| Contact your Commissioners |
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Kathy Hartman,
Chairman, District Three
Faye Griffin,
Chairman, Pro Tem
District One
Kevin McCasky,
District Two
303-271-8525 |
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Where's the Money?
Kris Kinzli,
Jeffco Workforce Center |
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Is your company short on resources? Jefferson County Workforce Center has received an allocation of funding through various state and federal programs, allowing us to offer businesses PAID INTERNS*.
As a business owner you have an incredible opportunity to motivate individuals and cultivate tomorrow's skilled, productive workforce. Bring specific skills to fruition with a new trainee and free up your staff for other important tasks.
There are many pre-screened, skilled candidates, ranging from those seeking their first job to those with their advanced degree.
Would you like to learn more? Tap one of our business advisors: Larry Brown, 303-271-4730, lbrown@jeffco.us
*Some of our programs supply workers at no cost to your company, while others may provide up to one-half paid salary for a designated period of time. Job seekers and businesses must meet program requirements.
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BCC Encourages Citizens to be Counted in 2010 Census |
 This month, Jefferson County elected officials and staff are launching a countywide collaboration with cities and organizations to encourage more than 225,000 households to participate in the 2010 Census.
In 2000, about 73 percent of households in Jefferson County returned their questionnaires by mail. When households do not return their surveys, Census workers attempt to reach residents at their homes, increasing the cost of the Census.
Census data will affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to local governments, including Jefferson County. Information from the census helps determine locations for child care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.
Jefferson County is coordinating with a variety of entities, including the Public Health Department, Sheriff's Office, Human Services Department and the cities and towns within Jefferson County, on a variety of efforts. Those efforts include:
- A new Web site where citizens can find the latest information about the Census and how they can participate
- Safety information from the Sheriff's Office and District Attorney
- Job opportunities with the U.S. Census Bureau through the Jeffco Workforce Center
- Questionnaire Assistance Centers located throughout the county to help citizens fill out their forms
The 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Every person living in the residence, both relatives and nonrelatives, should be included on the form. People should be counted in the residence where they live and sleep most of the time.
The U.S. Postal Service will begin mailing forms in March. In May, Census workers will follow up with households that did not return questionnaires. Finally, the U.S. Census Bureau will deliver counts to the President in December.
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Processing of Food Assistance Cases Dramatically Increases in 2009
Lynn Johnson, Jefferson County Human Services |
We are proud to report that the Food Assistance Division has cleared the backlog and sped up the processing of Food Assistance Cases, despite the dramatic increases in 2009. The numbers were stagering: on January 19, 2009, the Exceeding Processing Guidelines case number for Food Assistance (those families who had applied for food assistance in Jefferson County at least 30 days before) stood at 353. On December 30, 2009, that number stood at zero.
Despite the fact that the number of employees directly or indirectly working on eligibility processing has actually decreased by about 10%, productivity is up. Staff is more strategic, working smarter as opposed to harder.
We have received a modest amount of stimulus funds that has allowed us to pay overtime to staff interested in working increased hours to reduce these numbers. But I also sense that our staff is taking great pride in their ability to help the people walking through our doors. I am proud to be a part of this team that has shown, through tenacity, perseverance and hard work, that we can handle a great deal even in the face of one of the worst economic crises of our time.
Of course, our challenge remains. In order to maintain the service we pride ourselves on for each individual and family, we must continue to work every day with each client with humility, expertise, kindness and efficiency. We've proved to ourselves that we're up to this challenge; and the reward of assisting those in need is palpable. |
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Jefferson County Public Library Reports Record Attendance
Rebecca Winning, Jefferson County Public Library |
 Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) achieved record service levels in 2009, with significant increases in patron visits, item check-outs, computer access and the use of electronic resources:
- the number of items checked out grew to 7.1 million, up 10.6 percent;
- patron visits grew to nearly 2.9 million, up 6.4 percent;
- the number of computers available for public use grew to nearly 300, with more than 355,000 hours of use recorded;
- access to online databases grew to 218,869, up 12.2 percent; and
- page views of the JCPL Web site increased to 3.9 million, up 8.2 percent.
"Research suggests that as unemployment grows and household incomes drop, Americans turn to the Library for help. We're definitely seeing that at JCPL," said Marcellus Turner, JCPL executive director. "More and more people are turning to us to access books, magazines, movies, CDs and online databases; upgrade their computer skills; search and apply for new job opportunities; and meet their daily informational and recreational needs."
