Engage Jeffco Podcast

What does healing look like after tragedy? There is no right answer. It can look different for everyone. The Evergreen Resiliency Center (ERC) is one place the community can lean on.  In this episode of Engage Jeffco, we speak with Ami McCarthy, director of the Evergreen Resiliency Center (ERC).  The ERC was established after the Evergreen High School shooting in September 2025 to provide support and resources for victims, survivors and first responders. We recognize that this may be difficult to hear, especially for those directly affected. Please take care of yourself while listening. It’s OK to pause, skip this episode or come back to it when you’re ready. McCarthy, with extensive experience in victim services and trauma, emphasizes the importance of play and human connection in the healing process.   The center offers various activities, including games, yoga and mental health referrals. Meaningful connection, accessible resources and a focus on long-term resilience can all be found in Evergreen’s recognizable Yellow House.   If you need help right away, call or text 988, the Colorado Mental Health Line.  •••Have a question or comment? Want us to feature a specific topic or person in Jeffco? ⁠Drop us a message with SpeakPipe⁠. Just hit record and leave us a message like you would leave a voicemail.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco Newsletter:The Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.•••Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes athttps://www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-Newsletter•••Follow us:• Facebook: /JeffcoColorado • Instagram: @jeffcocolorado • X: @JeffcoColorado • Bluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.social • YouTube: @JeffcoColorado

Kevin Trautman and Jessica Hymer from the Jeffco Sustainability team join us in this episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast to chat about Jefferson County's environmental initiatives.•••Have a question or comment? Want us to feature a specific topic or person in Jeffco? Drop us a message with SpeakPipe. Just hit record and leave us a message like you would leave a voicemail.•••Learn more about Jefferson County's Sustainability and Climate Action initiatives.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-Newsletter•••Follow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

Marcy James and Sean Eads from Jefferson County Public Library join us in this episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast to chat about the organization's community programming, which is much more than just books.•••Have a question or comment? Want us to feature a specific topic or person in Jeffco? Drop us a message with SpeakPipe. Just hit record and leave us a message like you would leave a voicemail.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-Newsletter•••Follow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado•••Learn More About The Jefferson County Public LibraryCheck out all the programs, services and library locations that JCPL has to offer.

In a special crossover episode with the Inside Arvada Podcast, we chat with Katie Patterson and Sean Star from the City of Arvada about the misconceptions, differences and similarities between the city and Jefferson County.•••Have a question or comment? Want us to feature a specific topic or person in Jeffco? Drop us a message with SpeakPipe. Just hit record and leave us a message like you would leave a voicemail.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-Newsletter•••Follow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado•••More information about the City of Arvada and the Inside Arvada Podcast:Visit the City of Arvada's website for all the ways you can stay informed.Listen to the Inside Arvada Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.•••City of Arvada social media: Instagram: @cityofarvadaYouTube: @cityofarvadaX: @cityofarvadaFacebook: /cityofarvada

