Resources to support career seekers (2024)

Welcome to CWEE’s weekly update for program participants for the week of May 22, 2024.

Community Resources

Find a detailed list of community resources in our Career Seeker portal.

Tax Resources

2024 Tax Season – You may be eligible for hundreds of dollars in federal tax credits. This money does not affect your cash benefits and you can get free help to claim your money. Visit getyourrefund.org to file a tax return and get your money.

Denver Asset Building Coalition
- Get help with preparing your taxes!
  - Click here for times and locations for tax preparation assistance
  - Check out DABC’s website here: https://denverabc.org

TaxHelp Colorado
- File (with help) from home OR at an in-person tax site
  - Clic k here for more information and for times and locations for tax preparation assistance

ITS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
- The IRS is bringing back face-to-face Saturday help at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). TACs will offer help from 9am-4pm in select locations on the following dates:
  - May 18
- Contact your local IRS office to learn more. TACs won’t be able to file taxes during these times, but you can get help with creating and IRS account or Individual Protection Pin (IP PIN), getting transcripts, and more. Review the list of documents you need before you go!

Resources for Parents

Moms in Arapahoe County
- Arapahoe County’s Motherhood class helps moms learn communication strategies, stress and time management skills, and how to develop a healthy self-concept. This is a four week session offered to any mom who receives services from Arapahoe County Human Services. Lunch is provided along with a $50 gift card and certificate upon completion.
- More info here.
- When: Classes are held 11:00AM to 2:30PM on Fridays
- Where: The Legacy Room at Arapahoe County DHS located at 14980 E. Alameda Dr Aurora, CO 80012

Alma Project for Maternal Mental Health
- The Alma Project offers community support for families with young children (up to 3 years old) in Southwest Denver and neighboring communities. Get one-on-one support (7-10 sessions), learn new skills, and get resources to help if you’ve been feeling sad, stressed, anxious, or lonely.
- Services available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali.
- Learn more by visiting Alma Project Website or email alma@lifespanlocal.org.

University of Denver – Parentline Colorado
- Parentline Colorado is a FREE telebehavioral health service offering brief, strategic psychotherapy through video chat and telephone to pregnant and postpartum families with children up to age five.
- For more information, contact: GSPP.PARENTLINE@DU.EDU or call 303-871-7935.

SafeCare
- Have a child 5 or under? SafeCare Colorado offers a free, voluntary parent support program for parents and caregivers with children ages 5 and under who need extra support to keep their families safe and healthy. Information session topics include identifying and removing safety hazards, increasing positive behaviors, and identifying common illnesses and injuries. Available in English and Spanish. Learn more about SafeCare here.

Youth Program Locator
- TheYouth Program Locatoris a valuable tool to help families find out-of-school time program listings that keep Denver youth safe, engaged and active. The Youth Program Locator provides details for 500+ programs across Denver, such as location, dates, age, program type, cost, and more. The locator has a translation feature, so families can utilize the resource in multiple languages!
- For inquiries or questions, please contact the DAAconnect team atDAAconnect@denvergov.org

Text Message Program – MEAL
- Every child deserves healthy food. Yet 1 in 3 families in Colorado has trouble getting healthy, affordable food. Bright by Text has launched a new program to help connect Denver families to food, support, and let them know: they’re not alone. Any parent in Denver can text the word MEAL to 274 448 to begin receiving free text messages, in English or Spanish, with local and federal connections to help feed their families.
- Parents can also sign up at this link: www.brightbytext.org/meal

My Spark Denver
- My Spark Denver launched through the City of Denver and other partners to increase middle school participation in extracurricular activities like sports, music, and art.
- Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch can apply and then receive a debit card with $1,000 to spend on the list of approved activities/providers.
- Emailinfo@mysparkdenver.orgor visithttps://mysparkdenver.org/to apply today!

Children’s Hospital Colorado ParentSmart Healthline
- Wouldn’t it be great if you could talk to a nurse any time you had a question about your child’s health? The Children’s Hospital Colorado offers its ParentSmart Healthline 24 hours a day at720-777-0123or call toll free: 1-855-KID-INFO (543-4636). ParentSmart has been serving the Rocky Mountain region for nearly 20 years and receives over 30,000 calls per year. They can also provide information on community resources. Learn more here.

