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Donations are used to support Colorado's adoptive families.
In This Issue
Smile & Donate!
Sensory Friendly Events
Members of Congress
Adoption Data
Free Tutoring
Free Teen Lounge Nights
Events
LEAP
Utility & Tax Resources
Support Groups

Help COCAF

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CLASSROOM

Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
January 14, 2020
6:00 p.m.

Colorado Adoption Information Class
Tuesday
February 11, 2020
6:00 p.m.

2019 TBRI®: Caregiver Training

TBRI® Introduction and Overview
Jan 17, 2020  9 am - 11 am (Greenwood Village)
Feb 7, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Firestone)
May 1, 2020 9 am- 11 am (Greeley)
Jul 17, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Firestone)
Oct 9, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Greeley)
────
TBRI® Connecting Principles*
Jan 22, 2020 9 am - 11 am (Greenwood Village)
Feb 7, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Firestone)
May 1, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Greeley)
Jul 17, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Firestone)
Oct 9, 2020 12 pm - 5 pm (Greeley)
────
TBRI® Empowering Principles*
Feb 7, 2020 9am - 11am 
(Greenwood Village)
Feb 21, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
May 8, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
Jul 24, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
Oct 16, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
────
TBRI® Correcting Principles*
Feb 21, 2020 9am - 11am 
(Greenwood Village)
Feb 28, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
May 15, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
Jul 31, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Firestone)
Oct 23, 2020 9 am - 4 pm (Greeley)
────

* TBRI® Introduction and Overview is a prerequisite.
Training Locations:

Greeley - Weld County Training Center: 1104 H St, Greeley, CO 80631

Firestone - Weld County Southwest Service Center: 4209 County Rd 24 1/2, Longmont, CO 80504

Lunch & childcare will not be provided.
A 60 min lunch break will be offered.

WEBINARS

Parenting Youth in LGBTQ+ Adoptive Families
Thursday
January 23, 2020
Click here for more info.

What Teens and Their Parents Need to Know about Search and Reunion
Thursday
February 27, 2020
Click here for more info.

Would My Child Benefit from Medication
Thursday
April 23, 2020
Click here for more info.

Foster Parent Challenges:  Embracing the Loss and Grief that Comes with Transitions, Reunification and Co-Parenting
Thursday
May 21, 2020
Click here for more info.

5 Common Emotional/Behavioral Challenges Children Face and Strategies for Addressing Them (part 1)
Thursday
June 18, 2020
Click here for more info.

5 Common Emotional/Behavioral Challenges Children Face and Strategies for Addressing Them (part 2)
Thursday
July 9, 2020
Click here for more info.
CONFERENCES
NACAC 2020
August 27 - August 29, 2020
Toronto, Ontario

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:


Sensory Friendly Events 

Longmont Get Air Trampoline Park
2251 Ken Pratt Blvd, 
Longmont, CO 80501
Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Big Air - $13, Little Air - $9
Dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and the park's atmosphere is calmer. One parent or guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free. Siblings of jumpers are welcome to jump for the same price but should be more careful during this time.

*A Special Time Just For You is not available during blackout dates or holidays.
 
Chuck E Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays
1st Sunday of every month
9:00 - 11:00
Select Chuck E Cheese locations below will be open 2 hours early on the first Sunday of every month, specifically for children with autism and other special needs. 
 
* Reduced lighting and noise
* Food and games offered
* Trained and caring staff 
 
COLORADO SPRINGS
2925 GEYSER DRIVE

FT COLLINS
105 W PROSPECT RD

LITTLETON
7510 PARKWAY DR

SUPERIOR
305 MARSHALL ROAD
 
CO Springs - SF Storytime Pikes Peak Library District: 21C
2nd Monday of every month
1:30 - 2:00pm
 
1175 Chapel Hills Dr., 
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
 
Sensory Story Time : Interactive story time that is especially welcoming for children on the autism spectrum and families who are looking for a smaller, more adaptive library experience. Call 719.884.9800 x6310 if you have any questions.
 
