Engaging Communities, Transforming Lives
Making Connections-Denver Annual Report 2006-2007
Making Connections-Denver has issued its 2006-07 Annual Report, Engaging Communities, Transforming Lives. The report describes the accomplishments of MC-D and its partners now and as we look to the future.
Below is a summary of contents. To download the entire report, click here.
Overview. Making Connections-Denver is a 10-year initiative to improve the quality of life for families living in four low income Denver neighborhoods. Funded primarily by the Annie E. Casey foundation, Making Connections-Denver is one of ten cities in the nationwide initiative. Denver is working to achieve six core results grouped under three priority outcomes and strategies:
Engaging Communities, Transforming Lives - Letter from the Site Coordinator
Making Connections-Denver has had significant successes this year:
- Supporting “best practice” interventions at Harrington Elementary is boosting student attendance and deepening parent involvement.
- With the coming of three FasTrack stations on Denver’s Westside, MC-D, residents and partners are actively involved in discussions to help shape the comprehensive revitalization effort that is being planned.
- MC-D’s Community Research Team has analyzed surveys on access to health care that are being used in legislative campaigns at the state and national levels.
Harrington Buzzes with Parent Involvement
Harrington Elementary has become a shining example of the power of parent involvement in school. Among the successes brought about by MC-D’s support are: 95 percent attendance rate, a drop in student turnover, 25 percent increase in attendance at teacher conferences and parents volunteering daily at school. Parents are publishing a directory of micro businesses to support family entrepreneurs.
Residents Help Interview Finalist for New Denver Housing Director
A public forum supported by Denver Housing Authority (DHA), Metro Organizations for People (MOP) and MC-D gave Denver’s public housing communities an historic opportunity to participate in the selection of the DHA executive director. Residents rated their satisfaction with candidate responses to five prepared questions as well as questions from the floor. These ratings were evaluated and taken into consideration by the DHA board prior to making their decision.
New Community Research Team Makes a Splash
A research team comprised of five community residents and a project manager is conducting an annual 100-family survey to help track success among families involved with MC-D programs. Their success has caught the attention of other Making Connections cities, two of which have sent teams to Denver to learn how residents can play a primary role as researchers.
Informal Child Care Providers Receive Valuable Training
Many children in the four MC-D neighborhoods are cared for by an informal provider such as a family member or friend. An MC-D project funded by Mile High United Way and the Mayor’s Office of Education and Children gave valuable training, resources and materials to these providers. Individual assistance was also available to providers who want to increase their earning potential by obtaining a child-care license.
Transforming the Westside of Denver
The Westside Neighborhood Planning Alliance-- comprised of MC-D, the Front Range Economic Strategy Center, MOP and Project WISE-- is giving Westside residents a voice in the revitalization effort sparked by new light rail lines and stations. Their collaboration with Denver’s Office of Economic Development, Denver Housing Authority (DHA) and Denver city planners, has allowed residents to participate in the process and help assure that the construction does not displace public housing and other longtime residents.
Preschool Ballot Initiative Success Sparks Transition for Early Excellence
Early Excellence (EE), an early care and education program for infants to five year olds, has served families in MC-D neighborhoods for four years. With the success of the Denver ballot initiative, providing preschool access to all four year olds, EE is transitioning into the new Denver Preschool Program, and determining ways to continue to provide services through other community organizations.