Such An Honor and She Is With DDRC! | |
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Heather Magyar, one of DDRC’s senior therapists with our Early Intervention (EI) Services, was bestowed the honor of being selected as the winner of the 2024 Outstanding EI Service Provider award by the Early Intervention Colorado Interagency Coordinating Council (CICC). Heather was selected from nominees from all across Colorado! She will be receiving her award this week.
The award recognizes an EI service provider who goes above and beyond the requirements of their job to ensure that services for children in EI and their families follow evidence-based practices, and demonstrates any of the following characteristics and qualities:
o Empowering families and supports family self-advocacy.
o Creatively about finding resources and family supports.
o Mentoring or showing support to others in the community (demonstrates leadership)
o Being an excellent communicator.
Michaelene (Micki) Klawes, Director of DDRC Early Intervention said, “Heather is such an incredible listener with an ability to be actively engaged in every single conversation and interaction she is a part of.”
We are grateful that Heather is such an integral part of the DDRC team and for the support she provides to children & families.
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DDRC Direct Services Continue! | On July 1, 2024, DDRC will no longer be providing Resource Coordination/case management, Family Support Services, nor Quality Assurance services, as those functions will be done by the new Case Management Agencies across Summit, Gilpin, Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties. With those changes, some people are confused, and we’ve heard the question—will DDRC still be doing any services? The answer is YES! | |
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DDRC will continue to offer many direct services that can help you or a loved one meet your goals to participate fully in the community in the way you want. The scope of our direct services is broad, helping people of all ages and their families in many aspects of their lives.
See a brief description of DDRC’s direct services here.
Contact us at 303.233.2263 to inquire further about these services and we will direct you to your case manager (until July 1) or to the DDRC program area that will be excited to share how we can help you discover opportunities through these services.
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Why Connect With DDRC? See What Others Say! | |
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It is not unusual for DDRC to receive shiningly positive feedback from individuals and families we serve. When we do, it makes us grateful for the opportunity to do the work we do and make a difference.
Consider reaching out to us if you are searching for services that fill your spirit and heart with the positives that are important to you or a loved one! Alternatively, if you would like to work alongside people like those noted below who exemplify the spirit of quality DDRC lives by, then consider joining our team!
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The sister of a woman served by DDRC’s residential team (Quality Living Options) shared: “My sister has recently been diagnosed with dementia and is facing many new challenges navigating her new world. Thankfully the wonderful staff who help my sister enjoy every day are working hard to meet her changing health care needs. I would like to thank this team of employees for being so attentive and compassionate in caring for my sisters' growing needs as her illness progresses. I feel very grateful that my sister has so many loving caregivers in her life. The support and kindness they have extended to me through the years is very much appreciated. My sister is very lucky and happy and thanks each one of you for your loving care and support throughout all the years."
We are so proud of and thankful for our residential team: Berlinda, Chris, Dominic, Gladys, Hunter, Lembo, and Mamadou!
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A family member sent a thank you email to DDRC’s Intake staff, writing: “Dear Charles, thank you so much for all your help… I just wanted to say we really appreciate how responsive, professional, and helpful you are. You've made both the Family Support Services Program and Children's Extensive Services waiver application process much more understandable and manageable."
We are so appreciative of Charles for lighting the way for this family and so many others!
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The parent of a daughter receiving Children and Family Services from DDRC shared the following thoughts: "I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the outstanding support and dedication Kendra (Service Coordinator) has shown our daughter. From the beginning, it was evident that Kendra possessed a remarkable level of compassion, expertise, and commitment to her work. Kendra's genuine concern for our daughter’s well-being has made an immeasurable difference in our lives. Her proactive approach, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of our daughter’s situation. Her professionalism, patience, and kindness have left a lasting impression on our family. She has helped our daughter achieve her goals and provided us with invaluable assistance and encouragement along the way. She is a true champion for individuals with special needs, and her passion for making a difference shines brightly."
Thank you, Kendra, for demonstrating DDRC's ethic of quality in such a compassionate way!
| But it’s not just the positive feedback from families and individuals we serve that might motivate you to connect with us, or join one of our teams—but also the recognition that our DDRC colleagues have received from other agencies too. | |
DDRC’s State partner for the Housing Voucher Program, a program that DDRC coordinates for individuals with disabilities wrote this about our team: "I thought I would take a moment to express how lucky we are to have an agency like DDRC as a partner. Everyone on the (DDRC) housing team there is simply the best; excellent tracking skills, incredibly sharp, quick to learn, an excellent balance on program compliance and advocacy, not afraid to tackle the difficult things, sometimes emotionally difficult things, and maintain positive attitudes in difficult situations. DDRC consistently seems to make it all look easy. Which it most definitely is not.
We at the Division of Housing just really want to say thank you to everyone on the housing team there. Our experience has been only positive since I began working with you in early pandemic days. You all continue to impress as very excellent administrators of this program, and we are very grateful!"
