June is a time of creativity, community, and connection at DDRC. This month, we’re celebrating the meaningful experiences happening in our day programs, recognizing the nursing team that supports individuals behind the scenes, sharing upcoming summer events, and highlighting how our community is coming together across Jefferson County and beyond. 

What Makes DDRC’s Adult Day Programs for Adults with Disabilities Special 

At DDRC, our adult day programs for adults with disabilities are built around one idea: every person deserves the opportunity to explore their strengths, build meaningful relationships, and experience the joy of participating fully in community life. Our Adult Vocational Services (AVS) Day Program gives participants the opportunity every day through creative activities, community outings, and personal enrichment, helping each person feel valued and engaged. 

Creativity in Bloom 

Participants in DDRC’s AVS Day Program recently spent a joyful afternoon at the Walters facility, expressing their creativity through floral arranging. Using soft white, pink, and lavender tulips paired with cheerful daisies, petite mums, and fresh greenery, each person designed a unique arrangement. They carefully placed the stems into floral foam for stability, then tucked their finished creations into small, pretty gift bags, turning simple materials into heartfelt works of art. 

Choosing Connection and Community in Their Own Way 

Participants in DDRC’s AVS program also had the opportunity to choose how they spend their time, and for one group, that occasionally means gathering for games and good company. Some choose to participate in a game of bingo, fully engaged, listening carefully, and following along with other community players. 

After the games wrapped up, the group stopped to enjoy lunch and take in the beautiful weather.  

Behind the Scenes: Our Nursing Team Makes a Difference 

DDRC stands out not only for the excellence of our programs, but also for the remarkable breadth of support we offer to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Behind the scenes, one of the most essential and often overlooked sources of support is our nursing team, whose impact is felt every day. 

Our nurses coordinate medical appointments and follow-up for people in our services, manage medications and documentation, support health-related protocols, and train other service team members, all with a person-centered approach, deep kindness, and strong clinical skill. 

We celebrated National Nurses Week in May, but their dedication is felt year-round. Three cheers for our incredible nursing team: Jamie Zimenoff, Lisa Harrington, Lisa J. Harrington, Lucia Azocar, Claudia Rojas, and Cathy Bowen! 

Upcoming Summer Events 

This summer brings several great opportunities to celebrate inclusion, connect with the community, and support DDRC’s mission. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events. 

Film Fandom Night — June 4 

You’re invited to Lights, Camera…Costumes! RSVP for a FREE Film Fandom Event on Thursday, June 4, hosted by The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties. Come dressed as your favorite movie character, director, or franchise icon, or skip the costume and join the fun anyway. Enjoy music, games, dancing for all ages, raffle tickets, and great prizes. 

DDRC is pleased to partner with The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties, and values all they do to champion inclusion. We hope you’ll join the fun! 

Thursday, June 4 | 6–9 PM | Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W 6th Ave, Golden, CO 80401 | Free, RSVP required 

Make a Splash at CANOE’s Splash & Play — June 6 

Mark your calendar for CANOE’s Splash & Play 2026, happening Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. behind the Lakewood Police Department (445 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226). This fun-filled morning is designed for children, teens, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — along with their families. 

You’ll find water slides, a slip ‘n slide, a splash pool, and an accessible splash pad, plus music, visits from fire and police teams, resource tables, giveaways, and food available for purchase. DDRC will be there too. Stop by our table to meet our team and learn how we can support you and your family. Registration in advance is appreciated. 

DDRC Adult Vocational Services in the Community

Support the programs that make it all possible. On August 10, we’re rolling into the beautiful Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen for the Route 66 Charity Golf Classic, 18 holes of mountain golf and classic road-trip fun. This is a rare chance to play a members-only course, and your day includes breakfast, lunch, beverages, and extra fun along the way. 

Every swing supports DDRC’s programs that drive inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across our community. Play as a single, pair, or foursome, but act soon, as only a limited number of foursome spots remain. This is our biggest fundraising event of the year. 

Resources and Updates for Families 

Staying informed and connected helps you make the most of the support available for you and your loved ones. Here are two updates we want our families to know about this month. 

Our Early Intervention Services Survey 

To our current DDRC Early Intervention (EI) families, on Tuesday, May 19, you received an email from Micki Klawes, our Director of Early Intervention, inviting you to complete our Family Satisfaction Survey. Your voice truly matters, and your input helps us understand what’s working well and where we can improve to better support you and other families we serve. 

If you have questions or have inadvertently deleted the EI survey email, please reach out to Micki at Michaelene.Klawes@ddrcco.com. 

Explore More with Westracks: Free Foothills Summer Shuttle 

Jefferson County and regional partners have launched the Westracks free foothills shuttle, connecting the W Line in Golden to Red Rocks, Morrison, and nearby foothills destinations. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors without the stress of driving or parking. 

Stops include the Jefferson County Government Center/RTD Golden Station, Matthews/Winters Park, Dinosaur Ridge’s Martin G. Lockley Center, Red Rocks Trading Post, Downtown Morrison, and the Morrison Natural History Museum. Given DDRC’s commitment to community access and connection, we’re glad to share this great new resource with our families. 

DDRC Community Connections in May 

DDRC was busy connecting with families, partners, and community members throughout May. We took part in the Fletcher Miller School fair, joined the Triad Early Childhood Council event meeting families from Jeffco, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties, and shared information with families and hospital staff at the Children’s Hospital resource fair. 

We also participated in the West Metro Chamber’s “Biz Hub Exchange” and had the pleasure of joining the Rotary Club of Golden’s “Ethics in Business Luncheon,” where we learned about outstanding Golden and Jeffco businesses and nonprofits nominated for awards. As a past recipient, DDRC felt especially grateful to be among so many organizations dedicated to making our community stronger. 

If your organization is hosting a resource fair or has an opportunity to highlight DDRC’s impact, please reach out to Michele.Majeune@ddrcco.com to connect. 

Stay Connected with DDRC This Summer 

Every month, we are reminded that community connection, advocacy, and support make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you are interested in our day programs, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, DDRC is here to help. We look forward to seeing you out in the community this summer.