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Patience is a Virtue: The Struggle of Gentle Parenting
Being patient with children is often hard but is absolutely essential. Gentle parenting is not always as easy as it seems and can often be tested when we least expect it. It may seem easier to yell at our kids or get angry with them, but over time those moments will...
Do you know if your playdate’s house is a safe place to play?
Sending your kids over to play at a friend’s house to play is one of the best ways to make it through the summertime while school is out, child care is limited and the need to find activities to entertain our kids is endless. But, it can also be a scary decision for any parent to make to entrust the safety of your child with another adult. Do you know if it is a safe place to play at your playdate’s house?
Patience is a Virtue: The Struggle of Gentle Parenting
Like all parents, I have a ton of stuff going on. I overcommit to things, I always think there is more time in the day, and when I feel the crunch of obligations begin to weigh down on me, the dictator starts to come out. I rarely give myself or my daughter any wiggle room for the inevitable unknowns that may arise in life, like an accident on the freeway when we are already running late.
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring A Communications Associate
Looking for a job that allows you to flex your storytelling skills, play a critical role in community education to strengthen families and help advance important issues? This position is for you! In this position you will be exposed to all facets of child maltreatment...
Illuminate Colorado Awarded $60,000 Primary Prevention Grant by Prevent Child Abuse America to Support Abuse and Neglect Prevention Strategies as Part of Thriving Families, Safer Children
Denver, Colorado—Illuminate Colorado announced today a $60,000 Primary Prevention grant awarded by Prevent Child Abuse America® (PCA America), with funding from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, to support the organization’s work to transform child welfare policy and...
Fatherly Advice That Will Change Your Journey Through Parenthood
One father’s words of wisdom this Father’s Day. “Eventually, I had to let that go and realize that there is no way I can do this alone. I need the support of other stay at home fathers, parents and a community to help me get through the harder times.”
We Need YOU to Advocate for Families at the Federal Level
While this year’s Colorado legislative session may be over, opportunities to advocate for policies that strengthen kids and families continue at the federal level. Raise your voice, and join Illuminate in advocating for the policies below!Child Care and Early Learning...
Registration is Open for the 2022 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference!
Illuminate Colorado and the Colorado Department of Human Services are excited to encourage everyone working with children or families in Colorado to register for the Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference! The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we...
Family Connects Colorado to Offer Free Home Visiting to All Families Starting Late 2022
lluminate Colorado is partnering with Family Connects International® to begin to bring FREE home visiting to all families with newborns in Colorado. Family Connects Colorado, a new program of Illuminate Colorado, has the potential to impact every baby born in Colorado.
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring A Finance & Human Resources Manager
We are so excited to announce that we are hiring a Finance & Human Resources Manager! Under the guidance of the Director of Finance and Human Resources, this position will support the business and operational functions of the organization, including finance, human...
Reflecting on the 2022 Legislative Session’s Wins for Colorado’s Kids and Families
Colorado’s 2022 legislative session wrapped up earlier this month, and Illuminate is thrilled that all of the bills that we supported and tracked due to their capacity to strengthen families by building Protective Factors that prevent child maltreatment (as well as...
Growing Better Together During Child Abuse Prevention Month–and All Year Long
Child Abuse Prevention Month is an important time of year for so many organizations and individuals working tirelessly year-round to strengthen families and protect children. For the first time since 2019, people were able to come together in person to launch the...
The Final Countdown: Make Your Voice Heard for Families During the Last Few Days of Colorado’s Legislative Session
Colorado’s 2022 legislative session ends this Wednesday, May 11th, and your voice is needed now more than ever to get bills that will support our state’s kids and families over the finish line! We’ve put together a list of bills that are still moving and ways you can...
The Mother of All Advice Columns
We asked parents, “if you met yourself three years ago – what parenting advice would you share?” This is what they told us.
Shifting Colorado Toward a Culture of Mandatory Supporting
With HB22-1240 Mandatory Reporters making its way through the Colorado legislature, an opportunity to transform how we approach ensuring child and family safety and well-being, including reducing disparities, is on the horizon for our state. The bill highlights the...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring An Early Childhood Teacher
We are so excited to announce that we are hiring an Early Childhood Teacher! Under the guidance of the Child Care Manager, the Early Childhood Teacher will plan, organize, implement, and deliver an infant and toddler program curriculum to meet enrolled children’s...
This Digital Advocacy Day, Speak Up to Prevent Child Abuse
Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) America’s Digital Advocacy Day is today, April 27th! YOU can participate by reaching out to your members of Congress and using your voice to urge them to support children and families across Colorado and nationwide.How can I get involved?...
You Don’t Have to Carry the Emotional Load of Parenthood Alone
A big reason I’ve become so involved in my community and eager to support parents is because of my own personal story and experience receiving support. In October 2018 I experienced every parents worst nightmare: my three and a half year-old son passed away. After...
New Kid on the Block: Caramel Expands Illuminating Child Care to Pueblo and Fremont Counties
Caramel, Illuminating Child Care’s newest member of the fleet, was introduced to the Pueblo community at an open house on April 14th. Members of the community and local media toured the new classroom, learned more about the program and saw how the on-site classroom...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring A Community Initiatives Associate
We are so excited to announce that we are hiring a Community Initiatives Associate! Under the guidance of the Senior Community Initiatives Manager, the Community Initiatives Associate is responsible for managing logistics and coordinating tasks for coalitions and...
How to Help Your Picky Eater
Mother, pediatric therapist and Co-founder of Kinspire offers tips to ease mealtime stress with your picky eater.
One Father’s Journey Through Parenthood with Community Resources
I never thought I would ever become homeless until it happened. A number of events led me to a point in my life where I needed to find a temporary home so that I could start working to rebuild my life from the ground up and continue to support my basic needs and be...
Colorado Substance Exposed Newborn Effort Name Change: Introducing SuPPoRT Colorado
Our collaborative effort has a new name! Moving forward, the groups that were previously referred to as the Colorado Substance Exposed Newborns (SEN) Steering Committee, Family Advisory Board, and associated Work/Advisory Groups will be collectively known as...
The Inner Conversation I Need to Have with Myself Every Day.
I am sitting here watching my son play with his friend thinking about all of the things that have blown up this week all while smiling for him. Let’s be honest, there are times when this parenting thing is just hard. Like when you get to the point where you are not...
Supporting Better Beginnings Through HB22-1295
Colorado prospers when our youngest children thrive because they are our future workers, leaders and community members. No matter where they live–the plains, mountains, rural areas or urban centers–children need high-quality experiences and loving relationships to...
