Apr 19, 2017
AmeriCorps Encore Member Tamaara Weil Reflects on Her Impact
I think of serving in AmeriCorps Encore as my very own superpower. It evens comes with a uniform, the ubiquitous ‘A’ that I always wear when serving, either as a small, elegant pin or a big, bold patch on a t-shirt or vest that announces: I am an AmeriCorps member and I am here to help.
And while I use my superpower to help my clients, my AmeriCorps Encore service has given me back so much more than I have given; I serve with a great team and the emotional satisfaction is huge. I know the goal is to fill unmet needs in the community. As a surprising side benefit, I have found that my AmeriCorps Encore service has been incredibly rewarding and has made me a much happier and healthier person.
I am just winding down my second (but not last) AmeriCorps Encore term with Boomers Leading Change in Health, serving at Jewish Family Service (JFS) in the Refugee Mental Health Department. I collaborate as part of a team of Refugee Mental Health therapists to provide services to our refugee clients. The goal is to fill in the gap between what the therapists provide and other services the clients need to successfully adjust to their new home and culture.
Our clients come from many places, including Iraq, Somalia, Burma, Ethiopia and Bhutan. And while they come from very different cultures and backgrounds, they all have one thing in common: they are all refugees, forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution, and they cannot return, ever. Many of our clients have suffered trauma and long stretches of time in refugee camps before coming to the United States. And most did not know anyone in Colorado when they arrived. As if this were not tough enough, when they are referred to JFS’s Refugee Mental Health Department, they are also suffering from serious mental health issues, which makes adjustment to their new home even harder.
Apr 14, 2017
What’s Happening NOW at Boomers!
Advocacy Academy
Thursday, April 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mental Health: Can Colorado Lead the Nation?
with Andrew Romanoff, President and CEO, Mental Health Colorado
Every year more than one million Coloradans experience a mental health or substance use disorder. How do we make our state a leader in treating and preventing these illnesses? Join Boomers Leading Change and Andrew Romanoff, former speaker of the house and current president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, as he leads a discussion on the benefits of intervention–and the price of inaction.
Learn the Issue. Acquire Skills.Take Action. Make a Difference.
Thursday, April 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Daniels Fund, 101 Monroe St., Denver, CO 80206
Free event. Open to all. Bring a friend. Free parking (enter off Madison Street).
Light snacks provided.
Register here: http://blcih.org/events/?ee=205
Learning Session
Tuesday, April 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Scams? Play It Safe!
Recognize, Refuse and Report
Presented by Mark Fetterhoff with AARP
This interactive presentation allows attendees to learn how to recognize, refuse, and report scams, fraud and financial exploitation. The presentation includes a quiz-like format, encouraging participants to anonymously answer questions using TurningPoint remote polling software (provided by AARP Foundation) that will help them identify common scams and how to protect themselves and their loved ones from fraud.
Tuesday, April 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
The Daniels Fund, 101 Monroe Street, Denver, CO 80206
Free event. Light snacks provided. Free parking (enter on Madison).
Register here: http://blcih.org/events/?ee=211
Colorado Encore Network
April 26, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Your Fast Track:
Lifelong Learning Opportunities in Metro Denver
“The quickest way to become an old dog is to stop learning new tricks.”
– John Rooney
Colorado is the third best-educated state in the nation, and metro Denver ranks high in best-educated residents. We devote many resources to educating our young people. But learning is not just for the young. Many people 50+ have an unquenchable thirst to keep learning–and to teach what they know to others. Fortunately, we have options. And that is what our April Colorado Encore Network Meetup is all about–lifelong learning opportunities.
Have you heard of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI? No? Come find out. What adult learning opportunities do some of our community colleges offer? Where can you learn how to start and operate your own business? Get training that could lead to a new job? Learn how to use social media, or even create your own website?
This month, Colorado Encore Network focuses on lifelong learning by bringing you together with institutions and people who offer learning opportunities suited to you.
Free event. Refreshments. Free parking. Register here:
Your Fast Track to Lifelong Learning
Wednesday, April 26, 5:30pm
Joining Vision and Action
2465 Sheridan Blvd., Edgewater, CO 80214
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION
Monday, April 24, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
We are here to help our Metro Denver neighbors live their healthiest lives. Want to join us in making a positive impact on the health and well-being of underserved individuals and families? Want to learn new skills and be an agent of change? If the answer is YES, or even MAYBE, join us at this free hour-long information session to learn about our volunteer opportunities to help create healthier, more confident and better informed consumers of healthcare and other resources.
We’ll provide an overview of our health navigation training and volunteer opportunities where you can help improve health care access, healthy living options and health literacy across our community. We’ll listen to your interests and passions and do our best to answer questions. Free and easy parking. Bring a friend!
Monday, April 24, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Boomers Leading Change Headquarters
425 S. Cherry Street, Suite 840
Denver, CO 80246
Register here: http://blcih.org/events/?ee=213
About Steve Grund: Steve has served as a storyteller in media, marketing and public relations for more than 25 years. A graduate of Julliard and a former broadcast news director, he understands the importance of good storytelling to create change. “We are all marketers, writers and communicators with decades of experience,” says Steve.
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