[Image description: In the top part of the image, a woman with short gray hair, a man with white hair, and a younger woman with shoulder-length brown and blond hair all smile and laugh. In the center, a purple box contains the white text "Best of the Springs. The Gazette" above gold text that says "2024 Winner." Above the last letter, an illustration of a crown. Below, over a blue background, white text says "Home Care Company and In-Home Care Provider" above the name and logo of The IC.] | |
We won! The IC takes Gold in the Gazette's 2024 Best of the Springs | | |
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The Independence Center is proud once again to announce we have won GOLD for Best Care Company and In-Home Care Provider in the Gazette's 2024 Best of the Springs!
Voting took place earlier this year, and the winners were announced at a reception on Thursday, April 25 at the Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy.
These awards are a testament to the hard work, commitment, and dedication of our Healthcare at Home team members. Please join us in congratulating our Team on this extraordinary achievement!
Want to learn more about how you can become part of our Family/Friend Caregiver program?
Give us a call at 719-471-8181, email us at the address below, or visit our employment page.
info@the-ic.org
https://www.the-ic.org/employment/
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[Image description: An illustration of a woman with long hair wearing a dress walking on a winding path that narrows in the distance at a pointed white flag. Left of the illustration, two white pointed signs contain the words "Four ways forward" above a blue pointed sign that says "for Mental Health Awareness Month." On the right, an orange box contains the words "National Council for Mental Wellbeing.] | |
May is Mental Health Awareness Month | | |
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Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) has been observed in the United States since 1949. This national movement works to raise awareness about mental health, break down barriers to mental health care, and help promote a culture of acceptance and support for those living with mental illness.
Currently, only half of Americans (around 52%) say they are familiar with the mental health care system. Approximately one in five adults in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year, however less than half receive treatment. (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness).
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world; in fact, 19.4 million people have at least one depressive episode each year.
Accordingly, you likely know someone who lives with depression — and maybe even someone who struggles with it daily.
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The goal of MHAM is to educate about various forms of mental illness, their symptoms, and the resources available for treatment and support. A number of invisible disabilities are a result of contending with mental health issues, making it additionally important to prioritize mental health and wellness, as well as emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has put together a free toolkit with information about advocacy opportunities and tools for maintaining mental health. Their page also contains a list of resources, ways to observe this month, and organizations that can help you or your loved ones.
Visit this link for more information:
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/
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[Image description: Over an illustration of a US flag, the words "Remember Honor Support" above "National Military Appreciation Month."] | |
National Military Appreciation Month | | |
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In May, we recognize Military Appreciation Month. In 1999, Congress designated this month to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show their appreciation for troops, both past and present.
Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day.
Our Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program helps empower Veterans to manage their own Veteran's Administration (VA) benefits and care so they can continue to live independently in their homes.
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[ID: In front of a blue-gray background, a white woman with brown hair wearing a black shirt signs in American Sign Language.] | |
[Image description: A collage of eight photos. In the first, fifth, and eighth photo, a different person holds a dark blue bag with The IC's logo consisting of the name and a white leaf. In the rest of the photos, others stand with the bag holders as they all smile at the camera.] | |
Direct Caregiver Appreciation Week | |
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During the 2024 Regular Session of the Colorado General Assembly, lawmakers passed a bill recognizing the first full week of April as Direct Care Workers Appreciation Week.
Direct Care Workers (DCWs) provide essential personal care, homemaking, and home health aide services to people who need help with daily tasks. These services allow Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries to live at home and avoid costly medical or institutional services and provide a vital help to those who want to remain living independently in their homes. Currently in Colorado more than 70,000 older individuals and people with disabilities receive long-term care services and supports from Direct Care Workers.
In celebration of DCW Appreciation Week, The IC delivered goodie bags to our 25 wonderful Field Staff team members who serve our consumers every day! To our entire Field Staff team, thank you for the compassion, care, and dedication that you give to those you serve.
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[Image description: A person sits in a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle with a green frame and holds up two fingers towards the camera. Another person makes an adjustment on the back of the vehicle, and to the right, a third person looks on smiling.] | |
The IC Continues our Partnership with El Paso County Parks and Recreation | | |
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On Tuesday, April 3, staff from The IC visited Bear Creek Nature Center to learn more about the daily operation of the El Paso County Trailability Program.
The Trailability Program is available at both the Bear Creek Nature Center and Fountain Creek Nature Center and offers guests the free use of their Terrain Hoppers. Terrain Hoppers are off-road mobility vehicles that allow people with disabilities access to the nature center’s hiking trails.
The IC's Paul Spotts, Keenan Coatney, Edgar Morales, and Maria Cordova tried out the Terrain Hoppers and offered easy modifications for their guest’s diverse needs. These include a strap for someone’s feet if needed, a lower belt buckle for additional support, and making sure instructions are provided in a variety of ways.
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Additionally, the staff at Bear Creek Nature Center redesigned their parking lot to make it easier for guests to park in their accessible parking spots and transfer into and out of their Terrain Hopper.
El Paso County Parks and Recreation purchased one of the two Terrain Hoppers located at the Nature Centers with money from The IC Fund, and the Terrain Hoppers are available for use to anyone with a disability, including people with invisible disabilities.
If you are looking for a chance to get outside and learn more about nature, visit the Trailability Program website at the following link:
https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/trailability
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[Image description: Below The IC logo, the words "ADA Fest-Able 2024" in various colors. At the bottom, yellow text says "July 26, 2024. 10 am to 2 pm." White text below says "729 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903."] | |
Save the Date! The Fest-ABLE Returns on July 26 | | |
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On Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., The IC will once again be hosting the Fest-ABLE, our annual celebration of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
This year, the event will be a bit different than before, but we'll still have interactive experiences, food, and a lot of fun!
Watch our social media and keep an eye on this newsletter as the event gets closer to find out what exciting new activities and experiences you'll be able to be a part of!
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[Image description: In front of a blue background, a bald white man with a dark gray beard and wearing a red and blue plaid shirt open at the collar smiles slightly at the camera.] | |
Employee Spotlight: Erik Murphy | | |
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What do you do at The IC?
"I am a Human Resources Generalist with an emphasis in benefits."
What do you do for fun when you aren’t at work?
"I like to spend time with my family, our three dogs, read, and bake when I get a chance."
What’s something people might be surprised to find out about you?
"I am an amateur musician and songwriter."
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Upcoming Community Workshops, Special Events, Recreation Events, and Support Groups | |
Classes and events at The IC provide opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and try new things in a supportive environment! Up to date classes and events can always be found on our website's event calendar. |
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