January 2024 Issue

FRIENDS News

Save The Date

Swing Into Action For A Good Cause


Join us on April 21st at 1:00 pm for our TOPGOLF Tournament! Gather your squad of 6 and let your company sponsor your team or register independently for a Sunday Funday with FRIENDS. Enjoy a day of friendly competition, delicious lunch, and camaraderie. A cash bar will be available to keep the celebration in full swing. Don't miss this chance to make a difference while having a ball!


Registration & Sponsorships

2024 Events Sponsorship

Let's Be Friends


As a non-profit human service agency we rely heavily on fundraising to carry out our strategic initiatives. As part of our fundraising efforts this year we are planning our TOPGOLF Tournament, FRIENDS Luncheon & Fashion Show, and Variety Show, and we think YOU will want to be a part of it.


We are inviting you and your company to become a FRIENDS 2024 Events Sponsor. Your partnership would mean so much to the participants of FRIENDS of Broomfield programs, which serve over 230 individuals annually in the community.


Events Sponsorship Opportunities

Sip and Support

Gina Coufal and Rabin Walters had the pleasure of sitting down with Kyle Michael, Realtor at RE/MAX Momentum and BeFRIEND Young Professional Advisory Board Member, for his monthly series "Sip and Support". They discussed the importance of FRIENDS and ways to get involved in 2024. View the video to the left to learn more.

2023 Rocked!

2023 Highlights


Thank you for making 2023 a year we will never forget. We look forward to making more memories with you in 2024.

FREINDS Programs

FRIENDS Day Program

Exciting News! At the end of each month, our Friends get the chance to visit the Reward Store and treat themselves to awesome goodies! They earned tickets by attending classes, being amazing friends, and lending a helping hand. Now, we need YOUR help to keep the store stocked with fantastic items that our Friends will adore!


Consider contributing items like Colorado sports gear, dazzling jewelry, stylish hats, entertaining DVDs and CDs, brain-teasing word searches, puzzles, and anything else you think our Friends would absolutely love. Whether it's new or gently used, every donation makes a difference!


Drop off or send your donations to FRIENDS at 11851 Saulsbury St., Broomfield, CO 80020. Your generosity will help create smiles and spread joy among our incredible Friends. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!

January Class Calendar


Check out our January class schedule. The Friends are enjoying new classes this semester such as Hydroponics, Pinterest & Podcast, and Sketching.


Program Closed Mon. 1/29/24 for in service day.


Learn More

FRIENDS Social & Travel Program

PLEASE NOTE:


NEW FEES

Costs such as activity fees, transportation and supplies for Social Programs has gone up. While we want to keep these activities affordable, we don't want to compromise the support, or the unique and engaging activities we provide. Therefore, beginning in February, the fee for evening Social Programs like Women's, Men's and FRIENDS Night Out will increase to $40. Day out activites will be priced as usual. If you have questions, or this presents a hardship, please email Annie at agreen@friendsofbroomfield.org or Gina at gcoufal@friendsofbroomfield.org.


TRANSPORTATION to and from FRIENDS

Times of the events will vary depending on the activities. For those dropping off participants, please do not arrive earlier than 10 min before the start, and please pick up no later than 10 minutes after the event. For those on AAR, please make certain to schedule transportation to and from events as close to the event times as possible. If the event starts at 6 please schedule for 5:30--6:00pm. If the event ends at 8pm, please schedule for 7:45 - 8:15pm. FRIENDS staff is not available to provide supervision prior to the start of an event or after an event ends. We will make every effort to accomodate Access-A-Ride early or late arrivals. However, for those with private transportation, If we need to provide additional staff time to accommodate early drop offs or late pick ups, we will charge additional fees. We appreciate your consideration.


To register email info@friendsofbroomfield.org or pay online here

Social

FRIENDS Day Out

Sat. January 6th

10:15AM - 2:30PM $100


Wonka


Join us for a screening of Wonka. This movie is based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.

We will meet at FRIENDS at 10:15am, watch the movie and then have a late lunch. Arrange for your ride home from FRIENDS at 2:30pm.


Register by January 4th



Learn More

Men's Night Out

Thurs. January 11th

6:00PM - 8:00PM $30


Wonderland Brewery


Join us for an evening of fun and good conversation at the Wonderland Brewing Company where we’ll go for appetizers and games. There are a wide variety of games at Wonderland, from billiards, to ping pong, pinball and arcade games. You are sure to find something you like! Please, eat dinner at home. Meet at FRIENDS at 6:00pm. You can arrange for your ride home from FRIENDS at 8:00pm.










Register by January 8th



Learn More

Women's Night Out

Thurs. January 11th

6:00PM - 8:00PM $30


Candle Making


Ladies, join us for an evening of creative fun and candle making. Let your imagination run wild while you create amazing sand painting patterns with candle sand wax. Everyone will take home their creations. Please, eat dinner at home. We will meet at FRIENDS at 6:00pm. Arrange for you ride home at 8:00pm.




Register by January 8th





Learn More

FRIENDS Night Out

Wed. January 24th

5:30PM - 8:00PM $30


Bowling


Join us at Chipper’s Lanes for a night of friendly competition as we spend the evening enjoying one of America’s greatest past times. We’ll be hanging out and cheering each other on as we try to knock down those pins. A snack will be served at the bowling alley. Meet at FRIENDS at 5:30pm and arrange for your ride home from FRIENDS at 8:00pm. Please eat dinner at home.


