In This Issue:
  • Disability Pride Month: Celebrate Locally
  • Today Is Picnic Day!
  • Caregiving Documentary Series
  • Take Action: Tell Congress That Care Can’t Wait
  • Support The Arc By Shopping At King Soopers
  • Next Coffee House On July 18
Young woman with Down syndrome at an outdoor event. The Arc logo and Disability Pride Month text are displayed.
Disability Pride Month: Celebrate Locally

Want to get out and celebrate Disability Pride Month? Here are two local events to attend.
 
The Center on Colfax
The Center on Colfax is hosting Disability Pride Month to “recognize the evolving and diverse needs of the community.” On Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Center welcomes everyone to experience their resource fair.
 
The fair will include service providers, community art, interactive presentations, and food and drinks that cater to many dietary restrictions, such as iced coffee from DIRT Coffee. You will also be able to see a presentation/performance by Allie Soreass and Marionette Clown Toy and participate in a “speed-friending” exercise. There will be two dedicated quiet spaces.
 
Information will be updated as the event draws closer, click here. If you need any special accommodations, you are encouraged to register on the site so they can try to assist you.
 
Clyfford Still Museum
On Sunday, July 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you can head to the Clyfford Still Museum, where they are hosting a free Disability Pride Month event for everyone.
 
You can enjoy hands-on art-making and a dance session, as well as learn more about local community organizations supporting people with disabilities. Best of all, no registration is required; simply make your plans and go. For more information on the Disability Pride Month event, click here.
 
By the way, you can also visit the Clyfford Still Museum for free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. thanks to the SCFD Free Day. Click here to get your free tickets to the museum. Click here for more information on the art museum.
Picnic area with four diverse people smiling. The word TODAY is large and in the center.
Today Is Our Annual Picnic
Join us in Clement Park

Remember to join us in the park later today! Here's why you don't want to miss this year's celebration:
 
  • Tasty Food: Enjoy mouth-watering tacos and other picnic delights!
  • Awesome Activities: Like space-themed Bingo with prizes!
  • Good Vibes: Connect with friends, old and new, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
  • It’s free!

Even if you didn't have a chance to RSVP, you can still come:
 
TODAY - Wednesday, July 10
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Avenue, in Littleton
Shelters O, P, and Q
 
For more information, including a map and directions, click here.
 
It will be “Out of this World” and tons of fun!

Three caregiving scenes drawing together mirror selfie with text I got my mom back today and dancing
Caregiving Documentary Series

Many people don’t think about caregiving until they have to. Case in point, Actor Bradley Cooper didn’t consider the challenges of caregiving until his father was diagnosed with cancer and he started caring for him. Using his star power and resources, along with PBS & Well Beings.org, Cooper is working on a new documentary and national engagement campaign on the state and stakes of caregiving.
 
Called “Caregiving” this documentary series will not be released on PBS until 2025, but you can see the trailer now, click here. It will examine caregiving from several perspectives, including the lives of caregivers, the personal and economic pressures caregivers face, and the impact on society.
 
Of course, the challenges of caregiving are not new to our community. And The Arc has been tirelessly working through advocacy and legislation to assist caregivers and those they care for. See the next article, “Take Action: Tell Congress That Care Can’t Wait,” for a way to make your voice heard on this issue.
 
The documentary creators want to keep the conversation around caregiving going, too. If you are interested, you can share your caregiving story with them. For more information, click here and scroll down.
Take Action: Tell Congress
Care Can’t Wait

One of the biggest things you can do to support Disability Pride Month is to reach out to Congress to let them know they need to support the HCBS (home and community-based services) Relief Act.
 
Did you realize that because Medicaid funds institutions, home and community-based services are optional? For that reason, some states do not have the funding to support everyone in the community. This lack of funding leaves people on waiting lists for services, underpaid direct care workers, and unpaid family members trying to fill the gap.
 
You can take action now by emailing your elected officials to tell them that care can’t wait and asking them to support the HCBS Relief Act.

It is fast and simple to do: click here.  
Support The Arc By Shopping At
King Soopers

Did you know that The Arc could receive a donation from King Soopers each time you shop there? Simply name us as your King Soopers Community Rewards organization. There’s no added cost to you, and setup is easy:
 
  • Click here to go to the King Soopers Community Rewards website
  • Log in to your account or create an account using your Shopper’s Card number or alternate ID (often your phone number)
  • Search for “The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties” by name or use code MY949
 
That’s it! Now, when you use your King Soopers card as you normally would, The Arc will receive a donation at no added cost to you!
The community of The Arc - JCCGC at Coffeehouse.
Next Coffee House On July 18

Coffee House is a place where everyone is welcome, and pretty much everyone knows your name. You can make new friends, mingle with people of all abilities, and promote inclusion in our community. Maybe the most important aspect is the sense of community created when we come together!
 
Thursday, July 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Panera Bread
650 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
No RSVP needed
 
We hope to see your bright and smiling faces! Questions? Email info@arcjc.org