• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

AdvocacyDenver

Health Care Advocacy and Education | Providing active voice and supporting civil rights for people with disabilities

  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Our Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Strategic Plan
    • Financial Documents
  • Programs
    • Individual Advocacy
      • Adult Advocacy
      • Child and Family Advocacy
      • Make a Referral
    • Center for Special Education Law
    • Policy Advocacy
  • Resources
    • Resources for Adults
    • Resources for Children
    • Immigrant Resource Guide
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Join Now!
  • English
Home / AdvocacyDenver News / 2014 Membership Recap

October 17, 2014

2014 Membership Recap

Advocate Ken Dwenger, and self-advocates Anthony and Joanie

On October 16, 2014, AdvocacyDenver staff, board, self-advocates, and members gathered for a memorable evening at our annual membership meeting held at the ever-wonderful Randolph’s Restaurant. The dining room was full of people and conversations celebrating the work accomplished by our advocates in the last year. Thus far in 2014, advocates have served over 278 individuals with more than 414 unique advocacy issues, an increase in both clients and issues from 2013. This demand drives every staff member to work as hard as they can, and we are looking forward to increasing our capacity as we move into the new year!

Our Board of Directors has always maintained a strong foundation and clear vision that ensures best practice by the entire organization. The 2015 Board slate was presented and unanimously approved. Members Shauna Casement, Kent Olsen, and Beverly Hirsekorn were re-elected to the board, and the following individuals were chosen as Executive Committee:

  • Shauna Casement, President
  • Mitch McKinney, Secretary
  • Don Morales, Treasurer
guest Victoria, advocate Renee Bussenger, and self-advocate Vicki Wray


AdvocacyDenver was honored to present four outstanding individuals with awards honoring their service and commitment to people with disabilities.

The John Bear Award for Outstanding Self Advocacy was presented to board members Donald and Raiko Johnson, who have demonstrated unmatched passion and drive advocating for their son and others. The Johnsons deserve the Good Housekeeping stamp of approval for family development and community support. We’re lucky to have their counsel and support.

The Shenkein Distinguished Service award was given to Jonathon Poster, a trusted friend and advisor on all things investment for over 10 years. We’re a better organization for having a relationship with him.

A new award was presented in honor of past board member Clarence Miller, who passed away earlier this year. Clarence was a fireball at the Colorado State Capitol, a fierce self-advocate, and connoisseur of all things public policy. The first Clarence Miller Award for Public Policy Accomplishments was presented to Christy Blakely, former Executive Director of Family Voices Colorado. Christy and Clarence were peas in a pod. They both loved to laugh and could separate the real from the superlative.

Member Meg Day remarked, “I don’t know which Clarence (Miller) would be more happy about, the fact that you (Christy Blakely) won the first award or that he has an award named after him!”

Meg, Carey, and Kaley Day

Executive Director Aileen McGinley also took a moment to honor longtime board member and friend Famer Reini, who passed away earlier this month. 

The 2015 Budget Summary can be reviewed here. We have a 6% income increase from 2014 and expect to maintain around $700,000 in operating reserves.

Entertainment was provided by the incredibly talented pianist and friend, Purnell Steen, and bassist Fred Fuller. Purnell and Fred have become a sort of establishment at AdvocacyDenver’s annual meeting, and their sound sets the tone for a good night. Check out Purnell’s website, and book him and his band Le Jazz Machine for yourself!

Aileen’s complete report to the membership can be viewed here. AdvocacyDenver thanks everyone who was able to attend this year, and our membership as a whole for its invaluable support and shared passion to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities! 

Self-advocate Charlene and advocate Cecilia Gutierrez

Article by Sally Tanner / Filed Under: AdvocacyDenver News

Webinar Categories

  • Adults (12)
  • AdvocacyDenver News (23)
  • Disabilities Rights (35)
  • eAlert (4)
  • Education (23)
  • Employment (4)
  • eVOICE (17)
  • Fundraising (3)
  • Grant (1)
  • Health Care (32)
  • Health Care Advocacy News (24)
  • Health Care Advocacy Program (22)
  • HealthMatters (1)
  • Housing (2)
  • Individual Advocacy (9)
  • Interview (58)
  • Juvenile Justice (19)
  • Leadership Profile (1)
  • Legislation (8)
  • Medicaid (9)
  • Mental Health (5)
  • News (15)
  • Parent/Family Support (9)
  • Policy Perspective – Interviews with Policy Makers (103)
  • slider (11)
  • Webinars (28)
    • English (15)
    • Español (13)
    • For Adults (7)
    • For Children (15)
    • For Everyone (8)
    • Sex Education (10)
  • Website (1)

Search

Get Services

Call our Referral and Intake Hotline to get the help you need:

Referral & Intake Hotline: 303.974.2530

Article Categories

  • Adults (12)
  • AdvocacyDenver News (23)
  • Disabilities Rights (35)
  • eAlert (4)
  • Education (23)
  • Employment (4)
  • eVOICE (17)
  • Fundraising (3)
  • Grant (1)
  • Health Care (32)
  • Health Care Advocacy News (24)
  • Health Care Advocacy Program (22)
  • HealthMatters (1)
  • Housing (2)
  • Individual Advocacy (9)
  • Interview (58)
  • Juvenile Justice (19)
  • Leadership Profile (1)
  • Legislation (8)
  • Medicaid (9)
  • Mental Health (5)
  • News (15)
  • Parent/Family Support (9)
  • Policy Perspective – Interviews with Policy Makers (103)
  • slider (11)
  • Webinars (28)
    • English (15)
    • Español (13)
    • For Adults (7)
    • For Children (15)
    • For Everyone (8)
    • Sex Education (10)
  • Website (1)

Subscribe to Our Email Newsletters

Latest News

The Special Education Evaluation Process

January 26, 2023

El Proceso de Evaluación de la Educación Especial

January 26, 2023

Sexuality Education Shorts: Gender Identity and Expression

October 27, 2022

Search the AdvocacyDenver Site

Contact Us

AdvocacyDenver
950 South Cherry Street, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80246

Phone: 303.831.7733
Fax: 303.839.5178
Online Contact Form
Referral & Intake Hotline: 303.974.2530

Manage Your Membership

© 2023 AdvocacyDenver - All Rights Reserved.