In this episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we chat with Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio about some misconceptions about what his office does, how the office maintains transparency and important information for taxpayers.•••Have a question or comment? Want us to feature a specific topic or person in Jeffco? Drop us a message with SpeakPipe. Just hit record and leave us a message like you would leave a voicemail.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-Newsletter•••Follow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In this year's final episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we chat with Jefferson County's Regional Homeless Coordinator Kerry Wrenick about what homelessness looks like right now in our community and the coordinated, regional response consisting of county and city leaders, service providers and community partners aimed at ending homelessness while protecting our most vulnerable neighbors. Listen to the episode.•••Have a question or comment? Want us to feature a specific topic or person in Jeffco? Drop us a message with SpeakPipe. Just hit record and leave us a message like you would leave a voicemail.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-Newsletter•••Follow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In this month’s episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we chat with Audrey Miklitsch, Engagement and Communications Manager for CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties, and Jessica Hansen, Executive Director of Jeffco Prosperity Partners, about Jefferson County's annual Giving Tree program, which aims to make the holidays a little brighter for some less fortunate children in our community.•••CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin CountiesJeffco Prosperity PartnersInformation on the JPP/Colorado Gives Day donation match opportunityCASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties Colorado Gives Day siteJeffco Prosperity Partners Colorado Gives Day site•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In this month’s episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we sit down with Cory Vander Veen and Anne Morrison from Evergreen Park and Recreation District, along with Marc Vitelli from the Evergreen Skatepark Coalition, to talk about the transformation underway at Buchanan Park. What began with a $40,000 grant from Jefferson County’s Youth Partnership Program has evolved into a full-scale community effort to update the 42-acre space in the heart of Evergreen.•••Evergreen Park & Recreation DistrictEvergreen Skatepark Coalition•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In this month’s episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we chat with Erick Dahl, Airport Director for Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, about his first year in the role and how RMMA is working to be a good neighbor, economic driver and regional partner. Erick shares how RMMA is focused on community engagement, enhancing transparency and laying the foundation for long-term success for one of Colorado’s busiest airports.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In this episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we chat with Dr. Chelsea Shore-Miller, Program Manager for the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council, to discuss how the coalition is helping fund efforts to combat the lingering impacts of the opioid crisis in the region.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In episode seven of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Meixner with Jefferson County Head Start, Jess Fuller with the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce, and Jennifer Anton from Triad Bright Futures to talk about the child care crisis in Jefferson County — and how local leaders are stepping up with real solutions. From affordability and workforce shortages to the broader economic ripple effects, this episode sheds light on what families are facing, what support is available, and how you can get involved in building a stronger early childhood system for our community.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In episode six of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we talk with three Jefferson County emergency preparedness experts about how the county is gearing up for wildfires, floods and other hazards — and what residents can do now to get ready.Steph Baker and Brian Keating from the Emergency Services Section of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Pat O’Connell, an engineering geologist with Jefferson County Planning and Zoning who specializes in floodplain management, offer a behind-the-scenes look at how departments coordinate long before disaster strikes. From go-bags and evacuation alerts to wildfire simulations on the county’s new sim table, this episode is full of practical tools and insights — including why “being your own hero” is one of the most important steps you can take to stay safe.Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In episode five of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, Jefferson County Open Space Director Tom Hoby joins us to discuss the Rocky Mountain Greenway, including improvements aiming to create a safer experience for visitors of the regional trail project running through Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge.Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In episode four of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we chat with Jeni Carter, county director for Jeffco's CSU Extension office, about how the university is bringing its research and resources to the Jefferson County community.An in-depth look at the issues, events, and unique perspectives, the Engage Jeffco Podcast is a deeper exploration of important county initiatives, ways to get involved, and the people who make this county function•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In episode three of the Engage Jeffco Podcast, we are joined by Brandon Toya and Dianah Cortez from Lockheed Martin Space and Mike Aman from the Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center. We chat about the Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program (AMTAP), which is affording Jeffco residents the opportunity to jumpstart their career and gain valuable job skills.An in-depth look at the issues, events, and unique perspectives, the Engage Jeffco Podcast is a deeper exploration of important county initiatives, ways to get involved, and the people who make this county function. •••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

In episode two of the Engage Jeffco Podcast we welcome Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper into the studio for a chat! Discussion topics include the commissioner's background before representing Jefferson County's District 3, what drove her to run for the seat, and some of her top priorities and accomplishments.An in-depth look at issues, events, and unique perspectives, the Engage Jeffco Podcast is a deeper exploration of important county initiatives, ways to get involved, and the people who make this county function.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

Welcome into the premiere episode of the Engage Jeffco Podcast! We dive into our first County 101 segment, a conversation about how our county works and the systems that shape our community.An in-depth look at issues, events, and unique perspectives, the Engage Jeffco Podcast is a deeper exploration of important county initiatives, ways to get involved, and the people who make this county function.•••Subscribe to the Engage Jeffco NewsletterThe Engage Jeffco newsletter a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events, and much more. In addition, the Engage Jeffco newsletter is a tool to help get citizens more engaged in their communities.Sign up for the newsletter and find all Engage Jeffco Podcast episodes at www.jeffco.us/805/Engage-Jeffco-NewsletterFollow us:Facebook: /JeffcoColoradoInstagram: @jeffcocoloradoX: @JeffcoColoradoBluesky: @jeffcocolorado.bsky.socialYouTube: @JeffcoColorado

A resource for our community, the Engage Jeffco podcast dives into the latest happenings, exciting events, and the ways to make a difference in Jefferson County. Listeners will learn about county issues, policies, and how county government works through in-depth stories and interviews with staff and leadership. It's all about educating and engaging with YOU, the Jeffco community!