The following organizational bylaw was unanimously approved by our Board of Directors. Should any members oppose this addition, please contact Aileen or Elizabeth at 303-831-7733 or ecasswell@advocacydenver.org

WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION POLICY 

AdvocacyDenver requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the AdvocacyDenver, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

1. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY
   1. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that AdvocacyDenver can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees and volunteers to report concerns about violations of AdvocacyDenver’s policies or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern AdvocacyDenver’s operations.
2. NO RETALIATION

1. It is contrary to the values of AdvocacyDenver for anyone to retaliate against any board member, officer, employee or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of AdvocacyDenver. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
2. REPORTING PROCEDURE
1. AdvocacyDenver has an open door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with their supervisor. If you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Executive Director or a Board member. Supervisors and managers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to AdvocacyDenver’s Executive Director, who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints. Employees with concerns or complaints may also submit their concerns in writing directly to their supervisor or the Executive Director.
3. COMPLIANCE OFFICER
1. AdvocacyDenver’s Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Executive Director will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Finance Committee on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.
4. ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING MATTERS
1. The Executive Director shall immediately notify the Audit Committee/Finance Committee of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
5. ACTING IN GOOD FAITH
1. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY
1. Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
7. HANDLING OF REPORTED VIOLATIONS
1. The Executive Director will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

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

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!”

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! 

The staff of AdvocacyDenver sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Mrs. Frances Verhulst, who, along with her husband Joe, was a long-time member, past board member, and ally of the organization. Both Frances and Joe previously received the Shenkein award, an honor presented annually to a person or organization who has made a significant contribution to AdvocacyDenver.

In the words of executive director Aileen McGinley, “She will be sorely missed.”

Follow this link for information regarding services for Mrs. Verhulst.

AdvocacyDenver mourns the loss of friend and ally Kyle Frohne. Our deepest condolences go to his family and all those grieving the loss  of an inspirational life.

“Kyle Alan Frohne, 41, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 4th 2012. Kyle will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Gerrie Frohne; his father and stepmother, Jim and Sharon Frohne; his sister Erica (Frohne) Conner, her husband John Conner and their son Grant; and his brother Alex Frohne, his wife Jackie Frohne and their children Molly and Wesley.

Kyle was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 15th, 1971. In 1978 Kyle and his family moved to Lakewood Colorado. Kyle’s childhood was rich growing up with his sister Erica and his brother Alex. He graduated from Golden High School in 1992 and attended Red Rocks Community College. Kyle went on to enjoy working at the Golden Public Library, sponsored by The Golden Optimist Club. He was also employed at Sun Bright and other dry cleaners in Lakewood and Golden throughout his adult life. Kyle loved engaging with people creating countless genuine friendships in his work and personal life. He was an avid sports fan, to say the least, always rooting for his Denver teams and attending several games and events a year with his brother. Kyle treasured his weekly activities including swimming at the Easter Seals warm water therapy pool and Feldenkrais® therapy led by Ginger Mitchell. Kyle enjoyed many family vacations including trips to Alaska, Illinois, and Washington state. Kyle accepted Christ with the loving support of his life-long friend Becky Blondin and was baptized in 2004. He valued his time as part of the Praise Team and young adult bible study within his home church. To know Kyle is to know how unmistakably captivating his personality was, permanently overcoming any pre-conceived notions about his disability.

Donations may be made in his honor to Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (www.ccdconline.org/get-involved/donate 655 Broadway, Suite 775, Denver, CO 80203).”