In her role with DDRC she also manages our Facilities and Operations, as well as Information Technology (IT).
"Being able to support my team members in their career goals as well as those directly supporting the individuals and families we serve is rewarding work. I feel fortunate to be able to do that alongside such a collaborative and passionate leadership team," Jamie says.
Jamie is a Colorado native who enjoys road-tripping with family, and we are so pleased and grateful that her life journey has brought her to DDRC in this important role.
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Meet with employers (many hiring), providers, and agency representatives at the Employment First Resource Fair Dec. 4 (11a.m.- 2 p.m. ) at DDRC, 11177 W. 8th Ave, Lakewood 80215. The fair is for transition students and adults with IDD, family members, education/transition services staff, and others interested in competitive, community-integrated employment for people with disabilities.
It’s free, but attendees are asked to register in advance if they can, or registration will be taken at the door. Register: https://tinyurl.com/DenverResourceFairRegistration.
The Colorado Office of Employment First and CO Chapter of Association of People Supporting Employment First have organized the fair. DDRC is pleased to be the event site host. Our specialists in Employment Services, Technology Learning, Benefits Planning, and other services will be there too.
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Holiday Gift Cards Available Through the Generosity of Community Members | |
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This holiday season, thanks to generous community members, DDRC is able to offer a $25.00 gift card to individuals and families currently enrolled in a DDRC service who are facing financial hardship. The cards can be used at Target, Walmart, King Soopers, or Amazon, providing flexibility for families or individuals to shop for what they need most. Whether for everyday essentials or holiday gifts, these donated cards aim to bring extra cheer and relief during the season!
Supplies are limited. If you are enrolled in DDRC services, and are facing financial difficulty, please reach out to the DDRC staff with whom you closely interact to ask for their help in applying for a gift card.
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This holiday cheer is funded through donations by the Marquis de Lafayette AF & AM Masonic Lodge #41 (Masons), along with other caring individuals and groups. The Masons have supported the holiday gift card drive for many years, along with other initiatives to help people served by DDRC.
Grant Sanders, Mason and DDRC Board member, presented a $2,000 check to DDRC Development Director, Ashley Brooks, saying, “Our lodge members feel fortunate that we can make this donation. We appreciate DDRC and are gratified to think of the people whose holidays will be made a bit lighter through our gift.” Photos of Grant and Ashley, and of Grant along with fellow Masons, Johan Ortner and Randy Penn, are shown below.
If you would like to donate $25 to help fund additional gift cards, please email development@ddrcco.com.
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Holiday Fun with DDRC and 6 and 40 Brewery - Dec. 7 | |
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How about some tasty, creative, and memorable fun with friends and family - while giving back to DDRC? Bring the whole family or join up with friends for a festive event of holiday stories from Mrs. Claus, cocoa and cookies, ornament making, and chili ($5 per cup), with live music in the evening. Adults may also buy a holiday brew from 6 and 40 Brewery’s line up of great drinks.
A percentage of purchases are donated to DDRC. Join us on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 6 and 40 Brewery, 883 Parfet St., Lakewood 80215.
The event is FREE, but please RSVP by emailing Development@ddrcco.com.
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Give the Gift of Opportunity and Inclusion on Gives Day | |
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Colorado Gives Day is coming up soon. Please consider supporting DDRC's crucial mission and programs by scheduling your donation now or by donating to DDRC as part of the statewide giving day on Dec.10. Happily, these donations will get boosted by a share of a $1 million incentive fund, made possible by the Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank.
Every donation matters to DDRC, furthering our mission and the impact we can make! Thank you for your generosity. Donate: https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/DDRC
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Elevate Self-Advocacy with Our Confident Connections Series | |
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Attention participants in services, families, and caregivers-DDRC’s learning series, “Confident Connections,” is now open for registration. This 7-part series, led by an Elevatus Training certified instructor, will help people with IDD, families, and providers explore topics of relationships, communication, sexuality, and more.
