Parents Resources

The not-for-profit Humane Society of Boulder Valley offers pet adoption and boarding, dog training classes, pet loss support groups, and help in locating lost animals. An on-site store sells pet supplies and knick-knacks, and raises much-needed funding.

Each year, the HSBV helps tens of thousands of animals find homes, so it's definitely the place to go if you're looking to add an animal to the family. Adoption fees vary, and go toward supporting the organization's good works.

Even if you're "just looking," the facility is a wonderful place to visit. The cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and rodents housed here appreciate the attention, and children - who must remain under adult supervision at all times - can show them some love.

HSBV welcomes volunteers over the age of 14 (those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent), and provides training. Families can also serve as foster parents, welcoming dogs and cats into their homes for brief periods.

Summer camp programs are also offered and tremendously popular. If you are interested, keep an eye on the website for schedule announcements.

The Central Denver office of the Red Cross Mile High Chapter offers classes, demonstrations, and services to the Rocky Mountain region.

Sister Carmen Community Center offers an emergency food bank and community support services such as rental assistance, school supplies for children in need, and referrals to other agencies for other types of assistance. The thrift store is a source of household necessities, clothing, furniture, and other items at modest prices. Gently used and new donations are always welcome. Visit the website for items of particular need at the moment and donation hours.

In addition to performing its primary duties of responding to emergencies, Westminster's Fire Station 1 also hosts community events.

In addition to performing its standard duties of responding to emergencies, Fire Station 5 also hosts Car Seat Safety checks in the parking lot on select Saturdays during the year.

The Holistic Moms Network (HMN) is a national support organization for anyone - moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers, or parents-to-be - interested in raising children using natural health and mindful parenting techniques.

The organization and its website offer support and information on topics such as natural therapies, organic foods, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, homeschooling, cloth diapering, fighting commercialism, environmental conservation, etc.

HMN currently has one chapter in Colorado, serving the Denver metro area. Each chapter holds regular monthly meetings; visit the website for a schedule and additional contact information.

Memebership to the Holistic Moms Network is $35 per year. Membership forms are available online.

The Hangout Learning Center is a community center designed just for home school students and their families. With access to a great outdoor space, two gymnasiums, an art center, computer lab, game room, and play room, in addition to monthly classes, the Hangout can be considered a recreation center, a home school support center, an ongoing home school group and community center all wrapped up in one. Students and their parents can come away with group socialization that is sometimes hard to find amongst home schoolers. The Hangout can also be scheduled for special events in the evenings and on weekends as desired.

Like a virtual children's art museum, Artsonia is an online collection of kids' artwork from around the world. Kids can take the masterpieces they've created and upload them onto the website. Family and friends can then visit the artwork and participate in activities that allow them to take an active role in a child's art education, even if they live far away. There is no cost to participate, and Artsonia currently has artwork from children in over 100 countries.

There is no cost to participate and the site includes artwork from children in more than 100 countries. Artsonia is a young, Chicago-based company, and was recognized by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) in 2005 for its outstanding contribution to art education in the United States.

Homeschoolers can also find a variety of complete lesson plans created by art teachers. And many artsy gift items available for sale online.

For the middle-of-the-night gotta-have-some-cough-syrup kind of emergency - Walgreens has a full service pharmacy and a good selection of over-the-counter medications.

Stores also carry an eclectic collection of items including health and beauty items, toys, seasonal items, party supplies, packaged candy, and much more. Most stores also have one hour photo/digital developing.

HealthONE Rose Medical Center has earned a reputation as Denver's "Baby Hospital" while becoming a leader in comprehensive women's, surgical, and endoscopy services, heart and vascular, orthopedics, total joint replacement, bariatrics, and sports, internal, and aesthetic medicine.

A 157-bed facility where medical and technical expertise is combined with highly personalized care resulting in the best possible healthcare experience. Located in Thornton, the campus features two medical office buildings, a 26-bed emergency department, state-of-the art cardiovascular services, and a range of women's services.