Parents’ Stories a Focus of the Campaign to Grow a Better Tomorrow for All Children, Together
Nearly one hundred people gathered on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol to promote positive childhood experiences and listen to parents share their experiences in recognition of child abuse prevention month. The event is the first of many activities happening...
Parents: It’s Time to Talk About Strengthening Our Families
For more than ten years now, you may have seen gardens of pinwheels planted at your child’s school, day care or a local hospital or nonprofit organization, and wondered, why? It’s because pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention meant to start a...
Trauma Informed Yoga for the Child Welfare Professional
Have you ever taken a class on the importance of self-care, but never actually had the opportunity to practice what was taught? Bloom Yoga is partnering with The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and The Child Welfare Training System to offer a variety of...
It’s Time for Us To Cover All Coloradans
Illuminate Colorado is proud to join a wide array of healthcare providers, community organizations and citizens across Colorado in advocating for HB22-1289 Health Benefits For Colorado Children And Pregnant Persons, a recently-introduced bill being led by the Center...
Meeting Parents Where They Are – Bringing Child Care with Us
Before any parent goes back to work, gets into treatment or tries to tackle any one of life's challenges that may take them away from their child, they need to find child care. It's a problem all parents can relate to, but solutions depend entirely on what access to...
Time To Plant Your Pinwheels!
This time of year, for more than ten years now, you may have seen gardens of pinwheels planted in the community, at school, day care or a local hospital or nonprofit organization, and wondered, why? It’s because planting pinwheels represents the bright childhoods we...
Call for Proposals: 2022 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference
The planning for the 2022 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference is well under way. This year, we will be in person in Pueblo, CO, September 19-21, 2022, and we couldn’t be more excited! This conference is an important opportunity to highlight ways...
Let’s Make Colorado Works Truly Work for Colorado Families
When we work together to build Protective Factors, it is possible to create a Colorado where all children and families thrive. House Bill 22-1259, a bill that would enhance our state’s efforts to invest in the well-being of Colorado families by making critical...
Increasing Food Access in Schools Is on This Week’s Menu at the Colorado Legislature
Increasing food access in schools is on the menu at the Colorado legislature this legislative session. SB22-087 Healthy Meals for All Public School Students, a bill that would make school meals available at no cost to all students in participating Colorado school...
Necessary and Adequate Medical Care for Your Child is Not Child Abuse
Organizational Statement Opposing the Actions of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Providing necessary and adequate medical care to your child is not child abuse, and transgender and non-binary children need access to age-appropriate, individualized medical care just...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring: Director of Family Connects (POSITION FILLED)
We are so excited to announce that we are hiring a Director of Family Connects! Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Director of Family Connects will lead the State Intermediary functions related to planning and implementation of the Family Connects model...
Bill To Make Diapers More Affordable Passes Colorado’s House Finance Committee
Earlier this week, HB22-1055, a bill being led by the Don’t Tax Dignity Coalition and proudly supported by Illuminate Colorado, passed its first hearing with a bipartisan vote of 8-3 in the House Finance Committee. HB22-1055 Sales Tax Exemption Essential Hygiene...
Three Ways to Start a Conversation with Your Nurse That Will Change the Way You Parent
As a nurse, talking with patients is one of my favorite things to do. It’s wonderful interacting with patients and their families while providing the knowledge and resources that empower them to take control of their health. Patient education is a key component of...
How to Develop and Foster Parent Leadership
Last week, we published Meaningful Parent Leadership and Why It Matters, a blog by Candice Bataille discussing the importance of parent leadership and how it fits into Circle of Parents. In this blog, Candice shares how to develop parent leaders within the Circle of...
Survey Says: The Time is Now for Colorado to Invest Resources in the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
Research published in Creating a Colorado Where Children Grow Up Free From Sexual Abuse: An Issue Brief on the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse in Colorado at the end of 2021 indicates that the conditions are right and the time is now for Colorado to invest resources...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring A Strategic Initiatives Manager (POSITION FILLED)
We are so excited to announce that we are hiring a Strategic Initiatives Manager! Under the guidance of the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Strategic Initiatives Manager will manage the implementation of a multiyear federal grant, including facilitating multi...
Meaningful Parental Leadership and Why It Matters
It’s hard to believe, but it’s already the beginning of February. And that means it’s officially Parent Leadership Month. It’s a time designed to highlight the opportunities and engage in partnerships that support strong and lasting roles for parents as leaders. One...
Illuminating Policy in 2022
The regular session of the Colorado General Assembly kicked off on Wednesday, January 12th, and Illuminate Colorado is continuing its commitment to ensuring Colorado's state policies build brighter childhoods for all Coloradans. Illuminate has prioritized 2022 policy...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring: Director of Family Connects (POSITION FILLED)
We are so excited to announce that we are hiring a Director of Family Connects! Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Director of Family Connects will lead the State Intermediary functions related to planning and implementation of the Family Connects model...
Reflecting on a Year of Supporting Colorado Families Affected by Substance Use During Pregnancy
What a 2021 we had in our collaborative efforts to move towards a Colorado that equitably serves all families through prevention and reduction of substance use during pregnancy and provides multigenerational support for families to thrive! We wish you rest and...
Illuminating Leadership Award Recipients Light the Way Toward Brighter Childhoods
For several years, Illuminate Colorado has honored the contributions of exceptional individuals and organizations who have furthered our collective mission to strengthen families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment. “The work that we do at...
Mom, You’re Too Much
Working in the field of sexual assault prevention can make a mom a tad neurotic, no? When my three were babies, I added anatomically correct body parts to our sing-along songs “Head, Shoulders, penis, Knees and Toes.” My spouse would shake his head and laugh, “You’re...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring a Strategic Initiatives Manager (POSITION FILLED)
We are excited to announce that we are hiring a Strategic Initiatives Manager! Under the guidance of the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Strategic Initiatives Manager will facilitate coalitions and work groups with an emphasis on behavioral health system...
Less than half of parents in Colorado aren’t doing this one thing that could protect their children from experiencing sexual abuse.
“Today on 9news Mornings, we tackled a tough topic-- one that makes many parents-- and kids-- uncomfortable yet one that desperately needs to be talked about: child sexual abuse," said 9news anchor Corey Rose in her post in the 9news It Takes a Village Facebook Group...
