We Have a Children’s Champion - and Many Families Benefit | |
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DDRC’s Laura Weiand was one of just four winners of the 2024 Children’s Champion Awards at the Triad Early Childhood Council awards luncheon in April. We are proud of Laura, grateful that she works with DDRC, and are amazed and appreciative of the impact she makes for children and families.
The award recognizes individuals and organizations that go beyond the requirements of their job to ensure that services for children birth – 8 years old in Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties are comprehensive, equitable and accessible. It honors people/groups who collaborate and invest significant time and resources to make that happen and to improve quality of services.
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As one example of Laura’s approach to her work, she chose to participate in the BABIES Learning Collaborative, which DDRC helped initiate for our staff. This was completely optional and required a lot of time on top of Laura’s full workload. The BABIES training has positioned Laura to take on a unique caseload consisting of many families with newborn babies with complex needs.
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Some of the situations are very challenging but coworkers and families say that Laura handles them with grace, ease and patience. She actively listens so that each family knows their individual needs are heard and considered, and helps them navigate their new course in life, ensuring they have the tools to make informed and often difficult decisions. She is also very supportive of everyone within the care team, including the family, early intervention providers and other community partners.
Learn more about Triad Early Childhood Council, whose Executive Director, Pat Bolton, lends her expertise to DDRC by serving on our Board of Directors.
| Watch For an Important Letter | |
Please watch for a letter from DDRC that is being mailed to people for whom we provide case management and resource coordination for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) Waivers, State Supported Living Services and Family Support Services. This important letter will provide information on your new/assigned Case Management Agency. | |
Case Management Transition – May 2 & May 14 Town Halls | |
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Are you, a loved one, or someone for whom you’re a guardian receiving case management and resource coordination from DDRC for I/DD HCBS Waivers, State Supported Living Services and Family Support Services—and you live in Jefferson or Clear Creek Counties?
If so, mark your calendars to attend a town hall in-person or via Zoom so you can:
- understand the upcoming Case Management Agency transition,
- meet the new Case Management Agency,
- see the criteria and process for requesting a Case Management Agency other than the one to which you ae assigned, and hear from DDRC.
Town Hall dates, times and locations are:
Thursday, May 2 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Jefferson County Courts & Admin Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, 80401
Tuesday, May 14 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at DDRC, 11177 W. 8th Ave, Lakewood 80215
Registration is required for the Zoom/Webinar option, and encouraged for in-person attendance. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants in advance of each Town Hall. If you need to request special accommodations, please do so in advance through your registration or contact us.
REGISTER: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RQDRTTK
NOTE: For individuals and families in Summit and Gilpin Counties, DDRC will be providing additional information about case management transitions later this spring.
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Exception Process- Changing Your Assigned Case Management Agency | |
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Jefferson County Human Services (JCHS) will consider providing case management services to members enrolled in an HCBS waiver program who reside outside of Jefferson and Clear Creek counties that meet the following criteria:
· The member resides within the front range urban corridor which includes Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, or Douglas County and their residence is within a 30-mile radius of the Jefferson County Human Services building located at 900 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401.
· The member has requested receiving case management services from JCHS using JCHS’s established exceptions request process.
JCHS cannot provide case management services to members enrolled in State Supported Living Services or Family Support services who reside outside of Jefferson and Clear Creek County.
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DDRC’s mission is to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families participate fully in the community. We are dedicated to being person-centered, so helping people feel connected to the world they live in, and in a way they cherish and desire, is key. Our many direct services fulfill this need.
Just recently, DDRC’s Therapeutic Learning/Recreation team and participants ventured out on a beautiful spring hike in Bear Creek Lake Park, a location that participants were excited to visit. As they started off, one of the participants said she likes adventures, the kind where you can be “walking and seeing wildlife, birds and butterflies.”
The hike took the group to a flat open area, inspiring in its size and vistas. There the group paused to recognize that Earth Day had recently passed, and one of the hikers shared, "I like the earth because it gives us energy and peace." That’s something many of us can identify with too!
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Adventures, whether through our Therapeutic Learning/Recreation, day programs, our Self-Determination initiative, or exploring career possibilities, are what energizes people to live their lives to the fullest. DDRC is gratified to help make that happen in many different ways.
Learn more about what’s possible for you by visiting our web site, reaching out to one of our service areas and by contacting your case manager. Our main number is 303.233.3363.
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Shop for Good with Kendra Scott May 10 and May 11 | |
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“Shop for Good” with Kendra Scott May 10 and 11, just in time for Mother's Day! The ever loved and bold gift collection from Kendra Scott is notable and timeless. Whether elegant or beautifully simple, there are jewelry and gift styles to excite everyone, including necklaces, earrings, watches, fragrance, and more - perfect for the graduate, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or maybe even yourself!
