Weekly Participant Newsletter
Welcome to CWEE’s Community Connections for the week of May 27, 2026 for program participants.
Programming Information:
CWEE’s Address:
1175 Osage St, Ste 300 Denver, CO 80204
Onsite Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CWEE’s physical office is closed on Fridays, including the resource room.
CWEE’s Educational Pathway Programs: For more information, contact Megan Smith.
Need to connect with your Program Advisor? Schedule a time to meet in-person at CWEE.
Career Readiness Programming: Our program is a 12-day in-person program that will provide engaging and supportive classes focused on digital literacy, job readiness, and social emotional learning. Contact your Program Advisor if you’d like to learn more!
Reminders & Announcements
Office Hours
CWEE will be closed all day on Friday 5/29.
Important Update for Denver participants
Due to contract changes with our partners at the City and County of Denver, all Denver participants’ case management will be returned to Denver county by June 15, 2026. If you are a Denver participant and have questions about these changes, please reach out to your program advisor. There will be no changes for Arapahoe participants.
Timesheet Reminder
Don’t forget! Timesheets are due at the end of each month. You can fill out your timesheet anytime using the link below. If you have any questions, please contact your Program Advisor for support.
Celebrations
We are excited to recognize the hard work and achievements of our participants. Congratulations!
The following participants are now employed!
- Alicia Washington
- Danny Anej
- Evelynn Sanford
- Laura Nunez
Join Us for a Celebration
We’ll present STAR Awards and share poems and special shoutouts to recognize the great work happening across our CWEE community – and enjoy some lunch! Participants are welcome to write a note to their Program Advisor or share a poem or message to be read during the event. All participants and staff are invited to attend.
When: Thursday, 5/28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: At CWEE – 3rd Floor
CWEE Happenings
Calling all Cooks: Submit a Recipe for the CWEE Cookbook
We’re creating a CWEE cookbook and we need your help! Please share with us a favorite recipe – a family staple handed down through the generations, or that tasty dish you created using what was in the cupboard. This cookbook will be shared with CWEE participants to inspire family meal ideas, and will even include some special recipes using ingredients that can be found in the resource room. Join us in creating a strong CWEE community through food and shared experiences. Submit your recipe here: https://bit.ly/4unfjVo
Resources Workshops: Transportation, Housing, & Food
CWEE is hosting workshops to help participants build skills and access resources. These workshops will focus on self-advocacy, communication, and self-regulation and will be hosted by Renee Kleck, CWEE’s Social Emotional Learning Facilitator. All participants are welcome to join! All sessions are 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Drop-In Support from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. RSVP to rkleck@cwee.org. Upcoming Dates:
June
- 6/11 Transportation
- 6/25 Housing
July
- 7/30 Transportation
Guided Job Search Support Labs
These guided labs provide hands-on job search support for participants who have completed Career Kickstart or Career Readiness and are still seeking employment. The CWEE Education & Employment team will be available to help with applications, job search strategies, and overcoming barriers to employment. Participants can attend one or multiple sessions based on needs. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and the registration link! Tuesday, 6/9 and Wednesday, 6/17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CWEE.
Parent Support Group
For Families of Children Receiving Special Education Services: Do you have a child with an IEP, 504 Plan, or who receives services like Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), or Speech Therapy (ST)? You are not alone. Join us at CWEE for a welcoming space to:
- Connect with other families who understand your journey
- Share experiences, challenges, and successes
- Learn from one another and access helpful resources
- Build a supportive community
Who is this for? Parents, caregivers, and family members of children receiving special education services.
Where & When: This group will gather from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 6/17 in the Wellness Suite on CWEE’s 2nd floor, straight ahead when you exit the elevator.
What to expect: A relaxed, judgment-free environment where you can talk, listen, and feel supported. Lunch is provided, and infants may come with their caregiver.
Facilitated by: Renee Kleck, Social Emotional Learning Facilitator at CWEE. Renee brings both professional and personal experience as a former Special Education teacher and as a parent of a child with an IEP. Contact Renee if you have any questions at rkleck@cwee.org. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Come build community with us.
Resume Workshop
This workshop offers both an overview of resume best practices and dedicated time for hands-on resume development. Participants will receive guidance on strengthening their resumes and tailoring them to job opportunities. This session is open to Career Readiness completers, participants who are job searching, Community Program participants and anyone needing additional resume support as they move forward in their job search. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and the registration link!
This Week’s Featured Resources
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind everyone that support is available. Across Colorado, organizations are encouraging conversations about mental health, trauma, stress, and substance. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and no one has to face challenges alone. Available resources include:
- 988 Colorado Mental Health Line where you can call, text, or chat anytime for free, confidential support from trained counselors.
- I Matter Colorado offers up to 6 free virtual therapy sessions for youth ages 18 and younger, or up to 21 if receiving special education services.
- NAMI encourages communities to speak up against the stigma and support wellness for all.
