Resources & Services List from Jefferson County Community Resource Navigation Network

For those who have been affected by the recent government shutdown, Jefferson County Community Resource Navigation Network has compiled a list of resources to help you and your family:

 

1. 211: Zip code/city search for resources in all need’s categories.

 

2. The Action Center: Food assistance, clothing assistance. Appointment based. If you'd like to organize a food drive in your community or work place, visit this page to see their biggest needs and drop off information.

 

3. Hunger Free Colorado: A food bi-lingual resource hotline that can help connect people to resources. Metro Denver: (720) 382-2920 / Statewide Toll-Free: (855) 855-4626

 

4. DRCOG Network of Care: Program and service finder for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. Call (303) 480-6700 to speak with an Aging and Disability Resource Specialist.

 

5. Aunt Bertha: Zip code search for free/reduced cost services, medical care, food, job training, and more.

 

6. First Presbyterian Church of Golden: Julie Lampert (church secretary) has organized a meal train. Call her at (303) 279-5591.

 

7. Jefferson Center for Mental Health 24/7 Online Resource Library

 

8. Jefferson County Human Services: Individuals can visit room 110 at 900 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden to apply for services or ask questions about benefits. Main page of website lists resources in the county and is updated consistently to relay information about impact on benefits.

Child Support has stopped actions against payees that are furloughed. The furloughed worker must contact Child Support to notify them of their status. Call (303) 271-4300. Click here for the Furloughed Employees Resource List (consistently updated).

 

9. Colorado Community Health Alliance (CCHA): Medicaid holders can speak with a Care Coordinator regarding health services and community resources/government assistance programs.

 

10. 9 News has a consistently updated, extensive list of organizations offering free services, goods, and admission to activities for furloughed workers/families.

 

11. Furloughed workers are encouraged to reach out to the financial institutions to inquire about low or no interest loans available to their members.  CNBC has a listing of financial institutions currently participating.

 

12. Joy's Kitchen is a Lakewood based pantry that also has mobile sites on various days. No requirements other than just showing up and needing food.  Click here for their calendar.

Now Hiring: Are You Our Next Director of Adult Advocacy?

You’re committed to protecting human and civil rights for all. You believe that people should live self-directed lives and be valued and respected for who they are as individuals. You see abilities above all else. You are an Advocate. 

The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties needs you. As part of the largest organization of Advocates with and for people with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we have more than 60 years of history and a legacy of successfully promoting social justice.

If you are experienced and interested in learning more about this position, its qualifications, and the excellent benefits provided by The Arc, please click here.

Submissions are due by midnight February 10th and should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to 13949 W. Colfax Avenue, Suite 150, Lakewood, CO 80401. Please include a cover letter that speaks to your interest in joining The Arc, as well as your resume. Let us know why you’d be a great fit for our team!

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

Click here to see a list of past recipients.

 

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 their 2 remaining Information Nights:

Night 2 - Special Education 101: Starting the journey and navigating your new IEP. Overview of the special education process and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

Night 3 - Why Jeffco Asks for Cognitive Assessments: Cognitive testing, alternate assessment, extended evidence outcomes (EEO's) and modifications.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Check out SEAC's webpage for up to date information here.

FREE Workshops for Transitional Youth and Their Parents

As you know, parents of teens with disabilities tend to be anxious about what will happen once high school ends.

Project Independence provides free workshops to help Denver parents who have children with disabilities learn about options for their children once they leave high school. The project also trains youth from ages 14-21 about their options after high school.

A disability should not hamper a person to live their life to the fullest. We share with participants how to obtain employment in the community, assist in applying for college and vocational school, as well as support with life skills. Statistics show that people with disabilities earn about two-thirds of the median earnings of people without disabilities. They are less likely to attend higher learning, and more likely to live below the poverty line. Project Independence wants to change that.

There will be 2 strands of workshops: One for parents and one for youth. It will be for 5 Thursdays starting February 21st and ending March 21st, 2019. There will also be a college tour one Saturday during that time. The time of the workshops will be 6:00 - 6:30 PM for dinner, and 6:30 - 8:30 PM for training.

Click here or call (303) 632-6840 to learn more about the project. And click here to register.

Junk Your Jalopy and Raise Money for The Arc!

Is it time to finally let go of your old car? We know, you had a good run. You got far more mileage out of it than you thought you would. It was a good car right up until the end. But now the necessary repairs to get it back on the road just don’t make financial sense and it’s not worth nearly as much as you thought it might be as a trade-in. It’s time. 

Don’t worry. Your old car is still valuable … in fact, it’s worth the world to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). You see, The Arc can take your old car as a donation and turn it into cash to directly help people with I/DD with such needs as employment, education, housing and advocacy to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.

The Arc doesn’t care if your old car has some blemishes, a little rust, a dead battery or worse. Vehicles for Charity can take your clunker and turn it into cash at auction. To ensure your donation benefits our chapter, simply designate The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties as the recipient, and the proceeds will come directly to us.

It’s easy to get started. Donate online or call 1-866-628-CARS, arrange your free pickup, and claim your tax deduction. To donate and for more information, click here.