Logo
Adoption Topics       Education        Health Care       Legislative Info       Services & Resources   

In This Issue
Smile & Donate!
Heritage Adoption Camps
Youth Leadership Forum
Respite Resources
Free Clothing for Denver Kids
SSI/SSDI Application Webinars
Removed Anthology Project
Summer Camps & Programs
Boulder Sailing Camp
FREE Legal Clinic
EVENTS
Support Groups

Help COCAF

While You Shop!
                                        

Use AmazonSmile when you shop Amazon, and support COCAF at the same time! Shop at AmazonSmile and 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchases can be donated to the nonprofit of your choice - including COCAF. Your donations help adoptive families in Colorado find the services they need to keep their families safe, healthy, and thriving. Click here to start shopping.
CLASSROOM
TBRI® Caregiver Training
TBRI® Caregiver Training OUTSIDE of the Metro Area 
WEBINARS
CONFERENCES
Finding Health:  The Intersection of Disability & Nutrition
July 28 & 29, 2018
Double Tree Denver - Aurora
13696 E Iliff Pl
Aurora, CO 80014
Click here for more info.

NACAC Annual Conference
August 7-10, 2018
St Paul, Minnesota

Strengthening Colorado Families & Communities Conference
September 26-28, 2018
Vail Marriot
715 W Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657

AMC Autism Logo  
Sensory Friendly Films
  
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. 

Participating theatres:
 
Solo:  A Star Wars Story
Saturday
June 9 &
Tuesday
June 12

The Incredibles 2
Saturday
June 23

Jurassic World: 
Fallen Kingdom 
Tuesday
June 26

Ant-Man and the Wasp
Saturday
July 14

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Tuesday
July 24

Hotel Transylvania 3:
Summer Vacation
Saturday
July 28, 2018

FREE RESOURCES
2018 Heritage Adoption Camps 

Heritage Adoption Camps provide your adopted children with an opportunity to learn about the culture of their birth family.  Giving your adopted children a true sense of who they are -- from both the birth perspective and from their place in your family -- will give them a better sense of self.

African/Caribbean  June 7-10  
Denver, CO  
 
Chinese  August 31 - Sept 3   
Fraser, CO  
 
Chinese II  July 19-22  
Denver, CO  
 
Domestic Adoption  June 28-July 1  
Denver, CO  
 
Indian/Nepalese  July 5-8  
Fraser, CO  
 
Korean  June 14-17  
Fraser, CO  
 
Latin American  June 21-24  
Fraser, CO  
 
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian (REECA)  July 19-22  
 
Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander (SEAPI)  
July 12-15  
 

graphic-summer-park.jpg
 
Thank you to all of you who took the time to contact your Colorado State Representatives and Senators to ask them to support HB-1094 Child & Youth Mental Health Treatment Act (CYMHTA).  Thank to you, the bill passed and was funded.

Together we can make a difference -- please remember that!

Enjoy the summer!
Colleen Tarket, 
COCAF Board of Directors
2018 Youth Leadership Forum for Youth with Disabilities 

Are you a Colorado high school junior, senior, or young adult (under 26) with disabilities? 

You're invited to the Colorado Youth Leadership Forum (CO-YLF)! Develop leadership skills, self-advocacy, and build community! Learn how to reach your education, career and independent living goals!

   
The CO-YLF is an innovative, 5-day on campus (CSU-Ft Collins) conference, for Colorado youth with disabilities as they prepare for and experience transition to adulthood.  Students serve as delegates from their communities and are given the opportunity to cultivate their potential leadership, citizenship and social skills.

 

The CO-YLF will take place on the Colorado State University Campus in Fort Collins July 8-13.  For questions, additional information, and to apply, please contact

silcylf@coloradosilc.org or call (303) 902-5897.

 
Respite Resources
From the Colorado Respite Coalition

Are you looking for respite? Use the Colorado Respite Locator online tool to find providers in your area.  Click here to go the tool.

The Family Respite Voucher Program may provide financial assistance to eligible families to access respite care through contracted providers. Apply online by clicking here.
 
Free Clothing for Denver Kids 

empty_rack_of_clothes.jpg

Get free clothing for your school-aged children at Clothes to Kids of Denver
2890 S. Colorado Blvd, Unit M-3, Denver, CO 80222.

Clothes to Kids of Denver provides high-quality, second-hand clothing to students in need. Families are invited to select a wardrobe in a welcoming, store-like setting. A Clothes To Kids wardrobe includes give tops, four bottoms (pants/shorts/skirts/dresses), one coat, one pair of shoes, and five pairs each of new underwear and new socks. To make it as easy as possible for students to visit our boutique, there are now three ways that students automatically qualify to shop at Clothes To Kids:
 
1) Students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) are eligible to shop at Clothes To Kids using a copy of their FRL Letter.

