EXPLORE YOUR
PASSIONS THROUGH
VOLUNTEERING Reaching Out
CAN CHANGE LIVES
GREG BUILDs Hands-on SKILLSpg. 4
Stay Connected with Us!
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A RUNNER!
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Contact Customer Service (303) 636-5624 customerservice@denveroptions.org
Help veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families by sponsoring a runner in the Colfax Marathon! Donations will benefit Operation TBI Freedom, a program of Denver Options.
DONATE BY MAY 15: www.OperationTBIFreedom.org/ sponsor-marathon-runner
Operation TBI Freedom is a statewide program, run by Denver Options, that provides care coordination for active duty and military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who have served in the current Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The program is funded entirely through generous donations from individuals and organizations. Learn more at www.OperationTBIFreedom.org
OPTIONS WOULD LIKE TO THANK
FOR HELPING CREATE COMMUNITY AWARENESS ABOUT THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN DENVER COUNTY
HANK YOU
For more than 19 years, Denver Options has been guided by a shared vision and belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live productive lives if given the means to do so. When people with disabilities make choices, they have control over their lives and their involvement with the community. Creating options and encouraging individuals and families to choose among those options is what we are all about. As a community centered board (CCB), we provide case management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities of all ages. We help our customers and their families explore different resources and services, and we encourage them to choose the options that best meet their individual needs and interests. Denver Options also provides residential and day program services through our direct services arm, Colorado Solutions. We created Colorado Solutions to give people with disabilities in our community another high-quality choice in service providers and to be a resource when other providers were unavailable. Today, Colorado Solutions has grown into a successful direct services program that serves people in Denver and other communities. A concern that is occasionally raised is that a conflict of interest exists when a CCB like Denver Options provides both case management and direct services. A conflict of interest exists when an individual in a position of authority makes a decision that favors self-interest over professional responsibility or public interest. Some people worry that the CCB will refer individuals to their own services and not give people a choice of other service agencies. That does not happen in Denver; choice is always an option.
The solution to prevent a conflict of interest is not to prohibit the CCB from providing direct services, but rather to mitigate the potential that a conflict will occur. Our CCB system has numerous policies and procedures in place to insure that individuals and guardians have been fully informed of their choices in service providers. In The freedom fact, there are many to choose has qualified service agencies always been and in the developmental disability system, including will continue to service agencies managed be integral to our by CCBs.
service delivery
Unfortunately, over the past two years, so much attention has been given to the issue of conflict of interest that the most important of service issues in Colorado have been ignored. Other than the individuals and families that have experienced loss of their services, I haven’t heard anyone at the state or among advocacy groups expressing deep concern over the reduction in services, the loss of state-funded residential programs, the reductions in Supported Living Services or the 50% cut in the Family Support Services budget. And, no one seems to be addressing the long waiting list. The freedom to choose has always been and will continue to be integral to Denver Options’ service delivery, and I am proud of both the case management and direct services that we provide to children, adults and families. However, we cannot allow the loss of services to go unnoticed. Let’s put the most important issues facing the developmental disabilities system in the forefront of our attention and not get sidetracked on insignificant issues.
Stephen R. Block, Ph.D. Denver Options’ Executive Director
The LiNK 7.2 - Spring 2011
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REACHING OUT CAN CHANGE LIVES “I used to think I would not like volunteering, and then I came here and I love it,” volunteer Helen Mares smiled. “Now that I’ve tried it out, I look forward to coming every week.” Helen has been volunteering at a long-term care facility for seniors for a year and a half. Her vivacious personality is welcoming, and she has a gift for lifting the spirits of everyone around her. Laura Fenn has been volunteering at the same facility for three years. The veteran volunteer says she’s been on the job so long she can’t remember any activities that have given her so much pleasure. Laura helps residents with their art projects – everything from stringing beads for jewelry to coloring and holiday decorations. Laura brings a calm gentleness to her work, and she says her biggest lesson learned has been increased patience. Colorado Solutions’ Life Essentials Specialist Kira Boldt helps both women get the most from their volunteer experience. She noted that Helen and Laura have formed friendships with staff members at the facility. “Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and gain valuable skills,” Kira explained. “There’s a volunteer opportunity out there for almost any interest.”
