{ LiNKthe }Traumatic Brain Injury Special Edition

Service Dogs Help Wounded Heroes

Tips for Thriving after Brain Injury

Announcing ourREADER CONTEST!

The LiNK 7.3 - Fall 2011

HAVHomes for All Veterans

9900 E. ILIFF AVE.

DENVER, CO 80231

PHONE (303) 636-5600

FAX (303) 636-5603

TDD (303) 636-5602

WWW.DENVEROPTIONS.ORG

Dear Readers,

Denver Options is excited to expand our services to veterans beyond those with traumatic brain injury

through our new Homes for All Veterans (HAV) program. Veterans struggling to find or keep a roof

over their heads now have additional resources thanks to a grant awarded by the U.S. Department

of Veterans Affairs. The grant funding has allowed us to create HAV to provide outreach, emergency

assistance and case management resources to more than 500 homeless or at-risk veterans and their

families throughout the state of Colorado.

The Homes for All Veterans program will provide a wide range of supportive services designed to

promote housing stability and alleviate chronic homelessness. Services will include assistance with:

• Findingtemporaryshelterandpermanenthousing

• ObtainingVAandotherpublicbenefits

• Emergencyfinancialandfoodneeds

• Healthcareservices

• Legalandfinancialplanningservices

• Employmentservices

U.S. military veterans who have served at least one day of active duty or a family in which the head of

household or the spouse is a veteran, who are considered very low income and who are homeless or at

risk of becoming homeless are generally considered eligible. Additionally, veterans must not have been

dishonorably discharged.

Our HAV case managers will meet with veterans and their families around the state to determine

eligibility and provide services. We already have offices in Denver and Colorado Springs and will be

expanding to additional offices in Grand Junction and Alamosa to meet the needs of veterans across

the state.

To learn more about Homes for All Veterans, to support our outreach or to find out if you are

eligible, call (855) VETS-HAV or visit www.HomesforAllVeterans.org.

Sincerely,

Kathy Martin

Chief Operating OfficerDenver Options, Inc.

1 The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition

The LiNK 7.3 -TBI Edition 2

When Chuck and Kate Daffron first brought their German Shepherd Zeus home, theyhadnoideaitwouldbethestartofanewjourney.AnOperationTBIFreedomclient, Chuck suffers from blackouts due to his traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder. To everyone’s surprise, Zeus began picking up on subtle body cues and could predict Chuck’s blackouts.

Ultimately, it inspired the couple to found Daffron Doghouse, a service dog training organization for wounded warriors. Daffron Doghouse takes a unique approach. Rather than supplying pre-trained service dogs, the couple provides a series of self-paced training modules and a variety of individualized support that enables veterans to train and certify their own dogs.

ThecouplehasalreadystartedworkingwithfellowveteransintheOperationTBIFreedomprogram.“Ourgoalistogetthembackintosociety,”Chucksaid.“Aservicedogcanhelpthemreachoutandconnectwiththeircommunity.”WithZeus at his side, the dog is helping Chuck do the same.

Whenever Scott Reichert and his dog Chloe return home, he immediately takes off her leash and tells her, “Search.”Shediligentlycheckseachroom before returning to the front door, where he waits. Scott, an Army veteran, suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and this ritual helps ease his anxiety. The pair is in training to become a service dog team.

Scott,anOperationTBIFreedomclient, has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and he suffers from nightmares due to PTSD. He also has back problems that force him to walk with a cane and makebendingoverdifficult.Likemanyinjuredveterans,Scott was reluctant to ask for help despite his difficulties. “Idon’twanttoaskforhelpfrompeople,soI’denduphurting myself,” he said.

Knowing the benefits a service dogcouldprovide,Scott’sOTFcarecoordinator,JohnLenz,connected him to Daffron Doghouse. The organization works with injured veterans to help them train their own service dogs. Although Chloe is still in training, she’s quickly making a positive impact.

Chloe gives Scott more independence, while also providing assistance. She’s even helped reduce his nightmares.

“WhenshesensesI’mhavinganightmare,she’llputherpaws on my chest and lick my face until I wake up,” he said.“Igetbettersleepwithherthere.”Eachstepoftheservice dog training process is helping Scott open new doors to a better, more active life.

Service Dog Is a Perfect

Partner for Scott

Daffron Doghouse Helps

Wounded Warriors

Read the full story on the OTF website!

Learn more or apply for services: Call (866) 245-6600 or visit www.OperationTBIFreedom.org

Denver Options is supported through the generosity of people like you, who believe in providing the extra support to help soldiers, veterans and other adults with traumatic

their injuries. Help individuals with TBI in Colorado live healthy, productive lives by donating today!

Check or Cash:

Use the postage-paid envelope provided

Credit Card: Visit www.denveroptions.org/support

Text: Text ASSIST to 50555 to donate $10*

*$10 donation to Operation TBI Freedom, a program of Denver Options. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T

Make a Donation!

GivingFirst.org/cogivesday

A special incentive fund will increase the value of your donation!

Support Denver Options on Colorado Gives Day!

