News: 2008 DDRC Fall News Magazine
(print version)
Contents:
- Thanks for Your Effort
- James Mace Helps Make History
- GAP Celebrates with Summer Luau
- 2008 Legislative Barbecue
- DDRC Players Present ... New Clothes for the Emperor
- Results of the 2008 DDRC Harvest Festival Run & Family Fun Day
- 2008 Holiday Annual Bazaar
Thanks for Your Effort
The Arcs of Colorado in the End the Wait List Campaign effort worked hard with limited resources and a short time frame. DDRC appreciates the valiant effort of the Arcs of Colorado on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. The election is over and now it’s time to reevaluate and focus on a new collaborative strategy among advocates and community providers to plan, set positive goals and move forward This campaign brought a lot of people together. Is it possible for everyone to look at all the great things that are being done every day in the developmental disabilities system and combine their passions to make it even better?
The Arc in Jefferson County and DDRC worked collaboratively to help in the state-wide effort to pass 51 over the past few months. The Legislative Barbecue this year with over 500 people in attendance had staff and board members from both organizations there to spread the word and help candidates understand the scope of the needs in Colorado. Together the two organizations hosted an event on a Saturday morning to share information and get out signs and flyers. DDRC and the Arc also made an impression by supporting the rally at the State Capitol. DDRC drove their fire truck in the rain to the steps of the Capitol to help punctuate the needs of people with disabilities. Staff and Board members from both organizations spoke to several groups in the community and contributed in so many other ways such as standing on the street corner waving and holding signs. Thanks to everyone for all you did by putting signs in your yards and your friend’s yards, sending emails and talking it up.
DDRC will not be deterred in its efforts to help people with developmental disabilities. The developmental disabilities community has been through hard times before, but has always endured and will again move forward and thrive. DDRC will continue to be efficient, transparent and provide quality services. DDRC staff will not let up and work hard to get grants, pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, utilize volunteers, collaborate with other agencies and work with the legislature. Colorado has the most efficient delivery system in the country. The Community Centered Board system was set up through the wisdom of the legislature in 1963 when there weren’t any options. The law created private nonprofit corporations to meet the many needs of people with developmental disabilities in their own communities. DDRC contracts with over 50 agencies to offer choice to our families. Millions of dollars have been saved by serving people in the community through an efficient private sector model.
Now is the time to strengthen our system by taking the many things that are good in the system and building on them. It will take positive energy from everyone for us to succeed. In the end, the people we care about most, those with developmental disabilities will benefit. Reinventing the wheel wastes time, valuable energy and money. People on the wait list don’t have the luxury of time. They need help now!
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James Mace Helps Make History Working at the 2008 Democratic Convention
James is a participant in DDRC Adult Vocational Services and has had difficulty getting a steady job over the years. After trying fast food work, this summer he finally found something he really enjoyed. Through the help of DDRC staff, he secured a job working for Argus at the Democratic Convention. In order to get the job as a security person James had to attend classes, take a test and become licensed. He carries his credentials proudly! At this huge event with thousands of attendees he directed people, scanned tickets, checked hand bags and did his part to make the event flow smoothly and safely for everyone. James felt very important helping people and making sure everyone was safe. James was part of history in the making! When asked if he saw any celebrities, he said he had to focus on his job and didn’t have time to be distracted.
Just recently James had a terrible accident. About a month ago he ended up with a broken leg and severe bruises and lacerations and his knee was operated on at St. Anthony’s Hospital. He is now in rehab and can’t wait to get out and back to work. James said he would especially like to get back into his electric wheel chair, so he can get around at a faster pace again. Roni Snedeker, his job coach, stated that as James lay in bed recovering, his main worry was that he would lose his job. Roni talked to the Argus event staff and they assured her that he was a valued employee and would have his job waiting for him when he returns. James felt much better learning that he would not lose his job. What he likes about his job is that he can work the events he enjoys such as the Broncos at Mile High, the Avalanche & Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, concerts and even rugby matches. Oh, yes he very much likes that he can earn good money, since he can work enough hours to make it worth while!
James discovered what he likes to do and asked his DDRC resource coordinator, Holly Duke if DDRC would continue to be there for him? Holly assured him that he can count on it! We hope that James recovers quickly and gets back to making us all feel safe when we attend events at Mile High or the Pepsi Center.