Learn how Colorado Solutions’ Life Essentials program can help you find volunteer opportunities Call (866) 948-6685 or visit www.ColoradoSolutions.org
C O L O R A D O
SOLUTIONS Life Essentials
Explore Your Passions through Volunteering
When we volunteer, we reach beyond ourselves to help our community. Many people with intellectual disabilities are part of the Denver area volunteer effort. Through Colorado Solutions’ Life Essentials program, we connect people to all kinds of volunteer options. For many people with disabilities, volunteering is not only a way to help but also an opportunity to build skills that may prove useful in a job search. I think the best volunteer placements allow people to explore their passions and interests. Some people want to work with animals, others with the elderly, and many people enjoy getting involved with
by BETSY MITCHELL
community events. We have matched people who love horses with work at a horse rescue program and others who want to learn food service to homeless shelters. The need for volunteers extends across every area of interest. The skills gained in a volunteer setting can eventually turn into paid work. When volunteers work with others who share their interests, they form friendships. These friendships often open doors to unexpected possibilities. Volunteering in your community is a great way to make an important contribution and gain new skills and perspectives.
Above: Life Essentials’ Program Manager, Betsy Mitchell Right: Customers volunteer at a local horse rescue program
2 The LiNK 7.2 - Spring 2011
From top: Life Essentials Specialist Kira helps Helen pursue volunteer interests; Laura enjoys volunteering
Carissa Finds Success with Help from Denver 360°º Carissa Martinez is proud of the example she has set for her daughters since graduating from college and beginning a career. At ages 2 and 7, she is instilling in them the importance of getting a college education and finding financial independence. “We were struggling to make ends meet, and I knew the only way to better provide for my children was through education,” she explained. Carissa returned to school through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a government program that provides cash assistance for education and job skills training. After earning a certificate in medical clerical work, she was referred to Denver Options’ 360º program, which provides individualized employment services to families who use TANF. She learned to create a resume, be more professional in the workplace and search for work. “I was unsure how to transition from school to a job,” Carissa said, “but the program helped me become more self-sufficient.” Her 360º employment coordinator helped her find a job with Personal Assistance Services of Colorado, where she is now helping to support more than 800 employees as a human resources clerk.
LEARN MORE! www.denveroptions.org/denver-360 (720) 587-2800 Carissa was able to find satisfying work with the help of Denver Options’ 360º program
Larry is a Self-Made
MARKETING EXPERT In just under a year working at Go Green Recycling, Larry Barttelbort has modeled himself into a marketing expert for the company. Larry was one of the first people that supervisor Melisa hired when the company started, and he prides himself in having any number of facts memorized and at the ready when talking about Go Green’s residential and commercial recycling services. With his polished sales pitch and obvious passion for the job, it’s easy to see how he has contributed to Go Green’s success. “Larry is a great advocate for our business,” Melisa shared. “He comes up with good ideas all the time.” Larry, who receives disability services through Denver Options, originally decided to take on the marketing position at Go Green because he was looking for a career change. “I felt like I wanted a challenge. I’m good at talking to people, so I decided to go for it,” he said. “I’d say I have a gift. This job fits like a glove.” Melisa agreed, saying, “Not everyone can do sales. Larry’s very comfortable with it and good at it.” When Larry isn’t marketing for Go Green or helping with commercial recycling pick-ups, he’s usually working on his other passion— comedy. In his spare time, Larry does standup comedy, and he’s always looking for new material and testing out his jokes and quick wit on his fellow employees. “I always make people laugh around here.”
The LiNK 7.2 - Spring 2011
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Greg Suazo
beams with pride
Greg Builds Hands-On Skills Through Car Restoration
when showing off his 1968 Chevy Impala. He’s been working on it for the last six years or so with the help of family and friends, slowly transforming the car into a pristine classic. He loves to sit in the driver’s seat and listen to music while the car is parked in his family’s backyard. “The battery died often because he likes to listen to the radio, so we had to disconnect the battery,” his sister and caregiver, Lori Vasquez, explained.
Greg lives with Lori and her husband and has been receiving services from Denver Options for 15 years. “Denver Options definitely made it possible to take care of Greg and have him remain with the family,” Lori said. “Without Denver Options’ help, I know it would not have been possible to keep Greg with us.” She also credits Denver Options with planting the seed that developed into Greg’s ongoing car restoration. “The whole project actually got started a long time ago with Denver Options and our first case manager,” Lori shared. Greg’s case manager at the time was encouraging him to get more exercise and suggested a three-wheeled bike. Since some of Greg’s cousins had customized low-rider cars, the family helped him customize his bike in a similar way. Unfortunately, he later became sick and was no longer able to ride it. That’s when the family heard about the Chevy Impala. A family friend offered to sell the car to Lori as a new project for Greg, since he couldn’t use his bike anymore. The car needed a lot of work, but it seemed like the perfect project for him. “Greg loves to work on stuff,” Lori said. A mechanic who is a family friend did some initial repairs, and from there the project slowly
4 The LiNK 7.2 - Spring 2011
took shape with friends and family members contributing parts and helping with repairs and body work.
