Connections for Independent Living

Medicare Part D provides drug coverage for those on Medicare. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductible and copays. You can apply for Extra Help before or after you enroll in Part D. Qualifications: Adults who receive full Medicaid coverage, help from your state paying your Part B premiums (from a Medicare Savings Program) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from Social Security. Are you interested in more information? Call 970-352-8682 or go to ConnectionsColorado.org and fill out a request form. Knowledgeable and certified benefit enrollment counselors are ready to assist you today!

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest domestic hunger safety net program that helps low-income adults achieve food security. These supplemental funds allow participants to apply what would have been budgeted for groceries, to other critical needs- such as utilities, prescriptions, and medical bills.
Knowledgeable and certified benefit enrollment counselors can guide you through the application process. This assistance can help keep money in your pocket rather than paying for all of your groceries out of your own pocket.
Connections is here to help you.

Are you interested in applying for Health First Colorado? Connections can help navigate you through the application process! Join us September 18th in Fort Morgan for application assistance and Certified Benefit Enrollment Counselors on stand by to answer your questions.
This event will be hosted by Centennial BOCES.

Join us Wednesday September 18 for Budgeting Basics with Amber, an Independent Living Specialist. This workshop meets every third Wednesday of the month from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
You can attend in-person or via Zoom. Call 970-352-8682 to talk to Amber!

One of the benefits Connections can help you to enroll in is Medicaid (Health First Colorado). Health First Colorado is a public health insurance program for people with low income and limited resources. It pays for a broad range of medical services and limits out-of-pocket costs for eligible adults, older adults, children, pregnant women and people with disabilities.
Connections services are FREE, at no cost for people with disabilities. Knowledgeable and certified benefits enrollment counselors can guide you through the application process. This assistance can keep money in your pocket rather than paying huge deductibles for services.
Types of benefits from Health First Colorado include physical health, dental and behavioral health benefits. These include mental health and substance abuse benefits.

Are you interested in applying for Health First Colorado ? Connections can help navigate you through the application process! Join us September 18th in Fort Morgan for application assistance and Certified Benefit Enrollment Counselors on stand by to answer your questions.
This event will be hosted by BOCES.

Public Notice

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Division of Housing in conjunction with Connections for Independent Living, will open its Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list for 2 weeks starting Tuesday, October 1, 2024, and will close Monday, October 14, 2024. The waiting list is only open to applicants who meet DOH’s disability preferences and can verify disability status as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To request an application, contact Connections for Independent Living at 970-352-8682. Applications can also be found at ConnectionsColorado.org. Completed applications can be submitted in multiple ways. Applicants will be accepted in person from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday through Thursday at the Connections for Independent Living offices at 1331 8th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631 or faxed to 970-353-8058. Applications can be emailed to [email protected]. Applications can be left in the drop box to the left of the front door entrance of our building. Completed applications can also be mailed and postmarked no later than October 14, 2024 . If you or someone in your household is a person with a disability and you require a reasonable accommodation to access the housing application process, please contact Connections at 970-352-8682.

Join us Wednesday for Book a Librarian.
Book a Librarian is an ongoing partnership with High Plains Library District to offer a monthly technology workshop for people who live with disabilities.
This workshop meets the second Wednesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Connections Greeley office.

Are you eligible for Health First Colorado , Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or LEAP? Would you like to learn more about the Medicare Part D Extra Help or Medicare Savings Program?

Connections can help!
We can screen to see if you're eligible, we can assist you in the application process, as well as help you with the redetermination paperwork. Call us today to find out more information 970-352-8682 or visit our website at ConnectionsColorado.org.

Monday September 9th is the Brain Injury Group of Greeley. This meeting is a hybrid setting with availability to join in-person. Call 970-352-8682 to talk to Kevin!

The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) is coming to Greeley on September 4th from 10 am - 1 pm as part of their statewide Listening Tour. This is your chance to connect, share your experiences, and influence the future of disability advocacy in Colorado. Make your voice heard and ensure your needs are recognized.
While it's too late to register for lunch, you can still attend the meeting.

Connections is closed today in for Labor Day.

REGISTRATION CLOSES TODAY!
If you would like to partake in lunch with Connections and the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition on Wednesday September 4th, please click the link below to register for the Unstoppable Together: Corner to Corner Listening Tour for Weld County.
Accommodations and dietary restrictions are available to those who need them. If you have any questions please email [email protected] or call 970-352-8682 for more details.

Unstoppable Together Tour Weld County/Greeley The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) is a statewide organization that advocates for the rights of people with all types of disabilities; our advocacy focuses primarily on state government programs, laws, and policies. We’re visiting towns and cities throughout Colorado right now - includ...

