Resources for Families 3.0 Prepared by Vicky Lisi Homeless Liaison for CCSD Phone: 720-554-4555 vlisi@cherrycreekschools.org (this page intentional left blank) Table of Contents General Resources………………………………………………...Page 3 Emergency Services Day Care Utilities / Energy Assistance Transportation Mental Health Counseling Drug and Alcohol Counseling Contact Lists for Assistance Housing……………………………………………………….…………… 6 Important Information When Looking for Housing Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelters Foreclosure Hotline Eviction Assistance Health Care……………………………………………………………… 11 Food Banks/ Pantries / Soup Kitchens…………….………………. 12 Food Stamps (SNAP) Food Banks/Clothing Banks Food Pantries / Soup Kitchens Clothing Banks / Low Cost…..………………………………………. 16 Employment Assistance………………………………………........... 17 Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Child Care Assistance (CCAP)………………………………………. 19 Free Activities in Colorado…………………………………………… 21 Kids Eat Free…………………….……………………………………… 23 What You Need to Know to Help Your Child in School…............ 24 The McKinney-Vento Act……………………………………………... 26 (this page intentional left blank) General Resources Call 2-1-1 Metro Denver area’s United Way dial 2-1-1 is a free, multilingual service that refers callers to non-emergency health and human services. Referrals you access by dialing 2-1-1 in the Denver Metro area include: Licensed child care providers, Rental/Utility assistance, Housing/Emergency shelter, Food/Clothing Banks, Mental Health assistance, Medical clinics, prescription assistance, Dealing with and preventing abuse, Support Groups, GED and ESL classes, Suicide prevention and intervention, Legal assistance, Youth programs, Subsidized spay/neuter for pets and MORE! Arapahoe Library District Community Services features schools, educational information, state and local government information, new resident information, local attractions, transportation, community guide, publications. United Way of Denver HELPLINE - 303 433-8383 free, confidential information and referrals; M – F, 8 – 5 HELP FOR HARD TIMES – an online resource for individuals experiencing financial difficulties. How to budget. Handling your credit. Employment counseling. Legal services. Managing utility payments. Food. Housing. Employment. Medical care. Aurora Family Assistance Center 303 363-9543 Emergency transportation, clothing and food. Assistance with rent to help prevent eviction. Counseling to help establish payment plan. Payments made to Xcel Energy to prevent shut-offs (on call-by-call basis). Interchurch Task Force (Aurora) 303 360-0260 Inter-Faith Task Force (SW Arapahoe) 303 789-0501 Emergency food & clothing, Utility and rent assistance. Prescriptions, gas & bus tokens, and more. Parker Task Force 303 841-3460 The Parker Task Force is located at 20118 East Main Street, Unit D in Parker. The Task Force has a food bank, and can provide emergency assistance to families in Parker, Elizabeth, and Franktown areas. See the Task Force web site for more information. http://www.parkertaskforce.org/ Child Support Assistance with recovering child support. http://childsupport.state.co.us Emergency Services Comitis Crisis Center 303-343-9890 Denver Victims 303-894-8000 Gateway Battered Women's Shelter 303-343-1851 United Way Help line 2505 18th St Denver, CO 80211 303-433-8383 Servicios De La Raza 303-458-5851 (Spanish) Rape Assistance and Awareness Program 303-322-7273 303-329-0031 (Spanish) Denver Rescue Mission 303-297-1815 Day Care Arapahoe County Dept of Human Services 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Aurora,CO 80012 303-636-1130 Daycare Referral and Reference Checks CORRA Childcare Hotline 303-339-680 http://www.corra.org Utilities - Energy Assistance Adams County 303 227-2378 Arapahoe County 303 636-1130 Denver County 720 944-3666 Jefferson County 303 271-1388 Transportation Regional Transportation District -RTD 1600 Blake Street Denver, CO 80202 303-628-9000 http://www.rtd-denver.com/ Mental Health Counseling Arapahoe Mental Health 5500 S Sycamore #301 Littleton, CO 80120 303-797-9346 303-797-9440 303-795-6187 emergency Aurora Mental Health 10782 E. Alameda Ave. Aurora, CO 80014 303-617-2300 http://www.aumhc.org Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health 155 Inverness Drive W Englewood, CO 80112 303-730-8858 http://www.admhn.org Mental Health Association of Colorado 1385 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 610 Denver, CO 80222 Phone: 720-208-2220 or 800-456-3249 Drug and Alcohol Counseling Alcoholics Anonymous 2785 North Speer Blvd., Suite 224 Denver, CO. 80211 303-322-4440 Multi-Services Clinic 3221 W 1st Ave Denver, CO 80219 303-922-0234 Arapahoe House 8801 Lipan Street Thornton, Colorado 80260 303-657-3700 GI Forum Veteran Outreach Program 2870 No. Speer Blvd. Suite 103 Denver, CO 80211 303-458-1700 or 303-964-0701 Contact List for Assistance Lowry Family Center 9235 E. 10th Drive Denver, CO 80230 303- 340-7030 Stout Street Clinic 2100 Broadway Denver, CO 80205 303-293-2220 St Andrews Hospitality Ctr 303-364-2329 1525 Dallas St Aurora, CO 80010 St Francis Ctr 303-297-1576 2323 Curtis St Denver, CO 80205 Comitis Crisis Ctr-24 Hour 303-343-9890 9840 E 17th Ave Aurora, CO 80010 Colorado Coalition-Homeless 2111 Champa St Denver, CO 80205 303-293-2217 Hope Program 303-832-3354 1555 Race St Denver, CO 80206 Volunteers of America Handyman Program 2660 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205 303- 297-0408 The Gathering Place 1535 High Street Denver, CO 80218 Catholic Samaritan House 303-294-0241 2301 Lawrence St Denver, CO 80205 303- 303-9969 Warren Village 303- 320-5035 1300 Gilpin St Denver, CO 80218 Catholic Charities Employment 2301 Lawrence St Denver, CO 80205 303-294-0241 Denver Rescue Mission 3501 E. 46th Avenue Denver, CO 80216 ALL Renewed 303-297-8021 2254 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205 303- 297-1815 Urban Peak 303- 777-9507 1630 South Acoma Street Denver, CO 80223 Catholic Charities NE Emergency Assistance 6621 E. 72nd Ave 303-287-1127 Commerce City, CO 80022 Mercy Housing 303- 830-3300 601 E. 18th Avenue Denver, CO 80203 CeCe Henry 303- 727-2602 2200 W Alameda Ave Denver, CO 80223 Christ Body Ministries 850 Lincoln St Denver, CO 80235 ACCESS Housing 303- 289-7078 6978 Colorado Boulevard Commerce City, CO 80022 303-860-1272 House of Hope 303-762-9525 3301 S Grant St Englewood, CO 80113 Father Ed Judy House 4024 S. Newton Street Denver, CO 80236 New Genesis 303-831-4910 1680 Sherman St Denver, CO 80203 Housing & Family Svc 303-467-2604 3805 Marshall St Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Womens Bean Project 3201 Curtis Street Denver, CO 80205 Growing Home 303-426-0430 489 W 72nd Ave Westminster, CO 80030 303- 292-1919 Sacred Heart House of Denver 2844 Lawrence St Denver, CO 80205 303-296-6686 303-866-7641 Safehouse Progressive Alliance 400 E Simpson Lafayette, CO 80026 303-673-9000 Important Information When Looking for Housing (Information taken from www.hud.gov) Fair Housing Act The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of: race, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 19, or handicap (disability). Q: What Housing is covered under FHA? The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members. Q: What Behavior is prohibited by FHA? No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex familial status or handicap: Refuse to rent or sell housing, refuse to negotiate for housing, make housing unavailable, deny a dwelling, set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling, provide different housing services or facilities, falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental, for profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing, refuse to make a mortgage loan, refuse to provide information regarding loans, impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points or fees, discriminate in appraising property, refuse to purchase a loan or, set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan. It is also illegal for anyone to: Threaten, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right. Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single family and owner occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act. Housing Opportunities for Families Unless a building or community qualifies as housing for older persons, it may not discriminate based on familial status. That is, it may not discriminate against families in which one or more children under age18 live with: A parent, a person who has legal custody of the child or the designee of the parent or legal custodian. This also applies to pregnant women and anyone securing legal custody of a child. If Your Rights have been violated You must fill out a Housing Discrimination Complaint Form from HUD (Housing and Urban Development), write HUD a letter, or telephone the nearest HUD office. You must file a complaint within one year of the alleged violation. This information can be found in the government pages of your phone book or at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal Tenant Rights and Responsibilities What are the landlord’s repair and maintenance responsibilities? Under most state and local laws, rental property owners must offer and maintain housing that satisfies basic habitability requirements, such as adequate weatherproofing, available heat, water and electricity and clean, sanitary and structurally safe premises. Local building or housing codes typically set specific standards, such as the minimum requirements for light, ventilation and electrical wiring. Many cities require the installation of smoke detectors in residential units and specify security measures involving locks and keys. Your local county building or housing authority and health or fire department can provide information on local housing codes and penalties for violations. What are tenants’ rights if the landlord refuses to maintain the property? If a landlord doesn’t meet his or her legal responsibilities, a tenant usually has several options, depending on the state. These options include: Paying less rent; Withholding the entire rent until the problem is fixed; Making necessary repairs; Hiring someone to make necessary repairs and deducting the cost from the next month’s rent; Calling the local building inspector who can usually order the landlord to make repairs, or, Moving out in the middle of a lease. A tenant can also sue the landlord for a partial refund of past rent and in some circumstances can use for the discomfort, annoyance and emotional distress caused by the substandard conditions. Tenants should check state and local laws and understand remedies available before taking any action such as withholding rent. What must tenants do to keep the rental property in good shape? All tenants have the responsibility to keep their own living quarters clean and sanitary. And a landlord can usually delegate his repair and maintenance tasks to the tenant in exchange for a reduction in rent. If the tenant fails to do the job well, however the landlord is not excused from his responsibility to maintain habitability. In addition, tenants must carefully use common areas and facilities, such as lobbies, garage and pools. Getting Your Fix: Tenants’ Rights to Minor Repairs Renters often feel stuck with less-than-ideal living conditions. Maybe the drip, drip, drip of your leaking bathroom faucet is driving you insane. There’s an unsightly hole in your living room carpet. Or the paint in your kitchen has gone from crisp white to the dingy yellow of spoiled milk. These aren’t huge problems, justifying a move. But you don’t just have to live with them. Uh-Oh! How Legal Evictions Work Eviction – that is, physically removing the tenant and his possessions from his rented home or apartment – can’t be done legally until the landlord has gone to court and proven that the tenant did something wrong that justifies ending the tenancy. A landlord can’t proceed with an eviction lawsuit, let alone get a judgment: for possession of the property or for unpaid rent, without terminating the tenancy first. This usually means giving the tenant adequate written notice, in a specified way and form. If the tenant doesn’t move (or reform – for example, by paying the rent or finding a new home for the dog), the landlord can file a lawsuit to evict. (This is sometimes called an unlawful detainer or UD lawsuit.) State laws set out very detailed requirements for landlords who want to end a tenancy. Each state has its own procedures how termination notices and eviction papers must be written and delivered (“served”). Transitional Housing for Families Decatur Place 1155 Decatur Street Denver, CO 80204 303-893-2718 Two-year Transitional Housing Program for single parent families. No felonies or past evictions. Applicants must be either full-time employed or part-time employed while attending school. Warren Village 1323 Gilpin Street Denver, CO 80218 303-321-2345 One to two-year Transitional Housing Program for single parent families. No felonies accepted. Must participate in case management services. To apply bring ID, birth certificates for all in the household, social security cards and high school diploma or GED. Archdiocesan Housing/Catholic Charities 4045 Pecos Street, Suite A Denver, CO 80211 303-830-0215 Several subsidized family housing units in Denver. Contact above number for application. Criminal and credit issues assessed on a case by case basis. Archdiocesan Housing Catholic Worker House 2420 Welton Street Denver CO 303-296-6390 Transitional Housing for single and two-parent families. Two-parent families must be married. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Family Support Services 2111 Champa Street Denver, CO 80205 303-293-2217 Two-year Transitional Housing for families. Contact for application process. Has a waitlist. Denver Rescue Mission Family Services 3501 East 46th Avenue Denver, CO 80216 303-297-1815 Provides Transitional Housing assistance for permanent housing, mentoring, life-skills training, education & case management. Family Rescue Ministries helps working families secure stable housing & helps with 1st month’s rent & deposit. Provides support through a mentoring program. Colorado Homeless Families P.O. Box 40186 Denver, CO 80218 303-420-6634 Two-year Transitional Housing Program for single or two-parent families. Two-parent families must provide marriage or common law certificate. Felonies and court-ordered evictions not accepted. Applicants must have income & sponsor who will pay rent if resident cannot pay rent. Family Tree Housing and Family Services 3805 Marshall Street, #201 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-467-2604 Multiple rent-subsidized housing for families. Families must participate in-home case management services while in the program. Six months or longer depending on program. Family Homestead 999 Decatur P.O Box 40186 Denver, CO 80218 303-623-6514 Provides independent housing and case management for a maximum period of six months for families. Applicant needs to be referred by a case manager. Interfaith Community Services 3370 South Irving Street Englewood, CO 80110 Two-year Transitional Housing Program for families. 