[Nfb-greeley] Fw: CCB November newsletter

Tue Nov 22 05:25:30 UTC 2011

Thought that this would be of some interest.
Have a blessed and wonderful day.
Blessings!
Sincerely,
Melissa Green
Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Carol Elzi 
To: celzi at cocenter.org 
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 2:53 PM
Subject: CCB November newsletter

COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND

2233 W. Shepperd Ave.

Littleton, CO  80120

303-778-1130   800-401-4632

ccb at cocenter.org    www. cocenter.org

November 2011 newsletter

Take charge with confidence and self-reliance

Message from the Director 

In September we learned that the Regional Transportation District (RTD) was planning to cut several key routes that provide transportation in the Southwest area of Littleton where our students live. In addition to these proposed cuts, RTD recommended cuts in other parts of the Denver metro area. 

As you can imagine, we were shocked that this was being considered.  At the Colorado Center for the Blind we teach our students to stand up for their rights and to advocate for themselves and others.  We met together to discuss our strategy.  Several staff and students attended two hearings where they testified against these cuts.  Not only did we discuss our needs to use public transportation but we also talked about others that take the buses with us each day.  At the end of October every staff member and student attended the RTD board meeting to again defend our position and convey how critical these cuts would be.  Several students testified.  Kirk Hunger from Pennsylvania painted a picture for everyone illustrating how he now uses the buses to run everyday errands and enjoy a night out.  He described the isolation that he and others would face with no bus service.   When we left the meeting that was in downtown Denver, it was freezing with pouring rain. Students did not get home that evening until after 9:00 pm. 

The next day we learned that the bus route was cut but not fully.  I am very proud of our students because they stood up for their rights and learned that they can collectively make change.  We did not keep everything that we need, but we did everything in our power to try.  We will prevail and keep taking those buses!

Program Notes

Employment

Brenda Mosby, our Vocational Specialist, has been especially busy these last few months.  We provide a great deal of classroom training for our students so that they will be prepared to obtain a job when they complete their training with us.  Students hit the streets this month using their skills and abilities to educate others and to learn about a wide spectrum of job openings.  Several of our students attended a federal job fair and were pleased to see that there are a number of interesting positions available.  Denver is the second highest federal employer in the country.  Staff and students also provided an educational workshop to managers at the Veterans Administration. Thank you to Alfonzo Robinson, Human Resources Disability Specialist, for interviewing several of our students.  

Independence Training Program 

On November 16th, we all enjoyed a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal prepared by our students.  Staff enjoyed bringing side dishes to share.  We had over 15 desserts, turkey, ham and the best stuffing I have ever had.  We all practiced going through a buffet line.  Everyone did a great job and we were very full after this delightful meal.  The best part of it all was hearing from everyone about what we are each thankful for.  

Senior support groups are available each month.  For more information please call Duncan Larsen at 303-778-1130 extension 226.

Staff Scoops 

On October 25th, Brent Batron, Youth Services Coordinator, and his lovely wife Ena welcomed Noah and Roman into the world.  They are identical twins and are doing very well.  Their brother Gavin and sisters Sienna and Olivia are in love with their new brothers.  

Wedding Bells: 

Carol Elzi married Ron Sprague in September.  They enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon in California and are very happy.

Maureen Hoban and David Nietfeld were married at the end of August.  They had their wedding at the Center to share their happiness with their Center family.  

New Staff:

Stacey Johnson was hired as our Public Relations Specialist.  She has already set us up with Twitter and Facebook.  If you are interested on following us, please do so at www.facebook.com/coloradocenterfortheblind and www.twitter.com/cocenter4blind.  We hope you will become a fan!

Chris Kenney was hired as our new Woodshop/Home Maintenance instructor.  He has had extensive sleepshade training and is looking forward to teaching.  

Upcoming Events:

Week of November 28th:   We will be accepting new or gently used winter coats and toys for children in need.  

December 5th:  Students and staff will be heading to the hills for the annual Christmas tree cutting.  

December 5th:  Students and staff will be caroling at Romancing the Bean from 4:00 – 4:30 pm.  

December 6th:  The Colorado Center for the Blind will participate in the 2nd annual Colorado Gives Day.  The campaign benefits hundreds of Colorado non-profits.   If you plan to make a donation to the Center this year, December 6th is the day to do so as a prorated allocation will be added to each dollar donated!  Thus your dollars will go further!  You can donate from 12:00 am until 12:00 pm on the 6th by visiting our website at www.cocenter.org and clicking on the Colorado Gives icon.  Or you can call Stacey Johnson at the Center (303.778.1130 x213) between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm on the 6th and make your donation over the phone.   Your participation is greatly appreciated!    

December 15th, 2:00 pm:  Students and staff will be performing in the Christmas program at the Center.  

To refer someone who is interested in training, please call Robert Dyson at 303-778-1130 extension 249.

If you have items for the newsletter, please send them to ccb at cocenter.org.

Carol Sprague

Administrative Coordinator

Colorado Center for the Blind

2233 W. Shepperd Ave.

Littleton, CO  80120

303-778-1130

303-778-1598 fax

www.cocenter.org

Take charge with confidence and self-reliance

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