In This Issue:

  • The Arc-JCCGC and PorchLight - Partnership & Collaboration
  • The Summit of Hope 2023 - Videos Now Online!
  • Feedback Opportunity - Mental Health Services
  • Don't Miss Wings For All - November 4
  • The Arc's Virtual Program Library
  • Interested in Donating a Car?
  • See You at Coffee House -Tomorrow!
A Place of Light and Hope in the Dark

This is the first article in a two-part series.

The Arc-JCCGC’s partnership with PorchLight Family Justice Center makes it easier for victims and survivors of abuse with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) to find resources that may help them permanently leave dangerous relationships.

“The most important message is that people who need support are not alone,” Brandon Bowles, PorchLight’s development manager, shared. “We want folks to know that no matter their circumstance, there is space for them to come to PorchLight and get the support they need. We want to reduce the barriers that people might have to receive services.”

Along with 21 on-site partners, and more than 70 offsite partners that can provide direct referrals or connections for people seeking assistance, our chapter of The Arc collaborates to support PorchLight’s mission of bringing together essential services for victims and survivors and their children to create a positive pathway forward and to foster public safety.
Before this Lakewood family justice center opened in 2021 victims in Jefferson and Gilpin counties may have had to travel up to 175 miles from agency to agency to get the critical services they needed. Sadly, many people gave up and remained in abusive and dangerous situations.
PorchLight is aptly named - it symbolizes light and hope in the dark, and a safe destination. It provides a solution to victims and survivors – help from numerous agencies offering services in one location initiated by filling out one intake form. This reduces barriers to getting assistance and prevents victims from being retraumatized by having to repeatedly explain their circumstances when seeking services at numerous organizations.

The collaborative environment at PorchLight is beneficial because it provides ongoing knowledge and skill building among staff of its partnering organizations. Key local government agencies, law enforcement, social and legal service providers, and district attorney's offices are represented on-site.

“Having The Arc’s representation at PorchLight not only signals to our community that serving guests with IDD is a priority, but it also supports our collective goal to ensure that guests with IDD are served well,” explained Jilda Falco, The Arc-JCCGC’s director of adult advocacy. “People with IDD are disproportionately impacted by violent crime. Having knowledgeable advocates on site helps to promote a positive and accessible experience for all.”

In our community, PorchLight’s services are essential. Alarming findings from The Arc U.S. include:

  • People with IDD are sexually assaulted at seven times the rate of people without disabilities.
  • Individuals with disabilities experience higher rates of violence than people without disabilities - 40 victimizations per 1,000 people with disabilities compared to about 20 per 1,000 without disabilities.
  • People with cognitive or intellectual disabilities experience the highest risk of violent victimization.

Candace Cooledge is PorchLight’s visionary and executive director. “PorchLight makes it easier for victims to seek help, reduces the number of times a victim has to tell their story and improves the accessibility of services and resources,” Candace said. It strives to offer a kind-hearted approach where individuals are prioritized as they work through the healing process. It’s a safe, caring environment and one-stop location for victims to access numerous needed critical services and organizations.

Between this past June and August, the number of individuals seeking services at PorchLight has increased by 43.75 percent. Most people hear about this family justice center by word of mouth.
Here’s how PorchLight Works:

  • PorchLight is not appointment based – it’s walk-in Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Enter PorchLight’s lobby to check in with a front desk person.
  • Complete one intake form for all the on-site service providers.
  • There are no address screens and PorchLight staff ensure that people who may cause harm are not on-site.
  • A safe and comfortable wait area is provided.
  • Visitors then get assistance from PorchLight navigators to help determine next steps.

If you are a victim or survivor of abuse and need assistance, please contact PorchLight: (720) 853-8850, hope@porchlightfjc.org, or visit 11100 W. 8th Avenue, Suite 200, Lakewood Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are facing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Read the second part of this story in next week’s eUpdate. 
Tania and Helen onstage at Summit of Hope 2023

Check Out Our Summit of Hope 2023 Videos
 
Videos from our September 27th event are now online. To watch the entire Summit of Hope 2023 program, click here.


You can also go directly to specific segments of the program using the links below:


Tania Garcia shares the story of her son Gianni and their journey to help make the world more inclusive for him and others with intellectual developmental disabilities. Tania talks about The Arc-JCCGC and resources and community connections our organization has provided for the Garcia family. Click here to view the video.
 

