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In This Issue:
- SNAP Delays: What to Know and Food Assistance Resources
- Honoring the Legacies of Deb Karsell and Pamela Kerr
- Tonight: Jefferson County CMA's Children's Resource Fair
- Stay Organized This Season: Free Dani Plan Webinar
- Support Our Work When You Shop at King Soopers
- Election Day Is Almost Here
- Take the Survey to Help Improve Employment Resources
- What's Happening Next Month?
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SNAP Delays: What to Know and Food Assistance Resources
You may be aware that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are likely to be delayed in November. The United States Department of Agriculture has posted an announcement on its website saying that because the government is shut down, as of now, funding has run dry for SNAP and benefits will not be issued on November 1. The government will remain shut down until US congresspeople pass a bill to fund the government.
Almost 42 million people receive SNAP benefits each month, including millions of people with disabilities.
If you receive SNAP benefits, you should know that there are other resources to help you and your family get connected to the food you need should SNAP benefits be delayed.
If you are able and would like to help those in need during this time, there are several ways to make an impact:
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Donate to Feeding Colorado or Food Bank of the Rockies.
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Donate a grocery store gift card to The Arc-JCC&GC. Gift cards will be distributed to those we serve who are in need of food assistance. If you would like to donate a gift card, please mail to:
ATTN: Linda Pocsik
The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties
13949 W. Colfax Ave, Ste 102
Denver West Building 1
Lakewood, CO 80401
Our advocacy team is always here to help those we serve learn more about local resources. If you need to speak with an Arc advocate about food assistance, please submit an advocacy request here.
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Honoring the Legacies of Deb Karsell and Pamela Kerr
It is with both sadness and tremendous gratitude that we mark the passing of two dedicated women who believed in the dignity and value of people with IDD.
Deb Karsell became involved with The Arc nearly two decades ago. She began her service as a member of the Board of Directors in 2007, quickly becoming recognized for her kind and thoughtful manner, quiet strength and deep commitment to improving the lives of people with IDD in our community. She chaired our Board of Directors, guiding the development of a stronger governance structure, and led the Board to develop their first-ever Strategic Plan in 2011. In addition, Deb served on and chaired The Arc’s Guardianship Committee, ensuring that the individuals for whom we were guardian were treated with dignity and respect, and that the staff who served as Guardian Representatives were well supported in this difficult role. Outside of The Arc, Deb lived a life of compassionate service as well, with a long career in nursing, public health, and hospice care.
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Pamela Kerr was introduced to The Arc in 2015. She was a formidable, well-known forensic accountant in Denver who was dedicated to righting the wrongs that were perpetrated on vulnerable people. When it was suspected that a significant amount of money had been stolen from our statewide self-advocacy group Speaking for Ourselves Colorado, Pam was incensed. In response to that injustice, Pam volunteered to use her professional skills pro bono to uncover what happened, who was responsible, and help bring that person to justice. As a result, the court found the perpetrator, sadly an SFO advisor from Colorado Springs, guilty. More than $10,000 was returned to SFO and more importantly to Pam, justice had been served.
Both Deb and Pam’s families have requested donations to The Arc—JCCGC in lieu of flowers. Click here to visit our donation page. If you’d like details on Deb’s upcoming memorial service, please contact Lori Ropa, lori@arcjc.org.
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Tonight: Jefferson County CMA's Children's Resource Fair
Jefferson County Case Management Agency invites you to learn more about the many organizations that can support you and your child with a disability!
Tonight, local organizations will come together for the Jeffco CMA Children’s Resource Fair—a night of learning complete with Halloween treats. Advocates from The Arc-JCC&GC will be there to share more about how we can support you, so be sure to stop by our table to chat!
When: Tonight – October 29, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: 15200 W. 6th Ave., Golden, CO 80401
For more information, click here.
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Stay Organized This Season: Free Dani Plan Webinar
As the end-of-year rush begins, staying organized is more important than ever—and the Dani Plan makes it simple.
For those supporting a child or loved one with a disability, the Dani Plan is a secure, easy-to-use online tool that helps you manage vital care information in one central place. With schedules filling up and transitions ahead, now’s the time to create a care plan that keeps everyone informed and supported.
The Arc-JCC&GC is excited to be partnering with the Dani Plan to share more info about this resource with our community!
Families and caregivers across the country use the Dani Plan to:
- Build a personalized care plan that's easy to update and share
- Upload and store essential documents securely
- Set helpful reminders to keep caregivers on track
- Be ready for the unexpected—so nothing falls through the cracks
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 12 at 11:00am MT
Join the free webinar here.
We hope to see you there! Planning to attend? Be sure to select “The Arc-JCC&GC” when asked how you heard about the webinar, and our organization will receive a small donation.
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Support Our Work When You Shop at King Soopers
Join the King Soopers Community Rewards program and shop with purpose! When you participate in the program, The Arc-JCC&GC will receive a donation when you shop at King Soopers—at no added cost to you!
How it works: The Arc receives an annual donation from King Soopers based on the percentage of spending by The Arc’s supporters, as related to the total spending in the King Soopers Community Rewards program.
How to get started: Setup is easy! Visit the King Soopers Community Rewards website and log in to your existing account, or create a new account if you do not yet have one. From here, you can search for “The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties” by name or use code MY949. When the organization is selected, click “Save”.
That’s it! Now, when you use your King Soopers card as you normally would, The Arc will receive a donation at no additional cost to you.
To our supporters who have named us their King Soopers Community Rewards organization: Thank you! Your support helps us continue to offer advocacy, community events, and more to people with IDD and their families.
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Election Day Is Almost Here
From now through 7:00pm on November 4, you can make your voice heard by casting your vote. Voting is a great opportunity to weigh in on issues that matter to you and help elect leaders you believe in!
You can vote in-person or drop your completed ballot off at a drop-box location. Find voting locations and drop-boxes near you by visiting the Secretary of State’s website.
And if you aren’t registered to vote yet, don’t worry—it’s not too late! To learn more about registering to vote, click here.
So what’s on the ballot? This year, all Colorado voters will be able to vote on two statewide questions, which are called propositions. The Arc of Aurora’s THINK+change has created a plain language ballot guide to explain the two issues. Click here to view the guide.
Depending on where in Colorado you live, you may also be asked to vote on county issues, city issues, or candidates for local offices. Visit your county or city’s 2025 election webpage for more information.
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Take the Survey to Help Improve Employment Resources
The Office of the Governor is inviting Coloradans to take a survey that will help make employment resources better for everyone.
Several state agencies are working together to brainstorm ideas to improve employment resources and postsecondary education resources for people in the workforce. By taking the survey, Coloradans can help shape the ideas and recommendations that the agencies will present to the governor in December.
Through the survey, you can share what resources have helped you in developing job skills and finding employment.
If you are part of the disability community, this is a wonderful opportunity to make your voice heard! By taking the survey, you can ensure that the experiences and needs of people with disabilities are considered as the state drafts its recommendations.
The survey will be open through Friday, November 7.
Take the survey or learn more here.
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