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GAP Celebrates with Summer Luau
DDRC’s Graduate Activities Program celebrated its successes with wonderful food, dancing, games, and camaraderie this summer. Parents, DDRC staff, clients and friends all helped make this celebration one to be remembered for a long time. Some brought food dishes, some helped run the different activities, others danced with the GAP participants, and the custodian even brought his blue convertible for all to enjoy. It was fun to watch everyone smile as they did the hula in their grass skirts, feel the tactile sensation of face painting, make craft items, walk in GAP’s beautiful garden, and enjoy each others company. It’s amazing what wonderful things happen when parents and staff join forces!
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2008 Legislative Barbecue
This year’s legislative barbecue in collaboration with Family Tree, Jefferson Center for Mental Health and Seniors Resource Center was again a big success with over 500 people in attendance. Thanks to all of you who attended! Your presence showed our elected officials that human services has a large voting block that cares. DDRC again had its computer at the event to help families identify their representatives and if they were not registered, forms were available to make that possible. If a candidate is campaigning for office, this yearly event is the place to be.
Dr. Hogling emphasized a "Yes on 51" vote. Candidates and elected official listened and were also networked by staff and board members of DDRC and the Arc of Jefferson County.
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DDRC Players Present ... New Clothes for the Emperor
Based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson
It is that time of year again where we get the pleasure of enjoying the talents of the DDRC Players production of New Clothes for the Emperor directed by Leah Nixon and assistant director Aaron Rendoff. This year’s performance will feature 20 cast members, some new actors and some returning stars, such as Donna Gunnison.
I asked Donna why she likes to act and she said, "I find it comforting and I enjoy relating to the audience."
Donna has been an actress since 1990 when she began acting in performances by Phamaly, an acting company that performs at the Denver Center of Performing Arts in Denver. Some of the plays she has been in since 1990 include: Cabaret, Anything Goes, Fiddler on the Roof, Kiss me Kate, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Side Show, Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Damn Yankees, Grand Hotel, Pajama Game, and Guys and Dolls. Donna has quite an impressive resume!
When asked if it was hard learning her lines she said, "It is a little hard, but once I get them, they stick to me for along time."
In addition to the cast there are 14 volunteers helping with the set, costumes, prompting and many other theater related activities. Please join us to see Donna and the 20 other wonderful actors perform New Clothes for the Emperor.
New Clothes for the Emperor Performance Dates and Times:
Wednesday, December 10
Curtain Time: 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 11
Curtain Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: DDRC Building
Summit Room 1st Floor
11177 W. 8th Avenue
Lakewood, CO.
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Results of the 2008 DDRC Harvest Festival Run & Family Fun Day 5-Mile & 3-Mile Runs
Everyone was a winner!Just getting out in the beautiful Colorado weather, getting some exercise, and meeting great people were reasons enough to enter the event. The pancakes were delicious and the family fun activities were fun for everyone.
All our 60 volunteers did an exceptional job in making this our best effort ever! Thank you all so much. Those of you who entered an event and enjoyed the nice weather, food, fun and games and especially the wonderful people, who took part from the community at large, are to be thanked. Two of the winners, Robert and Lori, actually donated their prize money back to DDRC to use for the 25th Hour fund! What a selfless act!
Music, yes we had professional quality songs written and sung by DDRC’s own Steve Lewis. Children were delighted by the very best – Coconut the Clown, who works at DDRC’s Gray Street, Dennis Brungardt. Apex Parks and Recreation again ran the registration tables again this year and made the process flawless. The DDRC Recreation department managed the course so everyone was safe utilizing over 44 volunteers.
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2008 Holiday Annual Bazaar
Buy quality gifts at reasonable prices
Our 7th Annual Holiday Bazaar will be held Thursday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DDRC’s main building at 8th & Quail in Lakewood. Vendors include local professional, DDRC consumers and individual programs offering unique merchandise, handmade crafts and homemade goodies. The festivities will include a visit from Santa, songs from the DDRC Carolers and original musical renditions from our own Steve Lewis. A bake sale, silent auction and “dollar store” assures something for everyone at this popular holiday tradition that’s become a favorite with consumers, staff and the general public. New this year…our QLO staff will be selling a BBQ lunch and drink for $5. If you need additional information, contact DDRC Volunteer Services at 303-462-6585.
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