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Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
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| Help COCAF While You Shop!
Use AmazonSmile when you shop Amazon, and support COCAF at the same time! Shop at AmazonSmile and 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchases can be donated to the nonprofit of your choice - including COCAF. Your donations help adoptive families in Colorado find the services they need to keep their families safe, healthy, and thriving. Click here to start shopping.
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| CLASSROOM |
While You Wait
Tuesday & Wednesday
June 6 & 7, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Trauma-Informed Practices: Bent County
Monday & Tuesday
June 12 & 13, 2017
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
FREE
Bent County/Las Animas County Center
1214 Ambassador Thompson Blvd
Las Animas,
CO 81054
Trauma-Informed Practices: Otero County
Tuesday & Wednesday
June 13, 2017 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
&
June 14, 2017 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
FREE
Otero Jr College
Conference & Banquet Room
1802 Colorado Ave
La Junta,
CO 81050
Trauma-Informed Practices: Prowers County
Thursday & Friday
June 15
& 16
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FREE
Lamar Community Building
Dance Room (English)
Multipurpose Room (Spanish)
610 S 6th ST
Lamar,
CO 81052
TRBI Caregiver Training: Correcting Principles - Addressing fear-based behaviors
Friday
June 16, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here fore more info.
TRBI Caregiver Training: Intro & Overview
Friday
July 21, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Adoption Exchange
14232 E Evans Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
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Webinars
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Debunking the Myth: Getting an SSA Disability Application Approved on Your First Try
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
June 1, 2017
The Basics of SSI and SSDI
June 8, 2017
The SSA Disability Application Process
June 15, 2017
The SSA Forms 3368, 827, & 1696
June 22, 2017
The SSA Work History Report
June 29, 2017
The SSA Adult Function Report
July 13, 2017
Childhood Disability: A Different Beast
While You Wait
Tuesday & Wednesday
June 6 & 7, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
For more info, call
1-800-451-5246
Adoption Options Orientation
Wednesday
June 21, 2017
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
FREE
Foster Care Adoption Orientation
Wednesday
July 12, 2017
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
FREE
Trauma-Informed Care
In English
Wednesday
July 26, 2017
9:00 a.m. - noon
Trauma-Informed Care
In Spanish
Friday
July 28, 2017
9:00 a.m. - noon
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C.A.S.E. Webinars
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Click here for more information for any of the C.A.S.E. webinars.
We Are Still Family: Supporting Relationships Between Separated Siblings
Thursday
June 15, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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| CONFERENCES |
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49th Annual Autism Society National Conference
July 12-15, 2017
Milwaukee, WI
NACAC Annual Conference
Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children (ATTACh)
Annual Conference
October 12-14, 2017
Denver Marriot Tech Center
Denver, CO 80237
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Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
Participating theatres:
The Epic First Movie
Saturday, June 10
Wonder Woman
Tuesday, June 13
Cars 3
Saturday, June 24
Transformers: The Last Night
Tuesday, June 27
Despicable Me 3
Saturday, July 8
The House
Tuesday, July 11
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Saturday, July 22
War for the Planet of Apes
Tuesday, July 25
The Emoji Movie
Tuesday, August 8
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2017 Heritage Camp Schedule
Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families have been offering culturally rich summer camp experiences for adoptive families since 1991. Click here for more information.
Adult Adoptee Retreat:
Registration March 8 - July 1
Camp dates: July 20-30 in Denver, CO
African/Caribbean:
Registration Feb 20 - May 8
Camp dates: June 8-11 in Denver, CO
Cambodian:
Registration March 1 - May 12
Camp dates: July 13-16, Fraser, CO
Chinese:
Registration Mar 15 - July 30
Camp dates: September 1-4 in Fraser, CO
Chinese II:
Registration Mar 1 - June 20
Camp Dates: July 20 -23 in Denver, CO
Domestic Adoption:
Registration March 8 - July 3
Camp dates: August 3 -6 in Denver, CO
Indian/Nepalese: Registration March 1 - May 5
Camp dates: July 6 - 9, Fraser, CO
Korean: Registration Feb 20 - April 21
Camp dates: June 15-18 in Fraser, CO
Latin American: Registation Feb 20 - April 21
Camp dates: June 22 -23 in Fraser, CO
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asians (REECA):
Registration March 1 - May 10
Camp dates: July 20-23, Fraser, CO
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander (SEAPI):
Registration March 8 - May 12
Camp dates: July 13-16 in Estes Park, CO
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FREE RESOURCES
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Looking for books or movies about adoption? Or how to deal with school-related adoption issues?
