

COLORADO HAPPENIN'S - September 2010
DISCLAIMER
JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS
PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE
ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS,
HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU
************************************************
Provides services for people with temporary and permanent disabilities from brain injury, spinal cord injury and neuro-muscular
diseases. Services include accessible apartments with nursing staff, physical and occupational therapy, adult day programs
and the first fully certified Brain Injury Supported Living Campus.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/colorado/community_life
******************************************************
Program Description
The Colorado State Food Stamps Program assists low-income individuals and families who need assistance purchasing food.
Individuals and families should apply for food stamp benefits at their local county department of social services. The Food Stamp
Program is offered in at least one location in all Colorado counties. The county worker will interview applicants and determine
the household eligibility for benefits. They will provide the applicant with a Quest card that can be used to purchase groceries at
any participating grocery store or other retailer.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado and fall into one of two groups: (1)
those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance
(savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a
person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household
income of less than $13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three
people live in the household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if
six people live in the household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the
household.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To learn more about Colorado Food Stamps program, please visit:
http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/fap/index.htm
However, individuals can contact food stamp program staff by writing to:
The Department of Human Services
Office of Self Sufficiency, Food Assistance
Food Stamp Program Section
1575 Sherman Street, Third Floor
Denver, Colorado 80203-1714
TDD service is available for the hearing impaired at:
303-866-6293
Food Stamp applicants should contact the County Department of Human Services to apply for Food Stamp Benefits. You can also
call:
303-866-2536
Managing Agency
Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov
*******************************************
Program Description
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is the oldest and largest of the Child Nutrition Programs, celebrating 50 years in
1996. It is a Federally assisted meal program that provides balanced, low-cost or free lunches to thousands of children in
Colorado each day.
Since 1946, the National School Lunch Program has made it possible for schools to serve appealing lunches designed to meet
the needs of children. In recent years, concerns have emerged regarding the overall nutritional content of school meals. These
concerns address findings that the diet of Americans has changed from being low in nutrients and adequate in calories to
containing an overabundance of calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. At the same time, Americans eat too few
grains, fruits, and vegetables. A good diet can help to reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases and promote good health and
well-being.
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides a nutritious morning meal. This program is recognized as one of the most
beneficial of the Federal nutrition programs. It meets a vital need of feeding thousands of children in Colorado, who otherwise
may not eat a nutritious breakfast. Participation in the program has been shown to improve learning and test performance.
Specific "meal patterns" are required in the SBP, and schools that participate in the SBP receive funding assistance similar to
the National School Lunch Program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the
household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in
the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found here by
clicking on "School Districts/Buildings and Personnel":
http://www.cde.state.co.us/edulibdir/directory.htm
Program Contact Information
To learn more about Child Nutrition Programs in Colorado, please visit:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdenutritran/nutriprograms.htm
For additional information, please call toll-free at:
888-245-6092
Or send an e-mail to:
nutrition@cde.state.co.us
Managing Agency
Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov
*********************************************
Program Description
Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition. Children who aren't hungry learn
better, act better and feel better. The Colorado Summer Food Service Program helps children get the nutrition they need during
the summer. Summer food programs provide nutritious meals to children in need and, when coupled with recreation and
tutoring programs, offer a tremendous benefit to those in need.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado, your household's annual income
before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household;$26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if
three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household;
$54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Summer Food Service program, contact the site nearest you. Click below, and look under "Information > Open
Sites":
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdenutritran/nutrisummer.htm
Program Contact Information
You can learn more about Colorado SFSP by visiting:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdenutritran/nutrisummer.htm
Managing Agency
Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov
********************************************
Description
LEAP is a Federally funded program administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services. Energy Outreach Colorado
(EOC) also provides some of the funding for LEAP. LEAP is designed to help with your winter heating costs. LEAP is not intended
to pay the entire cost of home heating. If you are applying for LEAP assistance, you should continue to pay your heating bill.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado, you must need financial assistance
for home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the
household; $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in
the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live
in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household and $75,388 if more than eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, visit the following website and download an application in the language of your choice:
http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/.
This information can be found under the "Where Can You Get An Application?" heading.
Next, locate your county office location to submit your application and supporting documents:
http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/offices.htm.
Program Contact Information
For more information about this program, please visit:
http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/
Managing Agency
Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov
********************************
Description
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is a low-cost health insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose
families earn or own too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. CHP+ encourages preventive and
early primary care by removing the financial barriers to health care. CHP+ works to improve the health status of Colorado
children by improving access to appropriate medical care and to reduce overall health care costs. Health care involves more
than dealing with emergencies. Regular check-ups can prevent many illnesses and catch others before they become
dangerous. Dental care is very important, especially for children. But most quality health and dental care is expensive. But CHP+
lets you take control of your family's health and dental care needs. Your children go to the doctor, dentist or get medication when
they need it, not only when you can afford it. Health Services include: check-ups and shots; well child care and immunizations;
medical office visits; prescriptions; hospital services including outpatient services, inpatient care, and inpatient doctors' care;
glasses and hearing aids; mental health care, such as counseling, hospitalization, and outpatient substance abuse treatments.
