The Adams County Children and Family Services Division, under the Human Services Department, was awarded two seals from the Human Rights Campaign. These are the You Are Welcome Here seal, which certifies the division as an LGBTQ welcoming and affirming agency, and the Recognized Innovator in Supporting and Serving LGBTQ Youth & Families seal, the highest level of recognition available in 2019.
In 2017, Children and Family Services began the process to seek this recognition, and their efforts will now be lauded as a success nationwide. The team is the first child welfare agency in Colorado to seek and earn this recognition.
“These seals serve as an important affirmation of our commitment to providing culturally responsible services that support LGBTQ youth, families, and foster families,” says Jan James, Division Director, Children and Family Services. “It’s fitting and appropriate that this award comes so close to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which began the movement to affirm the LGBTQ population.”
Benchmarks to earn these seals include: non-discrimination (both client and employment), staff training, rolling out the welcome mat (LGBTQ-inclusive forms and visual cues), parent best practices, youth best practices, and sustainability and capacity building.
“It’s an honor to have such a hardworking team recognized nationally,” says Steve O’Dorisio, Chair, Board of County Commissioners. “These seals are in perfect alignment with Adams County’s vision—to be the most innovative and inclusive county in America for all families and businesses.”
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights organization, and they envision a world where LGTBQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights and can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community. Learn more at hrc.org.
Adams County and RTD Release Joint Statement
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Adams County are excited to announce beginning Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, temporary service will be re-routed to provide services to the Adams County Justice Center.
In addition, through coordination between Adams County and RTD leadership, the two agencies were able to negotiate both a short-term and long-term solution to RTD Route 520 services to the Adams County Justice Center.
Board of County Commissioners Adopts 2022 Budget
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2022 Adams County budget at public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 16. The 2022 budget is set at $659,207,432, which is an increase from 2021.
Femmi Clemons Appointed Veteran Service Officer
The Adams County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Femmi Clemons as the new Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for the county.
Femmi, a U.S. Army veteran, has three and a half years’ tenure at Adams County. In that time, she’s been dedicated to expanding the visibility of the office through intradepartmental informational sessions, outreach, and special group development for Adams County veterans.
Adams County Launches COVID-19 Grant Program
Adams County launched the COVID-19 Grant Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a federal program, to help with response and recovery efforts in the community.
The program is designed to help provide financial support for projects and programs assisting in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in Adams County. Businesses, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofit organizations, school districts, and special districts are encouraged to apply.
Adams County Files Litigation to Gain Access to Treasurer’s Office Accounts
Adams County has filed litigation with the Adams County District Court to gain access to the Treasurer’s Office accounts and ultimately ensure the statutory obligations of the Treasurer’s Office are being met. The county is asking the court to appoint a receiver to perform the functions of the Treasurer’s Office.
Raymond Gonzales Resigns as Adams County Manager
Raymond Gonzales has resigned his position as Adams County Manager, effective Nov. 30, 2021. Gonzales has taken a position as President of Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (MDEDC) and Executive Vice President of Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. He will remain with Adams County through November 2021 and will start his position with MDEDC Dec. 1, 2021.
Governor Polis Orders Flags Lowered to Honor Yuma Firefighter Darcy Stallings
DENVER - Governor Jared Polis today ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, in honor of Yuma Fire Department Firefighter Darcy Stallings, who passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Funeral services for Firefighter Stallings will be held Tuesday, October 26, 2021, in Yuma.
Board Approves 2022 Holiday Schedule
The Board of County Commissioners passed Resolution 2021-573 Establishing Holidays for 2022. The county will observe 12 holiday closures and employees will have an additional Floating Holiday.
Adams County and Denver Botanic Gardens Sign Letter of Intent
Adams County and Denver Botanic Gardens (the Gardens) signed a non-binding letter of intent today to establish a formal partnership to work together to develop an expansion of Denver Botanic Gardens management and programming in Adams County. The Gardens is a Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Tier I organization.
Federal Boulevard Study Recommendations Available for Public Feedback
Online meeting active now through November 8
ADAMS COUNTY, CO – October 20, 2021 – An interactive online meeting is now available, presenting safety, mobility, and accessibility recommendations and improvements along Federal Boulevard from West 52nd Avenue to West 120th Avenue. Community members are encouraged to visit the on-demand, online meeting and provide feedback.
