Weekly Participant Newsletter
Welcome to CWEE’s Community Connections for the week of November 11, 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, 11/13.
Now Available! Mama Pod for Nursing Parents
You may notice a new addition to the participant break room on the second floor! A Mama Pod Lactation Room is now available to provide a private space for pumping and feeding infants. We’re excited to offer this new resource to our 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.
Submit Timesheet
Celebrations
We are excited to recognize the hard work and achievements of our participants. Congratulations!
Career Readiness – Completed All 4 Weeks!
- Kyra Fernandez
- Tanya Arizpe
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, 12/10 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: At CWEE – 3rd Floor
CWEE Happenings
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: 12/3; All sessions are on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CWEE.
Resources Workshops: Transportation, Housing, and Food
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 and food 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! RSVP to rkleck@cwee.org. 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. Upcoming Dates:
- 11/19 Transportation options will be discussed.
- 12/10 Food 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. 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, 12/2 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 – 11/18, 11/25, 12/9, 12/16 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
New Medicaid Work Requirements Starting Soon
Beginning in January, some Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members ages 19–64 will need to complete 80 hours per month of work, education, or volunteering, or earn at least $580 in one month during their 6-month eligibility period. Many exemptions apply, including for children, adults 65+, pregnant individuals, people with disabilities, and certain parents and caregivers. Contact Denver Human Services. Visit DHS or call 720-944-4347 for support. Download the flyer
LEARN MORE
Colorado Child Tax Credit
Colorado families with low or no income, or who don’t usually file taxes, may qualify for up to $4,473 per eligible child or dependent age 16 or under through Colorado’s Child Tax Credit and Family Affordability Tax Credit. A free online filing tool called SimpleFile takes about 15 minutes to complete and does not require tax or income documents. This money can help cover food, housing, child care, and everyday household expenses. It won’t affect eligibility for most public benefits, including SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and TANF. Sign up by Monday, 11/16!
LEARN MORE
Denver Arts Week 11/6-11/15
Denver Arts Week brings the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene to life with hundreds of events throughout the city. The celebration kicks off with expanded First Friday Art Walks followed by FREE Night at the Museums, when more than a dozen museums and cultural institutions open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can explore exhibits and use free shuttles to travel between locations. From Día de los Muertos celebrations to contemporary art and hands-on experiences, this event offers something for every art lover.
LEARN MORE
Tougher Together: Support for Moms in Recovery
Moms on a recovery journey are invited to join Tougher Together, a free weekly online support group powered by Tough as a Mother. Groups meet on Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Led by recovery coaches who are also moms in recovery, the group offers a welcoming space to connect with other mothers, share experiences, and celebrate the triumphs and challenges of motherhood and recovery. Join every week or drop in whenever support is needed.
LEARN MORE
Free Family Law Open Forum
Individuals in the Denver metro area can access free legal information through the monthly Family Law Open Forum, held virtually! The next session is on Tuesday, 11/17, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. An attorney will provide guidance on child support, visitation, parenting time, custody, contempt citations, and other family law matters. Learn how to navigate court processes and take the right steps to address legal concerns. Registration is required. This session will not offer individual legal counsel.
LEARN MORE
Holiday Hometown Parade & Tree Lighting in Aurora
The holiday season kicks off in Aurora on Saturday, 11/21, from 6–9 p.m. at Town Square, 6155 S. Main St. Families can enjoy the annual Holiday Hometown Parade featuring festive floats, music, entertainers, special guests, and a visit from Santa himself! Seating is general admission. Please note that Main Street will close to traffic, and event parking will not be available along the street. Find this event and more at the link below!
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Ride United: Help Getting Where You Need to Go
Having trouble getting to work, health care, school, the grocery store, or another essential destination? Eligible residents may be able to access free or low-cost Lyft rides through United Way’s Ride United program. When other transportation options are unavailable, 211 can help connect residents to occasional rides and explore other local resources. Call 211 or contact your local United Way to learn more.
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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.
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DJ Armstrong Foundation Toys & Coat Giveaway!
Mark your calendars! The DJ Armstrong Foundation invites families to its 6th Annual Toys & Coat Giveaway on Saturday, 12/12, at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, 1498 Julian St. Families can stop by to pick up FREE toys and warm coats for the season. The event is first come, first served, with no registration required, and children do not need to be present to receive items. Drop by and grab some holiday cheer while supplies last!
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Just for Kids
Explore the Science of Weather!
Curious kids and families can discover weather, climate, and solar science at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, where interactive exhibits, an outdoor weather trail, supercomputers, and more make learning fun. See a softball-sized hailstone, watch a miniature tornado form, and get an up-close look at how lightning is created – for free! Free guided tours are offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12 p.m., with no reservations needed.
LEARN MORE
Therapy Dog Meet & Greet
For kids and kids at heart! Everyone is invited to meet and interact with certified therapy dogs during a free drop-in event hosted by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Guests can pet the dogs, ask questions, and spend time with these gentle animals. Interacting with therapy dogs may support communication, emotional well-being, and engagement for autistic children and adults. Join the fun on Saturday, 11/21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 14095 E. Exposition Ave in Aurora.
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.