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Free Overnight Camp for Foster & Kinship Kids
Every foster or kinship child, ages 6-12, can experience a 5-day overnight camp for free. Your children may also be eligible to participate in a year-round mentoring club. Registration generally begins in March, but call to inquire ASAP.
Arvada: Arvada Covenant Church - Camp #005-June 19-23
5555 Ward Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Camp Directors: Will & Mikki Le Vett, Phone: (303) 422-1235
Englewood/Denver: The Sacred Grace - Camp #066-June 19-23
3220 S Acoma Street, Englewood, CO 80110
Camp Director: Nate Galuzzi, Phone: (303) 422-3777
Littleton: Waterstone Community Church - Camp #234-June 5-9
5890 S. Alkire Street, Littleton, CO 80127
Camp Director: Maryann Jennings, Phone: (303) 520-5370
Parker: Southeast Christian Church - Camp #272-June 5-9
9650 Jordan Road, Parker, CO 80134
Camp Director: Kim Webb, Phone: (303) 841-9292
Windsor/Weld County: Timberline Church - Camp #334-June 26-30
360 Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO 80550
Camp Directors: Pat & Kathy Seeboth, Phone: (970) 686-8494
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SUMMER CAMP
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ABLE to Sail is a 4-day summer day-camp youth empowerment experience at Union Reservoir
Monday-Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
June through August
Or call: 720-233-8969
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As I put together this newsletter on Memorial Day, I have been reflecting on those who have lost family members in the service of our country.
While many members of my family have served, none lost their lives while protecting our freedoms, and I know how blessed that makes me.
If your family is one of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, thank you. Your family member's or friend's honorable service and ultimate sacrifice is why we all have the freedom to voice our opinions, vote or not vote, adopt or not adopt. So again, thank you.
May Your Summer Break Be Awesome!
K. Colleen Tarket,
COCAF Board of Directors
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COCAF Executive Director Working to Change Law
COCAF Executive Director Deborah Cave continues to work with our state legislators to find ways to better support Colorado's adoptive families.
Currently, Deborah is trying to get legislation that will allow
non-Medicaid providers to accept private pay for children who have secondary Medicaid (which includes all children adopted from foster care who receive adoption assistance). Currently in Colorado, non-Medicaid providers are not allowed to treat children with Medicaid.
This law severely restricts the number of physicians and mental health professionals available to treat children who were adopted from foster care. We will keep you informed as we move this important issue forward to our legislators.
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Proposed Fed Budget Will Hurt Adoptive Families
The new federal budget proposal created by the Trump administration will significantly hurt those in need of Medicaid - like our children adopted from the foster care system. Here is a take on the proposed budget from DisabilityScoop:
"Trump is looking to slash $610 billion from Medicaid in the next decade. Rather than provide uncapped matching grants to states to pay for services provided by the entitlement program, the budget plan calls for states to be able to choose between receiving a set amount for each beneficiary - a method known as per capita cap - or receiving a block grant, essentially a lump sum from the federal government.
Disability advocates say that such a fundamental shift to Medicaid would have far-reaching consequences for people with developmental disabilities, affecting the availability of everything from health care to home and community-based services.
"We are extremely concerned with the devastating cuts to safety-net programs that help people with disabilities live, learn and work in the community to pay for tax breaks for the extremely wealthy," said Eric Buehlmann, director of public policy at the National Disability Rights Network."
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Summer Food Programs
Do you need help with feeding your children this summer?
Colorado has summer food service programs to help.
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Mental Health Crisis No Longer Means Jail
Senate Bill 207, which abolishes the practice of locking up people in a mental health crisis, was signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper. The new law provides for training for first responders, mobile care units, regional contractors, and will fund a walk-in center in the Western Slope by 2018.
The purpose of the law is to get those in a mental health crisis that help that they need, rather than incarcerating them.
Colorado also a mental health crisis hotline: 1-844-493-TALK or text TALK to 38255.
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Background Information Critical for Families Adopting
Locating and communicating a child's history is an essential step in helping prospective parents plan for adoption. This month, Adoption Triad highlights the importance of accessing thorough background medical and social information on a prospective adoptive child.
