Weekly Participant Newsletter

Welcome to CWEE’s Community Connections for the week of October 21, 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

CWEE will be closed on Friday, 10/30.

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.
Submit Timesheet

Celebrations

We are excited to recognize the hard work and achievements of our participants. Congratulations!

Career Readiness – Completed Week 1!

  • Brandon Davis
  • Kyra Fernandez
  • Marie Balles
  • Tanya Arizpe

The following participants are now employed:

  • Antonio Edwards
  • Beth Cannon
  • Brave Beshears
  • Korey Speer

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, 11/5 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: At CWEE – 3rd Floor

 

CWEE Happenings

Get Ready to Vote!

Election Day is Tuesday, 11/3! Ballots were mailed to all registered voters. Anyone who has not received a ballot can contact their local Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) for assistance.
*IMPORTANT* Voters do not have to complete every race or ballot measure. You can leave selections blank and vote on the issues you feel informed about. Voting early, checking facts through trusted sources, and helping others access reliable voting information all make a difference.
Throughout October, stop by CWEE’s Voter Information Table in the 3rd floor lobby to check your registration status, find polling locations, update information, and access nonpartisan resources.
Can’t stop by? Find helpful voting information at this link. Make a plan to vote! Every vote counts.

Childcare Workshop
Is a lack of childcare getting in the way of your goals? Join us at CWEE for our new Childcare Workshop! We’ll explore childcare options for children of all ages and connect you with organizations that can help you find quality, affordable childcare. We’ll learn about:

  • Affordable childcare resources
  • Public, private, and community-based care options
  • Organizations that support parents
  • Connecting with other parents for support
  • Tips for navigating the challenges of arranging childcare

Come get resources, share experiences, and support from parents who get it! Upcoming Dates: 10/29, 12/3; All sessions are on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CWEE.

Resources Workshops: Transportation and Housing
CWEE is hosting workshops designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen skills, and connect with valuable community resources. Led by Renee Kleck, CWEE’s Social Emotional Learning Facilitator, these sessions will focus on self-advocacy, communication, and self-regulation while exploring topics such as housing resources and transportation options, including navigating public transit and learning about RTD bus passes. Each workshop highlights a different resource area, giving participants the tools and knowledge to access support. 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 at CWEE. RSVP to rkleck@cwee.org.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 10/22 Transportation options will be discussed.
  • 11/5 Housing options will be discussed.

Post Career Readiness Support Labs
These guided labs provide hands-on job search support for participants who have completed Career Kickstart or Career Readiness and are seeking further education and/or employment opportunities. The CWEE Education & Employment team will be available to help with applications, job search strategies, and overcoming barriers. Participants can attend one or multiple sessions based on needs. Tuesday, 11/10 and Wednesday, 11/18 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 on Wednesday, 11/4 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. 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.

CWEE’s Peer Support Group
Looking for a space to connect? CWEE is hosting a drop-in Peer Support Group for participants facilitated by Renee, CWEE’s Social Emotional Learning Facilitator. This is a confidential and welcoming space to share what’s on your mind, swap resources, and support one another. Come as you are. And yes, there will be pizza! All participants are welcome. Childcare isn’t available, but parents can bring their infants. If you can’t make every session, that’s okay. Drop by the CWEE Wellness Suite on the 2nd floor when you can. Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.; Upcoming Dates: Wednesdays – 10/28, 11/18 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Find Support with CWEE Counseling
Did you know that CWEE’s Wellness Team offers FREE individual, family, and couples therapy for current and former participants, including participants who recently transferred back to Denver county?

Our experienced and trauma-informed therapists are available to support you with managing stress, healing from trauma, strengthening relationships, improving communication, and building healthy coping skills. Getting started is easy. Simply click the link below or scan the QR code on the attached flyer to complete a counseling request form, or ask any CWEE staff member for a referral. A member of our Wellness Team will reach out to discuss counseling options and help connect you with the support that best meets your needs.

You can find more information about our counseling services by clicking here to view our flyer. To get started, complete this short form, and we’ll be in touch!

