Helping Children and Young Adults: DDRC Pediatric Behavioral Health Service | |
Bobby is visiting DDRC's new Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinic and is working on goals that he, his parents, and his therapist, Matt Strode, have identified. Matt is one of our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts.
DDRC uses a flexible and person-centered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach, an evidence-based tool, to help teach adaptive skills to reach maximum independence. We follow the child’s motivations and interests to help them learn receptive and expressive language, learner readiness, skills in play, social, and daily living, as well as executive functioning and behavior management.
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Bobby’s dad, Brian, was at a recent session and observed that Bobby and Matt have already developed a nice rapport after only a few visits. Brian said he is familiar with DDRC as Bobby also received Early Intervention services, and that he and his wife are confident that with this ABA teaching, Bobby will certainly continue to make progress and flourish. Just then, Matt was heard across the room giving soft, but heartfelt praise of, “Wow, Bobby you’re doing great today!”
If you would like to explore how our Pediatric Behavioral Health services can help your child or young adult (3-20 years old), contact Matthew.Strode@ddrcco.com.
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Growing Fulfillment in Our Day Programs | |
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DDRC’s Walters garden in Arvada is in full bloom, and it’s producing veggies, flowers, smiles, and fulfillment.
We started some plants from seed and are now harvesting yellow squash we’ll be using in our Day Program cooking classes. This year we also have a “You Pick” flower patch, and participants love picking the blooms to adorn the rooms at Walters. Kim Barela, AVS Assistant Program Manager, reports that gardening is such a loved and rewarding activity that they do it at Walters almost every year. Many of our day program participants assist and enjoy the garden, but Bryan, pictured here with Kim outside in the garden, never misses a day.
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Participants are not only learning about gardening, but also healthy eating, food preparation and cooking skills too. So, they are growing as people, while growing a garden. They are planning to make roasted squash, and we can’t wait to see what else they cook-up with their harvest! | |
It’s not too late to join us for these or other day program activities. Email dayprogram@ddrcco.com or call 303.233.3363 and ask to speak with Kerrianne Rigney who can help guide you on your next steps. | |
Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week | |
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DDRC is celebrating Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Recognition Week September 8-14, alongside many organizations and families across our state and country who rely on this crucial workforce. Yes, they're crucial, indispensable, and impactful!
DDRC's leadership will be recognizing the DSPs who work in our Quality Living Options, Adult Vocational Services and A Better Choice/Support Services.
As one of several expressions of this gratitude, our Board of Directors issued a proclamation that put into words their deep respect for the work and impact of DSPs, and recognition of the truly important role these professionals play in the lives of the people we serve.
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Read the proclamation.
We hope you will take a moment to thank and acknowledge the DSPs you know!
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Make Your Voice Heard at the Legislative BBQ - Sept. 24 | |
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The 24th Annual Legislative Indoor BBQ is upon us! Please join us on September 24th from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. for mingling, good food, and discussions with meaning, hosted by Seniors Resource Center, Family Tree, Jefferson Center, The Action Center and DDRC. The event will be will be held in the Community Room at Red Rocks Community College (13300 W 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228).
This is a time to meet candidates for local, state, and federal offices and let them know what is important to you. Your experience can help guide and educate policymakers, and make a difference. We’ll have some delicious BBQ for you to enjoy and door prizes at the end of the evening too!
Please join us to make your voice heard. This event is free but guests must register in advance please.
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Regis Baseball Team Hits a Home Run with Community Service Project | |
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The Regis University Men’s Baseball Team recently swung into action off the field with a community service painting project that brightened up the DDRC Day Program gyms at Walters and Weiland. Their initiative highlights the team’s and University’s commitment to community service, and their efforts to bond outside of athletic pursuits.
Nolan Johnson, #16 Senior, emphasized the value of these efforts. "Community focus is a big part of what we do," he explained. "Getting out and engaging in service work is great for our program. It helps build team chemistry and brings us together off the field for the betterment of our community."
