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The holidays are behind us and the new year is here, but we want to look back to express our thanks and share the story of the generous and caring spirit that the Lakewood Elks showed DDRC during the season.
In December, participants of DDRC’s Therapeutic Learning Connections/Rec program had an awesome time as the holiday party guests of the Lakewood Elks Lodge #1777!
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It was a night of delicious food, decorations, dancing – and the hosts and volunteers doing good, alongside DDRC staff who were there to help too. Approximately 150 participants of TLC Rec activities enjoyed the evening socializing, meeting new friends, and a visit from a jolly, red-suited guy who passed out treats.
Pictured here are dancing partygoers, DDRC guests, DDRC staff, and the Elks Lodge leader who rolled up her sleeves to graciously help serve dinner.
We look forward to a continuing partnership with the Elks in the new year. Thank you Lakewood Elks!
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We say “it takes community” to do all that we do and that was evident in our 2023 year-end giving activities. Hundreds of supporters embraced our mission by supporting and donating to DDRC during the final quarter of the year. On Colorado Gives Day, more than 140 individuals contributed to DDRC, and more than 90 other donors gave an end-of-year gift. Collectively these 230 donors gave nearly $150,000! The Mai Family Trust stepped forward with a $30K donation matching initiative to benefit DDRC’s Therapeutic Learning Connections program. The Mai Family Trust has been a long-time supporter of DDRC, with a matching initiative in other years too. We are so grateful for their ongoing support and for inspiring others to be part of this community. | |
Several other groups and individuals stepped forward to initiate special giving efforts.
Ruth Probasco purchased and collected many gift items for people we serve, delivering them with a big smile. Ruth has made holiday gift purchases for DDRC program participants in past years too.
The Marquis De Lafayette Masonic Lodge, and other Mason friends, held a holiday gift card collection campaign for people we serve who are struggling financially. This gift card collection has been a long-standing tradition of the lodge, led through the vision of Grant Sanders (pictured here), who is a member of the lodge and now also serves on the DDRC Board of Directors. Additionally, Lynn Fiedorowiz, hosted a party with friends and neighbors to cover holiday gift cards for more than 100 DDRC participants. She has hosted these parties over the past 10 years! “It’s so good to know that these donations make a difference in someone’s life,” she says.
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Many other supporters found ways to give back to DDRC by joining us for benefit nights at Beau Jo’s (Arvada) and 3 Margaritas (Wheat Ridge & Denver), and Kendra Scott in Cherry Creek. Every person who took their time and generosity to participate has helped us build community, and now helps launch us into 2024 all the more vital! | |
DDRC Employment Services Industry Exploration | |
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While DDRC’s Employment Services focuses on helping career seekers with disabilities find, secure, and sustain themselves in a job they enjoy, their services go beyond that. They want to understand the business needs of various sectors and industries, and they want the people they serve — people with disabilities — to gain that understanding too. So, DDRC Employment Services staff reach out to companies to arrange tours for people we serve and for our staff, to see how various businesses operate, what their challenges are, and the needs and trends within their industries.
In December we had the privilege to get an up-close tour of Colorado Arts Productions, a leading video production company located in Denver. Tony Brangoccio, Director of Client Relations along with Cort and Clayton, shared all the behind-the-scenes aspects of their work. Among the tour attendees was a DDRC participant who is now exploring and developing his own interest and skills in these areas, and he was especially excited for the chance to learn more.
Not only is Colorado Arts Productions a top-notch videography, photography and animation company that weaves their craft into compelling stores — they did a wonderful video for DDRC — they are also generous and engaged members of our community. We were grateful for their time hosting our DDRC Employment Services tour!
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If your nonprofit, government, or private company would be willing to share what you do with our Employment Services staff and career seekers — we would be delighted to connect. Call us at (720) 544-8122. | |
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DDRC’s Benefits Planning
Helps Put You on a Path You Want to Go
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Exciting News: DDRC now has Benefits Planning!
With the new year, maybe you or a family member with IDD has a resolution to find a job, to get a paycheck, and do something related to your interests? Benefits planning can help you understand it is possible to reach that goal without losing the benefits you need!
