To promote, strengthen & support individuals with disabilities, their families & caregivers

SEPTEMBER 2020
PROGRAM NEWS
Dianna Manz shown with Thomas Hensley, ZP Asst. Program Director accepting award
ZACH'S PLACE RECEIVES OUTSTANDING PROGRAM AWARD!

Special Kids Special Families founding program, Zach's Place is the proud recipient of The Arc Pikes Peak Region's Outstanding Program award.

"This is a great honor for Zach's Place and is a true testament of the amazing work done by the entire Zach's Place team," said Dianna Manz, Zach's Place Program Director.

THANK YOU!
WE NEED FOSTER PARENTS TO CARE FOR TEENS!

During Colorado's Youth Awareness Week (September 6-12, 2020), which is sponsored by The Colorado Youth Leadership Network, Special Kids Special Families would like to emphasize the positive youth voice and to celebrate the influence youth have in our state and local communities. Because there is a high need for fostering teens, we'd like to share messages from teens about their experiences with foster families.

Fostering teens may be challenging at times. Teens need guidance and by giving them a stable home, mentorship, and an unconditional commitment to help them develop skills they need to be successful young adults, this endeavor may be a very rewarding experience for the whole family.

Find out if fostering a TEEN (with or without special needs) is right for you!
SKSF offers Foster Care Information Meetings the 1st Tuesday of every month via ZOOM
NEXT MEETING - Tuesday
OCTOBER 6th | 5:30pm
COMMUNITY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, we are planning our 1st ever VIRTUAL EVENT - 9th Annual Night of Comedy. We'd like to acknowledge these business partners for sponsoring the event. During this time of crisis, these businesses have stepped up to to help raise funds for the Zach's Place center for children with disabilities and their families. We APPRECIATE your generosity!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
During the entire month of September, Myrna's Reading Nook will be giving all the rewards of their sales to Special Kids Special Families. Their goal is to give 50 sets of plush with books for the kids that participate in all SKSF programs. Check out the photos of these cute sets and their prices.
GRANT AWARD RECEIVED

Special Kids Special Families has received a grant for $2,500 from The Marson Foundation. These funds will support Zach's Place program for children and youth with disabilities and special needs. This funding will help this program achieve it's mission of supporting families with respite and child care for children ages 2.5-21.

SURVEY FOR CAREGIVERS

Do you provide any type of care or assistance to an adult family member (spouse, parent, adult child, grandparent, sibling, etc.)?

Researchers from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University are recruiting participants for a study to learn about feelings of preparedness and family support in individuals providing care to a family member.The survey is anonymous and will take 20-30 minutes to complete.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
Click on the flyer above to print out and place at your business location or pass on to a friend.
Thank you!
Comedian, Steve Mazan, will be performing an exclusive online comedy act just for us! So be sure to tune in!
You’re INVITED to TUNE IN to Special Kids Special Families VIRTUAL Night of Comedy fundraiser. Sit back and relax at home and bid on amazing silent auction packages, enjoy a hilarious comedy act and a special performance by Zach’s Place youth PLUS view the debut of the new Zach’s Place video.

DON'T MISS OUR SILENT AUCTION!

Our ONLINE Silent Auction will be launching in a few weeks and will have some FANTASTIC packages and items donated from area businesses. BOOKMARK our event webpage for links and ways to pre-register and bid before the event!
TAKE A PEEK AT SOME OF THE ITEMS UP FOR AUCTION...
Thanks Kroenke Sports Charities for donating a 2019-2020 team signed Colorado Avalanche hockey stick.
Thanks Kari at fab'rik for donating a VIP shopping party for 10-20 friends with cocktails, 20% off purchasesb+ $25 gift card
Randy Gradishar donated an autographed Broncos jersey. Randy’s official title is Phil Long Corporate Ambassador.
NEXT CLASS: Fri, October 16th
Special Kids Special Families is a Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Approved Training Entity and offers QMAP courses monthly for Support Staff and Host Home Providers caring for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. $65/PERSON
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
Congratulations Madeline Dulle on your promotion to Joey's Place Program Coordinator!
Welcome Katie Monson as NEW SKSF Board Member! Thank you for volunteering your time and talents!
Welcome Nicole Schulz as the NEW Zach's Place Program Director!
HAVE HANDYMAN OR CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE?

We need help with some light construction around Zach's Place. We have several projects that need to be completed and need a person or persons with construction background or experience. Volunteer or on a paid basis. Please contact Linda at 719-447-8983 x19 or lellegard@sksfcolorado.org for more details.