303-789-0501 Salvation Army - Lambuth Center 2201 Stout Street Denver, CO 303-295-3366 Transitional Housing for families. Two parent families must be legally married. Must be looking for employment and participate in a savings account program. Volunteers of America - Family Housing Program 2660 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205 303-297-0408 Families work with a case manager to prevent homeless and promote stability. No recent felonies and must be referred by a case manager or advocate. Joshua Station/Mile High Ministries 2330 West Mulberry Place Denver, CO 80204 720-377-1103 15-month Transitional Housing program for single and two parent families with children under the age of 18. Must be working towards obtaining full-time employment. Call for application. Providence Network 801 Logan Street Denver, CO 303-860-8404 Christian-based transformational housing for low-income abused women and their children. Community based living. Church attendance is required. Transitional Housing for Women with children Still Water Housing/Open Door Ministries Treasure House P.O. Box 18018 Denver, CO 80218 303-830-2201 3 month to 2 year transitional housing program for single mothers ages 15 and above. Residents must be working or in school. Mandatory attendance 3 nights per week for dinner. Denver Rescue Mission - Champa House P.O. Box 5206 Denver, CO 80217 303-294-9961 Transitional housing for women with children and pregnant women 18 years and older. Program is 12 to 27-months. Applicants must be eligible for TANF Program and children must be under 12 years old. Call to schedule orientation. Emergency Housing and Shelters -Families with children Samaritan House (Accepts undocumented Aliens) 2301 Lawrence Street Denver, CO 80205 303-294-0241 Family shelter for up to ninety days. Must participate in case management and weekly house meetings. Also provides motel vouchers from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. if all family shelters are full. Must be a Denver resident to be issued a motel voucher. Growing Home 3489 West 72nd Avenue, #112 Westminster, Colorado 80030 303-426-0430 Emergency Shelter for Families in Adams County. Can stay for up to 60 days. Housing Aurora Community Development Division 303 739-7900 Services include: emergency repair grants; limited exterior rehab program loans; single family rehab loans, home ownership assistance; foreclosure prevention counseling; preforeclosure sale program counseling; and reverse equity mortgage counseling (age 62 or older). Consumer Credit Counseling – Housing 303 632-2227 Free. Includes classes and one on one counseling by HUD trained counselors. Property Tax Deferral Adams County 303 654-6160 Arapahoe county 303 795-4550 Denver County 720 865-7007 Douglas County 303 660-7450 Tax/Rent Rebate Denver 720 865-7000 Littleton 303 795-3764 AARP Seniors Family, Home and Legal Support: http://www.aarp.org/families/ Colorado Foreclosure Hotline 1.877.601.HOPE www.coloradoforeclosurehotline.org Calling the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline is the easiest way to get help if you are facing foreclosure. Talk to a local, free housing counselor to learn your options. Did you know that: 4 out of 5 homeowners who meet with a Colorado Foreclosure Hotline network housing counselor successfully avoid foreclosure. The Hotline network agencies offer free counseling to help you in your time of need. There are 26 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies around the state, so you can find one nearest to your home. Eviction Assistance - - Metro Denver Housing Authorities Call your local agency to see what affordable and subsidized housing is available. Section 8 lotteries are held one time throughout the year. Adams County Housing Authority 7190 Colorado Blvd., Commerce City, CO 80022 Phone: 303-227-2075 Fax: 303-227-2098 Arvada Housing Authority 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, CO 80001 Phone: 720-898-7494 Fax: 720-898-7490 www.arvada.org/services Aurora Housing Authority 10745 E Kentucky Ave., Aurora, CO 80012 Phone: 720-351-2100 Commerce City Housing Authority 5291 E 60th Ave., Commerce City, CO 80022 Phone: 303-289-3698 Fax: 303-289-3688 Denver Housing Authority 777 Grant St., Denver, CO 80204 Phone: 720-932-3000 or 720 932-3106 Fax: 720-932-3009 Englewood/Sheridan Housing Authority 3460 S Sherman St., Englewood, CO 80113 Phone: 303-761-6200 Fax: 303-781-5503 www.englewoodhousing.homestead.com Littleton Housing Authority (South Metro Housing Options) 303 794-9608 Additional Resources: Jewish Family ServicesSafety Net Program 3201 S Tamarac Dr., Denver, CO 80231 Phone: 720.248.4716 Catholic CharitiesSt. Veronica Outreach Ministry 4045 Pecos St., Denver, CO 80211 Phone: 720-377-1313 Health Care Doctors Care 303 730-1313 Provides health care based on your ability to pay. Include sick check-ups, blood work & tests, X-rays, medicines, hospitalization, referrals to community support programs. Call for information. Caritas Clinic at St. Joseph Hospital 303 318-2250 Provides care for low income, underinsured and uninsured in: internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, minor surgery and breast cancer screening. Planned Parenthood - Locations include in Aurora at 1284 S. Abilene (303) 671-7526; the Denver Clinic at 921 E14th Ave., (303) 832-5069; & Littleton at 131 W County Line Rd.,(303) 798-0963. Tri-County Health 303-761-1340 4857 S Broadway, Englewood, CO 80110 Tri-County Health 303-341-9370 15400 E 14th, #309, Aurora, CO 80011 Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 Deaf Access/TTY 1-303-739-1127 Center for Disease Control 800-232-4636 AIDS Hotline American Red Cross 303-722-7474 Doctor's Care for Clinic Services 303-730-1313 Colorado Child Health Plan 800-359-1991 Denver Health Medical Center 303-436-6000 777 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204 University of Colorado Health Sciences Center 1635 Aurora Ct., Aurora, CO 80045 3055 Roslyn St., Denver, CO 80238 720-848-0000 Food Banks / Clothing Banks Arapahoe County food banks and food pantries (from www.arapahoegov.com) Food pantries are available for Arapahoe County individuals and families in need of free groceries, meals, and food. The primary centers are located below, and can provide more details including information on the programs offered, phone numbers and addresses. Many of the food pantries have limited resources and are open certain hours, so it is recommended to call in advance. Many food pantries will only help people a certain number of times per month or year. However in aggregate they have successfully helped thousands of low income individuals and families get access to immediate services. In addition to offering free food, many offer other resources such as holiday meals, school lunches, and provide information on government programs such as food stamps. Arapahoe County food banks can also give referrals to local food pantries which are made on an as-needed basis if a location can’t meet your particular need. Get referrals to community food banks, clothing, low cost medical services and clinics, GED classes, adult education, scholarships, youth guidance, advocacy and legal services. In addition to the food pantries, throughout the region USDA-supplied commodity food items are made available to some charities and approved food banks for their subsequent distribution to eligible persons seeking food assistance. Also Food Stamps, which is now known as SNAP or Food assistance, can help families or individuals with the costs of purchasing food. Assistance is issued on Electronic Benefit Transfer/QUEST cards. Salvation Army of Arapahoe and Douglas County 3900 E Arapahoe Rd., Centennial, CO, 80122 (303) 290-9043 3460 S Sherman St., Englewood, CO, 80113 (303) 761-6111 One of the leading social service organizations in the county. Can provide access to a thrift store, food bank, & clothing closet. May also have funds for heating bills or rent. SHARE Colorado (303) 428-0400 A food co-op program where you can purchase one unit of food (valued at $27 - $30) for $15 plus two hours of volunteer service of your choice. You may purchase multiple units based upon your hours of volunteer work. Food includes meats, vegetables, fruits and often sweets or snacks. Since this is a co-op, the food varies each month. There are over 100 sites throughout the metro Denver area. SNAP- Food Stamps (based upon family size and income) Adams County 303 227-2350 Douglas County 303 688-4825 Arapahoe County (in Aurora) 303 636-1130 or (in Littleton)303 734-4300 Jefferson County 303 271-4339 Denver County 720 944-3666 WIC Supplemental Nutrition for Families, Tri-County Health Dept, 1-800-688-7777 Food Banks Many food banks require a photo ID and proof of residence. Please call in advance to determine what is required and confirm hours. Aurora: Ansar Pantry, 1480 Lima Street, Aurora, 303-860-7200 Hours: Sat. 9:30 – Noon. Walk-In or By Appt. Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, 14980 E. Alameda Dr., Aurora 303-636-1170 Hours: Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Aurora Alliance Church, 15600 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, 303-751-6971 Hours: Mon – Fri, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Aurora Inter-Church Task Force, 1553 Clinton St., Aurora, 303-360-0260 Hours: By appointment only Calvary Chapel Bread of Life Food Pantry, 18900 E Hampden Ave, Aurora 303-628-7200 Hours: Tues, Thurs, Sat, 2-4 p.m. Colfax Community Network, Aurora First Presbyterian Church, 1585 Kingston St., Aurora, 303-360-9175 Hours: Wed, Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Food Bank of the Rockies Mobile Pantry, Locations Vary, 303-375-5853 Hours: Vary by location Friends of St. Andrew, 1525 Dallas St., Aurora, 303-364-2329 Hours: Mon – Fri, 10:15 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. Mississippi Baptist Church, 13231 E. Mississippi Ave, Aurora, 303-344-0226 Hours: Second Tues, 10 - 11 a.m. Peace with Christ Lutheran Church, 3290 S. Tower Road, Aurora, 303-693-5618 Hours: By Delivery Restoration Outreach Programs, E. Colfax Ave and Boston St., Aurora, 720-859-2513 Hours: Tues. 1-2 p.m. Salvation Army Aurora Corps, 802 Quari Ct, Aurora, 303- 366-7585 Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. – noon, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Smoky Hills Vineyard, Aurora Academy Charter School, 10251 E. 1st Ave., Aurora, 303690-2520 Hours: Sun, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. World Gospel Tabernacle, 1278 Abilene St., Aurora, 303-732-5900 Hours: Fri. 10-11 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. Centennial: Salvation Army Centennial Corps, 3900 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial, 303-779-9662 Hours: Tues. 5:30 –7:15 p.m.; Thurs. 9-11 a.m. Smoky Hill Vineyard, 20050 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Centennial, 303-690-2520 Hours: Sat. 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Englewood: Cornerstone Food Bank, Englewood Bible Church, 3190 S. Grant St., Englewood 720-229-2336 Hours: Mon. 5-7 p.m.; Tues. 1-3 p.m. InterFaith Community Services, 3370 S. Irving St., Englewood, 303-789-0501 Hours: Weekdays, times vary The Well at Wellspring Anglican Church, 4300 S. Lincoln St., Englewood, 303-789-2878 Hours: Sun. 12-2 p.m. Well Fed Food Pantry at Maddox Elementary School, 700 W. Mansfield Ave., Englewood, 303-806-2525 Hours: Fri. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Glendale: New Life Fellowship Church, 2241 S. Holly Street, Denver, 303-759-9919 Hours: Tues. 6-8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – noon Greenwood Village: Covenant Cupboard, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 5400 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village, 720-841-5129 Hours: Fri. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Orchard Road Christian Center, 8081 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village 303-771-0202 Hours: Sun: 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Littleton: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, 1690 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 303-734-5220 Hours: Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. St. James Presbyterian Church, 3601 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton, 303-794-6851 Hours: Every other Thurs, 3 - 5 p.m. Grace Point Community Church, 90 E Orchard Rd, Littleton, 303-798-6387 Hours: First and third Fri, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Littleton: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, 1690 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 303-734-5220 Hours: Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. St. James Presbyterian Church, 3601 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton, 303-794-6851 Hours: Every other Thurs, 3 - 5 p.m. Grace Point Community Church, 90 E Orchard Rd, Littleton, 303-798-6387 Hours: First and third Fri, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Englewood: Cornerstone Food Bank, Englewood Bible Church, 3190 S. Grant St., Englewood 720-229-2336 Hours: Mon. 5-7 p.m.; Tues. 1-3 p.m. InterFaith Community Services, 3370 S. Irving St., Englewood, 303-789-0501 Hours: Weekdays, times vary The Well at Wellspring Anglican Church, 4300 S. Lincoln St., Englewood, 303-789-2878 Hours: Sun. 12-2 p.m. Well Fed Food Pantry at Maddox Elementary School, 700 W. Mansfield Ave., Englewood, 303-806-2525 Hours: Fri. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bennett: Bennett Community Food Bank, 1100 W. Colfax Ave, Bennett, 303- 644-3249 Hours: Sat., 9-11 a.m. Strasburg: Strasburg CARES Food Bank, 56155 Sunset Ave, Strasburg, 303-622-4600 Hours: Fri. 4 - 6 p.m. Food Pantries / Soup Kitchens Beacon of Hope Outreach Center (303)290-7412 PO Box 461074 Aurora, CO 80046 Women’s Bean Project (303) 292-1919 3201 Curtis St Denver, CO 80205 Children’s Haven Of Hope Food Bank PO Box 473541 Aurora, CO 80047 Secor 720-842-5621 9650 Jordan Road Parker, CO 80134 Heart To Hand Resource Center (720) 859-2513 12332 E Colfax Ave Aurora, CO 80011 Senior High Rise Food Bank 2611 S Decatur St Denver, CO 80219 Food Bank Of The Rockies (303) 371-9250 10700 E. 45th Ave Denver, CO 80239 Native American Nutri Aid, Inc. (303)756-2952 PO Box 460833 Glendale, CO 80246 Denver Catholic Worker Soup Kitchen 5825 E 17TH Ave Denver, CO 80220 Denver Urban Ministries 1717 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80218 Rose of Sharon Food Bank (303) 308-1652 5306 Lincoln St Denver, CO 80216 Colorado Health Network, Inc. 2490 W. 26th Ave. Denver, CO 80211 Metro Food Bank (303) 238-2132 2450 Clay St. Denver, CO 80211 1001 Perry St. Denver, CO 80204 Parker Task Force for Human Services (303) 841-3460 20118 E Main St Parker, CO 80138 Clothing Bank List Please call locations first to find out eligibility requirements. (Aurora) Aurora Interchurch Task Force 1553 Clinton St. 303-360-0260 (Denver) Adventist Comm. Center 5045 W. 1st Ave 303-935-7386 Agape Christian Church Broadway Assistance Center Christ Body Ministries – Adult clothes 2515 California 6th and Galapago 850 Lincoln 303-296-2454 303-893-8363 303-860-1272 Crossroads of the Rockies 4201 W. Kentucky 303-922-8772 th Curtis Park Comm. Center 29 and Curtis 303-292-6415 Denver Rescue Mission Ministry Outreach Center St. Francis Center –swap for chores 1130 Park Avenue West 3501 E. 46th Ave 2323 Curtis 303-294-0157 303-297-1815 303-297-1576 Volunteers of America 2877 Lawrence 303-295-2165 Park Hill 7 Day Adventist 3385 Albion 303-333-2029 Community Ministry- Kids clothes 1755 S. Zuni St. 303-936-0469 th (Englewood) Inter-Faith