Connecting for Understanding | |
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Standing in line for a BBQ lunch, members of DDRC’s Board of Directors and our Community Services Committee came alongside people in services for a chance to break bread together. Despite the clouds on that mid-May day, the mood inside DDRC’s Margaret Walters building was festive, with happy chatter, pretty table settings, and the smiling faces of staff who served the BBQ offerings.
DDRC’s Community Services Committee is charged with being informed about and providing recommendations on current services, trends, best practices, regulations and funding regarding Home and Community Based Services, Long Term Care services and Therapeutic Recreation. Meeting at Walters for the BBQ was an opportunity for Board members to connect with participants and gain a deeper understanding of what DDRC does, the facilities and services DDRC provides, and the people we serve.
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MayAnn Tillman, who has been part of the Community Service Committee for 5+ years, and is now the Chair of the committee said:
“DDRC's commitment to the IDD community is evident in the care the organization takes to manage its service offerings. The efforts to tie programs to people is really amazing. This BBQ is one of several efforts to involve Board and committee members so that they gain firsthand understanding, which is key for good guidance. And the Spring BBQ with the people we serve was a great time!”
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Community Services Committee Members
Mary Ann Tillman, Chair
Joanne Elliott, Amy Miller, David Pemberton, Doreen Raad and Tim Schimberg
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Rolling Hope, a non-profit in Denver, has generously donated 500 (!) Bombas footie socks to DDRC. We are so grateful to be provided with necessities for many individuals we serve. Nathaniel, who is with that nonprofit, hopes to drop off additional socks in the future. Bombas is known for their caring company culture by donating one pair of socks for each pair purchased.
The footie socks, are especially perfect for the upcoming summer days. John, one of the sock recipients said, “They are really comfortable and fit great, and I’m happy I got several pairs. I could do a commercial I like them so much!” He’s pictured here on the left sitting at our offices with some other sock recipients. Mildred, a DDRC Direct Service Provider, who is shown below, was picking up socks to distribute to people she helps to support. “It’s so nice that we got this donation. I know the people I work with will love to have fresh, brand-new socks,” she exclaimed.
We thank Nathaniel and Rolling Hope for spreading the good they do to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
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Proud of Our Kind of People | |
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We all have a sense of what good customer service is, but seeing it shine in action is something! Christina, DDRC Children and Family Services (CFS) Assistant, received a DDRC Customer Service Award for prioritizing individuals and families, as demonstrated in her compassion, action and helpfulness.
A family called DDRC’s CFS department to say they needed groceries, and Christina helped the family obtain a taxi voucher so they could pick up food from a food bank. However, because of some of the COVID restrictions still in place regarding the way the food bank handled food distribution, the taxi company was unable to assist.
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When the family informed Christina that they couldn't get the groceries, Christina contacted the food bank and arranged to pick up the groceries on the family's behalf -- and then Christina delivered them to the family
Christina’s award was bestowed by DDRC’s Recognition Team, made up of employees from varied jobs and departments across DDRC. Through a formal process, employees are nominated by their peers, customers, or others for excellence on the job. Christina is a person who goes above and beyond, and she represents the kind of employees we have here at DDRC and who we strive to be! Thank you, Cristina.
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If you’d like to make a difference for people – and to work alongside people who take seriously their commitment to serve others, maybe you’d like to join our team at DDRC!
We are hiring, and even if the positions we currently have open are not a fit for you, please reach out as we’d like to know about your desire to work in our field. Email Heather.Schrock@ddrcco.com.
See current career openings here.
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Raise a Glass For Good With Us | |
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6 and 40 Brewery is highlighting DDRC as their local nonprofit organization brewing positive change in the community! Join us on June 14th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the taphouse to celebrate this honor and raise a glass to support our mission. On this night, 20% of all sales will be donated to DDRC, with plenty of beer and non-alcoholic beer choices, along with a food cart, yard games, and good company.
Throughout June, the brewery is also setting out a DDRC donation jar, so bring your bills or loose change to drop something in if you’d like. They always seem to have something fun going on, like bingo night, trivia night, live music, and great food carts.
Dubbing themselves “Colorado’s Craft Beer Filling Station,” this car-themed brewery serves a selection of handcrafted ales for when your engine is running a pint low, and they are a champion for doing good. They are located at 883 Parfet Street, Unit J, in Lakewood, between US Route 6 and Route 40 (Colfax). We thank them for partnering with us to help ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families can participate fully in the community.
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Out & About Promoting Opportunities | |
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DDRC participates in community events to share what we do with the community and to provide information and resources.
We were at the Autism Resource Fair with the Autism Community Store (Aurora) at the end of May along with many other providers, vendors and a big crowd.
We will also be participating in several upcoming community events, including:
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June 3 Senior Law and Safety Day at the Jefferson County Administration Building in Golden this Sat., June 3 from 9 am – 12:15 pm.
Flyer
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June 7 Taste of the West at the Foothills Fieldhouse,
3606 S Independence St, Lakewood,
on Wed., June 7 from 5-8 pm.