Register by January 17th




Learn More

Travel

2024 Travel Catalog



We fill each day of your trip with all-inclusive tours, recreation, and other unique activities. These opportunities stimulate intellectual growth, generate social interactions, and provide memories to last a lifetime. Of course, there is also plenty of time to relax and enjoy the delicious cuisine of the area and the company of others.



Learn More

FRIENDS Residential Program

Participant Highlight

We all know that regular movement and activity is important for a healthy lifestyle. But just as important is selecting a movement program that you genuinely enjoy. This month I would like to recognize Amy for her healthy lifestyle choices. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of spending time with Amy, supporting her in her independent apartment home living. In that time, I enjoyed dancing with her as a form of exercise. Amy continuously looks for opportunities to participate in activities such as cheerleading, golf and dance fitness. These activities not only get her blood flowing but are also tailored to her unique expression of movement preferences, ensuring it is a perfect fit for her. This has led to her consistent commitment to the activity for many years. When I asked Amy how long she has been a Broncos' cheerleader, she let me know that she has been involved in this team for 9 years. Amy has also swam with her special Olympics team since she was 18 years old, as well as attended R3bel Dance fitness at the local Chuze gym with her instructor Solo and Zumba classes long-term. Consistency is the cornerstone of any successful fitness routine. You’re more likely to stick with something you enjoy, making it easier to establish a regular hit. So, how does Amy go about finding an activity that truly brings her joy? It starts with exploring interests by thinking about activities you’ve always enjoyed. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, or golf, the options are vast. Choosing a movement program that you enjoy is the foundation of long-term commitment to your fitness journey. It’s not about following trends or doing what everyone else is doing; it's about finding what makes your heart sing and your body thrive. So, take the time to explore, experiment, and discover the joy in movement. Let us follow in Amy’s footsteps by selecting a movement program that is sustainable because it is enjoyable.  


-Chantelle Tweten-Crumbliss Residential Program Director

Changes in Case Management Agencies

Changes have been made to the case management system in Colorado. These changes will help all people access Medicaid waiver services easier. Medicaid provides a variety of waiver programs (including the DD and SLS waivers) that can now be accessed through one single point of entry.  


Many of the community centered boards (CCBs) in Colorado have historically provided direct support and programs to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; this potentially created a conflict of interest. CCBs had to make the decision to either continue to provide case management services or direct care services and programs; they can no longer do both.   Imagine, North Metro Community Services (NMCS) and Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) chose to continue to provide direct care services and will transition the case management services to a different agency. 


The changes will have an impact on the people served at FRIENDS.  

If you have questions about the case management transition or are experiencing challenges with contacting a case manager, FRIENDS is here to help. Please contact us at (303) 404-0123.  

FRIENDS Supported Employment Program

Work-aversaries

Jessica is celebrating her three-year work anniversary at King Soopers.

John is celebrating his two-year work anniversary at Happy Day Plants.

Tanya is celebrating her seven-year work anniversary at ARC Thrift Stores.

Program Update

FRIENDS of Broomfield Supported Employment Program continues to grow and expand by accepting new referrals and maintaining the quality support that FRIENDS is known for with every individual that FRIENDS supports into the new year! The Supported Employment staff continue to work with individuals to achieve successful community integrated employment outcomes in the community with person-centered, career focused job development, job placement, and job coaching tailored to the specific needs of each individual.


-Jamie Howard Supported Employment Program Director

FRIENDS in the Community

Holiday Parade

Grateful for the festive magic brought to our streets by the Rotary Club of Broomfield Crossing, Officer Tony, City Divisions, Broomfield Police & Fire, and our incredible staff! Thanks for turning our little street into a winter wonderland filled with joy and community spirit.


View More Photos

The Grove at Cottonwood - WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

As many of you are aware, we have been a part of an ongoing effort to bring about affordable, supportive housing to Broomfield. The Grove at Cottonwood apartment project recently went before the Land Use Review Committee who also heard public comment from the community. There are still many concerns from neighbors, but the project is well thought out and will be a model for other commuities looking to provide housing for its IDD population.


The Broomfield Housing Alliance is now gearing up for the next step in the process which is a Public Hearing with the Broomfield City Council on January 23rd

6 pm

1 DesCombes Drive 


This will be a critical night for the Grove, and affordable housing in general, because it will determine if they receive the necessary approvals to move forward. 


We are so appreciative that many of you have been on this journey with us and hope you are able to attend on the 23rd to show your support. If you are willing and able, it would be great to have you speak on behalf of the Grove at Cottonwood, or simply on behalf of affordable housing in Broomfield, during the public hearing. We need to show there is a critical need and immense interest in bringing this project to fruition. We have many individuals wanting to live independently and many caregivers needing to know that supported housing will be there for our sons and daughters!

WE NEED TO SHOW UP FOR OUR FUTURE!!


Public comment during a live meeting may be made in person or via telephone starting at approximately 6:00 P.M. by calling 1-855-695-3744 and pressing star 3 (*3) to be placed in the queue.


If you are unable to attend, feel free to send letters of support to City Council  via council@broomfieldcitycouncil.org for Council's review no later than noon on the Monday prior to the meeting date to be part of the official meeting record. 


Please help us spread the word so we have as many supporters in the room as possible!! Thank you!!

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