 
Denver Aquarium Low Sensory Morning
2nd Sunday of every month
8:30 - 9:45am
 
Downtown Aquarium
700 Water St
Denver, CO 80211, USA

Denver Aquarium has started offering a low-sensory morning with our ambient sounds and the flash flood exhibit turned off and lights turned up for a calmer, quieter time for any families that need it.  Sounds and lights get turned back on at 9:45am for the regular business day. 

The cost is the regular ticket price at our box office. 
Adults (12 - 64) are $20.50, Seniors (65+) are $19.50, Children (3-11) are $14.50
2 and under are free

 
Resources for Contacting Members of Congress

Find your legislators online:


Call the U.S. Capitol Switch Board to Connect with your legislators office by phone:
(202) 224-3121

A switchboard operator with connect you directly with a legislators office that you request. 
Adoption Data

Using information collected through various monitoring and reporting systems, the Children's Bureau analyzes and reports data on a variety of topics, including adoption, foster care, and child abuse and neglect.

FREE RESOURCES
Looking for books or movies about adoption?  Or how to deal with school-related adoption issues?  

 
New Year's resolutions rarely "take," but even trying is always a good idea. For me, I'm hoping to make 2020 the year of more kindness. So, in this endeavor, I hope to listen with empathy instead of judgement (even silent judgement); respond only when asked; and to respond only after carefully considering how my response can be positive.
 
Whatever your New Year's resolution is, I hope you are successful and that 2020 bring you and your family joy, laughter, and healing.

Wishing you peace, love, and less stress in 2020,
Colleen Tarket, 
COCAF Board of Directors
Free Tutoring in Reading for Elementary Students in Aurora and Denver

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DENVER: Z Place-Evie Dennis Campus
4800 Telluride St, Bldg 5, Denver
Dates: February 5 - May 13
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Time: 3:45 - 4:45 PM or 5:00 - 6:00 PM

AURORA: Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
9898 E Colfax Ave, Aurora
Dates: February 8 - May 16
Days: Saturdays
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM

For more information and to pre-register, click here, or call the  Children's Literacy Center at 719-471-8672 ext.1.


 
Free Teen Lounge Nights at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
 
Teens take over the museum at this free, uniquely teen event. Blast off during a sci-fi, space-themed evening as you explore the stories of a place that continues to capture imaginations and spend some time in Space Odyssey before it closes for its transformation. Includes free snacks, entertainment, and activities.

Grades 9-12:
Wednesday, January 22, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Grades 6-8
Tuesday, January 28, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

 
Events

Crafts for Kids
Lakeshore Learning Center
8680A Park Meadows Center Dr, Littleton, CO 80124
January 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2020, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This event is free. Click here for more information.

Snow Globe Craft Fair
Anythink Perl Mack Library
7611 Hilltop Circle, Denver, CO 80221
Saturday, January 11, 2020, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
 
Let it snow! Create your own winter wonderland that fits in the palm of your hand. All participants will get to take home their creations and all materials will be provided. Designed for elementary, tweens, and teens. Free, but registration required.
Extravaganza 2020
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
25690 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016
 
Learn about science, backyard chickens, beekeeping, crafting, 4-H, and more. Admission is free.  Click here for more information.

 
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

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LEAP is a statewide program that provides financial assistance for heating bills.  LEAP is accepting applications now through April 30, 2020.

Applications requested by calling 1-899-HEAT-HELP (432-8435) or clicking here. 

Both homeowners and renters with at least one legally present household member are eligible to apply for LEAP. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • You pay home heating costs to an energy provider, fuel dealer, or as part of your rent.
  • You are a permanent legal resident of the United States and Colorado or you have household members that are U.S. citizens and you provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
  • Your maximum family household income falls within the guidelines given.

Utility & Tax Resources 

money_grass.jpg
The Crisis Intervention Program provides help with repairing or replacing a home's primary heating system, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove.

The Weatherization Program can help improve home energy efficiency.

The Denver Property Tax Relief Program provides a partial refund of property taxes or rent for Denver for couples, individuals, and families who meet the program criteria. See website for eligibility guidelines.  
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.

  
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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