DDRC is grateful to our team, Kari, Nicole, lxsa and their leader, Kelly, for helping people with these services, and for their stellar work!
| Case Management Transition | The May Town Hall presentation on case management transitions can be seen on video here. The transition, which will be effective July 1, involves people currently receiving case management and resource coordination from DDRC for all Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities HCBS Waivers, State Supported Living Services, and Family Support Services. | If you live in Jefferson or Clear Creek Counties, please you look at the latest Jefferson County Human Services ( JCHS) Case Management Agency (CMA) At the Moment newsletter, particularly the Frequently Asked Questions, by clicking here. Sign up for their CMA newsletters by clicking here (scroll to look for “Case Management Agency Blog” sign up). | |
DDRC and JCHS CMA, the new Case Management Agency serving Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties, jointly held the Town Halls. People impacted by the transition who reside in Summit and Gilpin Counites received information via letters regarding their new Case Management Agency. General information on Case Management Redesign can be found here and on the Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing website.
For people living outside of Jefferson or Clear Creek Counties who want their case management to move to JCHS CMA, there is an Exception Process (and criteria) whereby your request would be considered. See more information here. People who participate in the State Supported Living Services or Family Support Services program must receive case management provided by the Case Management agency where they live.
DDRC remains committed to try to minimize any disruption arising from the transition and to communicate with individuals and families through the transition date of July 1.
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June 30th marks the culmination of the Case Management Redesign transition, whereby Resource Coordination, Quality Assurance and Family Support Services Program (FSSP) services previously done by DDRC will move to new Case Management Agencies (CMA) across several counties. The CMA serving most people affiliated with DDRC and Jefferson County is JCHS CMA. We are thrilled that 30 plus DDRC staff have been hired by the new Jeffco CMA so far. This means there will be a continuity of services for many of the individuals and families we serve.
Our most sincere thanks to all the DDRC staff who have provided these services, some longstanding employees, some newer, many serving throughout the pandemic, and all working so diligently during these many, sometimes trying, months of transition. We recognize the dedication, skill, tenacity, care and grace that they have brought to the individuals and families and to all of us at DDRC. As we say goodbye, we thank them for everything they have done for our DDRC community and hope our readers will join us in expressing gratitude to these wonderful staff!
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Plan to Join us June 15 and Please RSVP | |
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We’re celebrating 60 incredible years of compassion, growth, and community! DDRC-Officially60! is more than just a celebration; it's an opportunity to reflect on our past, honor our achievements, and reaffirm our shared commitment to build a future of continued growth and empowerment.
Whether you are a participant in our services, a family member, a longtime supporter, current or former staff, or someone new to our cause, we invite you to join us:
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June 15th from 1pm to 4pm Free
The Arvada Center at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003
Dress: Casual and Comfortable
We’d love to know if you’ll be attending.
RSVP
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Benefit Golf Tournament Spots Still Open | |
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With all the excitement of our 60th Anniversary Celebration don’t forget that we have a terrific benefit golf tournament at the beautiful Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen on August 12, and an accompanying online auction. It's an opportunity to play at a terrific course, and the breakfast, lunch, games, and chance to meet new people and long-time tournament players make it all the more enjoyable! Anyone- golfer or not- can bid in the online auction.
The Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) and Developmental Disabilities Foundation (DDF) have been hosting this annual golf tournament for 32 years. The tournament has raised more than $80k in previous years for DDRC/DDF and the individuals/families we serve, and wouldn't be successful without the golfers, sponsors and volunteers who make it so wonderful. So, enjoy a morning of golf with us on Monday, August 12th at the Hiwan to get outdoors, practice your backswing, create memories, and support DDRC!
Join us for the Sunrise Safari Golf Tournament. Register here.
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HPM Contracting "Bags" Dollars for DDRC | |
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In late May, HPM Contracting, a full-service general contractor in the public and private markets generously hosted a charity cornhole tournament to benefit DDRC. It was a great success, as collectively, the participants and sponsors raised $15,000!
The idea for the event grew from the gratitude of an HPM employee for the support and services of DDRC to a member of their family, as well as the company’s appreciation of DDRC’s mission. It was a day of meaningful fun, blessed by sunny skies, and the wonderful setting of ViewHouse Centennial.
Our deep thanks to HPM Contracting for their enthusiasm and terrific generosity!
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Connecting With Community | |
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DDRC hosted a brunch for our amazing donors on a beautiful early May morning. Staff, DDRC Board of Directors, and donors mingled casually, before Rob DeHerrera, Executive Director, delivered heartfelt comments of appreciation for our supporters and the positive impact they help us make.
We are forever grateful for our incredible donors and supporters!
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We were pleased to be at the GiGi’s Playhouse Denver “Fit/Glo Run” in May to share information about our services, cheer on runners, meet families and support this fun event. | |
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There was a large crowd at the Autism Community Store Resource Fair in Aurora in mid-May and many people stopped by the DDRC booth to learn about all the services that we offer, including our newest service - our Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinic.
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The Ethics in Business Awards luncheon, organized by the Rotary Club of Golden in mid-May, drew area leaders, companies and nonprofits who share a commitment to ethics in their operations, and to their customers and community.
DDRC was a past award recipient, and our staff and Board representatives were pleased to be able to be there and support the event this year.
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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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