Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.
Domestic violence happens when one person believes they are entitled to control another. It may involve physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and animal abuse. We define domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.
From left to right, Rotarian Bill Kelley, William Ton, Chaparral (University of Colorado), Justin Stenman , Ponderosa (Colorado Messa University), Scott Dassler , Chaparral (University of Wyoming), Maigh Jammu, Ponderosa (CU Bolder), Gabriela Blanchard, Ponderosa (Colorado School of Mines) , Kate Padmos, Chaparral, (University of Santa Clara) Jack DeWolf, Chaparral (Colorado State University), Rotarian Peggy Carter, Rotarian Dennis Brewster and President of the Douglas County School Board, David Ray. Missing from the picture is Emma Leishman, Chaparral (University of Utah). Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients and know that you are welcome to attend any of our meetings and give us an update on your achievements.
In case you missed reading the Parker Chronicle this week, here is an article that you'll want to read!
Providing service helps special-needs adults
Rotary Community Corps of Parker supports Project C.U.R.E
Members of the Rotary Community Corps of Parker recently assembled and donated Kid Kits for Project C.U.R.E. Pictured Front Row left to right: Shelby Morris, Lauren Nier, Ana Jessen, Catherine Carr, Hanna Vaughan, Elizabeth Perkins, Christina Garcia. Second row left to right: Heather Gossert, Megan Duncan, Megan McNish, Alex Larson, Don Lederman, Nathan Goodman, Paul Triggs, Jason Kruger, Tara Hanna
Parker resident Nathan Goodman, 42, was born with ataxic cerebral palsy, but that doesn't stop him from giving back to his community. Goodman is the president of the Rotary Community Corps (RCC) of Parker, a branch of the Rotary club that consists of adults with special needs who carry on the Rotary motto of "Service Before Self."
“I have been the president for three years, and I open each meeting with the Rotary Pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance,” said Goodman. “We do a lot of good things, like we help the Parker Task Force gather backpacks. I love helping others, it's always a lot of fun helping people out.”
Project C.U.R.E — a Centennial-based charity that provides donated medical supplies and equipment to people in developing countries — was a recent recipient of the RCC'S efforts. The 20-member RCC team collected items for Kid Kits, which include toiletries and emergency supplies a family in a developing country might need in case of an emergency.
“If a child gets hurt, families might have to travel a long distance by bicycle, bus or even on foot to receive care at the nearest hospital or medical clinic,” said Kam Breitenbach, who oversees RCC. “Working with pediatricians and nurses, Project C.U.R.E. developed Kits for Kids to give parents in developing countries the supplies they need to provide basic care at home.”
RCC meets the second Tuesday of each month, and members have the opportunity to socialize and learn leadership skills while they decide which project they will tackle next. Guest speakers attend the meeting, and RCC members have heard from local officials, law enforcement members and first responders.
“The RCC helps developmentally disabled youth and adults 15-plus to become active in their community, learn leadership skills, feel like a vital part of their community, become socially active and give back to their community, as well as build friendships and have fun in a safe environment,” said Breitenbach.
Goodman's mother, Marion, said they moved here four years ago, partly because of programs like RCC that help her son lead a more active, fulfilling life.
“North Carolina had cut back so much on programs for Nathan, and I heard from a niece about RCC and other day programs that were in the Parker area,” said Marion. “It was a no-brainer. Nathan is happier than he's ever been.”
Breitenbach, a Rotarian herself, presented the idea of RCC to the Rotary Club of Parker in 2010, and with a start-up fund of $50, RCC was born and has grown to more than 20 members. Since then RCC members have made blankets to donate to Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, helped assemble toys for Englewood-based international orphanage network God's Kids, and each year look forward to adopting a family for the Christmas season.
“Adopt-a-family, that's lots of fun,” said Goodman. “We get help from the Rotary Club of Parker and the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club to buy the toys, then we get to wrap them. It's really fun.”
Breitenbach said she has seen a difference in many of the members throughout their time in RCC.
“Being part of the community is a big thing,” said Breitenbach. “Quiet people are starting to laugh and getting to know other people.”
RCC is open for anyone over 15 with a disability. For more information contact Breitenbach at kamiebreitenbach@gmail.com.
It’s almost time for our next 5th Thursday club happy hour!
The Rotary Club of Parker’s next 5th Thursday social will be May 31, 6pm at Elk Mountain Brewing located at 18921 E Plaza Dr. The Colorado Pizza Co. food truck will be there as well. Hope to see everyone! Please check your email for rsvp information.
This coming Wednesday, July 18th is our BOONDOCKS Fundraiser! Do NOT miss this fun time at a great place in Parker! Fun for the whole family!
Spend QUALITY TIME with your Children, Grandchildren, Family and Friends while supporting your community! The Rotary Club of Parker is have a fundraising event on JULY 18th at Boondocks in Parker (next to Costco). Isn't it time you had some fun with your family and friends?
Pick 1 time block that best suits your schedule.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Enjoy all the fun and games inside and out at Boondocks
5:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Enjoy 2 pieces of pizza and soda while enjoying a short Safety Program.
OR
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Enjoy 2 pieces of pizza and soda while enjoying a short Safety Program.
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Enjoy all the fun and games inside and out at Boondocks
Individual Tickets - $30 and Sponsorships beginning at $130.
SPONSORSHIPS and Ticket information Contact : Kam Breitenbach at kamiebreitebach@gmail.com for more information.