This service helps people understand how employment and other life decisions will impact their benefits (government assistance based on disability or need).
| There are a wide number of government benefits, from Social Security Disability Income, to housing vouchers, Low Energy Assistance (LEAP), Medicaid, and Home and Community Based Medicaid Services (HCBS). Benefits planning can help you understand your particular circumstances, options and opportunities to produce a plan that works for you. | |
We‘re proud that DDRC has Lee Sylvester on board who is a Credentialed Work Incentives Practitioner (WIP-C)! He’s authorized to provide Benefits Planning services through both HCBS and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation funding. Take the first step by calling Lee and our Employment Services team at (720) 544-8122, and learn more by reading our flyer. You can also reach out to your case manager to discuss other benefits planning options and services.
Download the DDRC Employment Services Benefits Planning flyer.
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Behavioral Health Services for Kids —
DDRC's New Undertaking
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Mental health isn’t just important for adults! So, DDRC is excited to announce that we now have new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) clinic services available to children/teens ages 3-20!
ABA is an evidence-based teaching tool used to promote socially significant, positive behavior change by teaching children new behaviors to replace the challenging and/or disruptive behavior(s) that inhibit their academic and social development. Our clinic services provide each child with a therapist who works individually with that child and in peer settings and similar scenarios.
Services are available for children who have been determined eligible for ABA services through Colorado Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT).
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DDRC’s team of Registered Behavior Technicians can help steer you through the steps you’ll need to take to seek eligibility and insurance approval. Once approved, we’ll meet with you to discuss your child’s needs and determine an appropriate therapy schedule. From there, your child meets with us and with peers and learns, adapts, and grows!
If interested in learning about DDRC’s new Pediatric EPSDT ABA Clinic contact Shana.Little@ddrcco.com ( 303-462-6565) or
Abigail.Morsicato@ddrcco.com ( 303-462-6565)
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Medicaid 101 Training – January 10 | |
The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) is hosting a training: ”Medicaid 101,” on Wed. January 10, from 6-7:30pm. The training is virtual, free and open to anyone interested in learning more about Medicaid in Colorado, but you must register to attend. After registering, the CCDC staff will email you the zoom link. This is a good opportunity to learn about Medicaid and get your questions answered. | |
Jeffco Public Schools Resource Fair - Jan. 30th | |
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Jefferson County Public Schools is hosting a Special Education Resource Fair for all interested (parents, guardians, caregivers, educators and others) to meet with community groups and organizations that provide services and supports to children with disabilities. DDRC will be there too.
DDRC will share what we do for children/families, and for students who will venture into their adult lives. Staff from our various DDRC departments will be on hand at the fair to answer questions and help attendees assess their next steps to meeting their needs and goals.
The fair will be held from 5:00-7:30 pm on Tuesday, January 30 at the Jeffco Schools Admin building #27, 5th floor, 1829 Denver West Drive, Golden, CO 80401. For more information or to request accommodations please contact Holly Dolfi, Jeffco Schools 303.982.6710 or Holly.Dolfi@jeffco.k12.co.us.
See the event flyer English Spanish
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If you, or someone you know, wants to work with team members who care and do important work, then please consider joining our DDRC team.
Maybe your skills, experience and passion are a great match with DDRC’s culture and mission. If so, let’s connect!
See our Careers Page
Reach out to Heather Schrock at DDRC’s Human Resources Office by calling 303-233-3363.
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We’re committed to meeting the highest standards for charitable operations
and giving, and are proud of the ratings we've achieved!
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People served by DDRC and their families:
If you have already indicated that you wish to only receive official notifications, we ask for your patience as we work to coordinate and update those preferences in the database. Thank you!
DDRC sends important information via this “Constant Contact" email platform, including information about DDRC services and supports, announcements of emergencies, etc. Please do not unsubscribe from Constant Contact emails since our communications will be restricted to U.S. mail and will take longer to get to you. If you prefer not to receive e-newsletters, invitations or donor opportunities please use our “Online Form” to indicate that you do not want to receive such emails. Official notifications about services and supports may then still be sent via Constant Contact, unless you contact us to indicate otherwise. Thank You.
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