Eight Ways to Strengthen Your Family and Community Before the End of the Year
Since November 1, Illuminate has been shining a light on ways you can get involved and illuminating ways that you can strengthen your family and the families in your neighborhood this holiday season. If you feel strongly about supporting your community, protecting the...
NEW Trauma-Informed Communication and Care Provider Education Series
“We regularly hear from our colleagues that they recognize the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach to patient care, but very few have had the opportunity to receive formal training on trauma-informed care and communication,” said Dr. Laurie Halmo,...
Five Minutes With My Congressman
Recently, I had a chance to talk with an aide from the 4th district represented by Congressman Ken Buck about the FASD Respect Act (H.R. 4151 and S.2238). This piece of legislation could change my family’s life and potentially prevent hundreds of thousands of...
Hero’s Health Grant from CHC: Creating Healthier Communities Supports Fathers of Freedom in Colorado Springs
Today Creating Healthier Communities (CHC) announced Illuminate Colorado as one of four awardees of its Hero’s Health grant. The $10,000 grants, awarded to CHC nonprofit partners committed to serving active and retired military communities through program and service...
New Research Provides Insight and Recommendations for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
Denver (Nov. 10, 2021) – New research from Illuminate Colorado (Illuminate) examines data and trends related to child sexual abuse in Colorado and presents recommendations for preventing abuse statewide. The study also highlights known solutions to the problem of...
Illuminating Child Care is Expanding to the San Luis Valley
Over the course of the next couple of months, the Early Childhood Council of the San Luis Valley is taking Acorn - Illuminate's newest renovated RV providing on-site child care - on a tour of the San Luis Valley, stopping at locations that are helping to strengthen...
Shape Our Future–Vote!
Every election is an opportunity to shape our communities, and the 2021 election is no different. While there are no people on the ballot, there are a number of state and local financial issues that will impact the lives of Colorado kids and families. The 2021...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring an Evaluation & Strategic Learning Associate (POSITION FILLED)
We are excited to announce that we are hiring an Evaluation & Strategic Learning Associate! Under the guidance of the Director of Evaluation and Strategic Learning, the Evaluation & Strategic Learning Associate will work across the organization to support...
Has your family been impacted by substance use during pregnancy?
If the answer to this question is yes, then there is an opportunity waiting for you to channel your experiences into change. Several spots on the Family Advisory Board are opening up in 2022. Your perspective is needed to build a Colorado that equitably serves all...
Back to BCEs – Strengthening Families through Benevolent Childhood Experiences
Having studied Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for many years, Dr. Angela Narayan, an assistant professor in the clinical child psychology doctoral program in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver, felt like the field of child abuse prevention...
Birthing Hospitals Poised to Help Every Baby Sleep Safe in Colorado
Many years ago, hospitals weren’t required to ensure that new babies went home in a car seat. That simple act of normalizing car seat safety as infants leave the hospital and head home with new, and often overwhelmed, parents and caregivers has no doubt saved...
Seeking New Board Members
Are you passionate about strengthening families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment? Illuminate Colorado is growing our board of directors. We are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals representing multi-cultural perspectives and/or life experiences to join our Board of Directors.
Tools of the Caseworker’s Trade: Using the Toxicology Resource Guide in the Field
The Toxicology Resource Guide was designed as a resource to support caseworkers not only during trainings, but also in the field. It is imperative that child welfare caseworkers have the tools they need to meet the needs of the families they serve. Since substance use...
Circle of Parents Is Not Just for the Parents
Finding community can sometimes be difficult, especially in a rural setting. From getting answers to all your parenting questions to something as simple as finding a babysitter, it’s helpful to have a group of people you can go to for support. For one mother in...
A Deeper Dive Into the Toxicology Resource Guide
Toxicology results can be complicated to understand. The results may or may not tell us whether the environment is safe for the children, who was exposed to a substance, or shed light on the strengths and protective capacities of caregivers and children. Even the...
Pivoting During a Pandemic
The year 2020 brought with it unprecedented challenges and opportunities to fulfill our mission to strengthen families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment. Monitoring local and national health reports and directives regarding the spread of...
When Parenthood Comes Full Circle
As I kissed her goodbye and blessed her “Dios Te Bendiga” (“God Bless You”), I walked away among the swarm of frantic and emotional parents just like me on moving day at the college dorms. Exiting the dorm building, I found a quiet place on campus, my mind suddenly...
Toxicology, But Make It Understandable
Have you heard about the Toxicology Resource Guide? It was developed by toxicology experts working with Illuminate Colorado, the Colorado Office of Children, Youth, & Families and Children’s Hospital. The Toxicology Resource Guide was developed to support Colorado...
It’s About Respect: Building the Foundation for Change this FASD Awareness Month
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month. As the Colorado affiliate of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), our organization is raising awareness all month long to help more professionals, parents and caregivers...
Request for Information
Illuminate Colorado is looking for a skilled and collaborative partner that will support our organization in implementing the Conversation Guide for Professionals on Substance Use, Children & Families in four states (Region 1) with the possibility of expanding to...
New Colorado Youth Thrive Collaborative Aims to Improve Youth Well-Being
Illuminate Colorado has been working to increasing community and family protective factors since our formation in 2017 and long before through our founding organizations. Recently, our organization also began working to build protective and promotive factors for young...
Building a Fort on a Solid Foundation
That fort became the quintessential metaphor for what we were going through as a family and possibly what our society was going through as a whole. The building of that fort is something I will never take for granted and never ever forget in reflecting on the true purpose that it actually served.
Shaping Colorado’s Early Childhood Landscape
Colorado is at a turning point. Due to the passage of House Bill 1304 Early Childhood System, the state is embarking on a journey to redesign how the state structures early childhood programming by creating a new state Department of Early Childhood, effective July 1,...
Kiowa County Becomes the First County to Reach Child Safety Tipping Point
Illuminate Colorado is excited to announce this week that Kiowa County is the first county in the state of Colorado to reach the tipping point to create a new standard of child safety in the community. In June of last year, llluminate launched the Tip Colorado...
Promoting Focused Eye-Hand Coordination
A picture is worth a thousand words! However, focused eye-hand coordination are the four words that come to my mind when I look at this photograph. This picture captures a baby focusing on the objects in front of her and then reaching out for them--a perfect example...
What good was his diagnosis anyway?
I finally realized my adult son was not going to be able to live independently when he couldn't hold down a job and had several arrests for theft. It was not fun going to court or visiting him in jail. I was seriously afraid he'd end up in prison. I regret waiting to...