Giving adoptive families answers to their questions allows them to consider if they have the resources necessary to care for an adopted child. It also enables adopted children to have a more accurate sense of their identity in the future. Detailed background information includes the prospective adoptive child's relationship to their birth family, prior trauma, and any potential special needs. Knowing and understanding the effect of this information helps to provide a thorough continuum of care, thereby mitigating future adoption disruption.
The resources below are designed to facilitate an open dialogue between prospective families and adoption agencies about the background information necessary in making informed adoption decisions:
- Learn about the importance of finding and accessing thorough information in Obtaining Background Information on Your Adopted Childfrom the Child Welfare Information Gateway. This factsheet for families also provides questions that prospective adoptive parents should ask adoption agencies and offers recommendations for obtaining additional information.
- Find State and territory contacts to access birth, death, marriage, or divorce records through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Where to Write for Vital Records
- Learn about the cumulative effect of trauma on positive youth development with Understanding Trauma by AdoptUSKids. This resource provides information on the ways in which an adoptive child's prior experiences may affect their behavior following adoption.
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Camp Teen Fundago Day Trip: July 6
All the fun of a three-day camp squeezed into one day. For adoptive, foster, or kinship teens (and biological siblings too!) ages 10 - 16. The day trip takes place July 6, 2017, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Cost is $20 a camper. Click here for more information.
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Whole Family Camp
A three-day camp for the whole family. Adoptive, foster, and kinship families can enjoy a weekend away, while they come together. Cost is $30 a camper.
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Children Spark Club Summer Club
Spark Club is a social skills club for children with developmental disabilities and autism. The club builds social skills, community safety skills, and supports academic goals during the school break. Each child works with a behavioral trained technician and works on social and life skill goals from their current treatment plan. The group is designed for kids aged 4-15. To register for the group go to
https://sparkclubs.com/
or call 720-272-1289. Spark Club is held at Consultants for Children, Inc.*, Lakewood Office, 265 S. Harlan St., Lakewood, CO.
Session 1 will be May 30th through July 7th from 9am to 2pm.
Session 2 will be July 10th through August 18th from 9am to 2pm.
*Consultants for Children accepts Medicaid
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Domestic Adoption Camp - Sign Up Now!
Come join "the family" at the 7th Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families' Domestic Adoption Camp 2017
August 3-6 at Regis University. The theme this year is Family Tree: Mighty Strong. The concept of a family tree is so central to family life. While family trees are an important source of interest and pride in most families, they can be somewhat challenging to navigate for adoptees and adoptive families.
Campers will examine that issue together in the camp environment to assist each other in addressing it. A favorite inspirational poem entitled, "The Mighty Oak Tree," has been chosen to convey the fortitude of our families. We, as individual family units and as a wider adoption community, are "mighty strong" in triumphing over any and all trials we may face.
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Summer Camps
Salvation Army Aurora Summer Camp
The fee is $35 per child per week. This day camp runs from 7:30am to 6pm. Ages 6-12 are welcome. Summer Camp starts on June 5th and ends on August 11th. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Call 303-364-1965 or 720-285-2027 to register.
Salvation Army High Peak Overnight Camp
Cost for the camp is $35 per week per child. All meals will be provided. Transportation will be provided both to and from camp. To register for camp call 720-285-2027 or email Demarius Parmer at Demarius.Parmer@usw.salvationarmy.org
Camp sessions are as follows:
June 12-17
- Rocky Mountain Youth Camp #1 (ages 7-12)
-Wilderness Camp#1 (ages 13-17)
June 26-July 1
- Rocky Mountain Youth Camp #2 (ages 7-12)
-Wilderness Camp#2 (ages 13-17
JA Business Week Overnight Camp
June 11 to 16, kids grades 9-12
Johnson & Wales University
7150 E Montview Boulevard, Denver, CO 80220
Business Week, presented by Arrow Electronics, Inc., is a knowledge-building, confidence-boosting, network-growing, college-application standout of a summer experience. Students will stay in the dorms on the beautiful campus of Johnson & Wales University in Denver, giving them a sneak peek into college life. JA Business Week is open to students who are currently in grades 9-12. Students attending for the first time will work on designing a new cell phone case and marketing plan for OtterBox, an electronics accessory company headquartered in Fort Collins. Returning students will work as consultants for Arrow Electronics.