2) Students attending one of the nearly 150 schools on our Universal Qualification List are eligible to shop at Clothes To Kids using proof of enrollment.

3) Students in foster or kinship care are eligible to shop at Clothes To Kids using any documentation proving that they are in foster or kinship care.
 
If your children automatically qualify, call 720-379-4630 x2 to make an appointment to shop.

For instructions IN SPANISH on how to make an appointment, click here.

Students in need who do not automatically qualify can still get a referral to shop. If you are a caregiver and you need a referral, forward this link to your case manager or social worker:  http://www.clothestokidsdenver.org/referral-process/

 
SSI/SSDI Application Webinars 


 
Colorado Disability Benefits Support Program (DBS) has announced a series of webinars assist people with the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability application process in Colorado.  Through these webinars, DBS aims to help Colorado families better understand the SSA's disability programs and navigate the disability application p rocess.
 
Each of the five one-hour webinars will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 PM MST and will address the following topics: 
  • May 31 - The Basics of SSI and SSDI
  • June 7 -  The SSA Forms 3368, 827, & 1696
  • June 14 -  The Medical Eligibility Criteria
  • June 21 - Transition from Childhood to Adult Disability
  • June 28 - The SSA Adult Function Report
  • July 12 - The SSA Work History Report
These webinars are designed for Individuals applying for SSI/SSDI, families of individuals with disabilities, clinicians, case managers, advocates, and staff who provide direct service to individuals who are in need of accessing SSI/SSDI disability benefits. Cost is $20 per webinar or $100 for all six webinars.
 
To register, please contact Byron Kish at (303) 515-1653 or email bkish@eastersealscolorado.org. Reasonable accommodations provided on request!

The Removed Anthology Project 

magic_ribbons_book.jpg
If you're in foster care, have been in foster care, or have had experiences that could have lead to foster care - and if you've wanted a page in a book to share your story, then this is it. 

We believe that your story matters. The world has something to learn from you. When you share your story, you empower others to share theirs as well. And when we share our stories, we realize that we're not alone.

Click here to learn more about the project or to submit your story.

Summer Camps & Programs 

illustrated-sun-boats.jpg
Heart and Hand Center

Heart & Hand runs 8 weeks of full-day summer programs including academic time, enrichment activities such as swimming and dance, and field trips. This summer program is for kids 3rd-12th grade and is geared to combat summer learning loss. Summer program registration priority will be given to students who enroll in Denver Public Schools Summer Academy. The center is located at 2733 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205. Call 303-295-0292 for more information or click here.
 
Camp Erin

Free Weekend Grief Camp in Golden
August 17-19, 2018
Camp Erin is a free overnight weekend grief camp for children 6-17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. The camp is full of fun and high-energy activities combined with grief education and emotional support. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 20. There will also be a meet and greet prior to camp on Saturday, August 4 so that the caregivers and campers can meet staff, volunteers, and each other.

Location: Camp Granite Lake at Coal Creek Canyon
11902 Camp Eden Rd, Golden, CO 80403



Royal Family Kids Camps

Low-Cost Overnight Summer Camp for Kinship Kids 5-12!

Click here for more information on Royal Family Kids Camps. 
 
Every foster or kinship child, ages 6-12, can experience a 5-day overnight camp for a very low fee. Your children may also be eligible to participate in a year-round mentoring club. These camps fill up quickly, so call ASAP!
 
Arvada: Arvada Covenant Church  -  Camp #005-June 25-29
5555 Ward Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Camp Directors: Will & Mikki Le Vett, Phone: (303) 422-1235

Englewood/Denver: The Sacred Grace  -  Camp #066-June 18-22
3220 S Acoma Street, Englewood, CO 80110
Camp Director: Nate Galuzzi, Phone: (303) 422-3777
 
Littleton: Waterstone Community Church  -  Camp #234-June 11-15
5890 S. Alkire Street, Littleton, CO 80127
Camp Director: Scott Selin, Phone: (720) 984-9095
 
Parker: Southeast Christian Church  -  Camp #272-June 4-8
9650 Jordan Road, Parker, CO 80134
Camp Director: Kim Webb, Phone: (303) 841-9292
 
Windsor/Weld County: Timberline Church  -  Camp #334-June 18-22
360 Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO 80550
Camp Directors: Darell Hailey, Phone: (970) 482-4387

Boulder Sailing Camp 

pink_sailboat.jpg
The Boulder County Kinship and Post-Permanency Program is sponsoring a 4 week sailing camp through Able to Sail for adoptive and kinship families! 
 
Youth ages 11-18 are invited to attend.
 

When: Every Friday from July 20 -August 10, 2018
Time: 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Where: Union Reservoir : 461 County Road 26 , Longmont, Colorado 80304
 
Families are required to provide their own transportation to and from the reservoir.
 
