August at DDRC is about opening doors: to wellness, to careers, to a well-earned night off for caregivers, and to a community that keeps showing up for one another. This month we’re sharing Amanda’s story from our IDD Provider Support Program, introducing our Friday night Group Respite program for children, and asking for your help connecting the people we serve with new career opportunities.

You will also find everything happening between now and September, from the final days of our Route 66 online auction to the Jeffco Back-to-School Bash and our annual Legislative BBQ.

DDRC’s IDD Provider Support Program in Action: Amanda’s Story

When Amanda started working with her personal trainer, Ruth, from GYMGUYZ Denver South, she gained more than a fitness routine and nutrition coaching. She gained confidence, strength, and a new sense of accomplishment.

Amanda is one of several people benefiting from DDRC’s Provider Support Program, which helps remove barriers that often prevent people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who live in Jefferson County from accessing services they need, like wellness programs. The program helps ensure essential services and resources are available to those who need them, helping build a stronger, more inclusive community.

A Fitness Program Built Around the Person

Julia Panucza, who oversees DDRC’s Community Funding Programs, describes GYMGUYZ as a mobile fitness and wellness company that is especially aware of barriers and attentive to the needs of people with IDD. Participants receive a fitness assessment, 12 weeks of in-home personal training, nutrition support, a gear bag, and a progress assessment. Julia adds that she loves that participants can work out at home with their trainer, or even at a neighborhood park.

A Partnership That Is Personal

For Barb, owner of GYMGUYZ Denver South and mother of a child with a disability, the work is deeply personal. She says the goal is to help people in the IDD community improve their quality of life by establishing healthy habits in fitness and nutrition. Barb notes that the program emphasizes individualized goals, progress tracking, and celebrating achievements along the way, and that she is grateful for the DDRC Provider Support Program that helps make this opportunity possible.

Strength, Confidence, and Steady Progress

Amanda’s results have been inspiring. She says she feels stronger, and that she likes squats, step-ups, and especially working with Ruth, because Ruth helps her be better.

Ruth has seen Amanda’s growth firsthand. She describes Amanda as a joy to work with, and says her endurance, strength, balance, and coordination have all improved, and that she is always willing to try new things.

Amanda’s father says the changes extend well beyond fitness. He shares that her confidence has really grown, that she looks forward to every session, has more energy, and now even exercises on her own, and that he would not trade this program for anything.

Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder that when barriers are removed, people with IDD can thrive. Sometimes the most meaningful results are not measured in pounds lifted or repetitions completed, but in confidence, independence, and happiness.

Learn More About GYMGUYZ Denver South

Jefferson County residents interested in learning more about GYMGUYZ Denver South can download their flyer below and contact them directly at 303-848-8491. GYMGUYZ Denver South is just one of many organizations accessing the DDRC Provider Support Program to create opportunities and address unmet needs for people with IDD throughout our community. For more information, visit the Community Funding Programs page.

More Time to Recharge: DDRC Group Respite

Caring for a child with extensive needs is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. DDRC’s Friday night Group Respite program gives caregivers a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy personal time, while their child spends an evening in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Who Can Join, and Where

Children ages 3 to 17 who receive services through the Children’s Extensive Support (CES) Waiver are invited to join us at the Weiland Center in Lakewood, conveniently located near South Kipling Parkway and Highway 285. The center features a large indoor gym, sensory room, music room, craft space, outdoor areas, a full kitchen, and plenty of parking.

An Evening Shaped by the Children

Each night is personalized and shaped by the interests of the children attending. Activities may include casual gym games, playing with the air hockey or mini golf sets, exploring music with the piano, drums, shakers, or guitar, getting creative with paint, markers, and assorted craft materials, and spending time in the sensory room. Together, these activities create opportunities for children to have fun and explore in a supportive environment.

A Break That Benefits the Whole Family

The benefits extend beyond the children. DDRC Program Manager Hanna Gibson shares that it is not uncommon to see parents arrive at pick-up with a more relaxed smile at the end of the night. She recalls one parent telling the team how grateful they were for the program, because it gave them the chance to enjoy a Friday evening activity of their own.

Interested in learning more? Hanna can answer your questions, provide enrollment materials, and guide you through the enrollment process. Email Hanna at Hanna.Gibson@ddrcco.com.