The camp normally costs $550, but there are large SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE.
Contact Ginny Reece at 303-260-6285 or
Greece@JAColorado.org
http://www.jabusinessweek.org/about-ja
DU's Engineering Summer Day Camp
Students entering 9th-11th grade will learn the fundamentals of design, math, and engineering through fun activities like building robots that play soccer and constructing towers out of marshmallows. There is a co-ed and female only option, scholarships are available at http://ritchieschool.du.edu/engineering-summer-day-camp/ or contact Yvonne Petitt at 303-871-2107 for more information. July 10th-14th (Women's and Men's Camp) / July 24th-28th (Women's Camp)
Click here for more information on the Engineering camps.
DU's CodeART Summer Day Camp
Students entering 9th grade-11th grade will learn computational art-making and programming by creating two-dimensional art works. Students should have a desire and the curiosity to learn how to code and interest to make computational art. Contact Susan Bolton at 303-871-2458 for scholarships. June 12th-16th (Women's Camp) / June 19th-23rd (Women's and Men's Camp).
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NACAC Conference Registration Open
Join the NACAC conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 20 to 22 (preconference session July 19). Registration is now open and early-bird registration rates are available until June 12.
The NACAC conference is the most comprehensive adoption conference in North America and if you have been touched by adoption or foster care, you will want to attend!
Keynote speakers are:
- Heather Forbes, LCSW, Helping Children Love Themselves: Overcoming Their Negative Belief Systems
- Young Adult Panel moderated by Michael Sanders, Unpacking the "No" to Adoption
- Barry Chaffkin, Families Matter
The conference includes more than 80 workshops on topics such as adoption support and preservation, recruitment and pre-adoption services, advanced issues in adoption and therapeutic techniques, and more.
Click here to download the complete registration booklet.
The conference will be held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in downtown Atlanta (210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303).
Discounted guest rooms are $169 per night (plus tax and a $5/night state hotel fee).
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EVENTS
The Denver Children's Advocacy Center's (DCAC) Breakfast Open House
Thursday, June 8, 2017 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
2149 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80211
FREE to all. Stop by, enjoy breakfast, and tour DCAC's child-friendly campus.
Heart of the Rockies Launch Party
Monday, June 12, 2017, 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
347 E Foothills Pkwy #110, Fort Collins, CO 80525
For the past 16 years, Kids at Heart has provided a safe, loving, inclusive haven for over 1,000 children through their Fundango and camp programs. With the launch from Heart of the Rockies, they are making plans to support more at-risk youth and their families. Next month, Kids at Heart will have a launch party to celebrate their launch. Attend and learn more about the next chapter of Kids at Heart.
To RSVP please click here
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Support Groups
Sometimes our children provide us with challenges that we're just not quite ready to handle. And sometimes support groups can help us find the answers we need, or at least make us feel okay about the unique challenges we're facing. Here are some support groups that might be helpful.
Boulder Valley Christian Church
Support group for foster and adoptive moms
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to noon, beginning Feb. 7, 2017
Facilitated by Lisa Firle, MA., LPCC
Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Road, Boulder.
Parents of Children with PTSD or Dissociative Disorder
Starts November 4, 2016
First Friday of the month
Denver Therapy & Consultation Group
2133 S Bellaire, Ste 11
$25 per person or $40 couple
Some scholarships are available.
For more information, contact Jan Tomski at
jantomski@msn.com
or by phone at 303-881-7630.
Adult Adoptee Support Group
Every 1st & 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sondermind, Suite 12, 100 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302
Cost $25-$35
Jefferson County Kids Group
Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian, 11500 W. 20th Ave, Lakewood
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m..
RSVP to Mindy Beckler at 303-432-5205
North Adams Grandfamily Support Group
Third Thursday of the month
Brighton Police Department, 3401 E Bromley Ln, Brighton, 80601. RSVP to Janet at 303-637-8113.
Fathers Forever
2nd & 4th Thursdays
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Resilience Center,
1298 Peoria St,
Aurora, CO 80011
For more information, contact Don Reynolds (720-353-6103) or Aaron Lockwood (303-901-4486).
Grandparent Group
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Aurora Mental Health Center in the Early Childhood & Family Dept.
11059 E Bethany Dr., Suite 101, Aurora, CO 80014
For more information, contact Aline Ratliff (303-885-5163).
