EMPOWER Colorado Website

We offer monthly Support Groups, they are listed below. These are facilitated by a trained volunteer who is also a family member. We also offer impromptu and informal gatherings and events such as coffee's and various family outings and then we have our annual summer picnics. We do our best to put this information on our website however the quickest way to be notified and in the case of impromptu the only way to receive notification is by joining our Announcements Listserv or call us to set up a phone call announcement.

CHILDCARE AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
Most of our groups offer some form of childcare or children's program, we are able to offer these FREE to families because of the tremendous support and funding that we receive. The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council , BHI (Behavioral HealthCare, Inc.) and Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network have provided years of funding support that is allocated directly to support families in our support groups and workshops.

ONLINE LISTSERVS
Listservs are a way of communicating on the computer and requires either an email address or Internet access. If you do not own a computer you can usually access a computer free at your local library and there are many free email accounts that you can set up.

Our listservs are private and we do all that we can to foster an environment of safety and mutual confidence. Before joining our listservs you must be approved, the requirements vary by listserv. (see details below) To read a copy of our Listserv Guidelines click on the Microsoft Word Icon below.

We offer three listservs, we have provided a short summary and you can either click here or click on the name of the listserv to be redirected to the details and instructions on joining.

ANNOUNCEMENTS LISTSERV - is a one-way communication that usually generates 1-3 messages a week with the purpose of disseminating information such as weekly support group reminders, impromptu or informal gatherings, information on conferences, workshops, speakers and other events related to mental health in Colorado. Click here for details.

MAIN SUPPORT LISTSERV is for families and caregivers of a child or adolescent with special needs (most have mental, emotional or behavioral concerns but not required). The focus on this listserv is interactive exchange of support, education, information and resources. Click here for details.

CONSUMER LISTSERV
Consumer Listserv is a place where consumers who are parents can talk about their own struggles. Click here for details.

DETAILS OF GROUPS: Includes formal, informal and on-line listserv.

ADAMS COUNTY
3rd MONDAY
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner is served the 3rd Monday of the month beginning March 16, 2009

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM/CHILDCARE
Free Childcare available for families attending support group. Funded by BHI (Behavioral HealthCare, Inc.).

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS
Rainbow Center in Thornton, CO: 2140 E 88th Ave. From Washington Street go to 88th Ave. Turn east on 88th and go 1 mile. The building has blue awning on the outside of the building. Contact Cheri at 303-594-4890 if you need further directions.

CONTACT PERSON(S)
Kim Nichelle Rivera or Cheri Bena
1-866-213-4631
adams@empowercolorado.com

DRY CREEK SUPPORT GROUP covering Arapahoe, Douglas, and Aurora Counties
1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Executive Office
155 Inverness Drive West Englewood, CO 80112

The building is on Dry Creek one block East of I-25 (next to Direct TV and the Lightrail)

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM/CHILDCARE
Free Childcare available for families attending support group.

Dinner will be served.

CONTACT PERSON(S)
Carol Villa
1-866-213-4631
littleton@empowercolorado.com

FORT COLLINS SUPPORT GROUP
First Saturday every month
12:00 - 2:00 pm

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM/CHILDCARE
Free Childcare available for families attending support group.

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS
Trinity Lutheran
301 East Stuart
Fort Collins

CONTACT PERSON(S)
Libby Stoddard (970) 227-7196

WESTERN SLOPE SUPPORT GROUP

GRAND JUNCTION
EVERY MONDAY
12:00-NOON - 2:00-PM

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS

Co. West Mental Health Center, 515 - 28 and 3/4 Rd, South entrance, room 132

Love and Logic tapes are used regularly at the request of the group

CONTACT PERSON(S)
Janice Curtis
1-866-213-4631
jcurtis@frontier.net or west@empowercolorado.com

LISTSERVS
Listservs are a great way to give and receive support, information, resources as well as ask questions and get opinions and viewpoints from those who have shared experiences. To access a listserv you must either have an email address or access to the Internet. If you do not have a computer most libraries provide free access and there are several free email programs. If you need help call us at 1-866-213-4631 or email info@empowercolorado.com.

There are three methods by which you can use a listserv:

Individual emails: You receive a separate email for each email sent to the listserv.
Daily Digest: One email a day with all emails combined, comes indexed by subject.
Website: Via the web you can utilize all the features including reading and responding to messages through the yahoogroups page. (you will need a yahoo email to utilize this option).

Our listservs are are private and we do all that we can to foster an environment of safety and mutual confidence. Before joining our listservs you must be approved, the requirements vary by listserv. (see details below) To read a copy of our Listserv Guidelines click on the Microsoft Word Icon below.

EMPOWER Colorado Listserv Guidelines

Below are details for our main listserv, our consumer listserv and our announcements. If you have any questions please contact our listserv manager Carol Villa at 1-866-213-4631 or email info@empowercolorado.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS LISTSERV

The purpose of this listserv is to disseminating information such as weekly support group reminders, information on conferences, workshops, speakers and other events related to mental health in Colorado.
NO requirements necessary, membership consists of professionals, mental health centers, educators and families and is a ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION that is sent from EMPOWER staff or board members.
emails range from 1-3/week.

Click to join EMPOWER_Announcements
or go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EMPOWER_Announcements/join

MAIN LISTSERV

This listserv is here to support, education, share experiences and resources, ask questions and anything that has to do with caring for a child or adolescent with mental health challenges.
Requirement is that you must be a family/caregiver of a child or adolescent who has special needs (most have mental, emotional or behavioral concerns but not required).
Membership currently is at approximately 400 families around the state.
emails range from 3-30/day (remember you receive the daily digest or via the web).

Click to subscribe to EMPOWER_COLORADO
or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EMPOWER_COLORADO/join

CONSUMER LISTSERV

This listserv is here to support for YOU rather then your child so if you struggle with your own mental health challenges which includes anxiety and depression that may result in parenting someone with special needs.
Requirement is that you are a consumer (someone with mental health challenges) which we loosely define as a family or caregiver who is struggling either with a condition that is diagnosed or simply overwhelmed and exhibiting symptoms due to the stress of raising special need kids. The focus in this group is on you rather then your child.
Membership currently is at approximately 30 families around the state.
emails range from 0-10/day (not always active)

Click to join empowerconsumers
or go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/empowerconsumers/join