Learning Through Imaginative Play: Following the Lead of the Child
“Hi Declan, how are you doing today?” Madison Clay, the Illuminating Child Care mobile classroom early childhood lead teacher, greets the almost three year old as he enters the classroom. He answers “I’m fine,” walks over to the shelf, and grabs the colorful 3D...
A Beginner’s Guide to Teaching Your Child Baby Sign Language
Have you found yourself unsure of what your baby wants or needs? Baby sign language can help you and your baby communicate before they start talking. What is Baby Sign Language? Baby sign language refers to the use of a limited vocabulary of modified gestures from...
Family Voice Makes a Difference Illuminating Systemic Change
Families are experts on their children and by extension the programs intended to support them in strengthening their families and addressing challenges. It is for this reason that Illuminate Colorado looks to parents and caregivers with lived experiences as the...
The Time is Now to Make Wise Investments on Local and State Levels
In the months and years ahead, Colorado state and local leaders have the opportunity to spend both American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and Opioid Settlement Funds. Being a local-control state is both a blessing and a curse in so many ways when it comes to investing in strengthening families.
Reflecting on Progress Toward Prevention During the 2021 Colorado Legislative Session
When families, organizations, communities and policy makers focus on building protective factors, we can effectively prevent child maltreatment and keep families strong during the pandemic and beyond. Last week, state legislators concluded the 2021 legislative...
New Federal Safety Standard for Infant Sleep Products Help Make Smart Choices to Keep Kids Safe
When you walk into any store to buy something for a new baby on the way, you assume that the products on the shelves are safe, but those who’ve spent some time learning about safe sleep recommendations and guidelines know that isn’t the case when it comes to infant sleep products.
Bills Supporting Child Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response Cross the Finish Line in Colorado
All children deserve the opportunity to live, learn, grow, and play in safety. Policies that support prevention strategies related to child sexual abuse are critical in order to support the health and safety of future generations. In 2020 alone, a year when reports of...
Additional Counties Needed to Expand Peer Support Groups for Families Impacted by Substance Use
In 2019, Colorado was awarded a Regional Partnership Grant by the Children’s Bureau aimed at improving the well-being, permanency and safety outcomes of children and the recovery outcomes for parents whose children are in or at risk of out-of-home placement associated...
Leveraging the American Rescue Plan Act to Invest in Colorado’s Future
Colorado has reached another milestone in building towards COVID-19 recovery for families. Building on the roughly $800 million of state stimulus funds already already invested in Colorado’s COVID recovery, last week Governor Jared Polis, legislative leadership,...
Removing Barriers to Public Opportunities
For all families and communities to thrive, state and local officials must utilize an inclusive approach to family economic security as we push toward a post-pandemic Colorado. Unfortunately, current state law requires verification of legal presence when determining...
Colorado Parent and 5280 Publishing Receives 2021 Illuminating Media Award
The way information is framed in the media, the stories journalists, editors and producers choose to tell and the selection of images that get paired with those stories play an extraordinary role in shaping the environments in which we all live and raise our children....
Early Childhood Council of the San Luis Valley Hiring Early Childhood Lead Teachers in Partnership With Illuminate Colorado
Early Childhood Council of the San Luis Valley is partnering with Illuminate Colorado to bring Illuminating Child Care to the San Luis Valley and is seeking two Early Childhood Lead Teachers for our mobile child care classroom serving infants and toddlers onsite where...
Tax Credits are Powerful Tools to Strengthen Families
Expanding the state Earned Income Tax Credit and funding the Colorado Child Tax Credit are proven ways to reduce poverty, strengthen families and create a more racially equitable tax code and child welfare system in Colorado.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Recap: Over 40,000 Pinwheels Distributed!
Leading into April, Illuminate Colorado called on Coloradans to claim their FREE pinwheels and plant them in their front yards and neighborhoods as part of a national movement to recognize the importance of community-based support for all children and families during...
Continuing the Conversation with Federal Policy Makers to Invest in Prevention
Our future workforce, innovators, leaders and community members can only reach their full potential through thoughtful development and investment in services and policies that strengthen families and protect children. Given the unprecedented challenges the pandemic...
Safe and Stable Housing Supports Family Well-Being
Safe and stable housing is essential for the health and well-being of everyone, especially for children and families. Colorado’s Child Fatality Prevention System 2020 Legislative Report specifically recommends the support of policies that expand access to quality,...
Illuminate Colorado Is Hiring Two New Associates (POSITIONS FILLED)
We are excited to announce that we are hiring two new associate positions! Communications and Education Associate (Position Filled) Under the guidance of the Communications Manager, this position will work with our entire organization and community members from all...
Safe Storage Means Safer Kids
Safe and proper storage of firearms can contribute to a safe home environment for all members of a family. The Colorado Child Fatality Prevention System specifically recommended in 2018 to raise awareness and provide education to child welfare providers and community...
Seeking Kappa Delta Alumna to Join Board of Directors
Are you passionate about strengthens families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment? Illuminate Colorado is growing our board of directors. We are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals representing multi-cultural perspectives and/or life experiences to join our Board of Directors.
Digital Advocacy Opportunity: Contact Congress Tomorrow
Tomorrow, April 21, 2021, is Prevent Child Abuse America’s second annual Digital Advocacy Day, and we need your help! Join advocates across the country at 12:00pm MT TOMORROW to contact your lawmakers and urge them to act now to reauthorize the bipartisan Child Abuse...
DIY Ways to Promote Prevention in Your Community
Who doesn't love a good do it yourself project for the whole family! It's the perfect way to keep our creative minds going. We created the Inspiration Center to showcase some simple DIY ways people all over Colorado are getting out into their neighborhoods and...
New Bill Aims to Address Racial Inequities in Maternal and Infant Outcomes
Simply put, children do well when their parents and caregivers do well, and ensuring pregnant and postpartum people have accessible and responsive maternal health care is crucial for family well-being. State Senator Janet Buckner and Representative Leslie Herod are...
Prioritizing Prevention in Colorado’s State Budget
Good news: Colorado is poised to prioritize prevention in our state budget. Released Monday, the budget package outlines how the Joint Budget Committee is proposing state resources be allocated for fiscal year 2021-2022, which begins July 1. The budget package was...
A New Community Is Building a Stronger Foundation for Illuminate Colorado
Every year, April arrives amid a flurry of action and awareness surrounding Child Abuse Prevention Month. And every year, April ends and the resounding echoes of awareness campaigns fade to a whisper. For thirty days, it’s so exciting to see all the awareness being...
