High School Transition – Prepare Ahead For It! | |
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In November, DDRC connected with families and young adult students at the Transitions Night organized by Jeffco Transition Services School /Jeffco Schools Special Education.
DDRC's Case Management, Employment Services and Community Relations staff attended the event to present information, answer questions, hear from families, and help guide them as they envisioned a transition from high school. Students with I/DD and their families need to be aware that some crucial steps should be taken even before the student is close to leaving high school. That makes transition information nights important to attend!
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Jeb Brako with Jeffco Transition Services (JTS)/ School to Workforce Alliance Program (SWAP) kicked off the night with an introductory session. Other presenters included the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Workforce Center, who presented information on Internship Opportunities, and The Arc, Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin who did an informational session on Alternatives to Guardianship.
JTS is planning additional Transition Night information sessions. Once plans are formalized, we will share them, so stand-by.
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We’ve Got Some Fabulous Supporters! | |
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We’ve got some fabulous supporters! More than 40 people braved snow and ice in November to enjoy an evening at Beau Jo’s restaurant in Arvada where proceeds were donated to DDRC, thanks to Beau Jo’s generosity. Members of the Masonic Lodges, current and past DDRC Board of Directors, friends, families, staff and other supporters mixed and chatted over dinner while supporting the cause of inclusion for people of all abilities.
Thank you to all who joined us! A special thank you to Beau Jo’s Arvada, who, earlier this year, also donated restaurant gift certificates for our golf/auction fundraiser. The support of local businesses to area nonprofits - and to DDRC- makes our community and state special!
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DDRC Adult Vocational Services Pours Positives into Staff
to Grow Quality Services
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To thrive and grow, plants need water and sunlight, and the fledgling bird needs food and a warm nest. Then, the plant flowers and the sparrow can soar. Professional Development has parallels there. It takes nurturing, resources, new ideas and sharing for each employee to grow their skills, gain knowledge, and find confidence and excitement to bring forth their best. DDRC supports this dynamic for the benefit of the people we serve, understanding that our employees are key to fulfilling our mission!
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DDRC’s Adult Vocational Services (AVS) recently organized and sponsored a Professional Development Day. AVS professionals are on the frontlines, working directly with people to support them in their choices for community connections, day programs for socialization and adaptive skills, and employment supports that help people with disabilities discover passions and find jobs of their own.
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The day featured keynote speakers to begin and end the event, along with breakout sessions giving participants a chance to relate to other staff with whom they may not work closely every day. That, along with several interactive, problem-solving challenges helped spark new insights and connections for the staff.
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Presenters were from within and outside of DDRC.
Guest presenters included a woman with disabilities now working for the largest healthcare provider in Colorado, as well as presenters from Community Connections, Inc., Metro Music (music therapy), mediation and yoga leaders, and others.
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Topics included a Shark Tank Innovation Challenge, Supporting Authentic Disability Advocacy, Uncovering Bias: Shifting Mindsets From Caregiving to Capability, and Dignity of Risk - which helped participants explore and define dignity of risk by taking a few risks of their own. Two different Escape Room challenges fostered problem solving and demonstrated the importance of teamwork.
It was a meaningful and valuable day!
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Help Us Reach Our Goal: Team Up with Us and the Mai Family Trust | |
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This fall, we asked you, the DDRC community, to help bring more social activities and recreational experiences to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). With your help, we have a chance to meet our $55,000 fundraising goal for this truly meaningful initiative.
And, while the benefits of our Therapeutic Learning Connections /Recreation program are many, so are the benefits of giving a gift today. That's because, thanks to the Mai Family Trust, the impact of your gift is doubled! Won’t you step up to help? Together, we can fund more recreation opportunities for more individuals with I/DD.
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Do Good with DDRC for Colorado Gives Day | |
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Colorado Gives Day – Colorado's statewide day of giving on December 6 - is practically here! We invite you to support individuals and families who use our resources every day. With every donation we receive, more people benefit in greater ways through the services that these resources provide.
And a gift to DDRC before December 6 still counts towards the Gives Day incentive funds we can receive. So, please, help us serve more people by making your Colorado Gives Day donation early in support of DDRC. With your help, we can see that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their community!