Fitness & Nutrition Program for Individuals with I/DD
GYMGUYZ Denver South offers a comprehensive fitness and nutrition program designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Participants receive a personalized fitness assessment, 12 weeks of 1 on 1 training with a certified personal trainer, and nutrition coaching to create a customized meal plan. The program also includes a take-home equipment bag, a tailored fitness plan, and a final reassessment to celebrate progress and support long-term wellness goals. This individualized approach helps participants build healthy habits, increase confidence, and stay motivated on their wellness journey. Download the flyer
LEARN MORE
Free Online React.js Training for Colorado Residents
ComIT is offering a free 3-month React.js software development course for Colorado residents looking to build technology skills and overcome employment barriers. This instructor-led online program runs from June to September, on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings through Zoom. Participants will gain hands-on experience, complete a final project, and earn a certification while learning in a supportive environment. Eligible applicants must be 18+, legally able to work in the U.S., and have some foundational coding knowledge, along with the motivation and time commitment needed to succeed. Course Dates: 6/22 – 9/22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Virtual on Zoom
LEARN MORE
Connect with Employers at the Community Employment Day Career Fair
Job seekers are invited to attend the 26th Annual Community Employment Day Career Fair, a free event featuring hundreds of job and career opportunities from major employers across a variety of industries. Employers will be hiring for positions at all experience levels, offering competitive wages and training opportunities for those looking to start or advance their careers. Attendees can meet directly with recruiters, learn about available openings, and explore pathways to long-term employment. This event is open to the public. Thursday, 6/25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DoubleTree Hotel, 3203 Quebec St., Denver, CO 80207
LEARN MORE
Start a Career in Early Childhood Education with a CDA Credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized certification that helps individuals begin or advance a career in early childhood education. Candidates complete 120 hours of formal training, build a professional portfolio, gain work experience, and pass an exam and verification visit to earn the credential. CDA training is available online and can be completed at your own pace, making it a flexible option for busy learners. Credential options include infant and toddler care, preschool, family childcare, and home visitor settings, giving future educators the opportunity to choose the path that best fits their goals.
LEARN MORE
Soon-To-Be or New Mother?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, FREE, confidential support, trained counselors, resources, and referrals to any pregnant and postpartum mothers facing mental health challenges. The service is available via phone and text. Counselors speak English and Spanish, and interpreters can support over 60 languages. Partners and family of pregnant and postpartum women are also encouraged to contact the hotline. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
LEARN MORE
FREE Healthy Food: Mobile Food Market by CWEE!
We Don’t Waste’s Mobile Food Market brings healthy, nutritious food right to your community! Stop by for FREE fruits, veggies, lean protein, dairy, and more. Everyone is welcome! Be sure to download the Plentiful app here, create a profile, and search for “WDW” to register. Pre-register to help speed up check-in so you can grab your groceries faster! Or text WDW to 726879. On Tuesdays 6/9, 7/14, 8/11 from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at La Alma Recreation Center, 1325 W 11th Ave Denver, CO 80204
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Just for Kids
Free Summer Meals for Denver Youth
The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment is excited to launch Tasty Food’s Free Summer Meal Program beginning 6/1 through 8/21. Youth ages 3–18 can enjoy free, nutritious meals at participating locations across Denver Monday through Friday throughout the summer. No registration or ID required. With nearly 20 convenient sites, including an outdoor public pool, kids can easily access healthy meals while school is out. Be sure to check the Tasty Food website regularly for the latest meal locations and serving times. Download the flyer: English | Español
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Kids Can Earn Free Pizza This Summer with BOOK IT!®
This summer, kids can turn their reading goals into a free Pizza Hut® Personal Pan Pizza® from 6/1 through 8/31! Children who meet their parent-set reading goals can earn a free single-topping pizza at participating locations. Families can use the BOOK IT!® Mobile App to set goals, track reading progress, and redeem rewards with ease. Download the app today and your child will be all set to have an exciting summer of reading! Download the Summer of Stories Flyer Here
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Free Outdoor Adventure Nights at Joy Park
Families can enjoy an evening of free outdoor fun at the Children’s Museum Joy Park in Denver. Explore 60,000 sqft of adventure space, including rope swings, giant slides, climbing bridges, sand play, and stunning city views from the Adventure Forest lookout. Water features will also be open for splashing, boat racing, and cooling off during warm evenings. This after-hours event is free and for all ages! Fridays: 5/22, 6/19, 7/17, 8/21 & 9/25 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Children’s Museum Joy Park, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver
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Free Summer Enrichment for DPS Middle School Students
My Spark is offering DPS families access to free summer and after-school programs that help students explore interests and build confidence. Eligible middle school students can receive a $1,000 virtual debit card to use on approved activities like sports, arts, tutoring, and STEM programs. This opportunity is open to students in grades 6–8 who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Give your child a summer full of learning, growth, and fun with My Spark’s May 2026 cycle.
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Explore Aviation Careers with DEN Academy
DEN Academy is a free summer program for youth ages 7–19 to explore exciting careers in aviation at Denver International Airport. Through hands-on activities, group projects, and real-world challenges, students will learn how airports operate and discover career pathways that match their interests. With sessions designed by age group, participants can build skills, tour airport work areas, and gain valuable insight into future opportunities. Registration is now open and spots fill quickly!
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Launch Your Future This Summer
The Denver Public Schools Launch Internship Program gives high school students the chance to turn classroom learning into real-world experience through hands-on partnerships with local companies and nonprofits. Running 6/8–7/17, students complete 110 hours, earn 10 elective credits, and may qualify for up to a $1,600 education fellowship grant. With in-person, virtual, and hybrid options available, it’s a flexible way to explore future career paths and build valuable skills. Watch the 2-minute video and check out the info session slides to learn more!
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Denver Youth with a Summer Job Can Earn $250 Bonus
If you’re between the ages of 14-21 and have a summer job lined up, you could earn an extra $250! Through the Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative, when you complete 100+ hours of work between now and August 14, you could earn a $250 retention bonus for your commitment to employment over the summer! Applications are now open and close on Monday, July 6, 2026
LEARN MORE
Need more support?
Find additional food, clothing, and community resources on our Community Resources page.
You can always contact your CWEE Program Advisor.
Call 2-1-1 at any time to talk to someone who can connect you to more resources.
CWEE Contact Information
Click here for a list of departments at CWEE, phone numbers, and email addresses.