Colorado Elected Officials Show Support for Growing Better Together
Efforts to raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse began with a strong start today as thousands across the country joined together to wear blue in support of positive childhood experiences. Video messages from elected officials sharing their public support...
Investing in Children and Families this April
Policymakers have the opportunity to ensure our state continues to invest in our communities to strengthen families through our state budget and through federal stimulus funding next month. Responding to immediate needs of families is crucial during this pandemic, and...
Illuminate Colorado is Giving Away 40,000 Pinwheels To Inspire A Conversation
Illuminate Colorado, the Colorado Chapter for Prevent Child Abuse America , has given away 30,000 free Pinwheels for Prevention® to inspire Coloradans to grow a better tomorrow for all children, together. The nonprofit working to strengthen families, organizations and communities is calling on an additional 10,000 Coloradans to claim their FREE pinwheels and plant them in their front yards and neighborhoods.
Say It Louder For the People In the Back
Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to stand up and speak out, but too often it feels like we are preaching to the choir. Now is the time to say it louder for the people in the back. You need only to look at the media coverage associated with the words "child abuse...
One in Three Families Need Help Meeting Their Diaper Needs
Just as a vehicle can only bear so much weight before it stops moving forward, challenging life circumstances can overburden parents, making it hard for them to provide the best kinds of care and support. To prevent a breakdown in care, community organizations and...
Illuminate Colorado Takes On New Role Supporting Home Visiting in Colorado
DOWNLOAD THE NEWS RELEASE Denver, CO (March 23, 2021) – Illuminate Colorado (Illuminate) announced the organization has become the state office for Healthy Families America (HFA), Prevent Child Abuse America’s (PCA America) signature home visiting program and one of...
Behavioral Health Supports for Families Are Important Now More Than Ever
Now more than ever, we all face challenges in our lives where we could use extra support. When families have access to behavioral health resources to meet their needs, we strengthen the foundation for families and communities to thrive. When the demands of raising...
Taking Care of Others Starts with Employee Wellness
Earlier this year, Illuminate Colorado provided these beautiful branded yoga mats to our staff to welcome in the new year. Not only did they make great gifts, but they actively promoted self-care, highlighting a growing--and important--trend in the workplace. The...
Key Provisions of the Next COVID Relief Package Prevents Child Maltreatment
As a country, we are about to make one of the biggest investments in family strengthening in decades. In times of stress, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, there is a direct correlation between families’ economic and social struggles and...
The Importance of Building Teacher-Child Relationships
Imagine this scenario: A parent drops off their sleeping child at Illuminating Child Care. The teacher and parent transition the child successfully without waking her up. A few minutes later, the child starts to wake up, noticing that the environment is different and...
Illuminate Partners with Head Start to Support Strength Based Conversations Related to Substance Use
Many families struggle, often in private, with substance use. But beginning a conversation around substance use with any family can often feel uncomfortable and awkward, even for professionals who work with children and families every day, like home visitors and early...
Illuminating Policy to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
Policy plays a key role in the prevention of child sexual abuse by ensuring adequate funding and modernization of state statutes to protect kids, as well as promoting healing and preventing future harm when abuse has occurred. In addition to educating and empowering...
State of the State Includes Tax Credits Known to Reduce Child Maltreatment
Gov. Jared Polis put forward a significant investment in hardworking Coloradans by proposing to “double the Earned Income Tax Credit, and provide up to $600 in tax credits per child for nearly 200,000 families in our state through the Colorado Child Tax Credit”. Creating communities where families are able to meet their basic needs like food, shelter, medical care and child care by strengthening household financial security is proven to reduce the risk factors for child abuse and neglect.
It’s Pinwheel Planting Season!
Illuminate Colorado is giving away 40,000 FREE Pinwheels for Prevention® to inspire Coloradans to grow a better tomorrow for all children, together.
Illuminate Colorado’s 2021 Policy Agenda
The Colorado General Assembly is reconvening on Tuesday, February 16th after a month-long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocacy work in a virtual environment will continue to require flexibility and adaptation, and Illuminate remains committed to ensuring our...
Illuminate Colorado is Hiring a Circle of Parents Program Manager (POSITION FILLED)
We are excited to announce that we are hiring for the position of Circle of Parents Program Manager. The Circle of Parents Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the promotion, development, implementation and expansion of the Circle of Parents program in...
The FASD Project is Coming to Denver Feb 12-13
As the Colorado Chapter of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), Illuminate Colorado is encouraging anyone willing to share their experiences to participate in this important opportunity. The FASD Project is tentatively scheduled to visit in the greater Denver to engage with people willing on Friday February 12th and Saturday February 13th.
Foster America Fellowship Furthering the Mission of the Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families
This Visionary Strategist will advance this statewide collaborative working across the state of Colorado to create the conditions for strong families and communities where children are healthy, valued and thriving.
Help the Home Visiting Task Force Make Improvements in Colorado
Are your kids ages 0 up to 6 years of old? If so, the Home Visiting Task Force in Colorado wants to hear from you before January 27th! The Home Visiting Task Force, coordinated by the Colorado Department of Human Services, is working to learn more about home visiting...
The Positive Impact of Child Care For Parents Is as Sweet as Honey
Illuminating Child Care isn’t just delivering a service that is the foundation to all thriving economies by providing child care. It’s a program tearing down barriers, meeting parents where they are at and allowing families to grow stronger together. We sat down to...
Relief for Coloradans this Special Legislative Session
When families, organizations, communities and policy makers focus on building protective factors, we can effectively prevent child maltreatment and keep families strong during the pandemic and beyond. Last week, state legislators were called together by Governor Jared...
No One, in Fact, Is Better Than Ezra
If you don’t know what Imposter Syndrome is, Ezra, a Coloradan father, can tell you all about it. Working through a divorce, going back to school to pursue a career change and dealing with health issues all made for an extremely difficult year for him. Going through...
25 Ways to Strengthen Families Before the End of the Year
It has been a year like no other, we've all found new ways to bring people together, even when we are physically apart. As we move toward the end of the year, it appears as though the stress on people raising people is getting even more intense with schools moving to...
Now is the Time to Talk to Your Clients about Child Care
The burden of finding child care for parents struggling with a substance use disorder is a heavy load to bear, but one that is essential to treatment and recovery. Illuminate Colorado offers three easy ways substance use treatment providers can lighten the load for their clients right now.
Innovation Through Partnership: Creating “Honey”
We know that access to child care is critical for all parents and caregivers in order for children, families and communities to thrive. So it was fairly easy to recognize the need for a mobile child care classroom to serve Colorado families when they need it the most....
