Welcome to your HRCP in Action - Summer Edition! | |
HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR HRCP TEAMS | |
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The Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs
DOIRA in partnership with Impact Charitable will start receiving applications on September 11th for the Denver Basic Cash Assistance Program that will help provide eligible Denver families with a one-time, direct cash assistance of $1,000 or $1,500 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds.
The Language Access Program is leading a free ARPA funded interpreter course for community members to provide community interpretation.
For the first time in 5 years, DOIRA hosted a naturalization ceremony for nearly 50 new American Citizens.
WATCH FULL NATURALIZATION CEREMONY VIDEO
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The Division of Disability Rights
The Division produced and hosted a a community event at Carla Madison Rec Center to launch a video for Disability Acceptance at a community event The video also provides a history of the treatment of people with disabilities and the American with Disability Act, information on city services, and scenarios on how to effectively interact with people with disabilities.
WATCH FULL DISABILITY ACCEPTANCE VIDEO
The Division is currently working with Community Planning & Development about ways to close loopholes where projects get through construction and are not ADA compliant – leading to liability issues as well as barriers for staff and residents.
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The Anti-Discrimination Office
The Anti-Discrimination Office launched an investigation into allegations of discrimination by the Denver Rescue Mission against a former employee, whom they fired. The Director also worked closely with HRCP's PIO to respond to several media outlets inquiries. (Please see news article below).
This case is NO longer active.
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The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
DHHS has been invited to participate on the Denver Police Department’s Language Access Committee, ensuring that Deaf people are provided equitable and effective communication when interacting with the police.
DHHS created a template for the City’s Language Access Plan: Language Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, ADA Title II and Title III entities. DHHS has also created accompanying FAQs for both Title II and Title III entities.
The Team has been very active providing American Sign Language Interpreting Services at city events, including but not limited to, the Mayoral Inauguration, Nuggets Victory Parade, and at the latest news conferences regarding homelessness.
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The Office of Storytelling
DOST hosted screenings of Reclaiming Denver's Chinatown at the Chinese Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families at Front Range Community College in Westminster, where the team also conducted a talk back with each group.
Ongoing production: In partnership with Councilmembers Torres and Sandoval, DOST has begun production on a film about the West Colfax Jewish community.
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The Office of Financial Empowerment
The Denver Office of Financial Empowerment & Protection (OFEP) is excited to host the 2023 Economic Mobility Summit, where local government, nonprofit, and private sector partners will network in this free two-day conference, while learning about current financial mobility and equity efforts and exchange ideas to address current issues facing mostly our underserved communities.
LEARN MORE
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The Office of Nonprofit Engagement
For the first time at the annual Save Green Be Green (SGBG) Conference, a total of $19,500 was awarded to local nonprofits and faith organizations in a ‘Shark Tank’ like competition held at the New Hope Baptist Church on June 22. The following winning organizations will utilize the grant funds to execute their proposed projects, making significant strides in energy conservation and sustainability:
READ FULL NEWS RELEASE
WATCH CONFERENCE RECAP VIDEO
The Office of Nonprofit Engagement launched a new program in partnership with Resilia called Nonprofit Technical Assistance Program, aiming at providing local nonprofits with the tools they need to strive and accomplish their missions in the community.
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The Office on Aging
The Office on Aging and its DenverConnect Van have been out and about this summer, hosting more than a dozen of community engagement events including the inaugural Denver Police Department Community Connect at Civic Center Park, 365 Health & Wellness in Park Hill and Colorado Dragon Boat Festival targeting families and older adults.
The Office on Aging Volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club, Participated in the Biennial of the Americas Summer Concert and the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Top 25 Powerful Business Woman selection committee and event
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RENAMING DENVER PARKS
In June of 2020, amidst the racial reckoning occurring nationwide and in Denver, Denver Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships (HRCP) led a collaborative effort to review all City and County of Denver owned and insured properties to keep with our efforts of advancing equity.
HRCP’s Renaming Commission in partnership with the State Historical Council at History Colorado, and with input from the Mayor’s 10 Advisory Commissions are recommending six city parks with historically complex naming histories to be considered for renaming.
Now, HRCP is seeking to engage our community members in an effort to determine if the community desires to rename or reframe the way we have come to know these 6 parks:
Jefferson Park
La Alma-Lincoln Park
Jefferson Square Park
S.R. DeBoer Park
Pasquinel's Landing
Grant Frontier Park
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S.R. DeBoer park in southeast Denver/ City Council District 6, is one of those parks. This community meeting is a first step of a process of engaging the community to hear concerns and points of view that may or may not lead to a process of renaming the park.
We want to hear from you about this potential renaming, before any action is taken. Scan the code or use the link below to learn more about the history of this name.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 30th
WHERE: University Park Elementary (Auditorium)
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Do you need a sign language interpreter, CART Services, or any other public accommodations or have questions/concerns related to a disability? Please email: renamingparks@denvergov.org.
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DOIN' BUSINESS WITH THE CITY -
HOMELESSNESS EFFORTS SESSION
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HRCP's Office of Financial Empowerment & Protection (OFEP) is excited to host the 2023 Economic Mobility Summit!