Foster Care & Adoptive Parents Support Group
Last Sunday of every month from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discovery Church,
2605 W 144th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80023
Online Support Group for Adoptive, Foster, & Kinship Parents
Second Tuesday of the Month
Morning session 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Evening session 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Session includes a short presentation followed by a discussion.
Email Deb Felio at
for the toll-free number and access code.
Adoptive Parents Support Group
1st Tuesday of the month
February 3 - May 5, 2015
5:30pm-7:00pm
Supervised activities and group therapy for children
Lakewood Nazarene Church
Lakewood, CO
RSVP to Family Support Specialist, Mindi Bekler, 720-251-5876
Teen & Tween Adoption Support for Parents
Potluck
2nd & 4th Monday of each month
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Resilience Center
1298 Peoria St
Aurora, C
O 80011
Young Adult Mental Illness Support Group
For ages 18-28
1st & 3rd Thursday of every month
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
1st week Classroom F-G
3rd week Classroom E
St Anthony Hospital
11600 W 2nd Dr
Lakewood, CO 80228
Contact Courtney at 720-369-2629 for more information.
Welcome Child Adoption/Foster Care Support Group
Second Sunday of the month
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Timberline Church, Room 214
2908 S. Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
For more information contact Michele Sanner by email at
mlsanner@gmail.com or by phone at
(970) 481-5749.
Xpress Yourself Art & Play Therapy
Support groups for internationally adopted children & adolescents
CCAI
6920 S. Holly Circle
Centennial, CO 80112
Call 303-850-9998, ext 22
Called to Adopt Support Group
4th Saturday of the month, 6:00 p.m.,
Christ Community Church, Greeley, CO
The Men's Group for Adoptive Dads
Thursdays, 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
Zoe's, 715 10th St,
Greeley, CO 80631
Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support Group
Facilitators: Sarah Ahn and Jenny Burnsed, LPC
Last Monday of every month 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Bixby School, 3750 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
There is no fee associated with this group, though donations are gratefully accepted. Please contact Sarah at SarahA@bipr.org for questions.
Therapeutic Post-Adoption Support Group
2nd Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Windsor Timberline Church
360 E Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO
Aurora Mental Health
Adoption Support Group
2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
Aurora Mental Health
11059 E Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014
Colorado Adams County Rainbow Center
3rd Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
2140 E 88th Ave, Thornton, CO 80229
Contact: KimNichelle Rivera 303-226-5536
EMPOWER Littleton/Aurora/Englewood
1st & 3rd Thursday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network
155 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group for Adults
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
ADMHN Building, 3rd floor
5500 S. Sycamore St, Littleton, CO 80120
Contact: Carol
303-790-1055
NAMI Family Support Group Teleconference
2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month
Louisville Parent Support Group
Second Tuesday of the month
7:00 - 8:30
Art Underground
901 Front Street, Louisville, CO 80027
$25 per session; reservations required.
Call 720-352-1743.
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| COCAF strives to provide Colorado's adoptive families with the information and resources they need to keep their families healthy and happy. If you have ideas for topics you think we should cover, please let us know. And if you find a good resource -- definitely let us know. Please forward your ideas or information to me at colleen.tarket@cocaf.org. Materials received by the 20th of a month will be considered for inclusion in the next month's newsletter.
Wishing all families peace, serenity, and a good sense of humor,
Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board Member (and newsletter put-ter-together-er)
COCAF does not recommend or endorse any specific book, website, survey, study, or provider of services. The purpose of the COCAF e-newsletter is to provide families with potential resources. All information contained in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only and as is without warranty expressed or implied, and shall not constitute legal, medical, psychiatric, educational, or parenting advice. COCAF is not be liable for any damages arising from using the information in this newsletter, including direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and/or consequential damages. No information on this site should be considered legal advice. Laws vary by state, so you are urged to research the specific laws, and your rights, within your state. If you have specific questions regarding your rights, or the laws in your state, please contact an attorney.
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Use this area to provide your subscribers information about your organization.
We believe that all children have the right to a permanent loving family. We are dedicated to improving services for every pre- and post-adoptive family and to increasing the knowledge and accountability of public systems. We are committed to advocacy in state and local service planning and delivery, in support of all pre and post adoptive families.
Sincerely,
Deborah Cave, Executive Director
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