This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Written by Macie May: The Longmont Office of Emergency Management is hosting classes to assist residents in learning how to protect themselves against all types of hazards. These hazards include a tornado, flood or another emergency event.
"The best way to find your way our of a natural disaster is to be prepared ahead of time," states a post on Nextdoor from Longmont Public Safety.
Be Ready Longmont is offering two classes.
The Be Ready class will be held on Tuesday, August 14 from 6-7 p.m. at the Longmont Library. Click here to register.
The CERT Training class will begin on September 25. This is a multi-day class held at Longmont Fire Station 5 Community Room, 617 Barberry Dr.
According to the City of Longmont website, "Disasters can severely restrict and overwhelm emergency responders, and in some cases communities can be cut off from outside emergency support. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training teaches community members how to prepare for emergencies. Team members learn to take care of themselves and to help others in their communities until first responders arrive."
To register for CERT Training click here.
Boulder County Seeks to Strengthen Supports for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The following is a press release from Boulder County and is published by the Longmont Observer as a public service.
Boulder County is leading a collaborative effort to collect feedback around services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the community. The county, in collaboration with two area organizations specializing in policy analysis, plans to use the assessment to improve services being offered to individuals who need a range of I/DD supports.
“We all want to provide the best help we can for these individuals and their families,” said Boulder County Commissioner Deb Gardner. “This assessment will give us important information about where our financial resources are working best and where our gaps are, so we can sharpen our focus on ensuring people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities can live fuller, more satisfying, and independent lives.”
Boulder County residents in 2002 generously approved a 1.5 mill property tax levy that helps fund services and programs for community members with I/DD and their families. To help measure the impacts of these resources, OMNI Institute and Keystone Policy Center – in partnership with Boulder County - will be conducting surveys, community dialogue sessions, focus groups, and key informant interviews over the next four months, with feedback coming from consumers, families, direct service providers, and community partners.
“We are eager to hear directly from those who know best about where these funds are making a difference,” said Susan Caskey, IMPACT Division Director for the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (BCDHHS). “There are so many committed organizations doing excellent work for our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their input combined with feedback from those they serve and their families will give us a well-rounded view of how best to further strengthen I/DD supports across Boulder County.”
Community members who receive I/DD services and their family members can provide input around current services and potential gaps in these ways:
Community forums on Wednesday, July 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at East Boulder Community Center and in September (dates and Boulder area locations to be determined)
A survey to the community in July and August (link to be distributed to the community by OMNI; contact [email protected] for more information).
Individual interviews and small group conversations, including for those unable to provide feedback using the methods above (contact [email protected] for information)
Individuals or organizations that provide direct supports or advocacy to I/DD clients and their families can submit input around current services and potential gaps in these ways:
- A survey to providers and community organizations
- Individual interviews and small group conversations: most service providers will be contacted by Keystone or OMNI; those that are not are encouraged to reach out about participation
- Information about the I/DD assessment, including community meetings and timing of and links to the survey to the community will be available at bit.ly/bocoidd.
A majority of the I/DD tax funding currently supports programming offered by Imagine, a local non-profit that provides services such as education and therapy, work opportunities in the community, recreational learning and leisure activities, facilitation of independent and group living, and more. Other organizations receiving funding from the tax include Boulder County Aging Services, the departments of Community Services and Housing and Human Services, the Juvenile Diversion Program, the District Attorney’s Community Justice Program, and others.
Additional information about Boulder County’s I/DD services, including the Developmental Disabilities Tax and its allocations, is available at bit.ly/bocoidd.
In Case You Missed It
St. Vrain Valley School Supply List for 2018-2019 School Year
This is a reference to the St. Vrain School District school supply list for grades preschool through middle school. High schoolers are given a list in their classes on the first day of school.
Potential November 2018 Ballot Issues to be Discussed at Longmont City Council Executive Session
The Longmont City Council will hold an executive session prior to its regular session on Tuesday, July 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Potential November ballot issues are to be discussed during this meeting. Executive sessions are not open to the public and city council is unable to take any formal action during these sessions.
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