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Get a gift card for getting vaccinated
The State of Colorado is offering gift cards and vouchers while supplies last to anyone who receives a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a participating state-operated vaccine site. Moderately and severely immunocompromised people who are recommended to receive an additional vaccine dose are also eligible for a gift card or voucher.
While supplies last, vaccine sites may offer either $100 Walmart gift cards (one per person), $20 Chipotle gift cards (two per person) or $50 Colorado Parks and Wildlife vouchers (one per person).
Coloradans can register for a vaccine at a gift card stop in advance and check back regularly for any additional gift card clinics at cocomebackcash.com. Walk-ups are also accommodated.
For more information and a list of participating vaccine clinics, click here.
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Emilee Garlock named Administrative Solutions Employee of the Quarter
Administrative Solutions announced Emilee Garlock of the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Division as its Employee of the Quarter at its virtual quarterly forum Tuesday. Read more about her expertise, friendly demeanor and the other qualities that make her stand out here. Have office news you would like to share in an upcoming issue of Connections? Let us know!
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The Belonging Project: Exploring neurodiversity
 
Understanding autism and the workplace
One in 58 people have autism. Neurodivergent individuals are members of our communities and our workplaces. In “An Introduction to Neurodiversity,” Dr. Siva priya Santhanam from the Metropolitan State University of Denver explores autism, including stigma and autistic burnout, and answers questions from attendees. Dr. Santhanam also offers specific suggestions on ways we can modify our language and other ways to support autistic co-workers. Learn more in the video below.
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Dr. Siva priya Santhanam from the Metropolitan State University of Denver explores autism and how to support autistic individuals.
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Share your story
 We want to hear from you! We’re looking for contributors to share their stories and insights. Just as our experiences are different, so are the ways we choose to express them. Writing an article or poem, sharing artwork or creating a video are just a few ways you can share your perspective. If you'd like to contribute to one of the monthly themes below, let us know >>
● September: Latinx and Hispanic heritage
● October: Disability awareness
● November: Indigenous heritage
● December: Classism and poverty
About The Belonging Project
The Belonging Project is an initiative by employees, for employees, to create a space where all employees feel a sense of belonging. The group explores specific themes each month and shares them in Connections every week. If you are interested in finding out more, please let us know.
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Before you get started, check your assumptions
What is an important first step in rolling out new projects or evaluating current ones? Checking your assumptions! Making time to slow down and check your assumptions early in the planning process can help lessen the chances of having to circle back later.
This Checking Assumptions Tool, developed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Office of Health Equity, helps us to review the ways actions or decisions may impact those most likely to experience preventable, adverse consequences. By checking our assumptions in a variety of contexts, we hope to avoid unintentionally perpetuating inequities. Share this tool with your team and explore the many ways that you can implement it in your upcoming and ongoing projects.
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Marvin W. Foote YSC celebrate Senior Citizen Day
On Saturday, Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center recognized Senior Citizen Day by making cards for the senior citizens in our community. The cards were filled with happy wishes and colorful artwork. All cards were delivered to Serenity House Assisted Living, Morning Star Assisted Living and Memory at Jordan. Both homes were delighted to receive the cards for their residents. The youth enjoyed giving back to the community and participating in this month's Restorative Community Justice project.
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You're invited to join DPM's informal network
The Division of Project Management is revamping its informal network and you have been invited to opt in!
DPM is planning on hosting several events, trainings, office hours and book clubs throughout the year. If you want to partake in events, receive monthly updates and/or have access to resources and templates please click here to fill out the form and let us know what topics you would love to hear about. This is an informal network, so if you mark "Yes," you are not required to participate in anything you are not interested in.
Even if you have already been receiving information or taken part in a previous book club, please opt in now as previous distribution lists will no longer be used.
We look forward to learning and growing with you! If you have any questions, please reach out to Amy Addison at amy.addison@state.co.us.
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Social snapshot
Learn more about how the Office of Behavioral Health is helping to fund a mental wellness program for frontline health care providers, educators and school staff in our press release or by clicking on the image above.
If you aren't already, consider following CDHS on social media and sharing our posts with your own friends and followers. Visit the social media page on our website for links to all our accounts.
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Get to know Jeffrey 'Jeff' Romero
Tell us a bit about your role here at CDHS.
As a learning and development specialist, I have a unique opportunity to support Colorado in a variety of ways. Partnering with government and nonprofit organizations positions me to hear and learn from various stakeholders. I serve as liaison to the Division of Child Welfare’s Youth Services Unit. I have a supporting role in policy with an opportunity to have a leadership role in implementing a demonstration program that focuses on “Engaging Youth in a Coachlike Way,” building upon the concept of partnership between youth and professionals.
As a county partner, I support four Colorado counties as county intermediary, monitoring practice and engaging in discussions to enhance local level practice. As a Child Welfare Training System (CWTS) partner with The Kempe Center, I am able to inform training development and deliver trainings to support growth and development of Colorado’s Child Welfare workforce. As a youth leadership partner, I have an opportunity to work with multiple organizations that partner with youth to elevate youth voices and provide a forum for youth to connect as leaders with our State and local communities.
What do you most enjoy about your field?
Amongst the most enjoyable opportunities I have is the ability to inspire people, professionals and our communities to be aware of challenges facing individuals and families who enter and exit the child welfare system. I also enjoy exploring ways to look forward and be creative when partnering to serve our communities. Most rewarding is when someone who has put thought into a question I have presented and then taken an approach that leads to meaningful engagement of those we serve, as well as increased job knowledge and satisfaction.
What do you like to do in your free time?
As Colorado natives, my wife and I have much of our family here in Colorado and enjoy spending time with one another, whether traveling to visit or opening our home. When en route, we rarely pass on an opportunity to camp or cast a line. And when at home, nothing beats relaxing in the backyard while smoking ribs and enjoying music.
What is something on your bucket list?
I look forward to attending a Major League Baseball game at each ballpark. Ideally, this would be done in one summer while traveling in a Sprinter (hopefully during a year the Rockies have more wins than losses and bring home a championship).
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Time to Paws
No wonder this kitten is sleeping soundly. Her buddy has her back! Hayden and Medusa are joined by two beautiful black dogs who keep their pet parent company throughout the workday in this week’s photos.
Share your pet pics and give your coworkers a good reason to "paws" and say "awww."
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Welcome, new CDHS employees!
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Administrative Solutions
George Dimitrov
Angela Elder
Melissa Hamilton
Lance Hunt
Ian Kilpatrick
Bryan Stephen
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Office of Children, Youth and Families
Brandon Brooks
Elijah Brown
Tempest Campbell
Jack Miller
Shawn Norwood
Douglas Saiz
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The Belonging Project Book Club invites all employees to discuss "