Twenty percent (20%) of all purchases made in-store on Saturday May 11 from 2-4 pm at the Cherry Creek North location (175 North Fillmore St., Denver) and online purchases on May10–11 using the code GIVEBACK-FYPVO at checkout will qualify for a donation to DDRC!
So, grab your gift for that special someone and join us to shine together for all abilities. Download the flyer.
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Inclusion in the Spotlight | |
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In case you missed it, DDRC was the guest of Denver7 TV’s Mile High Living program where we shared an overview of DDRC, getting involved, and the importance of inclusion.
One way inclusion in action is exemplified is through DDRC’s Unified Sports program, where athletes with and without disabilities play side-by-side. Athlete participant, Jacob, and DDRC Recreation staff, Jack, talked about their meaningful and fun involvement with Unified Sports and our TLC Recreation programs.
See the video: https://tinyurl.com/Denver7MHL-ddrc
Want to get involved to support inclusion by volunteering or donating? Call our main number at 303.233.3363.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month - We Have Behavioral Health Services | |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that needing and getting help is okay when you or a loved one face mental, emotional or behavioral health challenges.
The needs and funding for behavioral health services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are unique. Fortunately, DDRC has behavioral health services and staff specially oriented to serve people with I/DD, and DDRC now has a pediatric behavioral health clinic. The clinic offers a special one-way window for parents to observe the clinic services for their child, and currently there is no waitlist.
These services are among the options you might consider if help is needed. See the DDRC Behavioral Health Brochure and the DDRC Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinic brochure.
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No matter who or what group you reach out to for help, the important thing is to start, to take action, and not be stymied or silenced by shame, guilt or hopelessness. | |
Have You Heard? DDRC is Turning 60! | |
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We are hosting a joyous celebration recognizing 60 years of serving the community with our DDRC-Offically60! celebration. This milestone isn't just ours—it's yours, too! Your support, participation, and being welcoming of inclusion have enabled DDRC to make a meaningful impact over the past six decades. That's why we want to celebrate alongside you!
The DDRC-Offically60! celebration will be held on June 15 from 1pm to 4pm at the Arvada Center in Arvada, Colorado. This is a free event open to all.
See more and register at ddrcco.com/offically60
Besides connecting with old and new friends and enjoying the celebration, would you also like to take a turn at volunteering? If so, email Addie.Ewalt@ddrcco.co to let us know and we’ll get in touch.
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Sign Our Virtual Celebration Card! | |
Share your congratulations and best wishes to DDRC in recognition of our milestone year by signing our virtual card.
It is free to sign and quick to do. Best of all, it is fun to read all the thoughtful messages!
SIGN THE CARD > https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/60c577fd75c1d5a
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Sunrise Safari Golf Tournament Is Not To Be Missed | |
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Grab your binoculars. You'll want to see this!
It's time for a sunrise safari adventure at the always breathtaking Hiwan Golf Club for DDRC's 32nd annual golf tournament. Besides the views and beautiful club, golfers also get to enjoy 18 holes of golf, fun competitions and awards, a wonderful lunch, in-person perusal of our auction and more, all to support DDRC's mission.
Join us among the lions, giraffes, and wildebeests on August 12th for our 32nd annual tournament, “Sunrise Safari” in support of DDRC.
Discover MORE > ddrcco.com/golf
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DDRC Connecting in the Community | |
CO4Kids & DDRC Behavioral Health
DDRC participated in a huge resource fair to share what we do, including our Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinic, during the CO4 Kids Resource Fair in April. CO4Kids is the CO Dept. of Human Services’ statewide initiative to provide awareness about Colorado’s child welfare system and strengthen families as a means of preventing abuse and neglect.
| The fair, held at the Denver Zoo, was a fun way to inform families of the many resources that are available. See CO4Kids. See DDRC Pediatric Behavioral Health brochure. | |
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We’re committed to meeting the highest standards for charitable operations
and giving, and are proud of the ratings we've achieved!
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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
People served by DDRC and their families:
If you have already indicated that you wish to only receive official notifications, we ask for your patience as we work to coordinate and update those preferences in the database. Thank you!
DDRC sends important information via this “Constant Contact" email platform, including information about DDRC services and supports, announcements of emergencies, etc. Please do not unsubscribe from Constant Contact emails since our communications will be restricted to U.S. mail and will take longer to get to you. If you prefer not to receive e-newsletters, invitations or donor opportunities please use our “Online Form” to indicate that you do not want to receive such emails. Official notifications about services and supports may then still be sent via Constant Contact, unless you contact us to indicate otherwise. Thank You.
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