After School Programs
- With a new school year upon us, the Office of Children’s Affairs’ Youth Program Locator can help you find afterschool programs to keep your kids safe, engaged, and active. There are hundreds of activities to fit any age or interest, many of which are free or low-cost.You can also locate additional resources that support the whole family. New programs and services are added often.
- Click here to search for programs.

Clothes to Kids of Denver
- This organization provides new and quality used clothing to students in the Denver Metro Area, FREE of charge. Eligibility requirements.
- Click here to learn more and see if you qualify.

FREE – RTD Zero Fare for Youth
- RTD will initiate a one-year pilot of a Zero Fare for Youth policy. Riders ages 19 and younger can use RTD at no cost from September 2023 through September 2024. You can read more here.

I Matter Program
- For parents: If you’ve noticed your kids are struggling with their mental health, the I Matter program can connect your children with a therapist for up to 6 free, confidential virtual counseling sessions (some in-person appointments available).
- Sessions available in Spanish and English.
- Visit IMatterColorado.org or yoimportocolorado.org for more information.

Early Childhood Mental Health Support Link
- The ECMH Support Line is a no-cost, confidential resource for any parent or professional in Colorado who cares for children under six.
  - (833)-ECMH411
  - Monday – Friday 10:30am – 5:30pm
  - MentalHealthStartsEarly.com

BrightByText: Because Kids Don’t Come with Instructions
- A resource for tips, activities and events based on your child’s age and your location.
  - Available in English and Spanish
  - Click here to learn more
  - Click here to sign-up

WeeCyle: Mobile Baby Essentials
- WeeCycle provides direct distributions of diapers, wipes, baby food, formula and more through our Mobile Baby Essentials program several times each week! Distributions are held throughout the Denver Metro area and beyond.
  - Most events are drive through (though there is always a walkup option)
  - Please stay in your vehicle, getting out during the distribution slows down the process.
  - All Items are given free of charge but not intended for resale
  - At each event we partner with food banks such as We Don’t Waste or Food Bank of the Rockies and there are often other partner organizations providing items as well.
  - Each event is First Come First Serve while supplies last.
  - Click here for more details and dates!

The Birth Squad: Perinatal Support Groups for mothers and birthing people in the Denver community
- The Birth Squad offers two types of support groups in the Denver area and affinity support group spaces for Black and Latino/a moms and birthing people in English and Spanish.
- Babies are welcome at both groups!
  - Click here to visit The Birth Squad’s webpage

Other Resources

No Cost Grocery
- Re:Vision Gallery offers free, nutritious, and culturally relevant foods to the community every Tuesday and Wednesday! Get fresh fruits, vegetables, and staples such as rice, beans, milk, and eggs. All are welcome, no appointment needed.
  - When: Tuesdays from 11:30AM to 6:00PM and Wednesdays 10:00AM to 2:00PM
  - Where: 3738 Morrison Rd Denver, CO 80219

Stop Fraud Colorado
- Stop Fraud Colorado helps educate Coloradans on how to protect themselves from scams and fraud, and to report consumer protection-related issues to the attorney general.
- Visit their site to learn about business and job scams, family emergency scams, subscription scams, and more. You can also gain an understanding of identity theft, mail fraud, digital fraud, and more.

Colorado Health Careers Collaborative – Summer 2024
- Participants ages 16 – 24: Learn about different healthcare careers online! Get connected to employment opportunities with large healthcare companies. Earn your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Gain hands on experience in CNA and/or NursingLabs. Create friendships and build community. Earn a $500 scholarship upon completion.
- Learn more about the program by visiting here.
- Attend the information session on May 14^th by RSVPing here.

Traveling Out of State with a Colorado EBT Card?
- Those planning to travel out of state with a Colorado EBT card may need to call to unlock their card for use. To use the EBT card in a location where transactions are blocked such as Nevada and California, call 800-536-5298 before traveling. Learn more here.

Denver Animal Shelter $20 Pet-Care Packages
- Dog & Cat Owners – Discount for Denver County residents: Show your SNAP/EBT card and take advantage of a discounted pet-care package worth $60 – for the discounted price of $20. Learn more here.

