04/05/2007

Quick Connections #90

IN THIS ISSUE:
• Community Photographers’ Photos on MC-D Website home page
• Data Points Focus Groups
• Last Few weeks for Free Tax site at King Trimble (2980 Curtis St)
• Updates on 100 Family Study
• Free Computer Classes at King Trimble
• Updates on Community Research Projects
• Family Friend and Neighbor Training
• Upcoming Events & Meetings

Community Photographers’ Photos on MC-D Website Home Page
The MC-D new website home page now features photographs taken by our community photographers: Deb Johnson from Cole, Virginia Jimenez, formerly from La Alma Lincoln Park, Kris Rollerson and Rachel Williams from the Sun Valley Youth Center. These photos will rotate so that each time you visit the website you will see a different photo. Check out some great photos: www.makingconnectionsdenver.org These photographers are for hire to shoot your community or family event. Contact Suzanne Gruba at 720-891-4917 for more info.

Data Points Focus Groups
Focus groups are being conducted to evaluate Data Points, a new MC-D publication devoted to dissemination of data drawn from studies and surveys conducted in our neighborhoods. If you are interested in participating in one of these focus groups, please call Rosella at 720-891-4918 for dates and times. Participants will be compensated with a King Soopers gift card.

Free Tax SuperSite:
LAST Few weeks to get your taxes done!
If you earned less that $40,000 in 2006 you may qualify for Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). You could receive up to $4,536 when you file your taxes.
Free tax site located at:
King Trimble Building
2980 Curtis Street
Denver, CO 80205
Hours of operation:
Monday and Wednesday: 6pm—8pm (Through April 16)
Saturdays 9am—3pm (April 7 & 14)
Final Day (for 2006 Taxes Only) Tuesday April 17, 9am—4pm.

Participant Family Data Collection (PFDC) or 100 Family Study
The 100 Family Study, an AECF required, longitudinal study of 100 families engaged in MC-D activities is being implemented by the MC-D Community Research Team. In-depth interviews with 10 families have been completed and more families are being recruited. If you know of a family that lives in one of our neighborhoods who would be a good candidate for this study contact Phuonglan Nguyen at 720-891-4916. Families are interviewed once a year and are compensated for their time.

FREE Computer & Career Development Classes at King Trimble
Come by and pick up a schedule for free computer and career development classes at King Trimble that are open to all residents of Denver. Classes offered include: Computer Basics, Word I, Excel I, Power Point, Internet & Email. Schedules are available here at 2980 Curtis Street, online at www.denvergov.org or via the new MC-D website at www.makingconnectionsdenver.org, Click on Resources.

Updates on Community Data Projects
2000 surveys for the Health Care Surveys project for Metro Organizations for People (MOP) were analyzed by the MC-D Community Research Team. Final reports have been used to advocate for health care funding and access in Congress and at the state level.

Data from surveys conducted by Cole Neighborhood /Annunciation Catholic Church youth for the Amigos de Jesus project gained insight into the social and economic costs that immigrant families accrue as a result of using unscrupulous financial institutions to send money abroad. For more information on community data projects contact Rosella Palacios at 720-891-4918

The last Family, Friend and Neighbor training will be held April 21 and 28. We are looking for 22 more people who would like to do child care in their homes. All costs for training, CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions and Medication are paid. In addition, all licensing costs, including the child care license, business license and zoning license, as well as the fingerprinting and background check are all paid through the grant from the Mayor’s Office. After licensing the participants will receive safety and curriculum materials to begin their business. Anyone who is a legal Denver resident and is interested in participating should call Bev Cooke at 303-344-5640 or Ophelia Mejia at 303-825-6246 to enroll and for further information.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Baker Historic Neighborhood Association (BHNA) Meeting: Tuesday, April 10, 6:30—8:00pm at 1st Avenue Presbyterian Church at 1st Avenue and Acoma.

CPR & First Aid Training in English & Spanish—Saturday, April 21, 9:00am—3:00pm, at 1300 Bruce Randolph. Offered by Sister Mary Lucy Neighborhood Network Center. Please call to register or get more information at 303-298-1934.

9 Health Fair—April 14, 2007, 7am—12noon, San Antonio Hospital, 4231 W. 16th Ave. Free blood tests, diabetes screenings and more. For more locations around the metro area or for more information call 303-698-3799 or 800-332-3078 or visit: www.9HealthFair.org

La Alma Lincoln Park Planning Group (LLPPG) Meets on Monday, April 23 at 6:00pm. For more information contact Tom Kelsey at 303-404-1961

“Las Madrinas Tribute” Sunday, May 20, 2007, 11:00am—2:00pm, Centro San Juan Diego, 2830 Lawrence Street. Join us in honoring distinguished women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service, while loving and nurturing their own families. Contact Virginia Longoria at 303-295-9470, Ext. 104 for more information. Tickets are $35 person. RSVP by Friday, May 4.