This Week’s Featured Resources

Aurora Mobile Food Market
We Don’t Waste is hosting a mobile food market on Friday, 10/30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Aurora Centrepoint Medical Offices, 14701 E. Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012. The walk-through distribution offers free food to everyone in the community. Appointments are REQUIRED. Registration opens Thursday, 10/29. Use the Plentiful app to book your appointment or call 720-943-2699.
LEARN MORE

Valuing Inclusivity Job Fair
Job seekers are invited to a job fair on Thursday, 10/22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tivoli Student Center on the Auraria Campus in Denver. Open to the public, the event welcomes everyone seeking employment, with opportunities ranging from entry-level roles to senior professional positions. Attendees can connect with employers, receive resume reviews, network, and leave with helpful resources and snacks. No registration required to attend!
LEARN MORE

Auraria Job Fair
Job seekers are invited to a free job fair on Thursday, 10/22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tivoli Student Center on Auraria Campus in Denver. Open to the public, the event welcomes everyone seeking employment, with opportunities ranging from entry-level roles to senior professional positions. Attendees can connect with employers, receive resume reviews, network, and leave with helpful resources and snacks. No registration required to attend!
LEARN MORE

Connect, Explore & Grow at the Job Fair & Resource Expo!
*NEW LOCATION* Service Source invites job seekers to its Job Fair & Resource Expo on Friday, 10/23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1550 Dover St in Lakewood, where you can meet employers, explore exciting job opportunities, connect with valuable resources, and grow your professional network. Bring your questions and resume, and discover exciting opportunities!
LEARN MORE

Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn about warning signs, understand risk factors, and emphasize the importance of early detection. Take charge of your health by staying informed, maintaining healthy habits, and following guidelines. Early detection can make a difference. LEARN MORE
Local Offices:
Denver Health Mobile Clinic
STRIDE Health Center (Aurora & Denver)
Clinica Tepeyac

Special Needs Trick or Treat Event & Resource Fair
Families are invited to a special evening of trick-or-treating, resources, and fun activities on Friday, 10/25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Temple Grandin Equine Center at the CSU Spur Campus in Denver. The event will feature costumed miniature horses, motor activities, face painting, popcorn, raffle items, and more, with costumes encouraged! RSVP by scanning the QR code on the flyer or emailing Brook Wheetley.
LEARN MORE

Find Free Thanksgiving Meals and Food Giveaways
Everyone deserves to enjoy a warm meal and share special moments with loved ones during the holidays. Local organizations and community groups are offering free Thanksgiving meals, turkey giveaways, and grocery distributions to help individuals and families celebrate the season. Many programs require advance registration, so explore the available opportunities and sign up early for giveaways and free meals.
LEARN MORE

Hiring in Aurora: Front-of-House & Pizza Apprentices!
Aurora Pie Co., a family-owned neighborhood pizzeria in southeast Aurora, is hiring! The local restaurant is seeking front-of-house team members and pizza apprentices to join its team and help serve handcrafted New York-style pizza. Those interested can apply by emailing aurorapieco@gmail.com or completing the online application form. Join a neighborhood-rooted team serving honest pizza, made by hand!
LEARN MORE

FAFSA Applications Are Open!
Students can now complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal, state, and college financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Completing the application typically takes 12 minutes or less, and you must submit a new FAFSA each year to continue being considered for aid. Some financial aid is limited, so check your school’s deadline and apply early! Federal Deadline: 6/30/27, College Deadline: Check with your school
LEARN MORE

 

Just for Kids

Family Nature Adventure Day at Bluff Lake!
Kids and kids at heart are invited to explore the outdoors at Bluff Lake’s free Family Nature Adventure Day on Saturday, 10/24 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy seasonal crafts, scavenger hunts, nature activities, and opportunities to learn about local wildlife with the Bluff Lake Education Team and community partners. After the activities, families can explore the trails, visit the creek, or borrow binoculars and bug-catching nets for their own outdoor adventure. No cost or registration required! Activities are weather permitting.
LEARN MORE

Halloween Festivities at Montbello Recreation Center!
Families and community members of all ages are invited to enjoy Halloween fun at the Montbello Recreation Center’s Trunk-or-Treat and Carnival on Friday, 10/23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 15555 E. 53rd Ave in Denver. Wear your costume and enjoy a festive community event filled with Halloween spirit. All are welcome to join the fun!
LEARN MORE

Midterm Mayhem Monster Mash in Aurora
Families are invited to a free Halloween festival on Saturday, 10/24 at 14949 E Alameda Pkwy in Aurora, featuring DJs, live music, trick-or-treating, a costume contest, prizes, food trucks, games, art, and hands-on activities! The event also offers fun, interactive ways to explore voting in the upcoming election. Come in costume, invite the family, and discover ways to make your voice heard!
LEARN MORE

Trunk-or-Treat at First Steps Pediatric Therapy – Centennial!
First Steps Pediatric Therapy Inc. invites families of all ages to a free, sensory-friendly community event on Thursday, 10/29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 15530 E. Broncos Parkway, Suite 100, Centennial, CO 80112. Enjoy games, activities, crafts, prizes, and fun in a welcoming environment. All ages and abilities are welcome to join the festivities and make wonderful memories together!
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.

 

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