“It still has a long way to go,” Lori stated, but working on the car and seeing it slowly come together has been a constant joy for her brother. “He’s learning a whole lot about it. Greg is a part of all the repairs and car work. He helps with tune-ups on the engine and knows how to check the oil.”
Greg’s growing skills and accomplishments are more than his family had thought were possible All the work Greg has put into his Impala hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last summer their community church hosted a low-rider car show, and many of the church’s members encouraged Greg to enter his Impala. He ultimately won fourth place in the show. “He was so excited to win,” Lori shared. “It gives him self-esteem. He’s more like everyone else with his own car.” For Lori, her brother’s growing skills and accomplishments are more than the family had thought were possible. “We never would’ve thought of all the things Greg could do without Denver Options,” she said. “They removed a lot of limits and helped Greg feel more like a part of the community.”
Above, left to right: Greg with his Impala; Greg waves while behind the wheel; Greg and his sister, Lori
Employment Resources
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
RESOURCES at Your Fingertips
2Succeed Program, Mental Health Center of Denver
Advocacy Denver
Career aptitude and interest assessment, job exploration, job readiness and job coaching services for people with mental illness
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
Ph: (303) 504-1700 www.2succeed-in-employment.org
Employment Works, CP of Colorado Skills development, leadership and empowerment services and a careerfocused mentoring program for youth with disabilities ages 14-25
Ph: (303) 691-9339 www.employmentworks.org
Ph: (303) 831-7733 www.advocacydenver.org Ph: (303) 839-1775 www.ccdconline.org
Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic Ph: (303) 360-3877 www.denverdsclinic.org
Denver Metro Community Parent Resource Center Ph: (303) 365-CPRC (2772) www.denvermetrocprc.org
El Grupo Vida
Ph: (303) 904-6073 www.elgrupovida.org
Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado, Inc. Ph: (888) 378-9779 www.epilepsycolorado.org
Guardianship Alliance of Colorado School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) Counseling, job development, job placement, on-the-job training and job-site support services for youth with disabilities ages 16-25
Ph: (303) 866-3869 www.dvrcolorado.com/pgm_pgm_SWAP.php
Ph: (303) 228-5382 www.guardianshipallianceofcolorado.org
Mile High Down Syndrome Association Ph: (303) 797-1699 www.mhdsa.org
Parent Training and Information Project Peak Parent Center, Inc. Ph: (303) 864-1900 www.peakparent.org
The Autism Society of Colorado Youth Services, Denver Office of Economic Development Classroom training on workforce readiness skills and financial responsibility, workbased mentorship and on-the-job training for youth ages 14-21
Ph: (720) 865-5700, ext. 1 www.denvergov.org/youthservices
Ph: (866) 733-0794 www.autismcolorado.org
The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People Ph: (800) 288-1376 www.thelegalcenter.org
www.denveroptions.org for more resources and information
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MAKE A DONATION! By donating to Denver Options, you are supporting services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 100% of all donations go directly to services for our customers.
Donate now at www.denveroptions.org
REQUEST A FREE GROWTH CHART! Our growth chart will help you track your child’s growth and make sure he/she is meeting developmental milestones. The fun and playful design gets kids excited about measuring and tracking their height.
Get your FREE growth chart by calling (303) 636-5700!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LiNK? Email editor@denveroptions.org
The Denver Options’ LiNK is published quarterly by Denver Options, a non-profit organization that provides service coordination and program services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.
CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen R. Block, Ph.D. Katie Goulet Barb Lundy Betsy Mitchell Becky Purvis Layout by Corey Wheeland
Board of Directors
Bill Parkhill, President Roger Carstens, Vice President Jim Long, Treasurer Roger Schmitz, Assistant Treasurer Niki F. Tuttle, Secretary Ann Erickson Gifford Barry Martin, M.D. Scott Showalter, M.D. Gail Strobel Stephanie Townsend Christine Wester Marlon Anderson Stephen R. Block, Ph.D., CEO
Customer Service
Ph: (303) 636-5624 TDD: (303) 636-5602