Joint Initiatives

Parents Challenge Empowerment Sessions
2025-10-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | CO
Parents Challenge provides families with information, training, mentoring, tools, and financial resources to equip them to choose the education they think best for their children. Learn more about Parents Challenge HERE.
Please see upcoming Empowerment Sessions below in order of date:
Raising Sons in a Changing World: Tools for Parenting Boys With Purpose, Connection & Confidence
September 22 | 6–8 pm
Learn practical tools to support your son’s identity, emotional health, academic focus, and sense of belonging. Walk away with strategies to improve communication, set clear expectations, and nurture his strengths, wherever he comes from and whoever he’s becoming.
Details HERE

The “Clean out Your Closet” Effect
September 24 | 12–1 pm
What is your clutter and disorganization trying to tell you? Being disorganized can be overwhelming. It’s important to identify the chaos and why it is happening. Dr. Lewis will share her techniques for getting motivated and becoming well-organized. She will explain how her CLEAN YOUR CLOSET method works.
Details HERE

Surviving the Shark Waters of Change
Oct. 4th | 9 am – noon
The session will focus on equipping the participants with strategic skills needed for success and personal development to include:

Writing a personal mission statement
Problem solving exercises with resources included
Charting a new path in life after trauma and high impact interpersonal communication skills

Details HERE

Early Childhood Development: Early Literacy
October 9 | 6–8 pm
Discover how language and literacy grow from birth and how to foster a rich reading environment at home.

Phonological Awareness – Playful ways to explore sounds in words.
Print Concepts – Simple strategies to teach how books and print work.
Language Development – Boost vocabulary through everyday conversations.

Details HERE

G.R.I.T.
October 14 | 6–8 pm
The GRIT Program teaches you how to recognize stress, build emotional strength, and support others through hardship and disaster. Learn how to listen effectively, guide people to resources, and strengthen resilience in yourself, your family, and your community. Be the steady voice when it matters most.
Details HERE

Keeping Kids Safe Online: A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety
October 22 | 6–8 pm
In today’s digital world, staying informed is key to keeping your children safe online. This session will help parents understand online risks, from social media and gaming to cyberbullying and privacy concerns. Learn practical tips, tools, and conversation starters to help your child navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Details HERE

Navigating AI: A Parent’s Guide
October 27 | 6–8 pm
Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence and its implications for families. This workshop will demystify AI, providing parents with a foundational understanding of how it works, its presence in everyday life, and its potential impact on their children’s education and future. Discover how to leverage AI tools responsibly and discuss strategies for guiding your student in an AI-driven world.
Details HERE

Effects of Marijuana Usage
October 29 | 6–8 pm
As marijuana become more accessible and its use more widely accepted, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to understand how it can affect young people. This session will explore the shirt- and long-term impacts of marijuana use on the developing brain, mental health, learning, and behavior. We’ll discuss current research, common myths, and signs of use to watch for. Participants will also gain strategies for talking with youth about marijuana in honest, non-judgmental ways that encourage healthy choices and open communication.
Details HERE

Family Team Building
November 4 | 6–8 pm
It’s easy to forget to have fun with your kids. Rules, responsibilities, schoolwork… and the day-to-day grind can prevent us from enjoying life as a family. That’s where intentionality comes in. You can stop and choose to take a moment to laugh and enjoy your family, but it may require planning. Parents often want to know how to prevent problem behaviors, or make sure their kids don’t make poor choices. One of the best, proactive, ways parents can protect their kids’ hearts is to build an identity of, “Our family knows how to have fun together!”
Details HERE

Fuel Your Joy, Feed Your Impact: Everyday Wellness for Purpose-Driven Parents
November 5 | 12–1 pm
As parents, we pour ourselves into raising children, supporting schools, and building strong communities. But what if the key to showing up with purpose begin with giving back… to yourself?
In this energizing and empowering session, Dr. Regina Lewis invites parents to rediscover wellness from the inside out. Drawing on timeless practices and supported by modern science, she reveals how gut health, emotional clarity, and mindful habits are essential not just for personal vitality – but for showing up as your best self at home and in life.
This isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about cultivating presence, resilience, and joy in the everyday. You’ll leave with practical strategies to boost your energy, manage stress, and model healthy habits that ripple into your family and beyond. Because when parents thrive, the whole household rises.
Details HERE

Early Childhood Development: Social and Emotional Learning
November 6 | 6–8 pm
Learn how social-emotional development supports learning and lifelong wellbeing, with simple ways to nurture these skills at home.

Self-Awareness – Help kids identify emotions through modeling and reflection.
Self-Management – Teach calming routines and emotional regulation.
Social Awareness – Encourage empathy through stories and discussions.
Relationship Skills – Strengthen communication and cooperation through play.

Details HERE

FREE Playgroup for Parents + Caregivers
2025-11-05 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-19 09:30 - 11:00 | JI Ascend Center, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
Join us for PLAYGROUP every other Wednesday from 9:30 – 11 am at JI’s Ascend Center location (1600 N. Union Blvd.)

August 13 and 27
September 10 and 24
October 8 and 22
November 5 and 19

Children (ages birth–5) and their parents, caregivers, grandparents, and/or favorite adults are invited for a playful morning of music, movement, art, and fun together!
This playgroup embraces children of all abilities. Older siblings are welcome, but the focus of the group will be on children five and under.
Adults must supervise their children.
To save time at the check-in table, REGISTRATION is REQUESTED.

Parents Challenge 10th Annual School Fair
2026-01-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd.
Parents Challenge is hosting its 10th Annual School Fair, a free event that brings together 50+ local schools and family resources in one place. Families can explore public, private, charter, homeschool and enrichment options while leaving with clear next steps for their children’s success. Enjoy local vendors, giveaways, games, and performances while making valuable connections and gaining resources for children’s success. Parents Challenge is a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents to choose the best educational opportunities for their children.

