2014
The Denver Department of Human Services along with the Juvenile Court, Denver CASA, GALs, parent attorneys, and community volunteers will host Denver’s 4th Annual Reunification Day Celebration on June 27th. Reunified families will enjoy BBQ catering, a live band, and activities for the children including a fire truck to explore from the Denver Fire Department. Additionally, the Denver Police Department is attending with their Mounted Patrol.
2011
Denver Colorado
The Denver Department of Human Services along with Denver CASA, members of the community, Denver Juvenile Court, GALs and Parent attorneys planned and held the first “Reunification Day” Celebration on Friday June 10, 2011 at Berkeley Lake Park in Denver.
The celebration began with short speeches from the interim Mayor, the Depart of Human Services Manager, and a juvenile court judge and ended with a dynamic address from one of the parents who had been reunited with his children.
After the formal ceremony, the families which included over 40 people enjoyed a picnic, face painting, family photos, balloon animals and interaction with one of the local fire departments that brought a truck for the children (and adults) to explore.
Each family also received a bag full of various goodies, including family games, books, passes to local venues like the zoo and museums. They also received a certificate for their accomplishments signed by the judge who oversaw their case and the manager of the department of human services.
Local media attended the event and wrote an article about the celebration: “Families Celebrate being together again,” in the Denver Post on Saturday, June 11th.
The event was as success but it is hoped that the celebration in 2012 can have many more in attendance!
For more information or examples of the invitation sent to the families, photos from the event or other planning questions; contact: Nathan O’Neal at nathan.oneal@denvergov.org or Gretchen Russo at gretchen.russo@judicial.state.co.us