Dental Services include: exams; cleanings; x-rays; fillings; routine extractions; limited root canal therapy, and other diagnostic
and preventive services.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Colorado, under 19 years of age, not covered by
health insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, and you must have an annual
household income before taxes of less than $29,880 if two people live in the household; $37,536 if three people live in the
household; $45,204 if four people live in the household; $52,872 if five people live in the household; $60,540 if six people live in
the household; $68,208 if seven people live in the household; $75,876 if eight people live in the household; and $83,544 if more
than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,668 for each additional person in the home. Depending on
your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For an application and instructions, please visit:
http://www.cchp.org/index.cfm?action=apply&language=eng
You can call CHP+ Customer Service, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm to get an application in the mail:
800-359-1991
Your local Department of Human Services (DHS) can also give you an application, help you to fill it out and answer questions
about CHP+. Click here to find a DHS near you:
http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/servicebycounty.htm
You can pick up an application at the CHP+ office or at your local Satellite Eligibility Determination (SED) Sites - places in your
area that can help you with the application process or answer questions about CHP+. Visit the CHP+ Web site to find the SED
Site closest to you:
http://www.cchp.org/chpweb/mainpage.cfm?pageToLoad=welcometext.cfm
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.cchp.org/index.cfm?action=home&language=eng
Managing Agency
Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov
****************************************
Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income
pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk.
To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional
risk (i.e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at
nutrition risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or
has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/wic/clinicdirectory.pdf
Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm
For more information on Colorado WIC, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/wic/
If you have questions about the Colorado WIC program you can call toll-free:
800-688-7777
Managing Agency
Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov
*********************************************
Program Description
The Colorado Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, child care institutions, and eligible camps that do not
participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve.
Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also participate in the Special Milk Program to provide
milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal
programs.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk
to low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado, your
household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people
live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five
people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and
$68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it
participates in the Special Milk Program.
The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm
Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdenutritran/nutrimilk.htm
Program Contact Information
For more information, please visit:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/
Or contact the Child Nutrition/Transportation Unit at 1-303-866-6661.
Managing Agency
Colorado
http://www.colorado.gov
**************************************************
Program Description
The Head Start Program was developed in 1965 to help break the cycle of poverty by providing preschool children of low-income
families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs.
Current Federal initiatives include programs and services that provide support for Early Head Start, Family Strengthening,
Migrant and Seasonal Populations, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Family Literacy and families with children who have
disabilities.
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor collaborates with Head Start and numerous Early Childhood Care and Education
stakeholders throughout the State in order to enable children and families to reach their maximum potential.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado, you must be a parent or primary
caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income before taxes must not
exceed $10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the household; $18,310 if three people live in
the household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live
in the household; $33,270 if seven people live in the household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more
than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial
status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing
pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other
qualifications may apply.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For enrollment information, contact the program nearest you:
http://www.coloheadstart.org/programs/map.php
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.coloheadstart.org/
Managing Agency
Colorado Head Start-State Collaboration Office
http://www.colorado.gov
**********************************************************
We’ve got your look at insider information on top attractions and inspiring vacation ideas. We’ll tell you where to pay tribute to
musical legend John Denver, where to find only-in-Colorado boutique buys, how to indulge in a spring-water spa service and
where to enjoy free samples and a behind-the-scenes look at Colorado’s acclaimed craft breweries.
And don’t forget, with hundreds of vacation ideas, Hot Deals and events on COLORADO.COM, we’ve made it even easier to enjoy
your Colorado vacation.
***************************************************************************
SEE, DO, EAT, STAY, GO AND SO MUCH MORE.
Introducing the all-new Colorado.com
There’s so much to see and do at the new Colorado.com, it’s almost like being here
*************************************************
Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado
Whether you are just getting to know us, or you've been here before we thought we would
inspire your passion for adventure at Colorado’s most talked about mountain destination, located in Southwestern Colorado.
Gunnison County is home to nearly 100 miles of the West Elk Loop, one of 21 scenic byways in Colorado- the closest you can
come to a wilderness experience in a passenger car.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country's newest National Parks is just a one hour ride from the City of Gunnison
and, Curecanti, a National Recreation Area is 15 minutes away.
Nearby at the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water, the primary features are boat rentals, picnic areas, fishing
and camping facilities. It's also a great place to relax and take in the spectacular scenery! Gunnison County's numerous pristine
fishing spots are visited by lake and fly fishing anglers from around the world and are easily accessible by car just off the main
roads.
Just 28 miles up State Highway 135 from the City of Gunnison is the Town of Crested Butte, a registered National Historic District
and turn of the century Victorian mining town with unique shopping and dining. Crested Butte is also known as the Wildflower
Capital of Colorado and is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Photographing, camping, biking, horseback riding, hot air
ballooning and day hikes on gentle trails throughout the Gunnison National Forest are just a few of the leisure activities our
guests enjoy.
Historic mining towns or ghost towns, Railroad and Antique Car Museum's, and diverse lodging and dining welcome traveler's
with Gunnison County's own brand of western hospitality. Our unique towns each have a "special something" whether you are
passing through or want to spend a few days. Here you'll find a pioneering spirit, love for the great outdoors, western hospitality,
and some of the most spectacular scenery on earth!
Gunnison-Crested Butte is Colorado Pure & Simple... Friendly mountain communities that are packaged by nature combine
western heritage with turn of the century Victorian mining towns.
Great Lodging Deals
If we've stimulated your interest, check out some great deals on lodging and activity packages!
AN AWESOME GUNNISON CRESTED GETAWAY @ WWW.GUNNISONCRESTEDBUTTE.COM
1-800-814-7988
***********************************************
REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY OR STATE SEND US YOUR UPCOMING EVENT
INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR STATE'S PAGE!
BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:
MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!
PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL: homelesstoindependence@yahoo.com