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!”
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!
Overweight Kids, Lean Adults: ‘The Colorado Paradox’
An Interview with Catherine Strode
Overweight Kids, Lean Adults: ‘The Colorado Paradox’Shepard Nevel, who recently assumed the role of LiveWell Colorado’s Chief Executive Director, is engaging the private and business sectors in his leadership role of promoting healthy eating and active living and reducing obesity in the state. He says in addition to being a public health issue, obesity is also becoming an issue related to job creation and economic growth.
[Read more…] about Overweight Kids, Lean Adults: ‘The Colorado Paradox’
What’s coming this October!
Currently the Wellness Committee is working in four different work groups. Each group needs more input, members, and time to effectively report back to the committee about any findings and/or recommendations. The next Wellness Committee will be postponed until November in order to give each group sufficient time to work together.Healthier Colorado’s Director Says Group Can Be ‘Transformative
An Interview with Catherine Strode
Healthier Colorado’s Director Says Group Can Be ‘TransformativeThe advocacy group Healthier Colorado launched this week under the leadership of newly appointed Executive Director Jake Williams. Williams kicks off the organization’s efforts with a state wide tour over the next two months, meeting with a geographical diversity of stakeholders.
[Read more…] about Healthier Colorado’s Director Says Group Can Be ‘Transformative
Senator Calls Drug Audit of Youth Corrections ‘Disturbing’
An Interview with Catherine Strode
Senator Calls Drug Audit of Youth Corrections ‘Disturbing’State Senator Lucia Guzman (Senate District 34), uses the words ‘disturbing’ and ‘alarming’ to describe the reactions of members of the Legislative Audit Committee to the findings of a recently released audit on the use of medications in Colorado youth corrections facilities. Senator Guzman, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, has studied national trends in the juvenile justice system.
[Read more…] about Senator Calls Drug Audit of Youth Corrections ‘Disturbing’
September News
Affordable Care Act: Health Coverage for Criminal Justice Populations Join us and the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition for a lunchtime webinar to learn the basics of the Affordable Care Act implementation in Colorado and the potential impact it may have on individuals involved in the criminal justice system, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who make up anywhere from two to ten percent of the prison population at any given time.
Juvenile Justice Reform Is Legislator’s Goal
An Interview with Catherine Strode
Juvenile Justice Reform Is Legislator’s Goal
State Representative Pete Lee (House District 18) has been involved in efforts to impact the state’s juvenile justice system for the past 35 years both as a legislator and as a private citizen. Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, he has introduced bills supporting criminal justice systemic reform and ‘restorative justice’ programs.
A glance at August…
In our upcoming edition of Policy Perspective, State Representative Lois Landgraf (House District 21) shares her views of her first legislative session in office. She also discusses the bills she considers her greatest contributions in the session including one enforcing laws against ‘designer drugs.’Taking Care of the Caregivers: A Priority for State Legislator
An Interview with Catherine Strode
Taking Care of the Caregivers: A Priority for State Legislator
During the 2014 legislative session, State Representative Lois Landgraf (House District 21) co-sponsored a bill to support the development of a strategic state plan to eliminate the waiting list for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by 2020. In the upcoming legislative session, she is considering running a bill to move up that deadline because she thinks it’s too far out.
What’s Coming in July
In our upcoming edition of Policy Perspective, State Representative Lois Landgraf (House District 21) shares her views of her first legislative session in office. She also discusses the bills she considers her greatest contributions in the session including one enforcing laws against ‘designer drugs.’