Westin Miller, #13 Senior, said, "We are fortunate as college athletes to do what we love, and being able to hang out with the guys and work towards a common goal is something we really enjoy. If we’re able, we want to help wherever we can." The painting project provided a valuable opportunity for the team to work together on something meaningful. "Encouraging others to get out and work on projects makes the work go faster, “Westin observed, adding “It feels good to help when we’re fortunate enough to be able to do so.” Nolan echoed this point, saying, "Community service wasn’t something we did much before coming to Regis, but we now feel a strong obligation to participate.” Other team volunteer activities have included things like snow shoveling, or helping move-in freshmen on campus.
After painting, team members sat down to talk and enjoy pizza with participants at the Walters and Weiland facilities. DDRC is pleased to think that this group of young men, who love sports and play, felt a new awareness and connection to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—people who will now enjoy many recreational activities in these freshly spruced-up surroundings. Through projects like this, the Regis team has demonstrated their dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the field. Our thanks to Assistant Coach, Mike, and to all the team and coaches for their generous spirit!
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Golf Tournament Drives Success with Safari | |
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It’s not every day that you see a giraffe in Evergreen, Colorado, but the safari theme of the DDRC and Developmental Disabilities Foundation (DDF) 32nd annual golf tournament brought out the wildlife! One hundred and five participants came together at the stunning Hiwan Golf Club for a day of golfing fun, community spirit, and charitable giving.
Golfers teed off in a series of exciting competitions, including a closest-to-the-pin challenge, a longest drive contest, and a chance to compete against professional golfers from Backswing Golf Events. And DDRCs Therapeutic Learning/ Recreation participants were there as a team too.
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Adding to the day's enjoyment was a light morning breakfast, a delicious and hearty lunch fajita bar sponsored by Fairfield Inn and Suites/Denver West, and lively lunchtime music performed by David Lawrence, sponsored by Brown and Brown.
Attendees also had the opportunity to unwind with ShapeShift Wellness chair massages provided by Dr. Anthony Davis, and view firsthand many of the wonderful auction items up for bid on our online platform.
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One of the day’s highlights was a heartfelt speech by Barb Moritzky, a DDF board member. Barb shared the profound impact DDRC has had on her sister’s life over the past 25 years. “That is quite a while, and my sister has been blessed with so many wonderful staff members and various activities. Several of the staff are still there. That speaks volumes, too,” Barb said, touching everyone present with her words.
DDRC Executive Director Rob DeHerrera expressed DDRC's appreciation, saying, “Thank you to all the volunteers, golfers, sponsors, and Hiwan Golf Club staff for your incredible support. Your efforts have played a vital role in making this event a success!”
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The tournament was not only a day of sports, socializing and reflecting on DDRC’s impact, but also a tremendous success in grossing nearly $72,000 to support DDRC’s mission of assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The enthusiastic participation and generous contributions from everyone involved underscore the community’s commitment to making a meaningful difference, and the power of coming together for a great cause.
See the recap photos on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DDRCCO/
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DDRC's Annual Event - Oct. 23 | |
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DDRC will host an evening event on Wednesday, October 23 from 6:00- 7:30 p.m. in Lakewood to include dinner, awards, special reflections and looking ahead from leaders and invited speakers. This treasured annual event is for DDRC participants, families, supporters, friends, and special guests. Please watch for an invitation email with further details to be sent at a later date, as advance registration is required.
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Out & About with Jeffco Public Schools | |
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In August, DDRC participated in Jefferson County Public Schools' Community Resource Fair. Attendees to the fair were the many “new educators” to the district, as well as current school counselors, nurses and other school staff who support the mental, physical and emotional well-being of students and families. It was a wonderful opportunity to inform attendees – as well as all the other providers and vendors there – about DDRC’s many varied, direct services (see them here).
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DDRC's Self Determination Initiative | |
DDRC's Self Determination Initiative provides funding to individuals with an IDD/DD who reside in Jefferson County to help support them in developing a new skill, take initiative towards a new goal, and or move towards a dream of theirs that will promote increased independence and self-determination.
Interested? See more here.
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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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