In 2009, JCPL registered nearly 34,000 new borrowers, bringing the total number of library cardholders to 311,408 -- or nearly 60 percent of the Jefferson County population. During the year, JCPL fielded more than 110,000 patron inquiries through its call center. In addition, JCPL offered 6,191 programs and classes, which were attended by more than 136,800 participants, a year-over-year increase of 18 percent and 9 percent, respectively.
"In 2010, we plan to increase outreach to homebound patrons, enhance wireless Internet access across all of our libraries, and promote childhood literacy by expanding the State of Colorado's Every Child Ready to Read Program," Turner continued. "We're also evaluating how best to provide library programs and services in underserved areas of the county," Turner added. "As always, we remain committed to addressing the needs of all of our citizens." For more information about JCPL's programs and services, visit your local library or our Web site. |
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Public Health Meets Project CURE |
 The January 12, 2010, massive earthquake in Haiti caused catastrophic damage to lives and property. The magnitude of need for relief and support in the aftermath is overwhelming. Jefferson County Public Health Regional Epidemiologist Christine Billings had a good idea: use the Emergency Preparedness Program's excess inventory to help out in Haiti. The idea generated action on the part of the rest of the team. It wasn't long before medical items were counted, boxed, loaded and delivered to Project CURE - Operation Haiti, one of several organizations in the United States accepting medical supply donations in addition to monetary donations.
"We were all looking for ways to help out and this gave us a way not only to help Haiti, but instantly see the results of our efforts as our supplies were sorted, boxed and shipped to an area in need," Billings said. A few of the items donated were surgical gowns, Band-Aids, walkers, a wheelchair, adult diapers, latex gloves and cotton balls.
For more information:
- Project C.U.R.E. - identifies, collects, sorts and distributes medical supplies and services
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Haiti Relief and Support Activities
- Red Cross
- Jefferson County, Colorado Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program
- Christine Billings, Regional Epidemioligist: 303-271-5742 or cbilling@jeffco.us or
- Jody Erwin, Emergency Preparedness Program Supervisor: 303-271-8391
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Jeffco Sheriff's Citizens' Academy
Mark Techmeyer, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office |
 The highly anticipated 2010 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Citizens' Academy is around the corner and we are now accepting applications. The academy will begin on Wednesday, March 31, and is an 11-week program designed to provide Jefferson County residents with hands-on experiences and information about how the Sheriff's Office functions.
The class will be held each Wednesday evening from 6:00-9:30 p.m., and provides exciting opportunities and insight into the challenging tasks deputy sheriffs and investigators must face daily.
Participants will learn about the many aspects of law enforcement from veteran deputies who teach in their areas of expertise. In a classroom setting, enhanced with field trips and tours,citizens will explore various aspects of law enforcement and acquire first-hand knowledge of patrol, criminal investigations, arrest control, SWAT, K-9, Bomb Squad and detention operations.
For further information or an application, contact Deputy Mark Techmeyer, public information officer, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, at 303- 271-5602 or email mtechmey@jeffco.us, or take a look at the Citizens' Academy Web page. |
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Jeffco Workforce Events
Kris Kinzli, Jefferson County Workforce Center |
Jefferson County Workforce Center Offers Workshops
The Career Building Program is a series of free workshops offered by Jefferson County Workforce Center focusing on topics of importance to job seekers. Workshops include resume writing, networking, interview skills and more. Workshops can elevate the job search experience and confidence levels. Online registration is now available. For more information visit www.jeffcoworkforce.org.
Young Adult Job FairFull time. . . Part time . . . Summer job . . . or Career Jeffco YouthWorks will be hosting the 2010 Young Adult Job Fair, March 2 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The event is for young adults ages, 14-21. For more information, see our Youth Works Web site, our Youth Events page or call 303-271-4613. |
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Public Health Update
Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health |
 2009 H1N1 Influenza Update
Flu activity has been on the decline the last couple weeks in Colorado and across the nation, as reported in the Centers for Disease Control FluView. Flu activity, both 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu, is expected to continue for several more months. It is not too late to get vaccinated. A new television Public Service Announcement "I Never Get the Flu" urges anyone who may have missed getting vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 virus, to do so now. Jefferson County Public Health has distributed 140,779 doses of vaccine Residents may call our Immunization Program to make an appointment, 303-232-6301, or the Visiting Nurse Association, 303-698-6378. Vaccine is widely available across the state. Visit www.immunizecolorado.com to find both seasonal and H1N1 flu clinics in Colorado.
