IN THIS ISSUE...
- 60 Voices That Shine - #1
- Translate Your Passion Into Action
- JFK Partners Survey On Romantic Relationships
- arc Thrift Stores Carries On Through Adversity
- "Source of Income" Housing Discrimination Now Banned
- COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
|
|
60 Voices That Shine - #1
As we commemorate 60 years, we will be highlighting people whose voices have made a difference over the decades. These individuals have advocated, educated, inspired, and added sparkle to our lives.
Starting with this issue, we will feature 60 Voices That Shine in every weekly email all year, as well as on our website and social media, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Look for hashtag #TheArcJCCGCturns60.
We're delighted to honor the first of our 60 Voices that Shine:
Jan Beckett.
Few voices have been stronger for longer than hers. Jan has been extremely active as a self-advocate and leader for herself and her peers with I/DD.
- Jan has held numerous offices in Jeffco People Frist and Speaking for Ourselves - Colorado, including past president for both organizations.
- She was given a 2005 SPARC Award, which recognizes exceptional people who make a difference in the lives of individuals with I/DD.
- Jan met former Senators Ted Kennedy and Ken Salazar while visiting Washington, D.C. for a self-advocacy conference.
- She worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for 35 years before retiring.
Jan’s is a powerful voice that continues to shine brightly. To learn more about her and future Voices That Shine, and for more information on the 60th Anniversary celebration, CLICK HERE.
|
|
Translate Your Passion Into Action!
The Arc's Board of Directors is seeking nominees
If you believe that:
- People of all abilities should be valued and respected
- Our community belongs to everyone
- Individuals have the right to make decisions that impact their own lives…
. . . then you may be a perfect fit for The Arc’s Board of Directors! Consider making a real difference in our three-county area, by applying for Board service for the upcoming term (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2023).
The experience is both rewarding and enjoyable. Service on The Arc’s Board of Directors requires a deep commitment to The Arc’s mission, as well as time and energy necessary for full participation.
In order to qualify to be a member of the Board, a candidate must:
- Be or become a member* of The Arc in good standing and;
- Be a resident of Jefferson, Clear Creek, or Gilpin County or have a family member who is eligible to receive services in these counties (up to 20% of the Board may be exempt from the residency requirement).
*Membership requires an annual donation to The Arc. For questions regarding membership, including your current status, please contact Jennifer Holan at (303) 232-1338 or [email protected].
We are particularly interested in adding to our Board individuals with knowledge in, connections to, or experience with the following:
- Health care (medical professionals are particularly encouraged to apply)
- Public relations, especially local media organizations or communications/public relations
- Fundraising with either organizations or individuals
- Nonprofit governance
- Individuals who can bring the perspectives of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.
While we have identified these as priorities, all interested individuals who have a passion for The Arc’s mission are encouraged to submit a nomination form.
Previous non-profit or corporate board experience is desirable, but not required. The time commitment for a member of the Board of Directors is approximately 7-10 hours per month depending on committee work. Terms are two years.
Please CLICK HERE to learn more, to access the nomination form, and to apply. Applications are due by January 31, 2021.
|
|
JFK Partners Survey On Romantic Relationships
Earn a gift card for participating
Movies, television, music, and books all feature romance and relationships. It is part of our everyday media and lives. Even though they are natural, relationships are sometimes uncomfortable to talk about - especially the romantic ones.
To understand more about romantic relationships between adults with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities, JFK Partners is conducting a survey, “Talking About Romantic Relationships.” Your answers will help make discussions on this very important and personal topic easier for others.
If you would be willing to talk about your romantic relationship(s) via Zoom with a researcher, you could earn a $30 gift card for participating.
If you have questions or would like to sign up, contact Rebecca Kammes via email at [email protected] or call her at (630) 884-8253.
|
|
arc Thrift Stores Carries On Through Adversity
Many of us likely thought the Covid pandemic would be over by now and life would be back to normal. Clearly, that’s not the case. But through it all, arc Thrift Stores has continued to flex, bend and modify to meet the needs of its community, customers, and employees.
arc Thrift Stores, from whom Colorado chapters of The Arc, like ours, receive the majority of funding, has been working with the community to bring food and other necessities to those in need. Most recently, arc Thrift helped St. Augustine Church deliver food received from Food Bank of the Rockies to the Brighton area.
Other recent efforts include helping multiple families in need with vouchers and job opportunities, disbursing vouchers to two additional police precincts for police social programs, and planning for some fun outreach efforts for the upcoming Valentine’s Day.
We greatly appreciate all that arc Thrift does for our community.
|
|
"Source of Income" Housing Discrimination Now Banned
A new and valuable law, in effect as of January 1, 2021, will provide additional protections for the I/DD community. This new Colorado law makes it illegal to deny someone housing based on their source of income.
It is now clear that refusing to rent, lease, or show a property for rent or lease, based on a person’s source of income is prohibited.
Source of income is defined as any lawful and verifiable source of money paid directly, indirectly, or on behalf of a person.
“During a particularly difficult time for many in our state, discrimination based on receiving government or private assistance should never occur. All Coloradans have a right to access housing, and this is now solidified,” said Civil Rights Division Director, Aubrey Elenis.
It should be noted that this does not apply if the landlord has three or fewer rental units, or has five or fewer single family rental homes. In this case, they are not required to accept federal housing choice vouchers for single-family homes.
If you feel you have encountered rental housing discrimination because of your verifiable, legal source of income, you can file a formal complaint, CLICK HERE. For more information on the bill, CLICK HERE.
|
|
Covid-19 Vaccine Resources
There is a lot of talk about and eager anticipation for the Covid-19 vaccine. Interest and questions about when it will be available, effectiveness, side effects, safety, and more, are dominating the discussion.
To try to help you navigate through this clutter, here are a few resources from the State of Colorado and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