Tuesday, December 6online at GivingFirst.org

24 hours to give where you live

3 The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition

Thank you to the generous individuals and organizations who have donated $100 or more to Denver Options’ traumatic brain injury programs this year. We greatly appreciate your support!

AnschutzFoundationBlueModus

DenverCentralChapterAmericanGIForumof Colorado

FirstWesternTrustBankJeppesen

KnightsOfColumbusNativityOfOurLordCouncil 10961

LadiesAuxiliary-VFWPost7945Neurological Rehabilitation Resources

PCLConstructionScience Applications Int’l Corp. (SAIC)

StellarSolutionsFoundationThe Boeing CompanyTheHilltopFoundation

The University of DenverTravelers Assistance Program

Ronald AndersonClaire BennettStephen Block

Max BoyerKitty BrennanCharles BruenLindaBurton

Richard BurtonKaren Carpenter

Bob ColbertLisaCrowell

Winona DavisBarbara Decet

Sharon DelforgeMarc DippoldLewisDunningDianaEganRonaldEganCarolEmich

MathewFogelbergJamesFoley

ElizabethForgyR.A.Fox

Tom GleasonWenda GordanKim HarmonJan Harting

David HilleryOrville HinermanAnne HitchcockMichael Holder

Alfredia JohnsonJamesLong

MichaelLynchBettie MasonClay MohlerJack Morgan

Stephanie MurphyJane O’ConnorMonica OrlenSarah PantojaEdnaPaul

E.WilliamPoundsA. Prohaska

Carmelita RiveraGrant Ross

Joanne SchoppCindy Slevin

John SwarmerDavid TohlenJudy TrujilloLoisWheeland

Neil Wiese

THaNK YOU TO OUR DONORS

CONNECTIONSC O L O R A D O

The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition 4

Technology and Support Help Abby

Carmen Montenegro had a busy life working and raising her three children in Silverthorne. A single parent, she enjoyed her full-time health care job and augmented her salary with retail work. Then a fall at work changed her life, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and persistent back pain.

“IthoughtIwouldbebacktomyjobquickly,butmemory problems, dizziness and pain kept me from returning,”shesaid.“ColoradoConnectionsmadeall the difference; they found resources and, most importantly, they listened.” Carmen’s care coordinator, Jessica Dupuy, has been helping her through the ups and downs of her recovery.

Carmen, who also manages diabetes, said her TBI resulted in weight gain because she’s not able to be as activeassheoncewas.“Jessicagotmeatreadmill,andIlost17poundsinthefirstmonth.Icanwalksafelynow,andIexerciseeveryday,”Carmensaid.“Theyalso bought me a computer so I have internet access to diabetes information.”

Carmen’s natural optimism gave way to depression at times as she realized the permanent nature of some of herinjuries.“WithJessica,Ifelt100%supportedeverystep,” she said. Though she is not sure yet what the future holds, Carmen feels Colorado Connections has made a big difference in the recovery she has achieved.

Atanationalconferencethisspring,AbbyLandmeierfaced a crowded room to give a presentation. In the weeks prior, she worried that she wouldn’t find the words she needed or remember what to say at all. A year earlier, Abby tripped while exiting a Grand Junction building and hit her head on the stairs. Afterward she experienced memory loss and an inability to find words and was finally diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury.

Abby continued her career, but she realized she needed help to address her new cognitive challenges. Abby applied for services through Colorado Connections and was connected to a care coordinator. Through the program, Abby purchased an iPad and a teleprompter application for it, which acts as a scrolling cue card during speaking engagements.

To improve her memory, Abby used games on the Lumositywebsiterecommendedbyhercarecoordinator.“UsingLumonsity.comhelpedalot,”Abbysaid.“Itwasnice to have something that could be gauged because so much of healing from brain injury has no gauges or scales.”

Abby claimed success in her rehabilitation as well as inhercareer,butherjourneywasn’teasy.“Myfriendsand family helped me significantly,” she said. Abby also credits Colorado Connections for providing support whensheneededitmost.“ThecareIhadfromColoradoConnections was very professional. They met me where I was at and provided me with knowledge I didn’t get anywhere else.”

“Colorado Connections provided me with knowledge I didn’t get anywhere else.”

Carmen Faces Recovery with Support

Connect with us for more information and resources!Toll Free : (866) 245-6600 Phone: (303) 636-5600

www.denveroptions.org/colorado-connectionswww.Facebook.com/coloradoconnections

Tips for Thriving braininjuryaf

ter

Making the Most of Your MemoryYou may not be able to completely reverse the memory loss caused by your brain injury, but you can take steps to enhance your memory. Follow the tips below to boost your memory potential:

• Create a daily routine. By maintaining a consistent routine, you will improve your ability to remember daily tasks and may even decrease fatigue. • Focus your attention on one task at a time. If you frequently multitask, it may be harder to remember the events of your day. When completing a task that requires memory, turn off the TV and eliminate distractions. By giving the task your full attention, you will �ind it easier to remember details later.