 American Heart Month . . . Reduce Your Risk of Heart DiseaseThis February, American Heart Month, take some time to consider the health of your heart. Begin reducing your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States The American Heart Association estimates that approximately 1.1 million Americans will have a new or recurrent coronary (heart) attack this year.
Get Your Heart Into It . . .
You can live longer, improve your health, and reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
JCPH Heart Wise . . .
The JCPH Heart Wise Program is designed to help 40-64 year old women and men reduce their risk of heart disease and promote a heart-healthy lifestyle. The goal is to provide low-income, under-insured or uninsured women and men with the skills they need to improve diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle behaviors to prevent, delay and control cardiovascular disease. For more information, check out JCPH's Web page on the Heart Wise program.
 Cavity Free Family . . . Working to Prevent Oral DiseaseDental disease is the number one disease of childhood, yet it is preventable. Jefferson County Public Healt's Cavity Free at Three Program aims to educate parents and children about the importance of regular dental hygiene and has expanded the to include other family members. Jefferson County's Cavity Free Family Program administers oral screenings and referrals to our clients in WIC, Immunization, and home visitation programs. For more information on Jefferson County Cavity Free at Three, contact: Melissa Broudy, JCPH Cavity Free Family at 303-239-7022 or mbroudy@jeffco.us. For more information on the statewide Cavity Free at Three Program, please visit: www.cavityfreeatthree.org.
County Health Rankings to be Released
This February, a new public health report card that grades the health of America's counties will be released. The County Health Rankings can help people lead healthier lives and make communities healthier places to live, work, learn and play. The rankings will be released on February 17, 2010. Visit the Jefferson County Public Health Web site for information on Jeffco's ranking and ways you can get involved in improving the health of our county. |
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Microsoft Elevate America Program
Kris Kinzli, Jefferson County Workforce Center |
| Microsoft, the State of Colorado, and the Jefferson County Workforce Center have joined forces and are proud to offer Microsoft Elevate America (MSEA).
What is MSEA?
Elevate America is a program that offers free e-learning vouchers and courses to Coloradans interested in learning or updating their technical skills. MSEA can help get you the skills, training and certification needed to compete in today's technology-driven workplace. Microsoft has committed one million Microsoft Learning vouchers across the country for Microsoft E-Learning courses for no cost as part of their Elevate America Initiative.
MSEA Benefits to Job Seekers include:
- Receive the IT skills, training and resources needed to have a competitive advantage in the current job market.
- A seal of approval that significantly raises workers' value and attractiveness to employers.
- Courses are self-directed and self-paced to fit your needs and schedule.
- Receive an E-Learning voucher in a Microsoft Learning Collection.
- Windows XP & Office 2003
- Windows Vista & Office 2007
- Microsoft IT Professional e-learning and certification exam
Vouchers are available on limited basis. For more information visit www.jeffcoworkforce.org, click on the "Microsoft Elevate America Vouchers" link under Resources or call 303-271-4715. |
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Seven Tips for Keeping Those New Year's Resolutions in 2010
Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health
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 Many New Year's resolutions have to do with quitting or changing a negative health behavior or adopting a new, healthier behavior. Whether it is quitting tobacco, getting more physical activity, losing weight, watching less TV or simply spending more time with loved ones, behavior change can be challenging.
The JCPH Tobacco Prevention Initiative offers these eight tips for making behavior change easier and getting back on track if you slip.
- Getting Started: Having a plan with clear, reasonable steps and milestones is important.
- Getting Started - again: The path to making a change is not a straight line, but more like a spiral upward that includes some back and forth (otherwise known as setbacks, slips or relapses).
- Keep your goals within reach: Slips can be triggered by an "all or nothing" mentality. For example, resolving to never eat your favorite desserts could be a set up for craving and slipping. Or deciding today that you'll quit smoking tomorrow, though you haven't spent any time preparing might be an unreasonable goal.
- Record your progress: Keep track of your process and what you learn along the way. This approach helps many see the impact of the small successes they might otherwise disregard. Small accomplishments will help keep you motivated along the way.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy or something that relates to your goal.
- Spread the word: Research suggests that goals are more sustainable with positive support.
- Stick to it: Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and six months for it to become part of your personality.
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