Community Services 3370 S. Irving St. 303-789-0501 (For people living in Centennial, Cherry Hills, Englewood, Glendale, Littleton, Greenwood Village, Sheridan, Highlands Ranch, & unincorporated Arapahoe County.) Low Cost – Affordable Clothing and Household Items Goodwill Stores 22880 East Smoky Hill Road, Aurora CO 80016 14400 E Belleview Ave., Aurora CO 80015 (720) 870-5196 15509 E Iliff Ave, Aurora CO 80013 (303) 745-4481 Aurora Outlet 13600 E. Mississippi, Aurora CO 80012 (720) 748-3866 8501 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial CO 80112 5000 Leetsdale Dr, Denver CO 80222 (303) 321-8798 4160 S Broadway, Englewood CO 80110 (303) 781-8511 8168 South Holly St, Littleton CO 80122 11000 S. Parker Rd, Parker CO 80134 ARC Thrift Stores Mississippi & Sable 1070 South Sable Aurora, CO 80012 303-369-5858 Parker & Dartmouth 3106 S Parker Road, C-1 Aurora, CO 80014 303-283-0337 Colfax & Florence 10000 East Colfax Aurora, CO 80010 303-343-9843 Broadway & Florida 1515 South Broadway Denver, CO 80210 303-777-3703 Alameda & Hooker 255 South Hooker Denver, CO 80219 303-936-4371 Iliff & Quebec 7485 East Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80231 303-752-2731 Bowles Marketplace 8996 W. Bowles Littleton, CO 80123 303-933-2967 Employment Assistance Welcome to Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Lima Plaza Campus (Main) 6974 S. Lima Street Centennial, CO 80112 Ph: 303.636.1160 Fax: 303.636.1250 TTY: 303.636.1207 Open: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. About Us Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center is a member of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s statewide network of workforce centers, which provide a variety of no-cost services to job seekers and businesses. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! serves as a critical resource to connect people and businesses in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, and throughout the Denver/Aurora metropolitan region. The workforce center offers an array of tools to support local job-seekers, including offering resources and workshops for a self-directed job search, one-on-one employment counseling, and training assistance. We utilize Connecting Colorado, an online database of statewide job openings and registered job-seekers, to facilitate the match between skilled workers and businesses. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! offers free workforce development services to businesses in the metro Denver area, to ensure that the region remains economically competitive and boasts an adequately skilled workforce for the future. The Workforce Center is guided by a Workforce Investment Board comprised of local community members. Job Seeker Services Whether you’re a young person looking for career guidance, have recently been separated from a job, or are considering a new career path, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! provides a variety of nocost employment assistance services customized to meet your individual needs. Job seekers should register for free with the workforce center on Connecting Colorado to access our tiered self-service or staff-assisted options: Core Services: Standard services for a self-directed job search, including tools and job seeker workshops, are available in our walk-in youth and adult Resource Centers, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our resource center amenities include computers with internet access, fax and copy machines, courtesy phones, reference materials, job postings and notice of hiring events. Intensive Services: Enhanced services supported by our staff are available to help you identify your strengths and grow your job-search skills, including employment counseling, career and personality assessments and certifications and job readiness workshops. Talent Development Services: Intensive job search support or training opportunities may be available to customers who have recently been laid off through no fault of their own and do not have employable skills or current certification, to those who need support finding and keeping employment, and to displaced homemakers seeking employment. Please visit the Youth WIA (ages 16-21) or Adult WIA pages for more information on eligibility. Attend the Discovering Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workshop to learn more about all our services and take a quick tour of Connecting Colorado with tips and tricks on how to get the most from it. Arapahoe / Douglas Works! - Job Seeker Programs & Services Whether you’re a young person looking for career guidance, have recently been separated from a job or are considering a new career path, we’re here to help guide you in the right direction. Veteran Services Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is honored to provide career assistance to men and women who have served in the U.S. armed services. Visit our Veteran Services page for more information. WIA Adult & Dislocated Workers Intensive job search services and training opportunities may be available to eligible adults, dislocated workers and displaced homemakers through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Youth in the Works! Youth In the Works! assists young people, ages 16-21, with finding a job, planning for a career or reaching education goals. 50+ and Fabulous Our 50+ & Fabulous program is customized to support the mature job seeker, with customized workshops, one-on-one assistance, and much more. Persons with Disabilities Our accessible main Resource Center in Greenwood Village is equipped with assistive technology and staffed by an on-site Disability Program Navigator and Social Security Benefits Planner, who utilize... Job Search Toolbox Studies indicate that job seekers outnumber job openings six to one in 2013. Today’s competitive job market calls for job seekers to think outside of the box and market themselves in a new light. The better you understand the tools in this section, the more competitive you will be in today’s changing job market. Explore Your Unique Skills through Self-Assessments Access no-cost evaluations, assessments and skills certifications through our Business and Assessment Center. Enhance Your Skills Through Our Workshops Arapahoe/Douglas Works! offers a variety of in-depth, no-cost workshops on the following topics and many more, to help develop your job-search and career-readiness skills. Our diverse classes also include Microsoft Office Suite, Quick Books Pro, Peach Tree Accounting and English as a Second Language. Write a Winning Cover Letter & Résumé Learn tips and tricks to writing a cover letter and résumé that will stand out. Networking Understand the importance of establishing connections, utilizing online social networking and developing a personal brand. Master the Job Application Learn how to complete an online or in-person job application. Interviewing Find tips and tricks to outshine the competition during your interactions with your potential employer. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! and the workforce development system stand alongside K-12, vocational and two-year colleges, four-year and graduate universities and apprenticeship programs, all of which exist for the purpose of preparing people to contribute economically to the region and the nation through gainful employment. