Golf Tournament and Auction Are More Than Good Times | |
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The Developmental Disabilities Foundation and DDRC held the 30th Annual Golf Tournament, Groovy on the Green, on August 15 at the Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen, Colorado. One hundred and eight golfers joined us for an 18-hole scramble on the beautifully conditioned golf course, followed by a wonderful lunch and program.
Support from tournament sponsors, along with online auction proceeds, added up to a fundraising success with more than $70,000 raised for our 25th Hour critical emergency fund. We extend our deep gratitude to our friends at the Hiwan Golf Club, sponsors, volunteers, golf participants, and auction donors for their involvement and support in making this a record-breaking year!
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As fun as the event was, its purpose was seriously meaningful. Proceeds from this year's event help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with emergency assistance for immediate or unexpected needs so they can get back on their financial feet.
Such was the case for 31-year-old “Payton,” whose name is changed to respect his privacy. Payton has lived independently in his apartment with his two cats and holds a steady job at a local restaurant, making less than $1,000 a month in wages. This summer he was falling behind on bills and unable to purchase necessary items to care for himself and his pets.
After discussion with his Resource Coordinator (RC), Payton agreed that support from the DDRC 25th Hour Fund would be helpful. The fund committee approved the request to cover a few months of rent, utilities, and funds to restock his pantry with needed items, including food for his cats – which Payton found the most comforting. Payton told his RC that when he is in a better financial situation, he would be excited to give something back to the 25th Hour fund because it helped him so much!
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Connecting and Conversing with Candidates at the
22nd Annual Legislative BBQ
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In October, ballots will be mailed to voters for elections of U.S. Congressional, Statewide, Colorado State house, and countywide offices. For the more than 120 community members who attended the September 7 Legislative BBQ to hear from and meet many of the candidates, their votes will be able to draw upon that special experience as they make their decisions.
The event was organized and hosted by Jefferson Center, DDRC, Family Tree and Seniors Resource Center. The Executive Director/CEO hosts spoke to the audience and candidates about the mission and work of their nonprofits to help educate listeners about the role and impact we have in the community.
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We posed questions to candidates and officials relating to issues that affect the lives of the people we serve, and how candidates would use their office to address the interests of our constituents. Attendees had an opportunity to mingle with officials and candidates, visit during dinner, and participate in breakout discussions. For fun, we also held giveaway drawings.
Our thanks to all the candidates and officials who graciously participated! The scope of issues that these offices address runs far and wide, so we appreciate that they were interested in the human services that we provide, and took time to consider how their work could be a positive force for the lives of the people we serve.
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Recognizing Direct Support Professionals and All They Do | |
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The impact that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) make with the people they support can not be overestimated! They are called upon to be insightful in seeing the needs and wants of the people they serve, and empowering people with disabilities to lead a life of their choosing. This requires the DSP to work with respect, creativity and patience, and since no two people needing support are exactly alike, the job of the DSP also requires decision making and judgment.
DPS are at the heart and soul of what DDRC does in our direct services. They fill roles in our day programs and community connections, employment supports, group residential and independent/apartment living services, personal care supports, homemaker services, respite, mentorship, respite and family caregiver services.
We are joining the nationwide chorus to thank DSPs for their incredible impact! On behalf of DDRC and our Board of Directors, David Pemberton, President of the Board, and Rob DeHerrera, Executive Director, signed a proclamation recognizing DSPs and their crucial contributions, and marking September 11 – 17 as DSP Recognition Week.
During this week we will also be sharing some surprises with our DSPs to thank them firsthand. If you are a family member, a person receiving services or a friend of DDRC, we hope that you too will share your thanks and thoughts with the DSPs who have made a positive difference in your life, or the life of a family member.
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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.
Advance registration is required by emailing your name and phone number to Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com.
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DDRC Annual Corporation Meeting, Dinner and Awards – Oct 26 | |
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Each year DDRC holds its annual corporation meeting, dinner and awards for members of the corporation, which includes people determined eligible for DDRC services and their families.
This year, the event will be held in-person in Lakewood on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 26. It’s a night of celebration honoring partners and special awardees, along with a time to hold elections for open positions on our Board of Directors, and to share updates and the vision ahead for DDRC.
If you are a person receiving services or a family member, please save the date and watch for a separate email to go out in October with the invitation to register.
| Save the Date - Oct 26 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. | |
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Set Your Email Preferences for Emails from DDRC
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 over the coming months. 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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