December 2021 Newsletter
Happy Holidays!

Last weekend we hosted a Santa's workshop for families in our Family Engagement Services. Caregivers were able to "shop" from a wide array of toys for children and teens, and then wrap while kiddos were kept busy with crafts and taking photos with Santa. Kids also got to pick out and wrap a few special items for their caregivers! We had so much fun making merry with children and families and we are heading full steam into the holiday season with joy in our hearts. Thank you to all our donors for providing new toys and gift. And many thanks to our volunteers and staff members who helped make the day run so smoothly.

From all of us at DIFRC, we hope you and your families enjoy time together and are able to rest and reflect on a big 2021. We can't wait to see you all soon in 2022.

Gratefully,
Tara Manthey
Executive Director
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Holiday Office Closure
DIFRC’s office will be closed Dec. 24, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2021 so our dedicated staff members can rest, spend time with family, and start the 2022 with renewed energy and spirit. We wish you all the happiest of holidays!
Paid Study Opportunity
The Native WYSE CHOICES team at the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health have created apps just for urban Native youth! If you or anyone you know between 16-20 is interested in this paid study, please fill out the form here.

If you have any questions, or would like to speak to the project leads, feel free to reach out to Carol Kaufman or Michelle Sarche at nativewysechoices@ucdenver.edu.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic a big success!
In November we partnered with the State of Colorado to host a mobile vaccination clinic in the parking lot at our office building. There was huge demand as folks signed up for pediatric doses for COVID-19 and many, many adult boosters. We had a handful of first-timers and flu vaccinations as well. In all, 189 doses were given by the hard-working vaccination staff. We were excited to welcome Gov. Jared Polis, who stopped by to congratulate everyone on protecting themselves and our community by getting vaccinated.

As the Omicron variant spreads, it is as important as ever to get vaccinated. Visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/ to book an appointment near you!
ICWA Corner
Why does ICWA Matter?
ICWA promotes the best interest of AI/AN children. ICWA delicately balances the need for flexibility and individualized case-based decisions with the need to ensure a fair process that protects the basic rights of children and families. For example, ICWA provides state court judges with discretion to deviate from the requirements of ICWA when there is “good cause.” At the same time, it provides important provisions to remind the court that placing a child with family and maintaining a child’s cultural connection is in the child’s best interest and is not to be disregarded as was the norm in the pre-ICWA era.
To learn more about ICWA and it's resources, visit https://www.nicwa.org/
Include DIFRC in your year-end gift giving plan and support American Indian and Alaska Native families. Donate today!