The Arc's Second Session of Teen LifeAbility Ended on a High Note

Music is powerful. It brings up memories, makes us want to dance and helps us through tough times.

 

At our second session of the Teen LifeAbility pilot program, teens had the opportunity to write and sing their own songs. Arjun Sharma, a licensed music therapist, led this workshop and gave the teens absolute creative freedom to write their own music. Some chose to write country songs, while others focused on hip-hop. They discussed how different genres of music impacts their moods, and allows them to express themselves. The teens learned that while writing songs they don’t have to be perfect, their words don’t need to rhyme nor do they need perfect pitch. They can create lyrics and sing songs to express themselves anytime they want!

 

The evening brought a sense of community and empowerment. While sharing their songs, teens were surrounded by their peers who listened and supported each performer with encouragement and applause. Having the opportunity to dance, sing and find joy in music left the teens feeling inspired, and with an even deeper understanding of what music means to them. 

 

While the teens were jammin’, the parents were in the next room rejuvenating. Our deepest gratitude goes to Elements Massage in Denver West, who donated an hour and a half of chair massage to parents of teens with I/DD to help them relax and alleviate stress. We also invited a friend of The Arc who has been through transition with her son, and she gave lots of great advice. Parents left the session with more connections, optimism, and confidence to face the future.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of our Teen LifeAbility pilot program! We will be evaluating the success of our two sessions, talking to participants and determining what the next steps will be. Stay tuned!

You're Invited to Karaoke Night!

The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Counties invites you to sing your heart out at their karaoke night! They have booked two private karaoke rooms at Round 1 Southwest Plaza. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend! Dinner will be served.

When: Monday, August 5 from 6-8 PM

Where: Round 1 Southwest Plaza, 8501 W. Bowles Avenue, #1183, Littleton, CO 80123

Please RSVP by August 3.

To RSVP and for questions, please contact Kelly Lawler at [email protected].

Click here for more information.

Grand Opening of Clement Park's Inclusive Playground

At The Arc, we value true inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And, when we see such inclusion happening in our community, we want everyone to know! That’s why we’re sharing this invitation with you…

 

Clement Park Grand Opening

Thursday, August 8 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM

7306 W Bowles Ave, Littleton, CO 80123

 

Yes, Clement Park has been technically “open” for years, but there are great reasons to come and celebrate a Grand Opening next month! Staff at Foothills Parks & Recreation District (FHPRD) have put heart and soul into constructing an inclusive playground at which kids of ALL abilities can play together. You may have heard that this earned them a SPARC Award from us in April. Last week, The Arc was fortunate enough to get a private tour of this revolutionary play space, and we are confident that you will see that it embodies true inclusion. 

 

FHPRD put incredible amounts of time and effort into creating an appealing playground that is enjoyable for ALL KIDS. In fact, the design goes far above and beyond what is required for playgrounds by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Countless hours were spent talking face-to-face with parents about the particular needs of their kids, resulting in a ground-breaking playground specifically designed for all children, no matter their abilities, to fully participate and have fun.

 

Click here to visit FHPRD’s Facebook page where you can find more information about the Grand Opening, and a video of the park before final construction. Click here for the event's flyer.

Save the Date! The Action Center's 2019 School Supply Distribution is August 5-10

 

When: August 5th – 10th

Hours: 10 AM – 3 PM

Where: Stevens Elementary School, 7101 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80333

 

*Due to the Wheat Ridge parade on August 10th, please use 44th Ave. to access the school.

 

School Supplies for children ages Pre-K through Grade 12!

 

Come only on your designated pick-up day. (See the list below)

 

1. You can receive school supplies for your children, if you:

·     live in Jefferson County,

·     your student attends school in Jefferson County, OR

·     are experiencing homelessness.

2. On your designated pick-up day, you MUST BRING WITH YOU:

·     Your Photo ID

·     Proof of Address or proof your student attends school in Jefferson County

·     ONE of the following documents for EACH child, to show their age:

·     Copy of birth certificate OR

·     Medical record with birthdate OR

·     School record/report card that shows the grade they’re enrolled in this year (You can use parent portal on your phone) OR

·     Blue/purple birth certificate card issued by The Action Center

 

Come to School Supply Distribution ONLY on the day that matches your Last Name!

 

If you come before your assigned day, you will be asked to return on an Open Day.

 

Parent’s Last Name Pick-up Day

E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L .................................................. Monday, Aug. 5th

M, N, O, P, Q, R ..................................................... Tuesday, Aug. 6th

S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z ......................................... Wednesday, Aug. 7th

A, B, C, D .............................................................. Thursday, Aug. 8th

Open to All Letters ..................................................... Friday, Aug. 9th

Open to All Letters ............................................... Saturday, Aug. 10th

 

For More Information, please click here to download the event's flyer, as well as details in Spanish, or call (303) 237-7704.

 

Does your family have other needs?

The Action Center can help! Services include: clothing area, self-select grocery, household items, personal care, ID and Birth Certificate vouchers and rent and utility assistance. ALL SERVICES REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT. CALL (720) 215-4850 to schedule.

Support The Arc While Shopping at Amazon

 

Is it already time to start purchasing back to school supplies? Order through Amazon and save yourself a shopping trip!

Did you know that using AmazonSmile is a great way to support The Arc? Simply click here to shop and Amazon will donate to The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties!

 

Each eligible purchase you make will result in a donation to The Arc. Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.

 

For more information please see the complete AmazonSmile program details .