Learn from Helen Pietranczyk’s lived experience as the mother of a daughter with IDD. Their relationship and parallel journey helped this mother and daughter grow toward independence. The Arc-JCCGC is a proud participant in their story. Click here to watch the video.
 

Lori Ropa, Executive Director of The Arc – JCCGC moderates a discussion with Tania Garcia and Helen Pietranczyk about their children’s experiences navigating through youth and toward understanding adulthood, followed by a question & answer session with the audience. Rob Smariga, Board President of The Arc – JCCGC, describes our chapter’s work and how you may be part of a larger movement. Click here to watch.
 
There's still time to be a part of The Summit of Hope. If you're inspired to make a gift after watching a video, do it today!

Share Your Thoughts on Mental Health Services

The Disability Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals Committee wants your feedback! They are currently gathering perspectives on the mental health services to be included in an online training for mental health providers.

  • They are seeking a diverse range of individuals and families who have accessed mental health services in Colorado.
  • Participation takes 1-3 hours, virtually or in person
  • You can choose how you feel comfortable sharing, from providing feedback to recording your story
  • Gift cards of $45-$100 provided depending on time spent

Interested? Email eleanor.gibbs@cuanschutz.edu
Pilots and airline staff wave hello

Practice the Air Travel Process - November 4!

The Arc of Colorado is happy to announce that Wings for All is returning to the Denver International Airport on Saturday, November 4, 2023! 

Wings for All is an airport rehearsal program specifically designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The program gives people the chance to experience all the steps involved in the air travel process in a safe, but realistic environment.

Here is the itinerary:

Families (individual with IDD + up to three additional family members or supports) arrive at the airport around 10 a.m. on November 4. They will be greeted and checked-in for the days’ events, proceed to check-in at the ticket counter to receive their boarding pass, go through TSA security, and board a plane (that does not take off). A reception will be held for all participants with light snacks and refreshments after deboarding the plane. 

This event is FREE to all participants, but families are responsible for paying their own costs to travel to and from the airport.

Space is limited and all families must pre-register online to pass through airport security. 

To learn more about Wings for All and to register for the event, click here.

Questions? Contact: Elizabeth at The Arc of Colorado: emoran@thearcofco.org.
The Arc Virtual Library

Discover On-Demand Activities

With many local schools on fall break this week, plenty of families are looking for online indoor activities to help stay occupied and engaged. So where can you find enriching and fun virtual entertainment for people with IDD in your life?

The Arc U.S. has the Virtual Program Library, a hub full of on-demand activities – many are free - that can be done from home by people with disabilities, their families and service providers. Examples of organizations whose virtual activities are listed in the library include:

Go Noodle - The idea behind Go Noodle is simple: be a force of joy, health, and self-discovery for kids and the adults who love them. Click here to play.

NASA - The free Space Center Houston interactive mobile app features NASA Tram Tour Boarding Passes, audio tours, GPS maps, selfie filters, augmented reality experiences, virtual reality lite and more! To visit, click here.

Virtual Vacation - This website lets you experience the world from home! It includes options such as walking, driving, or flying tours; city guesser; live cam; virtual window; monuments; and a road trip. To visit, click here.

Disney World Virtual Tours - Disney offers free virtual rides and virtual park tours. To visit, click here.
A dusty maroon and gold colored car in a cluttered garage.

Do Good with Your Old Car

Your old car is valuable! The Arc can take your old car as a donation and turn it into cash to directly help people with IDD with such needs as employment, education, housing and advocacy to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
 
Our partner Vehicles for Charity can take your clunker and turn it into cash at auction. To ensure your donation benefits our chapter, simply designate The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties as the recipient, and the proceeds will come directly to us.
 
It’s easy to get started. Donate online or call 1-866-628-CARS, arrange your free pickup, and claim your tax deduction. To donate and for more information, click here.

See You at
Coffee House Tomorrow?

We love to see new faces at our monthly social event!

Coffee House is always fun, casual and welcoming. Join us tomorrow evening for a chance to meet other members of our community and to chat with people of all abilities!
 
Coffee House is on Thursday, October 19: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Panera Bread - 650 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood

Hope to see you there!