Yoga and Post-Traumatic Growth
Over the last five years, the number of children in Colorado experiencing sexual abuse has steadily risen. Seven percent of the 286,534 allegations of child maltreatment in Colorado over the last five years involved concerns of sexual abuse; 28 percent of those...
RELEASE: One in Five Colorado Parents Say They Have No One to Turn to For Support
Newest Circle of Parents Group Offers a Way for Military Fathers to Safely Support Each Other Denver, CO — Having a network of people to turn to when parenting gets stressful is critical to the well-being of children and families, as well as the economic health of...
Celebrating Fathers of Freedom
Thanks to Combs and Nunez leadership, military fathers have a new place to connect with a brand-new Circle of Parents group in Colorado Springs open to any veteran father starting this month. The community known as Fathers of Freedom will meet online every Tuesday via Zoom beginning November 17th from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
Historic Wins for Colorado Families this Election Season
Colorado voters have proved how they have the power to affect the lives of children and families in their community and influence the statewide prevention of child maltreatment. Coloradans voted in record numbers this year, with the turnout among active registered...
Tax Measures Impacting Community Resources are on Colorado’s Ballot
We all face challenges in our lives when we could use extra support. When families have information and access to available local resources to meet basic needs, we strengthen the foundation for families and communities to thrive. As we cast our ballots - due in just...
Think You Won’t Fall Asleep? Think Again: Infant Safe Sleep and the Impact of Substance Use
Few things are more exhausting than a new baby. Increased infant crying, perhaps a few older children to care for, and trying to get back to work after a few short weeks all result in very, very tired caregivers. October is Safe Sleep Awareness month. There has been a...
If We Only Focus On The Negative, We Are Missing Half The Story
More than one thousand professionals from the family support continuum, from prevention and public health through restoration and child welfare gathered for the 2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference. And just as we would want for all Colorado...
RELEASE: San Luis Valley to Benefit From Nearly Half a Million Dollar Federal Investment To Reduce The Number of Babies Experiencing Withdrawal
NEWS RELEASE Today, Illuminate Colorado, in partnership with the San Luis Valley Neonatal Task Force, announced the award of a Federal grant totaling nearly $500,000 over three-years to reduce the incidence and impact of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in rural...
Vote Yes on Proposition 118: Paid Family and Medical Leave
Colorado prospers when Colorado families and communities prosper.With ballots in mailboxes and on kitchen tables across the state, Colorado voters now have the opportunity to ensure every family has access to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), securing Colorado’s...
Illuminate Colorado 2020 Statewide Ballot Measure Guide
Today is the first day that Colorado counties can begin mailing ballots to registered voters for the 2020 General Election. For the first time in Illuminate Colorado’s history, our organization is sharing public positions on several ballot measures because we want...
Spread the Word about Safe Infant Sleep
To help raise awareness about safe infant sleep during Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month in October, we’re inviting you to participate in a fun and friendly photo activity called #SafeSleepSnap. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles—anyone can...
Election Day is Less Than One Month Away!
Elected officials up and down the ballot can impact our daily lives and the well-being of our communities. From health care to housing, education to immigration, and child care to local taxation, elected officials influence programs, policies, and funding that...
Ensuring the Colorado Shared Message Bank and a Community for Communicators Grows and Thrives
As many in the early childhood community know, the Early Childhood Colorado Partnership (ECCP) worked intentionally to advance the shared goals within the Early Childhood Colorado Framework for many years. Developing and sustaining a comprehensive early childhood...
FASD in Colorado, 2019: Caregiver and Provider Experiences Report
It is fitting that on this last day of FASD Awareness month that Illuminate Colorado has the privilege of sharing a report summarizing the collaborative effort of Illuminate Colorado, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Identification Work Group, and various...
A Drug Test is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Professionals in child welfare, child maltreatment prevention, prenatal and neonatal care need to collaborate to improve support for families impacted by substance use disorders prior to the birth of a new baby and during those first years of a child’s life. ...
What Foster Parents Need to Know About FASDs
During the month of September, individuals and advocates raise awareness about the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASD is a term that is used to describe a range of effects that can occur as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure. Below is a blog...
A Practical Caseworker Field Tool: The Toxicology Resource Guide
When parents use substances, determining the safety of a child isn’t as simple as reading the results of a drug test because drug testing itself is rarely diagnostic when interpreted alone. The results of drug tests are best interpreted in conjunction with other...
“If I can help one child, one mother, one family survive and thrive while living with an FASD, then I have met my purpose on this earth…”
Empathy is an important part of preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Illuminate Colorado reached out through our networks of families impacted by substance use to get more perspective to increase understanding and support for birth mothers and to strengthen...
Illuminating FASD
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) awareness month and every year on September 9th, International FASD Awareness Day is observed. It is an opportune time to give an overview of how Illuminate Colorado is working to strengthen families impacted by...
We never anticipated this reaction to our first mobile child care classroom.
Less than two weeks ago, as nearly one hundred donors and supporters of Illuminate Colorado signed up to get a sneak peek at our first mobile child care classroom, we could never had anticipated Colorado State Senator Brittany Pettersen's reaction.Illuminate...
Keynote Presenters for SCFC Conference Announced!
Illuminate Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, is hosting the 2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Virtual Conference, which will be held September 28-30. There will be a fantastic lineup of national and statewide...
Video For Professionals: Talking Support for Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorders
Substance use among parents and caregivers, particularly new parents, has been a concern to those working within the child welfare system for many years. Much has been done to support substance-exposed newborns and their families over the last twelve years; and more...
Pregnant During a Pandemic
When I found out I was pregnant with my first child in February, I knew I was beginning a new crazy adventure, but little did I know how “crazy” it actually would be. The day after my first prenatal appointment on March 12, my work, my social life, my world became the...
More than 500 Coloradans Sign Up to Reach a Critical Milestone in the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse in Colorado
Since launching a new strategy to prevent child sexual abuse in Colorado just last month, more than 500 Coloradans have signed up to help our state reach a tipping point where children grow up happy, healthy and safe in communities that prevent children from...
Keeping Kids Safe Online
This year, planning for school means planning to keep kids safe online. Last week, I had to decide how my children were going to return to school year. I don’t know if I made the right decision. It was so difficult and it seems every parent I have talked with has...
Registration is Open for the Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference!