This group has been canceled for August 28th.

Are you behind on bills? Do you want to make credit work for you? Is debt getting in your way?
Connections has put together a Budget Workshop to help consumers learn how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound) goals, how to save money, track your income, pay the bills, make your money last the entire month, get a handle on your debt, understand credit scores and reports, use financial products and services and how to protect your money and your information.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest domestic hunger safety net program that helps low-income adults achieve food security. These supplemental funds allow participants to apply what would have been budgeted for groceries, to other critical needs- such as utilities, prescriptions, and medical bills.
Knowledgeable and certified benefit enrollment counselors can guide you through the application process. This assistance can help keep money in your pocket rather than paying for all of your groceries out of your own pocket.
Connections is here to help you save however we can

Did you know there is financial assistance from the State of Colorado to help cover Medicare Part A and B premiums through a Medicare Savings Program? All of these programs are income based and may be able to cover deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Some of the information presented can be a little tricky to navigate on your own. Have no fear, Connections is near! We have knowledgeable and certified benefits enrollment counselors that can guide you through the application process. This assistance can help keep money in your pockets rather than paying full cost for your Part A and B premium costs. Call Connections today at 970-352-8682.

Tomorrow!
Join us for our second Medicaid Workshop. Last week we talked about the basic benefits, co-pays, eligibility and how to apply. This session will be dedicated to looking over applications that have been completed and are ready to submit.
You do not have to be a consumer with Connections to attend. Please call 970-352-8682 to register!

Medicare Part D provides drug coverage for those on Medicare. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductible and copays. You can apply for Extra Help before or after you enroll in Part D. Qualifications: Adults who receive full Medicaid coverage, help from your state paying your Part B premiums (from a Medicare Savings Program) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from Social Security. Are you interested in more information? Go to https://connectionscolorado.org/benefits-enrollment-center/ and fill out the request form. Knowledgeable and certified benefit enrollment counselors are ready to assist you today! Call 970-352-8682 for more information!

Join us this Wednesday for Book a Librarian. This technology workshop, in partnership with High Plains Library District, is specific to the Connections community. It provides monthly sessions about computers, smart phones, and tablets. Consumers can also learn about the internet and associated software and practices. If you are new to technology, this workshop is for you! If you are an experienced computer user and have questions about software, or if you want to learn new skills, plan on attending!

Registration for Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition's "Unstoppable Together: Corner to Corner Tour" is coming to a close. If you would like to attend this event, please register with the link below. Without registration, lunch may not be available to you. Don't miss out!

Unstoppable Together Tour Weld County/Greeley The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) is a statewide organization that advocates for the rights of people with all types of disabilities; our advocacy focuses primarily on state government programs, laws, and policies. We’re visiting towns and cities throughout Colorado right now - includ...

Monday August 12 is the Brain Injury Group of Greeley.

Tomorrow!
Join us for our Medicaid Workshop to learn about the basic benefits, co-pays, eligibility and how to apply. If you'd like assistance filling out the application, please plan to attend this workshop. You do not have to be a consumer with Connections to attend. Please call 970-352-8682 to register!

One of the benefits Connections can help you to enroll is in Medicaid (Health First Colorado). Health First Colorado is a public health insurance program for people with low income and limited resources. It pays for a broad range of medical services and limits out-of-pocket costs for eligible adults, older adults, children, pregnant women and people with disabilities. Connections services are FREE, at no cost for people with disabilities. Knowledgeable and certified benefits enrollment counselors can guide you through the application process. This assistance can keep money in your pocket rather than paying huge deductibles for services. Types of benefits from Health First Colorado include physical health, dental and behavioral health benefits. These include mental health and substance abuse benefits.

LEAP is a federally funded program that helps residents in Colorado to help pay a portion of their winter home costs. This program is only available through winter months (November - April). Connections will hold workshops in November and January to help navigate the application process. Knowledgeable and certified benefit enrollment counselors are ready to assist you find available programs now! Call 970-352-8682 or visit https://connectionscolorado.org/benefits-enrollment-center/ and fill out the request form to get in contact with staff!

Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition will be making a stop in Weld County for their "Unstoppable Together: Corner to Corner Tour".
Connections will be hosting the event at our Greeley office, Wednesday, September 4, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Registration is required.
Please RSVP below!

Unstoppable Together Tour Weld County/Greeley The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) is a statewide organization that advocates for the rights of people with all types of disabilities; our advocacy focuses primarily on state government programs, laws, and policies. We’re visiting towns and cities throughout Colorado right now - includ...