Double Up Food Bucks
- The Double Up Food Bucks program doubles the value of federal nutrition (SNAP or food stamps) benefits spent at participating markets and food retail stores (up to $20 per visit), helping people bring home more healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers.
- Text your zip code to 1-844-383-2399 for locations or call 720-573-3617.
- Visit doubleupcolorado.org

Hands of the Carpenter
- Hands of the Carpenter serves working single moms by providing automotive service programs to help remove obstacles and barriers that would stand in the way of their ability to become economically successful. Single moms are invited to apply for automotive services by filling out an application located on the website.
- They are currently offering a FREE oil change and evaluation for working single moms. This is a great chance to learn more about your vehicle.

Health Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM)
- MHAM exists to help address mental health challenges that many face, educate about resources, and reduce the stigma around seeking support. The Behavioral Health Administration is sharing several resources on their website. Check them out! Here are a couple to highlight:
  - Tough as a Mother – Connects pregnant and parenting people to treatment services and recovery support. The campaign is candid and compassionate about the pressures of parenthood and speaks to the strength of mothers to overcome challenges, including a substance use disorder. Learn more at toughasamother.org.
  - Colorado Crisis Services – Provides free, confidential, and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists, available 24/7/365 by calling 844-493-TALK (8255), or texting TALK to 38255. Colorado residents can also seek services in-person at CCS walk-in centers, regardless of ability to pay. If you don’t know where to begin getting help with a mental health, substance use or emotional concern—for you, or for someone you know—start here. Visitcoloradocrisisservices.org for more information

Moms in Arapahoe County
- Arapahoe County’s Motherhood class helps moms learn communication strategies, stress and time management skills, and how to develop a healthy self-concept. This is a four week session offered to any mom who receives services from Arapahoe County Human Services. Lunch is provided along with a $50 gift card and certificate upon completion.
- More info here.
- When: Classes are held 11:00AM to 2:30PM on Fridays
- Where: The Legacy Room at Arapahoe County DHS located at 14980 E. Alameda Dr Aurora, CO 80012

Alma Project for Maternal Mental Health
- The Alma Project offers community support for families with young children (up to 3 years old) in Southwest Denver and neighboring communities. Get one-on-one support (7-10 sessions), learn new skills, and get resources to help if you’ve been feeling sad, stressed, anxious, or lonely.
- Services available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali.
- Learn more by visiting Alma Project Website or email alma@lifespanlocal.org.

University of Denver – Parentline Colorado
- Parentline Colorado is a FREE telebehavioral health service offering brief, strategic psychotherapy through video chat and telephone to pregnant and postpartum families with children up to age five.
- For more information, contact: GSPP.PARENTLINE@DU.EDU or call 303-871-7935.

Counseling Support
- TherapyDirectis a new way to get the urgent counseling support you need with no insurance required. TherapyDirectoffers same-day, online counseling to people in Colorado 18+. When you’re feeling down, anxious, or alone, or you just want to talk to someone who gets it, TherapyDirect lets you connect directly to a professional counselor in minutes. No appointments or scheduling – just hop on your phone, laptop, or tablet for a 100% secure and confidential video call. Insurance is not required, and there are no program fees. Individuals can receive up to three counseling sessions per year.
- Available from your mental health experts at WellPower, Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm, atwellpower.org/therapydirect
- Interpretation services on request.

Crisis Text Line to Support Youth
- Caring for Denver has launched a new crisis text line that aims to support our youth. Anyone can text the word ‘Denver’ to 741741 to access anonymous crisis counseling support 24/7. You can find out more here: https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/

Colorado’s Vaccine Sign-Up
- Colorado’s vaccine clinics are up and running! There are many times and locations to choose from.
  - Click here to make an appointment at a clinic near you!
  - Click here to learn about the vaccines being offered

Keeping Denver Safe
- Substance misuse and overdose are an increasing community health concern across the city of Denver. To support the safety of our community, Denver residents can order Fentanyl testing strips and Naxolone (Narcan) using the form available atthis link

