Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The Arc will be closed Monday, January 19 for MLK day. 
Announcing Our 2018 Annual Report

A lot can happen in a year, and that is certainly true at our chapter of The Arc. To help our community understand what we really do during a year’s time, we create and publish an Annual Report that highlights our activities, focus, and impact during our most recent fiscal year.

We are proud to share our 2018 Annual Report, which is now posted on our website. If you’d like to view it, click here.
Board of Directors is Seeking Nominees

Are you committed to ensuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live the lives they choose as valued and respected members of the community?  

Do you know someone else who is passionate about The Arc?  

The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties is seeking nominations for positions on its Board of Directors, a rewarding experience that requires both passion for the organization’s mission and the ability to dedicate time and energy to moving the organization forward. You can read more about Board Member responsibilities in the Board of Directors Prospectus. 

After reviewing The Arc’s Strategic Plan and current Board composition, we are particularly interested in adding the following to our Board: 

• Young adult representation, especially a sibling who is between the ages of 18-34
• Health Care knowledge and experience
• Experience working in government/public sector
• Relationships with Local media organizations
• Relationships with Philanthropic Organizations/Individuals

Although the Board, through the Governance Committee, has expressed these priorities, all interested individuals who have a passion for The Arc’s mission are encouraged to submit a nomination form. Minorities are encouraged to apply.

 The Arc is accepting nominations through January 31, 2019. Please download the Board Service Interest Form to nominate yourself or someone else. These forms will be reviewed by the Governance Committee, which will put forward a slate of nominees to be voted on by the Membership at The Arc’s Annual Meeting on April 17, 2018. New Board members would begin service July 1, 2019.

If you’re interested in serving and would like to know more, please contact Board President Helen Pietranczyk at (720) 979-1447 or Executive Director Lori Ropa at (303) 232-1338 and visit our website.

"Board service has been rewarding, inspiring and educational. I treasure the friendships that I have made through The Arc - Board, Staff and the individuals and families we serve. We are truly helping to create an inclusive community."

--Deb Karsell, Past President
Honor Someone Exceptional with The Arc's SPARC Awards

Do you know someone who is making a difference for our community? The Arc's SPARC awards are a special way to recognize exceptional people in our community who have given of themselves to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and/or assisted the families and organizations that serve them.
 
SPARC Awards are given in the following six categories:
Advocacy – Family, Friends, Caregiver
• Community Champion – Recreation, Church, Volunteer, Partner/Collaborator, etc.
• Education – Local Educator, Administrator
• Employer – Local Business
• Policy/Legislator – Local Policymaker
• Self-Determination – Self-Advocate

 
If you know someone who demonstrates extraordinary leadership in any of these areas, changing the community and the lives of people with I/DD, send in your nomination form by Tuesday, February 13 for consideration. Additional details are available on our website.
Information Nights for Parents of Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Join Jeffco Public Schools for 3 Information Nights:

Night 1 - Inclusionary Practices in Jeffco: What does inclusion look like in schools? How does Jeffco support students on IEPs in various settings?
  • Tuesday, January 22 at Jeffco Education Center, 1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg 27, Golden, CO 80401 (Room 4E)
  • RSVP by 1/17/19

Night 2 - Special Education 101: Starting the journey and navigating your new IEP. Overview of the special education process and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
  • Tuesday, February 5 at The Arc, 13949 West Colfax Ave, Bldg 1, Lakewood, CO 80401 (Suite 150)
  • RSVP by 1/31/19

Night 3 - Why Jeffco Asks for Cognitive Assessments: Cognitive testing, alternate assessment, extended evidence outcomes (EEO's) and modifications.
  • Tuesday, February 19 at Jeffco Education Center, 1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg 27, Golden, CO 80401 (Room 4E)
  • RSVP by 2/14/19

Time: Join at 5:30 PM for pizza, salad, and networking followed by interactive learning from 6 to 7:30 PM.

Please note that child care is not provided. Click here to RSVP!

For more information or accommodations contact Holly Dolfi at (303) 982-6710 or holly.dolfi@jeffco.k12.co.us.

To request any resonable accomodation you may need in order to fully participate in the training or for interpretation services please leave a message at (303) 982 - 6710 one week prior to the training date.
Join the 2nd Annual Special Education Accountability Committee (SEAC) Resource Fair

Please consider joining the Special Education Accountability Committee (SEAC) for their 2nd annual Resource Fair on Thursday, January 31 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the Jeffco Education Center.

All are welcome - parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators. Connect with local organizations that provide services for families with children who have special needs. Come meet community groups and organizations that provide supports and resources for children with disabilities.

Jeffco Special Education administration, staff and SEAC parent volunteers will be on hand to talk with families and answer questions about SEAC and Jeffco programs.

For more information/accommodations contact Holly Dolfi at (303) 982-6710 or holly.dolfi@jeffco.k12.co.us.

Check out SEAC's webpage for up to date information here.
Sex Talk for Self-Advocates Webinar #4

Join the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) for Sex Talk for Self-Advocates Webinar #4, Relationship Experiences.

It is well documented meaningful relationships are connected to better health, social, and quality of life outcomes for all people, including people with disabilities. Relationships can help to create a greater sense of identity, self-worth, and belonging. Relationships are important, but they can look different for all of us. Join this webinar to hear from self-advocates as they talk about their experiences being married, dating, partnered, and single. Sex Talk #4, Relationship Experiences, will focus on the personal relationship experiences of self-advocates as they join our panel of sexual health educators.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM (MST)

In Need of Donation Documentation?

If you made a gift to The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties in 2018 and you need another copy of your acknowledgement letter for IRS documentation, contact Eryn at eryn@arcjc.org and a copy will be sent to you ASAP.

*Monthly donors, please note: your end of year letter will be in the mail soon! 
Are You on Social Media? Connect with The Arc Today!

Stay up to date with what’s happening at The Arc by connecting with us on social media! Click here to find us on Twitter, click here to find us on Facebook, and click here to find us on Instagram!
Want to be even more connected? Check out our website here!