With Connections being a Certified Benefits Enrollment Center, we've been helping older adults with low income and younger adults with disabilities find and sign up for programs that can give them financial help and support. Made possible with funding by National Council on Aging, the focus of this grant is to enhance access to benefits for qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries through a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) approach. Some of the programs or benefits include Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid (Health First Colorado), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
Other programs may be available to you in your area! Visit https://connections4il.benefitscheckup.org to find and apply for benefits. If this seems overwhelming, Connections has certified benefits enrollment counselors available to help you navigate the website and learn about other benefits.

"As you know, over the past 24 hours evacuation orders have been issued for thousands of households across Boulder and Larimer counties due to multiple wildfires — specifically the Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire. Earlier today, I visited the command center for the Alexander Mountain Fire to thank the Larimer County Sheriff and countless others, and my office remains in close contact with law enforcement and fire officials in both counties as well as our Federal partners.

As our brave firefighters and fire responders work to contain the flames and protect our communities, please find a list of resources that may prove helpful in the event that your home, family, or business has been impacted. Please stay safe and be sure to follow local authorities for updated evacuation maps and orders.

Alexander Mountain Fire – Larimer County

Sign up for emergency alerts at NOCOALERT.org.
Text the word LCEVAC to 888777 to receive text message alerts about evacuation notices, animal evacuations, road closures, and other important updates.
Stay tuned on your local radio station for updates on the situation.
Follow your local responding agencies on social media.
These include but are not limited to , , , , & others.
Current Evacuation Sites:
Foundations Church at 1380 N Denver Ave, Loveland, 80537
Estes Park Community Center at 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park, 80517
Animal Evacuation Sites:
Large Animals - Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631.
Small Animals - Contact the Larimer County Humane Society at 970-226-3647 (option 0).
Find the latest fire information and current mandatory evacuation orders, as they could have changed since the time of sending this email, https://bouldercounty.gov/news/boulder-county-enacted-stage-1-fire-restrictions-on-july-1-2024/

Stone Canyon Fire – Boulder County

To receive text alerts, text BOCOinfo to 888777.
Stay tuned on your local radio station for updates on the situation.
Follow your local responding agencies on social media.
These include but are not limited to , , , & others.
Current Evacuation Sites:
The Boulder County Fairgrounds remains open as a gathering place, but is not currently being set up as an overnight shelter.
If you are impacted by the Stone Canyon Fire and need a place to stay overnight, a shelter is available at the Foundation Church at 1380 N. Denver St., Loveland. Small animals (e.g. cats and dogs) can be with their owners.
Animal Evacuation Sites:
Large Animals - Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W 6th Avenue, Golden, CO 80401. The Gilpin Fairgrounds are not open, and the Boulder County Fairgrounds are at capacity.
Small Animals - Contact the Longmont Humane Society at (303) 772-1232.
Find the latest fire information and current mandatory evacuation orders, as they could have changed since the time of sending this email, HERE.

Other Tips for Staying Safe & Being Prepared!

Pack a “go bag.” It is suggested to pack a 3-day supply of items that are ready to go in case of an evacuation. Have these items ready to go either in your car or by the door: Medications; personal hygiene items; on-the-go disinfectant supplies; baby supplies, if applicable; pet supplies and medications, if applicable; cell phones with chargers and portable power bank if available; N95 or KN95 masks (cloth and surgical masks do not protect from wildfire smoke); family and emergency contact information; important personal documents (social security card, car registration, car title, passport, birth certificate); snacks and water.
View our office’s Colorado Wildfire Resource Guide for other tips, local resources, contacts for emergency assistance, how we can help, and more.
Our continued gratitude to the folks fighting at the front line of these fires for their tireless efforts to keep everyone safe. Should you or a loved one need any assistance from our office, please do not hesitate to reach out. See website: https://neguse.house.gov/contact

Rest assured, we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Joe Neguse
Member of Congress"

Office Locations

WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
2400 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2161

BOULDER OFFICE
2503 Walnut St
Suite 300
Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: (303) 335-1045

FORT COLLINS OFFICE
1220 South College Ave
Unit 100A
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 372-3971

FRISCO OFFICE
620 East Main Street
Frisco, CO 80443
Phone: (303) 335-1045

Resources – Connections for Independent Living Food resources are organized by county. These include, but are not limited to, food banks, mobile food pantries, as well as warm meals.

Greeley’s overnight homeless shelter to close until November “With these guys being closed, it kind of breaks my heart because I adopted them as a second family,” she said of the shelter.