2020 proved to be a challenging year, but through all the ups and downs Jefferson County Human Services rose to the challenge in innovative, creative, and exciting ways. Human Services achieved so much in 2020 it’s hard to put it all into words, so here are just a few of the highlights including programs and services which are still helpful going into 2021.
- Jefferson County finalized 48 adoptions and celebrated National Adoption Day virtually.
- One of our Veterans Service Officers worked with the spouse of a veteran from the inception of the claim through the appeals process, resulting in an award of almost $200,000 in back pay to the Veteran’s family.
- Many programs implemented a new appointment system, allowing customers to schedule their own appointments online.
- 227 families engaged in the Head Start online learning platform. Although the school was closed, 180 Head Start families received no-cost food bags weekly. Apply today for 2021-2022 or call us today to schedule a tour at (720) 497-7900.
- 6 families participating in Jeffco Prosperity Partners purchased homes this year.
- Child Support Services raised over $22,000,000 in resources for Jeffco families.
- Jefferson County's Business & Workforce Center (BWC) launched a newly renovated website to better serve job seekers, businesses, and community members.
- A new call center created in April served over 8000 customers with Unemployment questions.
- Published new small business newsletter connecting and informing our business community throughout this crisis.
- Developed and administered small business grants distributing over $2,000,000 to small businesses in unincorporated Jefferson County.
- Hosted weekly panels connecting hundreds of small businesses with Public Health, Unemployment, Small Business Loans and other resources to keep them informed and in businesses.
- Awarded disaster grant funding to lead a regional approach helping our communities recover and respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
- Navigation services helped 84 families find housing or prevent eviction.
- Jefferson County, Lakewood, and Arvada partnered to create temporary non-congregate shelter for homeless persons recovering from COVID.
- Eiber Village at Garrison Station, a 49-unit affordable senior housing project, welcomed its first tenants in August. The project was supported with Community Development Block Grant funding, and is a testament to our hard-working Community Development team improving housing opportunities for seniors in Jeffco.
- Jefferson County supported our community through an all-monetary and virtual food drive to support the food resources of Community Table - Arvada Community Food Bank, Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO), Jeffco Eats, Light of the World Roman Catholic Church, and The Action Center, resulting in a total donation that will provide 26,445 meals to individuals and families throughout our community.
- Jeffco Community Resources and Recursos de la Comunidad de Jeffco were created to get you the information you need to find the right support. You or your family may not have needed support before, but times have changed. If you need help with food, finding a job, or other support, and are not sure where to turn, Jeffco Community Partners can help.
- Hotlines are still available to help 24/7 including Child Protection: 303-271-HELP (4357), Adult Protection Hotline: 303-271-4673, and Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 1-844-493-TALK (8255).
Adapting to the challenge of 2020 was no small task but we look forward to 2021 and continuing to innovate, collaborate, problem-solve, and thrive together.
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