IN THIS ISSUE...
  • 60 Voices That Shine - #16
  • Virtual Event: Guardianship At Age 18
  • You Still Have Time To Help The Arc
  • IN! Inclusive Higher Education Programs For Students With I/DD, including UNC’s (GOAL) Program
  • How To Make Money
Molly Kirkham - Voice #16

It doesn’t matter to Molly Kirkham if she is in the audience or on the stage, she just wants to be a part of the theater experience. An actress herself, Molly regularly participates in Phamaly theater productions and was a member of Golden High School’s theater club.
 
She also recently participated in The Arc's DD Awareness Month Karaoke Night, winning first place for her performance of Requiem from Dear Evan Hanson. This theater lover dreams of one day being able to see a live performance of Dear Evan Hanson, and also Hamilton.
 
While theater is a love and passion, she also enjoys her job at UC Health as a Patient Access Liaison. “I really love helping people. It gives me a wonderful feeling, and I love seeing the difference I make.”
 
Liking to keep busy, Molly has been a member of her high school’s Student Council, Environment Club, and also a group that supports Make A Wish Foundation. She was awarded Rotary Club’s Leadership Award, for which she earned a spot at Rotary Youth Camp. In her spare time, she hangs out with friends, reads books, and goes on walks.
 
Capable, bursting with energy, and radiating positivity, Molly clearly has a Voice That Shines.
To see all of the “60 Voices That Shine” featured thus far or for more information about our 60th Anniversary, CLICK HERE. We've updated our slideshow with all new photos!
Virtual Event: Guardianship At Age 18

If you have questions about guardianship after your child turns 18, join a rich conversation around guardianship, supportive decision-making, self-advocacy, as well as debunking some of the myths about guardianship that seem to persist.
 
Jeffco Schools is partnering with The Arc to host a virtual event where you will hear from experts in the I/DD field share resources and participate in a question and answer session on the subject of guardianship at age 18.  
 
Guardianship at Age 18: What Is It and How to Decide If It’s the Path for My Child?
Thursday, April 29, 2021
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
To register, CLICK HERE
Note: This training will be recorded and posted for future reference
 
The target audience for this event is families of students 15 and older who want to learn more about guardianship and less restrictive decision-making alternatives. It also includes middle and high school SSN teachers and JTS professionals. For more information contact holly.dolfi@jeffco.k12.co.us
You Still Have Time To Help The Arc
A direct donation made on Colorado income taxes is easy

The deadline for filing taxes has been extended from April 15 to May 17 this year. So if you haven’t yet filed your Colorado state taxes for 2020, you have an easy opportunity to donate a portion of your tax refund to The Arc using your Colorado tax form. It is super simple to do.
 
Using the “Voluntary Contributions Schedule” tax form (CLICK HERE to access the form) along with your Colorado Individual Tax Form you can make a donation to The Arc using some or all of your tax refund.
 
Donating is the perfect way to show your commitment to our community by “re-funding” The Arc so we can continue our work supporting people and families with I/DD. The State of Colorado has made it easy to do.
 
Navigate to line 18 and enter in the amount of your donation. Then immediately below line 18 fill in the blank line with the 11-digit Secretary of State Registration Number for The Arc (20023003706) and the name “The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties.”

If you have a tax preparer complete your tax forms for you, simply give them these instructions along with the amount of your desired donation.
IN! Inclusive Higher Education UNC’s GOAL Program For Students With I/DD

For many, the dream of attending college feels out of reach. For those with I/DD, college may never be considered because of the obstacles inherently in place in most educational settings. University of Northern Colorado (UNC) wants to change that through its Go On and Learn (GOAL) program, geared towards students with I/DD.
 
Individualized to each student’s interests and strengths, the GOAL program allows learners to enroll in courses that support their long-term career plans.
 
Classes are modified as needed to meet individual skill levels. Upon completion of the GOAL program, students earn a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate.
 
To qualify, students must be 18 or older and have graduated high school with functional level abilities in reading and math. Additionally, applicants must have a documented intellectual or development disability. Other qualifications apply, CLICK HERE for a complete list.
 
For the 2021/2022 school year, application materials must be received via email by May 1, 2021. To learn more about the UNC GOAL program, CLICK HERE. To obtain the application and application criteria, CLICK HERE.

IN! Inclusive Higher Education manages three outstanding programs for students with disabilities. In addition to the UNC GOAL program, there is Elevate at Arapahoe Community College and Inclusive Services at University of Colorado Springs. To learn more about IN! and their inclusive higher education programs, CLICK HERE.

How To Make Money

Tomorrow, April 15, is typically the federal income tax filing deadline. While the tax deadline has been moved from April 15 to May 17 this year, it seemed like a good time to explore how money is made by visiting the U.S. Mint (coins) and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (paper).
 
While you might not be able to make your own money, it is fun to learn how money is made. CLICK HERE to see a video on how coins are made and CLICK HERE to see a video on how paper money is made.
 
The U.S. Mint produces coins used in this country, think pennies and quarters. As you probably know, Denver has one of the six mint locations in the U.S. Perhaps prior to the pandemic you visited the Mint on your own or as part of a school trip. It is a beautiful historic building in downtown Denver. Even though the Mint may be temporarily closed to visitors, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a virtual visit. CLICK HERE to see a short video on the Denver Mint.
 
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, also known as “The Money Factory,” is the governmental division that prints paper money. Located in Washington, D.C. and Fort Worth, Texas, they print all the paper money used in the U.S. and has done so since 1862. The BEP is one of the largest currency printing operations in the world.
 
The next time you hold money in your hand, think about all that went into making it!
The Arc IS OPEN - OUR OFFICE IS CLOSED (UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

In an effort to protect our clients, staff, board, volunteers and community members, The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties physical offices will be closed effective immediately (Friday, March 13) until further notice due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Please note that services will continue to be provided, as staff will be working remotely and communicating via phone, text and email. All in-person meetings, events and scheduled trainings will be canceled or postponed. When our physical offices reopen, our website and social media platforms will provide such information. CLICK HERE for more information.