Illuminate Colorado and the Colorado Department of Human Services are excited to encourage everyone working with children or families in Colorado to register for the Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference for FREE today! Visit scfcconference.org to...
Call for Session Proposals for Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Virtual Conference
The planning for the 2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Virtual Conference is well under way and we couldn’t be more excited! This conference is an important opportunity to highlight ways to build protective factors that prevent child maltreatment...
Historic Bill Supporting Substance Use Disorder Recovery Passes After Six Year Effort
After six years of effort, SB20-028 Substance Use Disorder Recovery passed and has been sent to the Governor. The bill contains a crucial statute change that supports recovery for caregivers with substance use disorders (SUDs) while also ensuring children’s...
Yoga and Mindfulness: Six Benefits for Kids
Did you know that yoga is great for kids? More and more studies are showing the numerous benefits that come from yoga and mindfulness. And we’re not just talking about flexibility, although it definitely helps with that, too! Yoga for children can be powerful. The...
No Judgement Here, Just Three Simple Questions Every Parent Should Ask Themselves to Keep Their Kids Safe
NO JUDGEMENT HERE, IT MAY BE A PART OF HOW YOU MANAGE YOUR STRESS, JUST REMEMBER TO ASK YOURSELF THESE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS. Stress is running high in many houses. We’re trying to anticipate what is happening with the new school year in the fall, while figuring out how...
Initiative to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Aims to Reach a Tipping Point in Colorado
llluminate Colorado (Illuminate) aims to train more than 200,000 Coloradans in order to reach a tipping point in the state where children grow up happy, healthy and safe in communities that prevent children from experiencing sexual abuse. The statewide nonprofit...
Colorado’s legislative session has ended. Here’s what passed that supports prevention and where we go from here.
After a two month pause in the state legislative session due to the COVID-19 pandemic, legislators returned with a specific focus: to pass a balanced state budget as well as pass bills that will support Coloradans through the pandemic. We’ve outlined outcomes...
The 2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference is Going Virtual
Given public health guidance on large gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Illuminate Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, is excited to announce that the 2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and...
A Letter from Illuminate Colorado
Our nation's families and communities of color are suffering due to racial inequities and injustices. The murder of George Floyd is tragically not unique and the events over the last week have been fueled by centuries of racism, white privilege and oppression. We are...
Bloom Yoga: Building Connection through Partner Poses
Partner Poses are a fun way to build your yoga routine at home! Kids and Teens love these poses because they are interactive and leave room for a lot of connection and laughter. Partner poses can build focus, teamwork, and empathy -- all essential skills we want to...
Engaging Teens in Yoga Practice
Making yoga relevant and fun for the kids and teens in our lives is so important. With little exposure to quality kids and teen yoga, many teens may perceive yoga as boring. Or they might think that you have to be flexible or wear certain clothing. There are often so...
Making Physical Education Extra Meaningful: Tips for our Last Weeks of School
We all know the importance of physical education in schools. It helps to develop motor skills, reflexes, and coordination. It also gives children much-needed movement for their bodies during the school day and so much more. With kids and youth currently at home for...
Urging Law Makers to Prioritize Prevention as Budget Cuts are Unavoidable.
The Joint Budget Committee began meeting last week to weigh potential budget cut options to reconcile the $3 billion revenue shortfall that Colorado is facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Illuminate Colorado empathizes with members of the Joint Budget...
Yoga, Kids, and Covid-19: Proactively Managing Stress
In times of uncertainty, we—adults and caregivers—want to give our kids every tool in the box to prevent major stress responses like fight or flight, acting out, difficult behaviors and so on. We also want to give tools to alleviate stress when it occurs. Yoga as a...
Online Family Yoga Class Starting on Thursday
Starting this Thursday, May 7th, at 7pm [CLASS IS FINISHED], Bloom Yoga will be leading a weekly Family Yoga class via Zoom! Partner with your baby, toddler, and child in simple animated poses, games, art, music, and breathing exercises that help to strengthen...
Take Digital Action!: Federal Advocacy Day for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Today is Prevent Child Abuse America’s Digital Advocacy Day for Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we need your help! In times of duress, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, there is a direct correlation between families’ economic and social...
Mindfulness: Present Moment Awareness Using the Five Senses
In our Bloom Yoga program, we talk a lot about mindfulness. Simply stated, mindfulness is paying attention to one specific thing in the present moment. But why would we want to practice mindfulness? And how can we practice it? The five senses help us to make...
Being Kind to Others Starts with Being Kind to Yourself
Tomorrow, on April 21st, Illuminate Colorado is celebrating A Day of Kindness, where we’ll be sharing ways to be kind to yourself and others throughout the day, as well as updates on how Illuminate Colorado is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll be kicking...
A new group for fathers to connect and talk about parenting starts next week!
Men, sometimes you just need to talk, especially now. We’re excited to share a brand-new Circle of Parents group for fathers and male caregivers all around Colorado meeting every Thursday at 5:30 pm starting April 23. We know that fathers are often left out of the...
Using Three Elements of Yoga to Alleviate Stress: Breathing, Postures, and Relaxation
Breathing, postures, and relaxation can have a significant impact on the nervous system, especially when paired together in a mindful way. Children, youth and adults can all benefit from learning these skills, especially during times of stress. Traditionally, our...
Celebrate a Day of Kindness with Illuminate Next Tuesday
Like many nonprofit charitable organizations, Illuminate Colorado has had to cancel one of our favorite fundraising and awareness events of the year - the Acts of Kindness Breakfast - as a result of the Stay at Home Order in place in Colorado. This event has always...
State Policy: Thinking Beyond Crisis
Each April, communities across Colorado come together to challenge one another to do more to promote healthy child development, strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. This effort is especially timely this year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic....
Colorado creates a Stay At Home CO Guide – Find resources and ideas to get through this together!
This week, Colorado created a Stay At Home CO Guide full of free resources, support and activities to help you, your family, and your loved ones during this time. While we are on a statewide Stay at Home Order and as we continue to practice physical distancing, social...
The Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families Launches Website
The Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families has launched a website at www.COPartershipForThrivingFamilies.org to create space to work collaboratively across the State of Colorado to create the conditions for strong families and communities where children are...
Social Distancing & Social Connection: Finding Balance Through Yoga
We invite you, right here, to take one hand on your heart, and one on your belly. - Can you feel your breath in your hands? Perhaps this is the first time you have paid attention to your breath all day? What does it feel like to just take a few breaths in the middle...
Deadline to Submit Proposals Extended for Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference
Illuminate Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, will host the 2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference in Pueblo, CO from September 28-30, 2020. The deadline to submit proposals has been extended to...