Everyone can benefit from understanding their feelings, bodies, relationships, and sexuality— no matter their abilities. Open conversations foster confidence, promote healthy relationships, and help ensure personal safety. These topics might feel intimidating, but they are essential for nurturing independence and self-advocacy. The class series will share resources and support attendees as they explore and learn how to create confident connections.
| To register, please email employmentfirst@ddrcco.com or call (720) 544-8122. Participants are encouraged to reach out early to arrange their service units for participating in the class series. Download the Confident Connections flyer. | |
Shine Bright. Do Good - Dec. 14 (Noon - 2 p.m.) | |
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Kendra Scott has fashion jewelry, small accessories, perfume and other items to make life beautiful. Their motto is “Shine bright. Do good,” and true to that motto they are hosting a benefit event for DDRC. Wonderful!
Join us at Kendra Scott Cherry Creek North on Saturday, Dec.14 from noon to 2 p.m. for a holiday shopping spree to get shining gifts for all the loved ones in your life. when 20% of all sales within those 2 hours will go to DDRC.
Or, shop online 12/14 and 12/15 using the code GIVEBACK-HLOLN when making purchases which will also qualify for the giveback to DDRC. More information here.
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The “T” in TLC stands for Therapeutic–Therapeutic Learning Connections, but it could also stand for “Transformative” because this DDRC service has been that for many participants.
DDRC’s TLC/Recreation delivers more than 1,700 hours of engaging activities each year ranging from outdoor adventures, fitness/nutrition, art, culture, movies, dining out, group games and so much more, including ten competitive sports leagues. Our staff truly “see” each person and help them develop socially, emotionally, and physically through whatever activities a person chooses.
One participant who we will call Bradley (to observe his anonymity) experienced the transformative power of our TLC staff and programs. He came from another provider that hadn’t been able to provide or understand what he needed. His family saw his declining physical and emotional health, realized he needed a change, and reached out to us.
Bradley came alive through DDRC’s sports activities. He had a competitive spirit but sometimes overlooked the importance of teamwork. With the support and mentoring of our staff, he learned to appreciate and model camaraderie, and grew as an athlete and a leader to his teammates. Through our programs, he found not only a second family but also a more resilient part of himself.
Bradley’s story demonstrates the difference we can make in people’s lives. We invite you to engage with us! If you are a person with disabilities, or someone who wants to help a loved one develop new strengths, then reach out to our TLC/Recreation program by calling (720) 544-8150 and visit the TLC webpage here. If you’re interested in volunteering, TLC welcomes people without disabilities to participate alongside DDRC athletes in our Unified Sports program.
If you are moved to make a donation to DDRC, your support can help spark the power of transformation for even more people. This winter, thanks to the generous support of the Mai Family Trust, your donation will be matched—doubling the impact of your gift—up to a total of $30,000 to support participants in our TLC/Recreation programs! Donate here.
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Out in the Community - Contact Us to Connect | We are always pleased for the opportunity to share what we do. If you have a provider fair, community event, or speaker program where attendees may want to learn about us, please let us know. Call 303.233.3363 or 303.462.6623. | |
Jeffco Nonprofit Showcase at Colorado Mills Mall | |
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DDRC helped kick off the giving season along with other nonprofits during the Jeffco Nonprofit Showcase in November. The event was organized by the Colorado Gives Foundation along with the West Metro Chamber and hosted at the Colorado Mills (Lakewood). Passers-by at the CO Mills Dining Pavilion stopped by our tables and learned about our work and ways to give back through Colorado Gives.
A big thank you to the organizers and the Colorado Mills for supporting the nonprofit community. We hope you’ll put the Colorado Mills Mall in your sights for holiday shopping.
| Jefferson County Schools Transitions Resource Night | |
We participated in the Jeffco Schools Transition Services Resource Night and visited with students, families, and school officials. We look forward to continuing to work together to build inclusion and opportunities for people of all abilities, throughout their lives. | |
Lakewood Foothills Rotary | |
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DDRC had the opportunity to be the guest speaker at the virtual and in-person meeting of the Lakewood Foothills Rotary where we shared our mission, services, and ways to get involved.
It was so nice to see their interest and to learn about them too!
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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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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
DDRC sends information via this “Constant Contact" email platform, including information about DDRC services and supports, announcements of emergencies, as well as invitations to events and donor support opportunities. Please do not unsubscribe from Constant Contact. If you prefer not to receive emails for newsletters, invitations, donor opportunities or other notices, please email us to let us know. Thank you!
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