The DAA Collective newsletter keeps Denver's afterschool community connected to resources,
professional learning and networking opportunities. Learn more about us.
December 7th marked the second annual Essential Workers Appreciation Lunch Giveaway- an effort put forth by the DAA to acknowledge the hard work and incredible impact made by OST professionals on the youth and families in Denver. This year, we worked with our friends at El Sistema Colorado, Mile High 360 and Colorado "I Have A Dream" Foundation to set up distribution sites across the City of Denver. We handed out 353 free boxed lunches to OST professionals from 18 different organizations!
Over the last few months we have promoted the Power of Us survey designed to elevate the voices of the essential workers in the OST field. We need YOUR voice as part of this survey so we can continue advocating for the critical work you do. Complete the Power of Us survey today and select “Denver Afterschool Alliance” in the dropdown box.
Thank you all again for continuing to provide safe spaces for Denver children and youth - you are appreciated beyond measure!
DAA Summer 2022 Evaluation Brief
We are excited to share the DAA Summer 2022 Evaluation Brief. The brief includes OST summer 2022 program sites funded by the Office of Children’s Affairs, as well as several other organizations that self-selected into the evaluation process.
The key findings of this evaluation include:
OST summer programming provided a critical service for working families.
A majority of youth and families felt that OST summer programming provided fun and engaging environments for youth to learn and develop important academic and social emotional skills.
Supportive and caring adults were a critical component of positive youth and family experiences.
Programs provided opportunities for youth to interact with their peers and make new friends.
A variety of summer programming models met the needs of Denver’s youth and families
Would YOU Like to Facilitate a Professional Learning Session This Spring?
As 2022 comes to an end, the DAA Collective is getting to work planning the professional learning slate for the spring! Are you interested in facilitating a workshop? If so, please complete this form.
We look forward to hearing your great ideas! Questions? Please email Erma Cerda
“Awe is the feeling we get in the presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world.”
Experiencing awe can have a wide range of benefits from your physical and mental well-being to improved relationships. Check out this article in Grotto for details and links to the research on this complex emotion.
With winter upon us and as many embark on a holiday season that can bring up many complex feelings and emotions, take time to intentionally unplug and experience awe in something small…the snow, the crisp air, the stars, the trees, etc. The benefits can be tremendous.