• Explore electronic aids and “smart” devices. Try using the calendar in your cell phone to remember appointments or use the alarm to remind you of tasks to complete.

• Ask family and friends for support. Ask someone you trust to help you with your memory system. For example, ask a family member to give you a calendar for the coming

year that includes important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries.

• Practice a good sleep routine. A well rested brain is an ef�icient brain. Go to bed at the same time every night, sleep 7-9 hours, and wake at the same time every morning.

• Maintain a regular meal schedule and a healthy diet. To operate at 100 percent, fuel your brain. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and consider incorporating “brain foods” like blueberries into your diet.

• Find a system that works for you and stick to it. Any system for memory you adopt should re�lect your unique style and needs. If you work best with a traditional day timer, don’t feel you need to switch to an electronic alternative. Consistently use the system that works for you.

Upcoming EventsBrain Injury Family Education GroupJanuary 11, 2012, 6-8 PMTBD, BoulderRSVP: (866) 245-6600 x1 or rmedina@denveroptions.org

Health and Emotional Well Being after Brain InjuryFebruary 22, 2012, 10 AM - 2PMDenver Options, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., DenverRSVP: (866) 245-6600 x1 or rmedina@denveroptions.org

More Events:www.Facebook.com/coloradoconnections

Featured ResourceLumosity:

www.lumosity.com

Lumosity offers cognitive games to strengthen memory and boost

processing speed. An annual membership to the site is $6.70

per month and allows you to track your ongoing cognitive progress.

CONNECTIONSC O L O R A D O

5 The LiNK 7.3 -TBI Edition

years1992 • 2012

20

Do you have a story about how Denver Options has helped you or your family? Perhaps you have a funny story or fond memory of someone you worked with at Denver Options? Tell us what our programs, including Colorado Connections andOperationTBIFreedom,meanttoyouandshareyourmemoriesthroughanoriginalstory,poem,photo,video,orartwork!YoursubmissioncouldbefeaturedinTheLiNKoronourwebsiteorFacebookpage! Three ways to share your memories:

• PostitonourFacebookpage, www.Facebook.com/denveroptions• Emailitwithyourcontactinformationto info@denveroptions.org • MailapapercopyoraCDorDVDto: Denver Options, Attn: Communications,

9900E.IliffAve.,Denver,CO80231.Pleaseinclude your name and mailing address so we can return your work.

If you are entering a photo or artwork, please include a description of who it is (if applicable) and what it represents. All submissions that are accepted will automatically enter you in a drawing for a chance to win one of many prizes! No more than two submissions per person please.

By submitting a story, poem, photo, video or artwork, you are granting permission to Denver Options to use your work inournewsletterandpostitonourwebsiteandFacebookpage.Yournamewillappearwithyourworkwhenitisusedsoyoureceivecredit.Forquestionsaboutsubmissions,pleaseemailinfo@denveroptions.orgorcall(303)636-5700.

The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition 6

TBI ResourcesArmy Community Service Center at Ft. CarsonPh:(719)526-4590http://community.carson.army.mil/ACS

Brain Injury Alliance of ColoradoPh:(303)355-9969www.biacolorado.org

Colorado Brain Injury Conference SeriesPh:(303)355-9969www.cbics.com

Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust FundPh:(719)592-1300www.tbicolorado.org

Craig HospitalPh:(303)789-8000www.craighospital.org

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury CenterPh:(719)526-8636www.evans.amedd.army.mil/srp

Disabled American Veterans Service CenterPh:(719)380-8005www.dav.org

Mental Health Center of DenverPh:(303)504-6500www.mhcd.org

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Veterans AffairsPh:(719)592-1300www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre

More Resources Online:www.denveroptions.org/resources

Help Us Celebrate 20 Years!Share your Denver Options memories!

CONNECTIONSC O L O R A D O HAV

Homes for All Veterans

CONTRIBUTORS

Jessica Dupuy Katie GouletBarbLundy

Kathy MartinLayoutbyTessaLarson

COmmunications & Development

Annie Davies, Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Parkhill, PresidentRoger Carstens, Vice President

JimLong,TreasurerNikiF.Tuttle,Secretary

Roger Schmitz, Assistant TreasurerMarlon Anderson

AnnEricksonGiffordBarry Martin, M.D.

Scott Showalter, M.D.Gail Strobel

Stephanie TownsendChristine Wester

StephenR.Block,Ph.D.,CEO

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Ph:(303)636-5624TDD:(303)636-5602

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER, CO

PERMIT NO. 169

9900 East Iliff AvenueDenver, CO 80231

www.denveroptions.org(303) 636-5600

Questions about the LiNK? Email editor@denveroptions.org. TheDenverOptions’LiNKispublishedquarterlybyDenverOptions,anon-profitorganization that provides service coordination and program services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

HONOR OUR WOUNDED HEROES

Please Donate Today!Call1-877-FUND-OTF(386-3683)Visitwww.OperationTBIFreedom.org

Sign up for our E-Newsletter!Emailinfo@operationtbifreedom.org

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/operationtbifreedomwww.facebook.com/coloradoconnections