Network with our local government, nonprofit, and financial sector partners from across the country in this FREE two-day conference where you can learn more about current efforts, discuss, and exchange ideas and strategies to address economic mobility issues facing the Denver Metro community and beyond.
Join us as at the 2023 Economic Mobility Summit, as we mark and celebrate the 10th anniversary of OFEP's Financial Empowerment Centers (FEC), highlighting its successes while looking ahead at the next ten!
WHEN: September 27th - 28th, 2023
WHERE: CSU Spur, 4777 National Western Dr., Denver, CO 80216
- This conference is FREE and you must REGISTER to attend.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Do you need a sign language interpreter, CART Services, or any other public accommodations or have questions/concerns related to a disability? Please email: ofep@denvergov.org
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Elisabeth Clegg
HRCP's Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Elisabeth Clegg is one of the newest members in our Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. The Ohio native says she jumped at the chance of moving to Denver for its beauty, the ability to participate in so many outdoor activities like hiking, snow skiing, attending sports events, and hoping that one day she can interpret at Red Rocks Amphitheatre 😉😉! Welcome to the team Elisabeth!
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Daranee Teng
HRCP's Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission
Daranee Teng, she/her/hers, is a member of our Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission. The daughter of Thai-Chinese immigrants has a 20-year career in education which led her to Denver, where her work is focused on supporting BIPOC and queer leaders in education.
Daranee credits her late father and family for teaching her the importance of building connections with your community and with your roots, which she follows to this day as seen in her involvement and commitment to many AAPI community organizations including being in the Board for the Colorado Dragon Boat.
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Mary Herreria-Schultz, MNM
HRCP's Office of Nonprofit Engagement
Mary Herreria-Schultz is HRCP's new Project Manager for our Office of Nonprofit Engagement's Energy Efficiency Program.
With an extensive experience in nonprofit collaboration and community engagement, as well as a B.A. in Communications and Political Science from California State University-Fullerton, and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University, Herreria-Schultz will play a crucial role in shaping the future of D-ONE's initiatives in the realm of energy efficiency.
She is also the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership. She also volunteers her time with the Colorado Asian Culture Education Network (CACEN) and contributes regularly as the editorial director for Asian Avenue Magazine, a local publication that elevates the voices of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians in Denver and its surrounding suburbs.
Welcome Mary!
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Anna DeRocchi
HRCP's Office on Aging
Anna DeRocchi is our Program Coordinator in the Office on Aging. Her passion for working with older adults was ignited when she began working as a caregiver at an assisted living facility throughout my college years, which led Anna to study Human Development and Gerontology at Colorado State University, where she also collaborated in the AgingPLUS research study.
Following college graduation, DeRocchi worked as a Resident Service Coordinator for the Nonprofit Rochester Management Inc. Later, she became a Social Services Coordinator/Navigator at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community.
Help us welcome Anna!
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Derek Okubo
HRCP
In case you missed it, this summer we said farewell to Executive Director, Derek Okubo, who retired after nearly 12 years. Just before, we spoke to him about his thoughts on HRCP's impact in the community. Thank you for your service!
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HRCP and our community members at the Cherry Creek East Neighborhood Association gave a preview to 9News' Colorado & Colorado of their Denver Days Party hosted on August 5th! Check out the full interview with our very own, Tess Trewin!
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Denver's Annual Tradition, Denver Days celebrations ran through the first weekend of August. Residents and organizations hosted block parties, community picnics, and/or service projects and get closer to their neighbors and community. Denver7's Jason Gruenauer interviewed Tess Trewin from HRCP on this year's Denver Days.
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Our Office of Financial Empowerment & Protection's Deputy Director, Alvin Tafoya joined CBS News Colorado anchor Mekialaya White to discuss the Supreme Court's ruling to block the Biden administration's plan for student loan forgiveness and to provide Denver community members with information about available resources and how OFEP can help. | | |
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Our Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs hosted nearly 50 new American Citizens as they took the Oath of Allegiance in front of their loved ones, former Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Council President Jamie Torres, and local media outlets, such as Telemundo and 9News.
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Our Office of Storytelling Director, Rowena Alegría spoke to 710 KNUS' Steffan Tubbs about the office, its mission and how the team works to preserve and share the history and culture of Denver.
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In 2023, it is estimated that parents spent an average of nearly $600 per child on school supplies, forcing many families to choose between essential needs and fulfilling the back to school supply wish list.
Our Office of Financial Empowerment & Protection's Financial Coach, Verónica Robles spoke to 9NEWS in a live in-studio interview about these recent statistics, best practice, and available resources.
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Public Information Officer Heidi Rodriguez and Language Access Manager, Claudia Castillo spoke to Westword about our Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs' program in partnership with Cesco Linguistics to help train and provide resources to community members interested in becoming a professional community interpreter.
FULL NEWS RELEASE
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The Denverite and 9News covered the investigation led by our Denver Anti-Discrimination Officer regarding allegations against the Denver Rescue Mission following the firing of an employee. | | | | |