More
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June 30 Pasco Summer Picnic at Morse Park,
8180 W. 20th in Lakewood from 11 am -2 pm.
RSVP/Registration requested.
More
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Ahh summer! It’s a time for fun in the sun. If you have a child or family member with special needs or a medically complex situation, you can feel comfortable to join the fun on “Summer Swim Days” hosted by the Foothills Park and Recreation Department (FPRD). On these two morning swim days, there will be a extra space for pool goers with special needs and their families to feel like they have the pool to themselves for safe swimming and family bonding. Kids with special needs swim free, and with sponsorship from DDRC and Canoe, the child’s caregiver may enter for free too! Regular pool rates apply for all other family members.
Swim Days:
Sunday, June 25 (9 – 10:30 a.m.)
Weaver Hollow Outdoor Pool, 12750 W. Stanford Avenue, Morrison, CO 80465
Sunday, July 16 (9 - 10:30 a.m.)
Deer Creek Outdoor Pool at 8637 S. Garrison Street, Littleton, CO 80128
Download the Summer Swim Days Flyer
For pool locations, rates and more information here or call 303-409-2520.
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Case Management Redesign Status | |
Case Management Redesign (CMRD), a required statewide initiative, will create one place to go in each catchment area for case management services for all Health First Colorado Members accessing Long Term Support and Services (LTSS), including all Medicaid waivers. These places, called Case Management Agencies (CMA), aim to simplify access so individuals and families will be able to more easily find the right programs and services that work for them. | |
Recently, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) announced that the results of the request for proposal (RFP) selection will be moved back from late May to mid-June 2023. Jefferson County Human Services, with support from DDRC, submitted a RFP to HCPF to become the CMA for Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties, the new catchment area.
The transition to these new CMAs will include DDRC’s Resource Coordination, Quality Assurance and Family Support functions. HCPF has defined three separate CMA transition phases, however DDRC has not yet been advised as to which phase we will be assigned. The three phases are:
Phase 1: beginning August 2023 and concluding by November 2023;
Phase 2: beginning November 2023 and concluding by March 2024;
Phase 3: beginning March 2024 and concluding by July 2024.
Colorado is required to be in compliance with CMRD by July 1, 2024.
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There are many ways to get involved in our DDRC/DD Foundation “Swingin’ With School Pride” Golf Tournament fundraiser and related happenings. They are enjoyable, social, strategic – and certainly meaningful.
- If you’re a golfer, then register to play. It’s a great chance to golf at the private Hiwan Golf Club, and there are a few spots still open.
- Become a sponsor to show that you value community involvement, and get your company or organization name out there.
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Volunteer to help at the tournament while enjoying the views from this beautiful course in Evergreen, along with a complimentary breakfast and lunch.
- We also have an on-line auction in conjunction with the tournament, and we’re looking to add to our lineup of great experiences, dining, merchandise and more. Have an idea of what you or your company could add with a donation? We’ love to hear it!
- Anyone can join in on the bidding when the online auction opens in August.
Your involvement and proceeds from the tournament and auction will benefit DDRC’s Children and Family Services Program. To get involved contact Addie.Ewalt@ddrcco.com or 303-462-6574.
About the tournament and more.
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HCBS Settings Rule
Empowering People with I/DD Promotes Their Dignity
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A life of dignity and respect in which a person makes decisions for themselves and takes risks is part of a fulfilling life. It is particularly important in the context of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), as people who receive these services often rely on others for support in their daily lives. DDRC’s work in HCBS confirms these values and encourages individuals to live their lives to the fullest. People with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as anyone else to experience the joy, adventure and personal growth that comes from self-direction. We are each responsible to make this a reality.
DDRC promotes dignity and shows respect by ensuring each person we support is involved, in whatever way they can, in discussions and planning regarding the services they receive. When we support a person whose communication is limited, we work with the people who know them best, who they choose, to ensure their voice is heard and their preferences honored. The most important aspect of this is the person’s choice and comfort level.
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Research has shown that when people with disabilities are empowered to make decisions about their own lives and are treated with respect and dignity, they are more likely to achieve better health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Therefore, loved ones and providers need to nurture and accept the person's autonomy and right to self-determination.
By treating people with disabilities with dignity and respect, we challenge the discrimination, negative stereotypes, and stigma that can limit their opportunities for education, employment, and social engagement, and we promote a more inclusive and accepting society. We must all play a role here.
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For more information about promoting dignity and respect for people with I/DD, click here https://thearc.org/position-statements/self-determination/ .
For detailed information on the HCBS Settings Rule in Colorado, click here.
To submit questions about the HCBS Settings Rule, click here.
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Health Insurance Coverage | |
Juneteenth Holiday - June 19 | |
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Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, is Monday, June 19, 2023.
Juneteenth is the anniversary date recognizing the June 1865 announcement of General Order No. 3 proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas, the last state with institutionalized slavery, despite the end of the Civil War in April 1865.
DDRC has made Juneteenth one of our recognized holidays and a number of our administrative and support functions will be closed on this day.
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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. 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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