Help Us Open Doors to Employment Opportunities

DDRC is looking for businesses willing to host a workplace visit for the people we serve, or to connect with one of our Employment Specialists. These experiences help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities explore careers, learn about different workplace environments, and envision how they can contribute while building meaningful careers.

Do you work for a company that might be interested in hosting workplace visits and learning opportunities? Or do you have a friend, family member, or business contact who could help us make a connection?

Please share your suggestions through our DDRC Career Connections Survey.

We are seeking input soon, but if a connection comes to mind later, we would still love to hear from you. Send suggestions anytime to EmploymentFirst@ddrcco.com.

At DDRC, we are driven by the belief that everyone who can work and wants a career deserves the opportunity and support to make those goals a reality. Together, we can create new pathways to meaningful employment support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and community inclusion.

DDRC Community Funding Programs Create Opportunities for Jefferson County Residents

DDRC is encouraging community organizations, service providers, and individuals and families to explore opportunities through its Community Funding Programs, which help address unmet needs and expand opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and delays in Jefferson County.

The Provider Support Program offers funding to providers, community organizations, advocacy agencies, and schools serving individuals with IDD or delays. This program ensures essential services and resources are available to those who need them, helping build a stronger, more inclusive community.

The Unmet Needs Program provides critical support for children and adults with IDD who live at home with their families in Jefferson County. The program helps cover essential expenses not funded through other sources, including Medicaid and the Family Support Services Program (FSSP), allowing individuals to remain in supportive family environments.

DDRC also offers the Self-Determination Initiative, which provides funding to Jefferson County residents age 18 and older with IDD to pursue personal goals, develop skills, explore interests, and increase independence.

Organizations, individuals, and families who may be eligible are encouraged to learn more on our Community Funding Programs page.

Upcoming Events in the Community

There is a lot happening between now and September. From a fundraising auction in its final days to a family celebration and an evening of community conversation, here is what is coming up on our full calendar.

Hit the Road with Our Route 66 Online Auction

The DDRC Longest Drive Golf Tournament Online Auction is in high gear until August 10, and anyone can get in on the action. Bid on exciting packages, unique experiences, baskets, and more while supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

Every bid helps drive DDRC’s mission forward. Here are just a few of the items up for bid:

• A signed baseball bat from Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar
• A Crested Butte Nordic Ski package featuring two day passes and rentals
• The popular Black Hawk Jackpot, featuring two separate buffets and an evening at The Lodge

There is even more waiting for you, so find your can’t-miss items, place your winning bids, and drive the difference for DDRC.

Jeffco Back-to-School Bash Returns August 8

Jeffco families, be sure to mark your calendars for the annual Jeffco Schools Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jeffco Stadium (500 Kipling St., Lakewood).

Hosted by Jefferson County Schools and the Jeffco Schools Foundation, this free, family-friendly celebration offers a fun and welcoming way to gear up for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Representatives from Jeffco Schools, local businesses, nonprofits, and student clubs will be on hand to share helpful information and resources that support student success. Attendees can enjoy music, entertainment, games, treats, and giveaways while exploring a wide range of information booths. DDRC will be there with a booth too.

If you are looking to connect with your community and learn more about school programs and resources while enjoying a day of family fun, do not miss this bash. Come connect, explore, and get ready for a great year ahead.

Annual Legislative BBQ, September 10

Join us for the Annual Legislative BBQ, a tradition that has brought community members, elected leaders, and candidates together for more than 25 years. This special event offers an opportunity to connect with local, state, and federal representatives, engage in meaningful conversations, and share perspectives on the issues that matter most.

Enjoy an evening of tasty, complimentary BBQ, networking, and community dialogue while learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing individuals, families, and households with disabilities, mental health needs, and older adults throughout Jefferson County. Together, we can foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and help create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

This free community event is proudly co-hosted by DDRC, the Action Center, Family Tree, Jefferson Center, and Seniors Resource Center. We look forward to bringing our community together to connect, learn, and inspire positive change.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
• Time: 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Apex Community Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada
• Registration: Advance registration requested

Stay Connected with DDRC

This August reminded us how much can change when barriers come down. From Amanda’s growing strength and confidence through our Provider Support Program, to Friday nights that give caregivers a chance to recharge, to businesses opening their doors so the people we serve can explore careers, every one of these stories starts with someone choosing to make room.

Whether you are interested in our community funding programs, want to attend an upcoming event, hope to host a workplace visit, or are simply looking for a way to give back, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to connect with our team and find out how you can be part of the DDRC community.