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! provides training assistance in critical occupational skills for unemployed persons, and teaches unemployed workers how to effectively transfer their skills to new industries and become marketable in the labor force. Customers may access workforce center staff and resources at offices in Centennial, Castle Rock and Aurora. CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CCAP) INFORMATION FOR PARENTS The Low-Income Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families who need child care to support their efforts toward self sufficiency. Eligible families may include those who are working, looking for employment, in training, enrolled in the Colorado Works program, or teen parents enrolled in high school. CCAP provides benefits for children from birth to age 12. This program is designed to give parents the flexibility to choose the child care provider that best fits the needs of the family. Parents should look for signs of a safe environment where the child will be stimulated and encouraged to learn and grow. Arapahoe County Department of Human Services will do background checks on providers to determine if the person has been in any incident which would indicate a possible threat to the children. If the background check finds that the provider has been involved in any incidents, the parent will be required to select a different provider. Due to budgetary constraints program benefits, provider rates, and program availability are subject to change. For more information on CCAP, visit the Colorado Department of Human Services. HOW TO APPLY FOR LOW-INCOME CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE Contact the County Department of Social/Human Services of the county you live in to apply for child care assistance. You must fill out an application for child care services and provide information about your family including immunization, income and your work or school program. SUBMITTING EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION When you first apply for low-income child care assistance your child care worker may contact your employer by phone to verify hours and wages. You then have 30 days to supply written verification of your employment or education program. This is important! Benefits may be withheld if verification is not submitted. Let your worker know immediately if you cannot get the verification information. CHOOSING A CHILD CARE PROVIDER You must pick a child care provider for your children. You can select a licensed child care center, a family care home, a friend, neighbor, or relative. You will have to decide the type of care that will be best for your children and meets your family’s needs. When choosing a provider look for signs that your child will be safe, developmentally stimulated, and encouraged to grow and learn. Visit the Qualistar Early Learning website for more information on quality child care or refer to the Parent Handbook you received from the county. You can check into any licensing history for licensed or registered providers. Once you have chosen a provider you need to contact the county immediately so they can authorize care before you take your child to that provider. They will need the name, address and phone number of the provider along with whether they are licensed or not. You may be responsible to the provider for payment if you do not do this. NOTIFYING THE COUNTY OF CHANGES In the Low-Income child care program, you must notify your child care worker of any change in your employment or income within 30 days of the change. For your protection please provide that information in writing and you can use the county's Change of Eligibility Form (SS-7A). If any of the changes mentioned below happen, sit down and write what has changed immediately and get it to your child care worker so you do not forget. This will avoid bigger problems later. These are some of the changes that may happen: Your work hours change Changes in the number of people in your household Your rate of pay or wages Your address Your child support income or payment Your child care provider Your employment status Your education status Any change in your income must be verified by a letter from your employer or by your pay stubs within 30 days of the change. Make sure you get this information to your child care worker as soon as possible. Changes may affect your eligibility. If you change work hours or have to work overtime, you must notify your worker or these hours may not be covered for child care. COMPLETING YOUR LOW-INCOME REDETERMINATION Every six (6) months in the Low-Income program, you will be sent a redetermination of eligibility form. This information is required for the county to determine if you still meet the eligibility requirements of the program. You must turn in the signed form along with copies of the most recent three (3) months of income or education verification in the time specified or your child care will end. PAYING YOUR PARENTAL FEES You are required to pay a portion of your child care costs. This is called the parental fee schedule. The amount paid is based on your gross income and the number of people in your household. The fee should be paid directly to your provider at the beginning of each month and it is the first money the provider will receive for providing care for your children. If you fail to pay the parental fee, child care benefits may end and you could be unable to receive benefits in the future. Your parental fees must be paid even if you change child care providers. The parental fee covers the hours agreed upon and is shown on your child care certificate. Providers cannot charge you in excess of the county’s rate for your authorized child care even though their rates for private clients may be higher than the county’s rate. However, providers can charge you for any hours used beyond those authorized on the certificate or late fees if you pick up your child after hours. MOVING FROM ONE COUNTY TO ANOTHER If you move from one county to another, there is no guarantee that your low-income child care benefits will transfer. Each county may have different eligibility criteria for Low-Income child care. Before you move, you must inform your child care worker and they can contact the county you are moving into and find out if your services can be transferred to the new county. HOW TO RECEIVE COLORADO WORKS CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE You will need to work with your TANF technician to receive this assistance. HOW TO RECEIVE CHILD WELFARE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE You will need to work with your Child Welfare worker to receive this assistance. Free Activities in Colorado Check out “Colorado For Free” for more information: http://colorado-for-free.com Free tours at: the State Capitol, the US Mint, INVESCO Field & Celestial Seasonings factory. Live music is played weekly during the summer months at many open air parks in the metro area. Movies/films are shown under the stars throughout the summer in many communities. Check local listings for locations and dates. Since 1989, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) has distributed funds from a 1/10 of 1% sales and use tax to cultural facilities throughout the seven-county Denver, Colorado metropolitan area. The Free Days for the first 5 listed below are announced at the beginning of each year and many offer at least 1 Free Day per month!! All locations are suggested family activities in Colorado. 1. Denver Zoo 2300 Steele Street Denver, CO 303-376-4800 The Children's Museum of Denver 2121 Children's Museum Drive Denver, CO 303-561-0111 2. Denver Museum of Nature & Science 2001 Colorado Boulevard Denver, CO 303-322-7009 Denver Firefighters Museum 1326 Tremont Place Denver, CO 303-892-1436 3. Denver Art Museum 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway Denver, CO 720-865-5000 Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys 1880 Gaylord Street Denver, CO 303-322-1053 4. Denver Botanic Gardens 1005 York Street Denver, CO 720-865-3500 Foothills Art Center 809 Fifteenth Street Golden, CO 303-279-3922 5. Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO 303-973-3705 Aurora History Museum 15051 East Alameda Parkway Aurora, CO 303-739-6666 Bluff Lake Nature Center 9801 E. Colfax Ave. #100 Aurora, CO 303-344-1836 Colorado Railroad Museum 17155 W. 44th Avenue Golden, CO 80403 Broomfield Cultural Affairs 3 Community Park Road Broomfield, CO 720-887-2371 Golden History Museums 923 10th Street Golden, CO 303-278-3557 Hannah Kahn Dance Company 75 South Cherokee Street Denver, CO 303-789-4181 The Hudson Gardens & Event Center 6115 South Santa Fe Drive Littleton, CO 303-797-8565 Imagination Makers Theater Company 2590 Walnut Street, Suite 3 Boulder, CO 720-565-105 Museum of Contemporary Art -Denver 1485 Delgany Street Denver CO 303-298-7554 Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts 200 E. Baseline Road P.O. Box 698 Lafayette, CO 303 665-0599 Index of featured free events, activities, and samples in Colorado: Annual Flower Trial Garden (Ft. Collins) - self-guided outdoor tour Arkansas Valley Fair (Rocky Ford) - festival Bishop Castle (west of Pueblo) - self-guided tour Buffalo Herd Overlook (I70 West of Denver) - animals (Bison, actually) Celestial Seasonings Tea (Boulder) - factory tour Colorado Coffee Merchants (Colorado Springs) - tour Colorado Ski Museum / Ski Hall of Fame (Vail) - museum Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum (Denver) - museum - Information link Colorado State Capitol Building tour (Denver) - self-guided tour Coors Brewing Company tour (Golden) - tour, beer tasting Crane Festival (Monte Vista) - festival, nature Denver U.S. Mint Tour (Denver) - tour Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison) - self-guided tour, museum Folk Dancing for Everyone (Boulder)- free folk dance lessons Frozen Dead Guy Days (Nederland) - festival Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) - recreation, scenic area Geology Museum (Colorado School of Mines - Golden) - museum Great Fruitcake Toss (Manitou Springs) - festival, competition Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (Alamosa) - free admission days Harmony Park (Montrose) - music playground Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy (Niwot) - tour Hudson Gardens & Event Center (Littleton) - scenic, off-season Ididarace (Kremmling *) - sled dog racing International Snow Sculpture Championships (Breckenridge) - competition Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art (Boulder) - art museum Longmont Museum and Cultural Center (Longmont) - museum Lyons Sculpture Trail (Lyons) - self-guided tour - Information link Money Museum (Denver) - museum, tour Music & Blossom Festival (Cañon City) - parade & festival National Center for Atmospheric Research (Boulder) - "NCAR" - tour, museum National Institute of Standards and Technology - tour National Earthquake Information Center (Golden) - tour Ouray Ice Park & Ouray Ice Festival - ice climbing; competition Pioneers Museum (Colorado Springs) - museum Ray's Good Stuff (Montrose) - free jerky samples (varieties of beef, turkey, buffalo, elk, and other jerky) Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Visitor Center (Morrison) - scenic, music museum Redstone Meadery (Boulder) - tours, tastings Russell Stover Candies Factory Outlet (Montrose) - free candy samples SnowDown (Durango) - festival Snow Goose Festival (Lamar) - festival Spring Splash (Winter Park) - competitions Tattered Cover Book Store (Denver) - books Telluride Free Box - free stuff in a box Ullr Fest (Breckenridge) - festival U.S. Olympic Complex (Colorado Springs) - tour Vallecito Lake Tour of Carvings (east of Durango) - art / self-guided tour Kids Eat Free! (Call your local restaurant ahead to confirm offer) Every Day: IHOP- 1 Free Kids meal with each adult purchase 4-10pm McAlister's Deli in Aurora - every night after 5 p.m. Two kids 12 and under can eat free Golden Corral - Kids 3 and under eat free. Mondays: Gunther Toody's - Kids 12 and under eat free -available 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ajuua offers free kids meals on Monday at some locations. Buffalo Wild Wings – Kids 12 and under eat for $1.99 Chick-fil-A – Parker Rd location – Free Kids meal with Adult combo -4:30pm to 7:30pm Rumbi Island Grill - Kids 12 and under eat free. Monday and Tuesday Village Inn – Kids free with Adults – limited time. Tuesdays: Denny's offers 2 kids eat free deal on Tuesday & Saturday nights from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bagel Deli -Kids eat free at the Hampden location on Tues and Wed from 4 pm - close. Black-Eyed Pea lets kids eat free on Tuesdays between 5 p.m. to closing. Dewey's American Grill in Littleton and Highlands Ranch -Kids eat free Famous Dave's BBQ lets kids eat free on Tuesday 11 am to 10 pm Fazoli's 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. kids meals are 99 cents instead of the regular $2.99. Lone Star Steakhouse offers a “2 kids eat free deal” all day on Tuesdays. Perkins Restaurants Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pasquini's Pizzeria lets 2 kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. McAlister's Deli in Aurora -2 kids eat free deal every night after 5 pm and all day on Tuesdays. 3 Margaritas in Littleton lets kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Rumbi Island Grill - Kids 12 and under eat free. Monday and Tuesday Wednesdays: Applebee's deal is 99 cent kid meals on Wednesdays. Jason's Deli offers kids eat free on Wednesdays after 4 p.m. at some locations. Bagel Deli -Kids eat free at the on Hampden on Tues and Wed from 4 p.m. to close. Parry’s Pizzeria – Kids get a free 9” personal pizza with beverage purchase Thursdays: C.B. & Potts - Kids meals are $1 for children under 12. Boston’s Gourmet Pizza- Kids 12 and under eat for free Denny’s – 2 free kids meals with adult purchase – 4-10 pm Lime – Kids 12 and under are free with adult Saturdays: Perkins Restaurants on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Uno Chicago Grill -free kids meals on Saturdays, 40th Avenue location. Denny’s – 2 free kids meals with adult purchase – 4-10 pm Sundays: Dickey's Barbecue Pit lets one child eat free for each adult meal purchased on Sundays. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant -Kids eat free all Sundays at Syracuse St in Denver 11am-9pm. Souper Salad -Kids 5-12 get $1 off on Sundays Woody’s Tavern – Kids 10 and under are free What You Need to Know to Help Your Child in School National Center for Homeless Education Supporting the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Helpline: 800-308-2145 Website: http://www.serve.org/nche What can I do to help my child in school? Make sure your child goes to school every day and arrives rested and fed. Provide a quiet place for your child to do homework and set aside time every day to help your child with homework. Pay attention to your child’s health needs and take care of problems early. Ask your child what he or she is learning in Good Questions Make Good Readers school; have him or her explain it to you. If you Asking children about what they read will help them show interest in your child’s education, he or she become good thinkers will know that it’s important. For stories (fiction): Read to your child every day; for older children, What happened? What do you think will happen next? set aside time each day for you and your child to Why? read together silently. Talk about what you read. Who is the main character? Do you like him/her? Praise your child for what he or she does well, Why? Would you have done what he or she did? If not, like getting a good grade or playing on a school what would you have done? How did this story make