One in five Colorado parents say they feel like they have no one they can turn to for day-to-day emotional support in raising children. If you are a parent or caregiver in this situation, you are not alone and there are resources to help.
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides childcare financial assistance to families with children from birth to age 12 or children with additional care needs under the age of 19. To check eligibility and apply visit Colorado PEAK.
- Jefferson County Head Start is a no cost preschool program offering full-day and half-day classes. For the rest of this year, we will be offering a virtual option (not sure about next year yet!). All materials, meals, and snacks provided. Potty training is not required.
- Colorado Works / TANF provides financial assistance, job preparation and work opportunities to needy families with children on a temporary basis, to achieve economic and family stability.
- Jeffco Community Resources includes resources for Food, Housing, Employment, Health Access, Mental Health, and much more.
- Emergency Assistance helps Jefferson County community members economically impacted by COVID-19 and needing short-term assistance with housing (rent/mortgage) can apply for support.
- Jefferson County Human Services provides a wide range of support and benefit programs.
No matter your situation, do not hesitate to reach out for help. During these unprecedented times, we must continue to support one another.
Throughout the month of April, Jefferson County residents can get involved and support families in our community in several ways:
- Purchase a Pinwheel. Bright blue pinwheels are a symbol of child abuse prevention awareness across the nation. The pinwheel is an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve. All donations will help Ralston House continue to provide a safe, friendly space for survivors of abuse to tell their stories and begin the healing process. Be on the lookout for pinwheel gardens across the state, including on the corner of 6th Avenue and Jefferson County Parkway in Golden and throughout the state.
- Wear Blue. Community members can proudly wear blue and share the campaign with others.
- Be Social. Follow the social media pages of Jefferson County Human Services, CO4Kids, and Ralston House to learn more throughout the month of April on how we all have a role to play in strengthening families in our community.
We all play a role in strengthening families - one of the best ways to prevent child abuse and neglect. Learn what you can do at CO4KIDS.org. Anyone concerned about the safety and well-being of a child should call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437). Calling to share concerns can mean a family gets the support needed to overcome difficult circumstances. All callers are able to speak with a call-taker 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and all calls remain confidential.