Technology Resources

Denver Public Library: Low Cost Tech Support
- The Denver public library has free and low-cost technology resources! They include:
  - Free in-person and virtual tech support
  - Print, copy, scan, and fax (100 pages per day, per person)
  - Click here for details and for a list of technology resources compiled by the Denver Public Library

Lifeline Benefit – FREE Smartphone as well as Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data
- For any person currently receiving Food Stamps, Medicaid or is considered Low Income
- Where/When: You can pick up a phone at their office at 3737 W Colfax Ave Monday – Friday from 10am-5pm
  - There are also tent locations set up Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm at St Francis, The Stout Street Clinic, 14th and Federal and Colfax/Broadway where you can also receive this benefit.
- All you need to bring is your state ID

Legal Resources

Denver County Outreach Court
- Do you have outstanding city cases (GS, GV) or warrants to resolve and experiencing housing instability? If so, Denver County Court Forensic Peer Navigators can help by connecting you to services. Services offered: Substance use treatment providers, peer support, mental health providers, Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, and other resources. See flyer for more information!
  - When: Click this flyer for dates, 8:30AM to 10:30AM
  - Where: Haven of Hope, The AID Center, or Denver Public Library Central

Free Legal Resources at the Denver County Courthouse
- For support with rental payments, there are free attorneys, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) navigation and resource assistance available at the Denver County Courthouse (1437 Bannock St.), Room 163 on weekday mornings from 8 a.m. – noon.
- Click here for more information

Denver Human Services offers a monthly, free legal clinic to help you navigate the why and how of going to court.
- An attorney will be available to answer questions and provide information on family law and court issues including: child support, modifications, visitation, parenting time, custody, contempt citations (family law only), and any other family law and court issues.
- Click here to register

Energy Resources

Do you know someone who needs help paying water bills?
- Check out the Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)! This information will be included in water bills in January in English and Spanish. More info is online related to LIHWAP in partnership with Mile High United Way.
- Denver Water understands times have been tough. The Low-Income Housing Water Assistance Program can help customers who qualify. Learn more at Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for qualifications and requirements to get help.
- To find out more information on these programs, talk with your Specialist at CWEE.

Entertainment

MY Denver Card
- Youth, ages 5 – 18 who reside in Denver, can have a key to the city with a MY Denver Card in hand! Your Library and Recreation Card All In One. Youth will get free access to recreation centers, swimming pools, and various cultural facilities where they can participate in healthy, safe, and fun activities afterschool, during school breaks, and on the weekends.
  - Two ways to sign up:
    - Visit theOnline Service Center
    - In person at one of theDenver recreation centers

Do You Love Reading?
- Book Give Denver is a local nonprofit who believes every person throughout metro Denver should have access to free books—books you can keep and own. Books for all ages. Books in every genre. All free.Learn more here.
- When: Tue, Wed, Fri, & Sat – Hours 9:00am to 12:00pm
- Where:Book Give Service Station located at 4890 Lowell Blvd Denver, CO 80221

Upcoming Free Days
- Whether you want to learn more about science or see some animals, Denver is offering FREE days around the city. Find free events here!

Explorer Pass for Colorado SNAP Recipients
- Show your EBT card at the ticket counter and receive $1-$2 general admission to many Denver area museums and cultural centers for up to 10 people!
  - $1 admission per person:
    - Center for Colorado Women’s History
    - Clyfford Still Museum
    - Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus (Reservations required for guaranteed entry. Those without a reservation will be admitted as space allows.)
    - Denver Art Museum
    - Denver Botanic Gardens – York Street and Chatfield Farms
    - Denver Museum of Nature and Science
    - History Colorado Center
    - Wings Over the Rockies – Air & Space Museum
  - $2 admission per person
    - Butterfly Pavilion
    - Molly Brown House Museum
  - Click here to visit the Explorer Pass’ webpage for more information
  - The discounted admission offer may not be valid on event days and reservations may also be required in advance.
    - Make sure to call and/or check the museum or cultural center’s website before heading out

Need more support?

You can always contact your Program Advisor.

For resources for food, rent assistance, clothing, and more click here.

You can also 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 full list of contacts at CWEE, phone numbers, and email addresses.