Able to Sail uses each session as a teachable moment. Bullying, belonging, being good enough, depression, anxiety, letting go of mistakes, and high risk behaviors such as drug and alcohol use will be addressed. 
 
This is a great program, and one worth looking at for your teen.   Space is limited !
 
P lease contact Marla Slade as soon as possible if you have an interest in this camp by calling 303-441-1534.
 
Please visit Able to Sail for more information.

FREE Legal Clinic 

A free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney will be featured on the FIRST THURSDAY of each month at the Belmar Library. By computer link, volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues, and civil protection orders. This event is first come, first served, and is free.
 
The next free legal clinic will be held on Thursday, June 7, from 2:00 to 3:30 at Belmar Library in Lakewood, located at 555 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood. Please feel free to call the library for information at (303) 235-5275, but no appointment is required, walk-ins are welcome, and all free clinics are first-come, first served. 
 
Can't make that date? Upcoming dates in 2018 include July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6, 2018.

Events 



Come celebrate Kids at Heart with a FUNdraiser!  Celebrate the new beginnings children have with their foster and adoptive families. We believe kids can and will be resilient from past adverse childhood experiences with strong support from their caring community--including you.  Meet Kids at Heart new director and get a sneak peek at their new look.

Start your evening with a beer and apps at The Hop Grenade from 5:00-6:00. Then come on up to the patio rooftop at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar for more delicious eats and drinks. Kids at Heart parent, Annalisa Boyd, will be sharing some of her experiences.

At the event, you can also buy yourself a bracelet (or give yourself a mulligan with 2) to enter the exciting Heads or Tails game. Prize is 2 COLORado bikes (wait..what? TWO bikes?? Yes, you read that right!) with super cool T-Shirts and hats from YOColorado. Your friends will be wondering when you got so COOLarado!

Event is intended for adults 21 and over.

Click here for more information.


Champions for Children Golf Tournament

Thursday, June 21, 2018
Sanctuary Golf Course - 7549 Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, Colorado 80135

The 27th Annual Champions for Children Golf Tournament will be held at the exclusive and picturesque Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, CO on June 21, 2018. 

The event will provide a full day on the greens and an inspirational experience at the Celebration dinner, including a live and silent auction, and much more. All net proceeds from this premium charity event will help The Adoption Exchange change the future for children in foster care.

The format is a Four-Person Scramble, and awards will be given for the Longest Drive, Closest-to-the-Pin, and more. Players will enjoy a gourmet brunch, a putting green competition, a chance to win a car - the Hole-in-One prize, a BBQ dinner, and tickets to the Celebration Dinner and Auction on June 20, 2018. Mulligans will be available for purchase: 1 for $25 or 5 for $100 (cash or credit).



DCAC Golf Fundraiser

Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Raccoon Creek Golf Course - 7301 West Bowles Avenue,  Littleton, Colorado 80123

Join the Denver Children's Advocacy Center for a day of fun and fundraising with golf, food, margaritas, games, contests, fun prizes, and more.
 
What time? Registration - 12:30 p.m. | Shotgun Start - 1:30 p.m.
Cost? $150 per player
Questions? Please contact Meghan Parman, Development Associate, at MParman@DenverCAC.org or 720.974.7231


Support Groups

Sometimes our children provide us with challenges that we're just not quite ready to handle.  And sometimes support groups can help us find the answers we need, or at least make us feel okay about the unique challenges we're facing.  Here are some support groups that might be helpful.

Boulder Valley Christian Church
Support group for foster and adoptive moms
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to noon
Facilitated by Lisa Firle, MA., LPCC
Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Road, Boulder.
For more info or to register: cathy@bvchristian.org

Parents of Children with PTSD
First Friday of the month, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
464 Inca St, Denver, CO 80204
$25 per person or $40 couple
Some scholarships are available.
For more information, contact Jan Tomski at jantomski@msn.com or by phone at 303-881-7630.

Adult Adoptee Support Group
Every 1st & 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sondermind, Suite 12, 100 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302
Cost $25-$35

Jefferson County Kids Group
Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian, 11500 W. 20th Ave, Lakewood 
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. 
RSVP to Mindy Beckler at 303-432-5205

North Adams Grandfamily Support Group
Third Thursday of the month 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 14th & Skeel, Brighton, CO RSVP to Elaine Riedl at 303-912-8337.

Fathers Forever
2nd & 4th Thursdays
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Resilience Center,  1298 Peoria St,  Aurora, CO  80011
For more information, contact Don Reynolds (720-353-6103) or Aaron Lockwood (303-901-4486).
 
Grandparent & Kinship Support Group
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Aurora Mental Health Center, Viewpoint Office, Lotus Room
11059 E Bethany Dr., Aurora, CO  80014
For more information, contact Aline Ratliff (303-885-5163).
 