FREE Vaccine Clinic for Families
2026-02-11 10:00 - 16:00 | JI Ascend Center, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
There will be a vaccine clinic at the Ascend Center – located at Galileo Middle School.
Please enter through the blue double doors that face Union Blvd.
Vaccines include:
Flu, Hep A, Hep B, HPV, HiB, MMR, Meningitis, Pneumonia, Polio, Rotavirus, Tdap/DTap, Varicella
Vaccine Clinic Flyer
REGISTER HERE: bit.ly/VaccineClinicFEB2026

Community Baby Shower!
2026-02-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, United States
Immunize Colorado is hosting a Community Baby Shower on February 28, 2026, for pregnant people and young families. Each event will feature approximately 30 exhibitors that will provide
resources, information, and services related to health, insurance support, safety, child care support, early learning and literacy, parental support and self-care, and other wraparound services.
The events will also offer free food, kid-centered activities and entertainment, and door prizes.
February 28, 2026 | Hillside Community Center | Colorado Springs, CO
CO Springs Community Baby Shower Flyer

Derechos De Inquilinos 101
2026-03-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., 80903
Volante- Renters Rights 3.26-accesible
Penrose Library, Columbine B
Regístrese
Asista en Línea
Llame (solo audio): +1 720-617-3426
ID de conferencia telefónica: 756 339 901#
En este taller, el abogado Clinton Albert de Colorado Legal Services discutirá una amplia variedad de temas sobre el arrendamiento, como conceptos básicos del alquiler, acomodaciones y modificaciones razonables, depósitos, reparaciones, y desalojos.
Para más información sobre este y otros eventos vaya a: coloradosprings.gov/renters101
Si necesita ayuda auxiliar o servicios de interpretación, puede solicitarlo hasta el 9 de marzo de manera gratuita:
Llamando al (719) 385-5912
Escribiendo a CityHousingAndHomelessnessResponse.SMB@coloradosprings.gov

Southeast COS Housing Legal Night
2026-04-14 16:00 - 19:00 | The Family Success Center, 1520 Verde Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
This event is brought to you by the Community Economic Defense Project.
Event: A third space for tenants to unite to learn more about tenant legal protections and resources.
Housing Legal Night Flyer HERE

Ascend Garden @ Galileo Volunteer Sign-Up
2026-05-18, 2026-06-15, 2026-07-20 | Ascend Garden @ Galileo, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
SUMMER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Joint Initiatives launched the Ascend Garden @ Galileo last year and we now have 66 functional raised beds that will be feeding the Galileo community and beyond! If you’re interested in volunteering this summer, please join us! Volunteers will be watering, planting seeds, planting transplants, amending beds with compost as needed, repairing raised beds, harvesting and weighing vegetables, and weeding.
All food from the garden is donated to the school and local food banks.
SIGN UP HERE:
bit.ly/GalileoGardenVolunteer

Pregnancy & New Parents | 6-Week Virtual Series
2026-06-03 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-06-24 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-07-01 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-07-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Pregnancy & New Parent Virtual Series
Pikes Peak Library District is partnering with Nurse-Family Partnership to offer a free, six-week virtual series for expectant and new parents.
Wednesdays, June 3 – July 8 | Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Via Zoom
(Spanish translation available via Zoom)
Topics include birth plans, labor & delivery, postpartum health, safe sleep, breastfeeding, nutrition, and more.
Register: ppld.org/whats-new/prenatal-series
Flyer available here
Flyer en español

Housing Legal Night
2026-06-08 18:00 - 20:00 | The Family Success Center, 1520 Verde Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
The purpose of this event is to create a space for tenants to receive brief free legal consultations. Currently, resources for tenants seeking housing legal advice are limited, and we want to make this more accessible to the community. If you or any community members you work alongside have housing issues—from cockroach or bed bug infestations and negligent landlords to illegal late fees and unjust landlord practices—you can attend this event for free to learn more about tenant protections and how to hold your landlord accountable.
What will we provide?

Dinner is provided

Benefit enrollment with Benefits in Action

Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Pre-Application Support

Know Your Rights Workshop – Lease Terms

Free legal counsel

See flyer HERE (English + Spanish).

Family Law Day
2026-06-12 09:00 - 14:00 | El Paso County Judicial Building, 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO, United States
The 4th Judicial District Access to Justice Committee is hosting a free Family Law Day!

Event attendees can speak one-on-one with attorneys for 15-minute sessions.

The event will also include presentations, including: The Best Interests of the Child; Enforcement of Court Orders; and How to Present Your Case with a panel of judicial officers.

Local agencies and nonprofits will be present to provide information about their services. The first 50 people to arrive will receive a family law packet.

See flyer HERE.

LENA Start | 8-Week Virtual Series
2026-06-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
LENA Start Registration Open Now (Deadline: June 15!)
LENA Start is a no-cost, eight-week virtual program for parents of children ages 0–32 months. Through weekly sessions, parents learn how to harness the power of back-and-forth conversation to build their child’s early language and cognitive skills.
Wednesdays, June 24 – August 12 | 10–11 a.m. | Via Zoom
Register: ppld.org/kids/LENAStart
Download flyer here

Disability Connections 7th Annual Concert and Resource Fair
2026-07-18 15:00 - 17:30 | 2020 N. Academy Blvd.
Join us for the 2026 Summer Concert & Resource Fair 🎶🤝 — a welcoming space for people with disabilities, families, and allies to connect, relax, and discover practical support.
By completing this community registration form, you help Disability Connections plan accessible seating, accommodations, and resource booths that reflect real needs.
Your details guide how we shape an inclusive event with music, information, and services that support everyday life.
RSVP HERE
