News You Can Use
July - September, 2020
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The Arc of Aurora
is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.
News You Can Use
is our
quarterly e-newsletter covering what’s new in public policy, events, resources, and happenings at The Arc of Aurora.
To get frequent updates on resources, disability policy information, and community happenings, find us on
Facebook
,
Instagram
and
Twitter
.
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Dear valued members, supporters, donors, and friends,
My what a year it has been, and it's only July! It is in times like these that we are proud to be a part of The Arc of Aurora, working to advance equity, reduce disparities, and advocate for the I/DD community.
Although our doors are still closed to guests, we remain fully operational with all of our staff working full-time, whether that be from home or in the office on a rotating schedule. We are regularly monitoring and engaging with Colorado government departments to keep up-to-date with any changes that may impact children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also continue to update our
COVID-19 resource list
on our website, and encourage you to
read our letter
about racial injustices and where we stand on that. Lastly, individual a
dvocacy, systems' change advocacy, training, and education can't and won't stop amid COVID-19 and we are committed to our work as a
501(c)(3) non-profit. Individual donations and revenue look a lot different these days with upwards of 25% of our funding reduced. EVERY MONETARY donation helps keep The Arc of Aurora work of advocating with and for children and adults with I/DD and their families possible. Consider making a tax-deductible donation by
clicking here
or become a 2020/2021 Contributing Member
here
.
As an organization that maintains strong personal ties with many of you, we care deeply about your welfare. The Arc of Aurora is highly resilient, and we are proud to stand by you as we work together to meet the needs of the I/DD community.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
-Erica Dennison, Special Projects' and THINK+change Manager
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2020/2021 Organization Agreements (formally known as a Membership Agreement)
Now thru July 31, 2020
We all need to do our part to be a voice for people with I/DD and their families. That's why we wanted to thank all who have become a 2020/2021 Member of The Arc of Aurora! Our Members' involvement is important to us and very much appreciated. Not only do you receive
benefits
as a Member and create a partnership with the organization, you also add your voice to those locally, statewide, and nationally who support people with I/DD. If you didn't have the chance to become a 2020/2021 Member or renew your Organization Agreement, have no fear and
click here
!
All Organization Agreements completed by July 31, will be
entered into a drawing to win
one of two Starbucks gift cards!
Click here
to complete your agreement TODAY! It's easy and will only take 2 minutes!
Frequently asked questions:
Why should I complete an Organization Agreement?
Completing an annual Organization Agreement lets The Arc of Aurora know what kind of relationship you would like to have with the organization. The Organization Agreement was formally called a Membership Agreement.
Does the Organization Agreement expire?
Yes! If you have a 2019/2020 agreement, this expires on
7/31/2019
, no matter when in the year you completed yours. The 2020/2021 Organization Agreement will expire on
7/31/2021
. We kindly ask that you complete an Organization Agreement annually.
What does being a Member mean?
We are a Membership organization and welcome all! The Arc of Aurora is pleased to offer Contributing and Basic Members
these benefits
for the 2020/2021 year. When you become a Member, i
t means you're a part of us. It means you're part of something bigger impacting people with disabilities. It means you're a friend. It means you're a supporter. It means you appreciate the work we do. It means you're an ally. When you're a Member of The Arc of Aurora, you're all of the above and SO much more to us.
Myself or my loved one receives Individual Advocacy from Khali, Jeff, or Petri. Do I need to complete an Organization Agreement?
Please do! Completing an agreement helps us know what type of relationship you want with the The Arc of Aurora and lets YOU know what
benefits
you are eligible for through 7/31/2021.
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Hang out with us on our social sites every day!
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Policy Profile
2020 Legislative Session Wrap Up
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The second session of the 72nd Colorado General Assembly was historic, but not necessarily due to passed or failed legislation. The novel coronavirus affected many things, including our state government, which adjourned the session on June 15, 2020. While many of the bills The Arc of Aurora was watching were never scheduled or heard, there were still victories. One such victory is the upcoming budget. While Colorado will see a drastic budgetary downfall next year, elected officials made sure programs and services essential for people with disabilities were only slightly impacted.
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How You Can Help
Donate to The Arc of Aurora
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Like so many other non-profit organizations, The Arc of Aurora has needed to shift our operational income and expenses amid COVID-19. To support the work we do for individuals with I/DD and their families consider giving a monetary donation though
Colorado Gives.
We know money is tight for everyone, but be comforted knowing that your donation will have a direct and immediate impact for those we help by ensuring that transformative individual advocacy continues, expands, and remains affordable.
Thank you for ANY support you can provide!
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Spotlight On
Jean Solis, former THINK+change Manager
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Jean Solis retired from The Arc of Aurora on June 30, 2020, and spent 27 years with the organization! Jean is a self-described lifelong learner and a lifelong educator, and what a difference she made in her nearly 3 decades with The Arc of Aurora. Red Pen Rita, as her coworkers affectionately called her, made an immeasurable impact in the lives of children and adults with I/DD, their families, and the professionals in their lives. To our dearest Jean, we wish you all the best and know you will not be far. We hope you enjoy a happy, healthy, and well-deserved vacation!
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THINK+change
Training and education
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THINK+change
is
The Arc of Aurora’s
training and education program that strives to change knowledge, attitude, and behavior to ultimately improve the quality of life for people with I/DD, their families, and the professionals in their lives.
THINK+change invites you to check out the below TALKS TRAININGS and TOOLS to help your in work supporting people with disabilities.
Check out THINK+change’s entire product line at
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Have questions about anything in this newsletter? Contact Erica Dennison.
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