Foster Care & Adoptive Parents Support Group
Last Sunday of every month from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discovery Church,  2605 W 144th Ave, Broomfield, CO  80023
For more information, email bonnie.robertson02@yahoo.com
  
Online Support Group for Adoptive, Foster, & Kinship Parents
Second Tuesday of the Month
Morning session 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Evening session 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Session includes a short presentation followed by a discussion.  
Email Deb Felio at
for the toll-free number and access code.
 
Adoptive Parents Support Group
1st Tuesday of the month   
5:30pm-7:00pm
Supervised activities and group therapy for children
Lakewood Nazarene Church
Lakewood, CO
RSVP to Family Support Specialist, Mindi Bekler, 720-251-5876

Teen & Tween Adoption Support for Parents
Potluck
2nd & 4th Monday of each month
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Resilience Center
1298 Peoria St
Aurora, C O 80011

Young Adult Mental Illness Support Group
For ages 18-28
1st & 3rd Thursday of every month
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
1st week Classroom F-G
3rd week Classroom E
St Anthony Hospital
11600 W 2nd Dr
Lakewood, CO 80228
Contact Courtney at 720-369-2629 for more information.  
  
Welcome Child Adoption/Foster Care Support Group
Second Sunday of the month
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Timberline Church, Room 214
2908 S. Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO  80525
For more information contact Michele Sanner by email at mlsanner@gmail.com or by phone at (970) 481-5749.

Xpress Yourself Art & Play Therapy  
Support groups for internationally adopted children & adolescents
CCAI
6920 S. Holly Circle
Centennial, CO 80112
Call 303-850-9998, ext 22

Called to Adopt Support Group
4th Saturday of the month, 6:00 p.m.,
Christ Community Church, Greeley, CO

The Men's Group for Adoptive Dads
Thursdays, 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
Zoe's, 715 10th St, Greeley, CO 80631
For more information, contact Tim Paxton at 970-691-5737 or by email at timpaxton33@gmail.com.
 
  Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support Group
Facilitators:  Sarah Ahn and Jenny Burnsed, LPC
Last Monday of every month 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Bixby School,  3750 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
There is no fee associated with this group, though donations are gratefully accepted.  Contact Sarah at SarahA@bipr.org for questions.
 
Therapeutic Post-Adoption Support Group
2nd Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Windsor Timberline Church
360 E Crossroads Blvd, Windsor, CO

Aurora Mental Health
Adoption Support Group
2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Aurora Mental Health
11059 E Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014
Contact Sheila Reynolds 303-525-2123 or Stephanie Seriff 303-856-7698 for more information

Colorado Adams County Rainbow Center
3rd Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m. -  8:00 p.m.
2140 E 88th Ave, Thornton, CO  80229
Contact:  KimNichelle Rivera 303-226-5536

EMPOWER Littleton/Aurora/Englewood
1st & 3rd Thursday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network
155 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112
Contact Carol Villa at 303-790-1055 for more information or email Littleton@empowercolorado.com

NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group for Adults
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
ADMHN Building, 3rd floor
5500 S. Sycamore St, Littleton, CO  80120
Contact:  Carol 
303-790-1055

NAMI Family Support Group Teleconference
2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month
Contact:  eleslie15@gmail.com 
 
Louisville Parent Support Group
Second Tuesday of the month  7:00 - 8:30
Art Underground
 901 Front Street, Louisville, CO 80027
$25 per session; reservations required.  
Call 720-352-1743.  
  

COCAF strives to provide Colorado's adoptive families with the information and resources they need to keep their families healthy and happy.  If you have ideas for topics you think we should cover, please let us know.  And if you find a good resource -- definitely let us know.  Please forward your ideas or information to me at colleen.tarket@cocaf.org.  Materials received by the 20th of a month will be considered for inclusion in the next month's newsletter.
  

Wishing all families peace, serenity, and a good sense of humor,
Colleen Tarket, COCAF Board Member (and newsletter put-ter-together-er)
 

COCAF does not recommend or endorse any specific book, website, survey, study, or provider of services.  The purpose of the COCAF e-newsletter is to provide families with potential resources.  All information contained in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only and as is without warranty expressed or implied, and shall not constitute legal, medical, psychiatric, educational, or parenting advice.  COCAF is not be liable for any damages arising from using the information in this newsletter, including direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and/or consequential damages.

 

No information on this site should be considered legal advice.  Laws vary by state, so you are urged to research the specific laws, and your rights, within your state.  If you have specific questions regarding your rights, or the laws in your state, please contact an attorney.

 
Join Our Mailing List
Use this area to provide your subscribers information about your organization.


We believe that all children have the right to a permanent loving family. We are dedicated to improving services for every pre- and post-adoptive family and to increasing the knowledge and accountability of public systems. We are committed to advocacy in state and local service planning and delivery, in support of all pre and post adoptive families.

  
Sincerely,
Deborah Cave, Executive Director