Donate: coloradogives.org/donate/DDRC
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Jump Start Child Care Subsidy Available - Apply Soon! | |
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Are you newly employed, or enrolled in school or job training, and in need of help paying for childcare?
There is a new program to help qualifying families of young children ages birth to 8 years old who live in Clear Creek or Gilpin Counties.
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The Triad Early Childhood Council is excited to announce the availability of funds made possible by the Colorado Dept. of Early Childhood Community Innovation and Resilience for Care and Learning Equity (CIRCLE) grant program. This funding will assist families by providing a three-month childcare subsidy. This subsidy provides graduated childcare funding for workers going back to work or school who do not qualify for CCCAP. All licensed and registered providers who are caring for recipients' children can participate with 100% of the cost being covered in the first month, 75% in the second month, and 50% in the third month. Guidance finding childcare is available.
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The deadline to apply is February 15, 2023.
Download the flyer with the application link.
or more information see: www.triadecc.org
or contact brenda.hobgood@rrcc.edu or call 303-895-0633.
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Learn New Approaches to Motivate Positive Behavior | |
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The year is winding down and a new one is ahead. Maybe you are thinking about how to make a fresh start with someone you care for or work with, in order to have more satisfying interactions. If so, start the new year with a free training by DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team geared to help attendees learn how to motivate positive behavior, gain understanding and encourage cooperation.
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The training is applicable to different ages and settings, and uses real life examples to make the concepts more understandable and meaningful to participants. DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team Manager, Zach Maple, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in this field since 2008, will lead the training.
This free class will be held in-person on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., at the DDRC offices at 11177 W. 8th Ave., Lakewood 80215.
Advance registration is required by emailing your name and phone number to Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com
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Family Support Services Program (FSSP) Funds Are Available Now | |
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Family Support Services Program (FSSP) funds are available now! To be considered, please submit your Most-In-Need Assessment and Service Request forms available through our web site. FSSP funds provide reimbursement, advances, and direct vendor payments up to your authorized limit. Submitting your assessment and request forms early helps to ensure you have funds approved for reimbursement of expenses that are already incurred, as well as any anticipated expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. Apply now while money is still available!
Funds may be used for disability related services provided on or after 7/1/2022 through 6/30/2023, and include such things as respite care, assistive technology, home modifications, transportation/mileage to access disability services, counseling, therapies and more.
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For more information about FSSP and what funds can be used for, please refer to DDRC’s Guide to FSSP Services, Limits, and Exclusions updated July 2022.
Find the guide and application forms here.
The deadline to apply is May 31, 2023. To have the forms and guide sent to you please contact your Service or Resource Coordinator, or Christina Smith at 303-462-6576, christina.smith@ddrcco.com
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If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their heating bill, the Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) may be able to help! It’s a federally funded program that helps qualified Coloradans pay a portion of their winter home heating bills.
The LEAP assistance benefit is usually paid directly to the household energy supplier, and you can receive assistance just once each season (Nov.1 to April 30).
Qualifications include residency requirements, that you pay energy costs directly to a utility company or to a landlord as part of rent, and that the maximum family household income does not exceed 60% of the state median income level. For example, in 2022-2023 season, the maximum gross monthly income for a household of 3 people is $4,652.
Program Details - visit: cdhs.colorado.gov/leap
Apply online through Colorado Peak or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (432-8435).
We hope this helps our friends in need to stay warm!
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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
People served by DDRC and their families:
If you have already indicated that you wish to only receive official notifications, we ask for your patience as we work to coordinate and update those preferences in the database over the coming months. Thank you!
DDRC sends important information via this “Constant Contact" email platform, including information about DDRC services and supports, announcements of emergencies, etc. Please do not unsubscribe from Constant Contact emails since our communications will be restricted to U.S. mail and will take longer to get to you. If you prefer not to receive e-newsletters, invitations or donor opportunities please use our “Online Form” to indicate that you do not want to receive such emails. Official notifications about services and supports may then still be sent via Constant Contact, unless you contact us to indicate otherwise. Thank You.
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