In This Issue:

• Support the IDD Community This Colorado Gives Day!
• 'Tis the Season: RSVP for Our Holiday Open House
• New Board Member Profile: Christine Plentyhoops
• Jumpstart Your Career with Project SEARCH
• Register Now for the Disability Legislative Preview
• See You Tonight at People First!

Support the IDD Community This Colorado Gives Day!

The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to navigate their everyday challenges. We’re like their GPS—they decide where they want to go, and our advocates help identify the best route to their destination.

Through this advocacy support, The Arc-JCC&GC served 541 unique individuals in our last fiscal year, directly impacting their lives—as well as those of additional family members and support people—for an estimated total of 1,623 individuals impacted. Through the year, our advocates have assisted community members in obtaining housing, securing educational support for their children, accessing government services, and more—and with the support of our generous donors, we can have an even greater impact in 2025.

You can support The Arc and all we do this Colorado Gives Day! When you make a contribution any time from now through December 10 via the Colorado Gives website, your donation will be boosted through the Colorado Gives Incentive Fund. Make a difference today through Colorado Gives!

'Tis the Season: RSVP for Our

Holiday Open House

Our annual Holiday Open House is just one week away! Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new people, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Swing by when you can, any time between 3:00PM and 7:00PM. Holiday sweaters are encouraged—and prizes are up for grabs—so be sure to come in your most festive attire!

When: Wednesday, December 11, 3:00PM-7:00PM

Where: The Arc’s Office: 13949 West Colfax Ave, Building 1, Suite 102, Lakewood, CO 80401

If you’d like to join us, please RSVP by Friday, December 6. RSVP online or by calling our office at 303-232-1338 and leaving a message for Veronica Wernsman. In your voicemail, please state how many people will be coming and a good callback number. Veronica will call you back if more information is needed. Learn more about our Holiday Open House here.

New Board Member Profile: Christine Plentyhoops

We are thrilled to welcome Christine Plentyhoops to our board of directors!

Christine was elected to the board in June of this year, bringing a background in finance, having worked as a financial advisor for the past 24 years. She also previously served on the board of Joshua Station—a community managed by a faith-based nonprofit that serves those experiencing homelessness—after discovering her passion for giving back to the community.

“I feel strongly that every person should have a chance to participate and show up,” Christine said. “So many times, it just doesn't work out that way for people. There's a barrier to entry in one way or another, so I care deeply about people being able to fulfill on their heart’s desire to be part of the community.” 

Jumpstart Your Career with Project SEARCH

Applications are now open for Project SEARCH’s 2025 Class! Project SEARCH is a school-to-work transition program for people who are age 18 and over, have a significant disability, and are nearing their last year of school services.

Participants in the yearlong program will receive on-the-job training at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Project SEARCH interns may work in a variety of departments at the hospital, such as:

• Food services
• Inpatient units
• Data center and information technology
• Central distribution

If you are in a special education or school transition program and are interested in Project SEARCH, you can apply or learn more here. Please note that applications will close on February 14, 2025. For any questions, email ProjectSearch@childrenscolorado.org.

Register Now for the Disability Legislative Preview

Planning to advocate for the issues that matter to you in the next legislative session? Then don’t miss the Disability Legislative Preview this Monday, December 9! Hosted by The Arc of Colorado, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and Disability Law Colorado, this event includes a lunch and presentation that will cover:

• Key legislative updates
• Issues that the Colorado disability community will advocate for next year

The event takes place at the Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80203, from noon to 3:00PM. Participants who cannot attend in-person may attend the presentation virtually, instead. To learn more or register, click here.

See You Tonight at

People First!

• Wednesday, December 4, 2024
• 5:30PM-6:30PM
• The Arc's Office — 13949 W. Colfax Ave, #102, Lakewood, CO 80401

Learn more about People First here. For any questions, please email info@arcjc.org.