you feel? What did it remind sports team. you of? Listen to what your child shares with you and For informational material (non-fiction): talk about any problems he or she is having. You What was the article or chapter about? Get as many can also talk about these problems with a teacher details as possible. or school counselor. What do you think was the author’s main point? Encourage your child to participate in things like What part did you find the most interesting or art, sports and music. surprising? Why do you think this information is important? How could it help you? Who else could it help? Frequently Asked Questions When I move, should I keep my child in the school of origin or transfer my child to the local school? Moving from one school to another can be very upsetting for children. They have to leave the friends and teachers they know and get used to new friends, teachers, and classes. Because of this, it is usually best for your child to stay in his/ her same school (the school of origin), even if you move to a different area. Here are some questions to think about when deciding whether your child should stay in the same school or move to the new school where you’re living: How old is your child? How permanent is your current living arrangement? Do you plan to move back close to the school of origin or do you think you’ll stay near your current living arrangement? Is your child attached to his/her school of origin? An older child who feels very connected to his/her school of origin and/or is about to graduate might have a harder time changing schools. How anxious is your child because you have had to move? Would changing schools be overwhelming? Would changing schools cause your child to fall behind in school and receive bad grades? Is this a good time of year for your child to change schools, such as at the end of a semester or school year, after testing, or after an event that is important to your child? How much time would your child have to spend going back and forth to the school of origin? A long ride might have a negative impact on your child’s schoolwork. Are there safety issues to think about in choosing which school your child should attend? What if the school and I disagree on where my child should go to school? If you and the school disagree, the school district has to tell you in writing why it thinks your child should go to a different school than the one you want. The district also has to tell you in writing how you can appeal this decision. Your child can still enroll in, attend, and participate fully in the school you think is best for him or her while the disagreement is being settled. Whom can I contact to help with my child’s education? Every school district has a local homeless education liaison. This person can help you decide which school would be best for your child and communicate with the school. The local liaison also can help your child get school supplies, supplemental services, and free school meals; set up transportation to and from the school of origin; and help you find community supports. When you enroll your child in a new school, you should ask to meet his/her teacher(s) and you should speak with them every so often to talk about how he or she is doing. Know at least one teacher at your child’s school well enough to ask questions about your child’s schoolwork and to give him or her information that will help your child learn. The school counselor can help your child deal with changes and challenges. Share with this person any information about how your child is acting at home or things he or she is dealing with that might affect his/her schoolwork. Good people to know are the Principal, attendance clerk, bus driver, Social Worker, and Nurse. All school and school district staff can help make sure your child gets all the services he or she needs to do well in school. You are an important partner in your child’s schooling and should work as a team with the school and school district. What questions should I ask regarding services under McKinney-Vento? Who is the local homeless education liaison? How can I contact him or her? What transportation is available for my child to stay in the school of origin? If my child changes schools, who can help us transfer records quickly? How can my child receive free meals at school? How can my child receive free school supplies, if needed? Who can help if my child needs special education services? How quickly can these services be set up? What academic help is available for my child? What programs can help develop my child’s talents and address his/her unique needs? Are there sports, music, or other activities available for my child? How can my child go on class field trips or other school activities if I can’t pay for them? Is there a preschool program for my younger children? The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act as amended by The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 selected key points summarized: Definitions: The term ‘homeless children and youths’ means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes: Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement. Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings. Migratory children who qualify as homeless by above conditions. The term ‘school of origin’ refers to the school the student attended when permanently housed, or the school in which they were last enrolled. The term ‘enroll’ is defined as attending classes and participating fully in school activities. Enrollment: Districts must immediately enroll students in homeless situations, with or without required documents. States and districts must develop, review and revise their policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of children and youth in homeless situations. Transportation: At a parent or guardian’s request, homeless students must be provided with transportation to and from their school of origin. For unaccompanied youth, transportation to and from the school of origin must be provided at the liaison’s request. If the school of temporary residence and school of origin are in the same district, that district must provide transportation. If the student is residing in a district outside the school of origin’s district, the two districts must determine how to divide the responsibility and cost of providing transportation, or share equally. School Selection: Districts must, to the extent feasible, keep students in homeless situations in their school of origin, unless it is against the parent or guardian’s wishes. Students can stay in their school of origin the entire time they are homeless, and until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent housing. Legal Disclaimer The information contained in this booklet is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter as the Homeless Liaison for Cherry Creek Schools is not a licensed attorney. No recipients of content from this booklet, should act or refrain from acting when appropriate, on the basis of any content included without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue. The content of this booklet contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments. The school district expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this booklet. Some links within the booklet may lead to other web-sites, including those operated and maintained by third parties. These links are included solely as a convenience to you, and the presence of such a link does not imply a responsibility for the linked site or an endorsement of the linked site, its operator, or its contents. This booklet and its contents are provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Version 3.0 Created January 2014