El Paso County Acknowledges Foster Care Families
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El Paso county foster families come together in the reading of the proclamation for National Foster Care Month at El Paso County Commissioner office.
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On any given day, 900 children on average are living in out-of-home care in El Paso County. Foster families provide secure, stable places to call home until children in foster care can either safely reunite with their parents or establish other lifelong family relationships.
The Board of El Paso County Commissioners at its regular meeting Thursday, May 10, recognized May as National Foster Care Month, and thanked foster families for opening their hearts and homes to children in need.
“All children deserve and benefit from enduring, positive relationships with caring adults, especially when their own families are in crisis and unable to provide for their essential well-being,” said President Pro Tem Mark Waller as he read the Proclamation into the record. “The immeasurable and ongoing gifts of time and caring given by foster families in El Paso County are greatly appreciated and deserve public thanks.”
“I want to thank these beautiful foster families that have joined us here today,” said El Paso County Executive Director of Human Service Julie Krow to the 13 families that were at the meeting for the reading of the Proclamation. “We need foster parents in El Paso County. They really go out of their way and have a special place in their hearts for the children.”
READ MORE HERE...
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If you are interested in becoming a
Foster Parent contact
SKSF Child Placement Services at 719-345-1735
or
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Here's What's Happening in our Programs...
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Adult Services ICAN Program
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In our Adult Services ICAN program, after returning from community activities, adults participate in our Passport curriculum where they lear
n about different countries and cultures. Shown left, Grigori “Grig” Tirman is standing next to a picture of the world and holding up his passport where he just "traveled" to Scotland. Clients also work on money management, writing skills, sign language, craft and science projects.
Pedro Perea is holding a medal that was presented to each of the ICAN volunteers that go to the Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. This group has been going to the school for at least five years and every year the volunteer group is recognized and presented with symbols of appreciation for their volunteerism, hard work and dedication.
Our clients in ICAN always enjoy having visitors visit, play games, help with projects or just spending time with them. The clients have enjoyed going to Library 21C, YMCA, Fountain Nature Center along with Bear Creek Nature Center. With the weather being nicer, we are looking forward to doing more outdoor activities.
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"I am excited to bring my 25+ years of experience to the center and getting to know the staff at SKSF as well as the kiddos," says Gail DeGroot.
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What's NEW at Zach's Place
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Zach’s Place is under new leadership and we welcome new Program Director, Gail DeGroot and Assistant Director, Dan Donovan! Zach's Place is in the process of getting ready for the summer months. We are looking forward to having the kids out in the community and keeping them engaged during the summer. Some of the activities they will be involved in will be: bowling, riding the public bus system, going on nature walks, visiting museums and swimming at the YMCA.
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Pikes Peak Academy Volunteers
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Pikes Peak Academy students and staff visited SKSF Adult Program participants from Joey’s Place and ICAN programs assisting them in creating craft projects. One of the students, Christian Sexton, with help from his teacher, Kristin Becker, applied for and received a grant from
Thrivent Financial through their Live Generously campaign
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This allowed them to purchase the supplies for the project. Everyone had a wonderful time and the clients enjoyed working on their creativity and socialization skills. Thanks for your generosity!
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Craft project made by adult clients with help from Pikes Peak Academy staff & students
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USAFA Cadets made gift baskets for one of our recent events. They had a great time and we enjoyed watching engineering students try to make bows out of strips of ribbon. They ended up laughing and having fun while working on their critical thinking skills and leadership qualities. Thanks for your time helping us!
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Pictured above, SKSF Joey’s Place program participant Ed Hawley working
on craft project
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We'd like to thank the Knights of Columbus,
St. Patrick's Parish
in Northern CO Springs - Council #9993, for their donation made to Zach's Place to support kids with disabilities and their families! Check presented to Linda Ellegard, SKSF Executive Director from Knight Craig Seiler & Charles.
St. Patrick Parish
in Northern Colorado Springs is home to a strong and growing group of Knights and Sir Knights. Council #9993 and the growing Assembly #3049, together with a vibrant Ladies' Auxiliary, gather to support and serve clergy, parish, families, and community. St. Patrick Council assists the Parish with many events, such as the monthly pancake breakfast, annual parish picnic, and yearly Oktoberfest celebration. Knights are active in the many vibrant ministries of the Parish community.
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BLUEGRASS, BREWS & BRATS
JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!
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SKSF INVITES YOU to participate in our annual BBB event! Enjoy local bluegrass bands, brews, burgers & brats. Socialize with friends and help support Zach's Place center for children with disabilities.
$20/person;
includes beer from 4 local craft breweries and choice of brats, burgers or dogs PLUS 1 free entry into “basic” drawing. Wine and soft drinks, also available.
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From multi-award winning flagship beers like Laughing Lab Scottish Ale, to the Forgotten Genius Series, to the large stable of specialty beers and seasonals, the quality and flavor of the beer drive everything at Bristol. With over two decades of brewing expertise!
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Beer is brewed onsite using a 7 barrel system that was manufactured locally. In August 2016, Fossil expanded to 5 fermentation tanks, giving a flexibility in creating a variety of small batch, artisanal beer. Located on the west side of Colorado Springs.
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A Colorado Springs based nano brewery with a 3 barrel brew house. All beers are hand crafted with the freshest ingredients. Their story begins with old classics like porters and IPAs while innovating using techniques and ingredients to keep it interesting.
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Voted Best of the Springs 2018 Brewpub and Best Beer-Local by the Colorado Springs Independent & 2018 Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor w
inner. Offering handcrafted nectars fashioned in old-world style with years of brewing experience to shape unique beers and original ales.
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Other Upcoming SKSF Events...
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SKSF Offers QMAP Training
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Special Kids Special Families is a Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Approved Training Entity and offers courses monthly for Support Staff and Host Home Providers caring for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. These courses are OPEN to the public.
- NEXT CLASS: Friday, July 20th / 8-4pm
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Melvin Ortiz
Human Resources Coordinator
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Chase Carda
Child Care Worker
Zach's Place
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Cortney Payne Escobedo
Child Care Worker - ZP
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Brittny Gadsby
Foster Care Home Supervisor
Child Placement Services
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Adam Hendrick
Adult Mentor I
ICAN Adult Services
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Kayla Romero
Foster Care Home Supervisor
Child Placement Services
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Brianna Harker
Adult Mentor I
Joey's Place Adult Services
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Ways to SUPPORT SKSF programs
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