Advocates Begin Campaign to Strengthen Families During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis
Today, Illuminate Colorado, in coordination with Prevent Child Abuse America, and other state and local community partners throughout Colorado, begins a month-long nationwide awareness and impact campaign: “Everyone Can Make Great Childhoods Happen—Especially You,...
Thank you 9NEWS morning anchor Corey Rose for Illuminating Media
The media plays such a big part in shaping the environments in which we are raising our children. Illuminate Colorado would like to recognize 9NEWS and Corey Rose with the 2020 inaugural Illuminating Media Award for helping to build brighter childhoods. Four months...
Policy Implications of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting unprecedented challenges for families, organizations, and communities across the world. Children and families must be supported as our state and federal government weigh potential solutions. The Colorado Supreme Court will decide...
Follow Up on Conversation to Keep Families Strong during COVID-19
Thanks to the almost 300 people who joined together for a conversation this week on Keeping Families Strong during COVID-19. As a result of everyone who contributed by sharing ideas and resources, we have compiled a resource list linked below. Future Opportunities to...
Parents, we need to connect with each other.
Parents, we're only human. Under normal circumstances, we are under all kinds of stress trying to raise small humans to reach their full potential as adults. It is a lot of pressure and the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis has caused everything to change. School, work,...
Keeping Families Strong during COVID-19 – IMPORTANT UPDATE
In this unprecedented and uncertain time, we wanted to share updates on our work to keep families strong in the age of COVID-19. We recognize that the added stress of the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Colorado, the closure of schools and child care services and...
Illuminate Colorado makes adjustments to reflect the ongoing support and health for our employees and the communities we serve.
As you can imagine, as an organization that works to strengthen families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment, we are beginning to face many difficult decisions. Based on information we have reviewed, including the close monitoring of local and...
It is important to raise awareness and promote positive messages now more than ever.
We recognize that the added stress of the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Colorado, the closure of schools and child care services and social distancing places children and families at greater risk for toxic stress and child maltreatment. We need to support each...
A Busy Week at the Capitol
This week, four different Illuminate policy priorities had important next steps--hearings and budget figure setting votes. Illuminate staff proudly testified in strong support of each of the bills below: The Helping Colorado Families Get Ahead Act: On Tuesday,...
Illuminate Colorado hosts first of several town halls on FASD in Pueblo
The first of four roadshow events was held at the Arc of Pueblo, co-hosted by Illuminate Colorado, this week. These events, made possible through a mini-grant by the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD), are designed to increase awareness around...
2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference Call for Proposals Announced
Illuminate Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, will host the 2020 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference in Pueblo, CO from September 28-30, 2020. The 2020 conference, highlighting ways to build...
Policy Changes Protecting Children of ANY Age in School from Sexual Misconduct
It is up to all of us to ensure that children and adults do not experience sexual assault. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 1 in 10 students will experience sexual misconduct by a school employee by the time they graduate from high school....
Policy Changes Protecting Children of ANY Age in School from Sexual Misconduct
It is up to all of us to ensure that children and adults do not experience sexual assault. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 1 in 10 students will experience sexual misconduct by a school employee by the time they graduate from high school....
Join us at Speak Up for Kids Day at the Capitol March 12th
Do you want to join us in making the prevention of child maltreatment a priority at the Colorado State Capitol? Illuminate Colorado is excited to join our friends at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Clayton Early Learning and Children’s Hospital Colorado,...
Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Coalition Meets in March
The Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Coalition exists to promote effective and comprehensive education, advocacy, and communication to prevent child sexual abuse and protect children. At the next meeting, the coalition will review the draft public opinion...
Are you an engaging extrovert who can help promote prevention in your community?
Get prepared to get out into the community during child abuse prevention month, and all year-long, to give presentations to your local rotary, community cafes, chamber of commerce or church! One of the best ways to gain understanding of what it's like to experience...
Ten ways you can randomly help someone trying to raise a human in this world.
It’s hard out there for a parent. Whether you are trying to learn all the developmental milestones, navigating pick ups and drop offs or watching your teenager navigate the trials and tribulations of high school, it is stressful. But, if you know someone raising a...
Maintaining Financial Supports for Colorado Families
An important bill passed its first committee with unanimous support in the Colorado legislature this week: SB20-029 Helping Families Access Federal Income Supports. Illuminate Colorado, the state affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse America, is proud to support the...
Maintaining Financial Supports for Colorado Families
An important bill passed its first committee with unanimous support in the Colorado legislature this week: SB20-029 Helping Families Access Federal Income Supports. Illuminate Colorado, the state affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse America, is proud to support the...
Facebook Joins Oscars in Rejecting Postpartum Support Ad Because it “Goes against the Facebook Rules on Nudity or Sexual Activity”
Over the weekend a commercial that focused on the “real” experiences of postpartum women began to go viral on social media and parenting blogs after the Academy Awards rejected airing the ad calling the ad "too graphic." We went straight to the source on YouTube to...
April Child Abuse Prevention Month toolkit available today!
Over the years the collaborative effort to raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse in Colorado has grown exponentially thanks to hundreds of local organizations and individuals working together at the local, state and national levels. This year, we are...
Supporting Families Impacted by Substance Use During Pregnancy
Yesterday evening, Colorado’s Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed SB20-28, the Substance Use Disorder Recovery bill, with a vote of 3-2. This bill does so much to expand substance use disorder recovery services throughout the state. What many may not...
FAMLI Friday: Help Make Paid Family and Medical Leave a Reality in Colorado
It’s FAMLI Friday, a weekly call to action to advocate for an affordable, adequate, and accessible paid family and medical leave program. We’ve crunched the numbers, we know that social insurance model offers the most time and coverage for workers. Paid family and...
A Step Forward to Support Families Impacted by Substance Use
As the Colorado legislature finishes their first full week of the year, bills to better support families impacted by substance use are already beginning their journey through the legislative process. Five bills from the Interim Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders...
Planning for Child Abuse Prevention Month – Update
Illuminate Colorado is leading a planning process to align efforts at the national, state and local levels to raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse in 2020. Reach out to us if you’d like to: get more involved in planning or brainstorming community outreach...
Outlining a legislative agenda that prevents child maltreatment in Colorado.
Based on the State of the State address from Governor Polis this week and countless media articles including comments from both sides of the aisle, everyone agrees - for Colorado to remain one of the healthiest economies in the country we need to work together to...
