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Zak’s beautiful and infectious smile reflects his happiness with his new portable power wheelchair that was paid for through DDRC’s Jeffco Children and Family Services (CFS) Unmet Needs Fund. This funding helps pay for equipment, services and other things not paid for through Medicaid. In Zak’s case, his chair and the timing of his need didn’t meet Medicaid guidelines, so the Jeffco CFS Unmet Needs Fund came to the rescue. “It’s been a Godsend really” says Zak’s father Nathan, “and we appreciate that this funding exists!”
The new chair has allowed Zak to get out with family and friends and experience so many things. The power chair folds to fit into most car trunks. At only 60 pounds, much lighter than other power wheelchairs, it can also be carried up the stairs, a benefit in homes without ramps. That was essential when Zak and his family traveled to his grandmother’s house to be with her upon the passing of his grandfather. Then, once inside, Zak could also move around freely.
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Like a typical teen, Zak enjoys listening to music, being with friends, and going out to eat. About the new power chair, he enthusiastically says, “it can go really fast!”
Nathan says the process for funding approval was not difficult and that Zak’s DDRC resource coordinator, Cori, was very helpful and timely. Zak and his family have been connected to DDRC for more than ten years. Over that time, they have also received Family Support Services Program (FSSP) funding to enable Zak to benefit from special summer camps.
FSSP funds are available to cover expenses not covered by Medicaid for people served by DDRC residing in our 4-county service area, while the Jeffco CFS Unmet Needs Fund, derived from county sources, is available for people residing in Jefferson County. Applications for each fund are taken over the fiscal year beginning in July. Cori says “While DDRC can’t guarantee funding, families we serve should go online to DDRC’s web site under Family Support Services to see the application, and consider applying.”
Nathan says that Zak’s name in Hebrew means “remembered by God” and that Zak has been blessed for having this funding and support and being remembered by the community that funds these resources.
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Developmental Disabilities Foundation (DDF)/DDRC On-Line Auction
Now Open!
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So many fabulous finds! The DDF/DDRC “Groovy on the Green” on-line auction opens August 1st, so take a look, register, and get ready to start bidding. Anyone can bid.
Offerings include theatre, golf, staycations, family fun, wine packages, adventures, spa treatments, restaurants and more! Truly something for everyone—and even a great gift opportunity as a way to say thank you to that special someone.
The online auction is open August 1-15 and closes 6:00 pm sharp that Monday. But don’t wait to start seeing all the auction opportunities. Take a look today.
And knowing it’s all to benefit the 25th Hour Fund to help individuals and families we serve with emergency needs, you’ll be feeling groovy with your winning bid!
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Here are just two of the many enticing on-line auction offerings.
To see all the offerings, click on the button above.
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Golden Staycation
2-night getaway at The Golden Hotel: Golden’s “Best Choice Award-Winning Hotel.”
Includes a culinary experience at Bridgewater Grill, The Golden Hotel’s indulgent restaurant featuring creations from an Executive Chef who focuses on Colorado Proud ingredients and local partners.
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Rack, Wine & More
Calling all wine enthusiasts. Display up to four bottles of wine in this gorgeous, handmade wooden wine rack with shelves and 4 nice glasses. Package includes 2 bottles of notable Infinite Monkey Theorem, PLUS 4 tickets for one-hour tours of the Infinite Monkey Winery. Salud!
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And a big thank you to all our
Groovy on the Green Golf Sponsors!
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Too Good to Be True - Romance Scams | |
There are dishonest people who take advantage of other people, including people with disabilities, and one way they do that is through a “romance scam.” | |
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These scams, done virtually, are perpetrated by strangers who use texting or social media to randomly target someone to convince them that the scammer is interested in a relationship. After establishing friendly or romantic inuendo and trust, or sending provocative photos, the scammer then switches to asking for money. The scammer may say they will visit but then they never do, instead they ask for money. Typically, the scammer will present some emergency jam they are in, and ask for a gift card to be purchased by the victim to help. They ask the victim to take a photo of the gift card numbers and to text them the card numbers. Using just the card numbers, the scammer can gain the funds remotely. This process is hard for police/investigators to track. The experience can be disappointing, embarrassing or even scary for the victim.
Of course, we all enjoy making friends or the prospect of a “special” person in our lives. Opportunities for safer socializing could be explored through activities in the community where there is face to face interactions in a public setting. There are many options to fit each person’s style- like sports, theatre, the recreation center, the library/book club, art center, day programs, volunteering, or other activities. And remember, if something doesn’t seem right, say something.
Informational Resources:
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) - Romance Scams — FBI
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): What You Need To Know About Romance Scams | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)
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Stakeholder Engagement Opportunities on Day Habilitation Services | |
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The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will be holding opportunities for stakeholder’s to provide feedback regarding implementation of Tier 3 Day Habilitation services, and how these individualized services should be implemented long-term, following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Additionally, the Department is also requesting stakeholder feedback related to Residential Habilitation Services and Supports (RHSS) and Supported Community Connections (SCC) services being provided by the same direct care provider. These meetings are open to all interested stakeholders.
| Prior to hosting the upcoming stakeholder meetings, the Department is requesting stakeholder feedback and suggestions related to these two topics through a Day Habilitation Stakeholder Survey to be submitted by Friday, August 5. | |
HCBS Stakeholder Webinar meetings:
Initial Tier 3 Day Habilitation Stakeholder Meeting :
Thursday, September 1, 2022 11:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. MT
Initial RHSS & SCC – Direct Care Provider Stakeholder Meeting:
Thursday, September 29, 2022 11:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. MT
For further details provided in the HCPF memo, including the link to the webinars
noted above, click here.
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Motivate Positive Behavior - Free DDRC Class Sept. 27 | |
Attention caregivers! Are you looking for a more effective way to motivate positive behavior or promote cooperation from someone you work with or in your care? | |
DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team is hosting a free training to help attendees learn how to motivate positive behavior, applicable to different ages and settings. The trainer uses real life examples to make the concepts more understandable and applicable to participants.
The class will be held in-person on Tuesday, September 27 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., at the DDRC offices at 11177 W. 8th Ave., Lakewood 80215. Due to Health Department COVID guidelines, participants need to wear masks. Advance registration is required by emailing your name and phone number to Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com.
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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
People served by DDRC and their families:
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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