Neurodiversity Tip: Write down the four main benefit names (SNAP, Medicaid, Pell, SSI) on a whiteboard or anchor chart so they remain visible throughout the entire session. This supports working memory.
Slide 4: Common Colorado Benefits Table 5 Mins
Delivery Notes: Point to each row on the table. Have students look at the matching symbols (🍎, 🏥, 🎓, 💵, 🏠).
"Look at the symbols on the left. Emojis make it easier to scan lists. We have Apple for Food, Hospital for Health, Graduation Cap for College, Dollar for Income, and House for Housing. Today we're mapping each symbol to a specific Colorado benefit program."
Slides 5-8: SNAP, Medicaid, Pell, & SSI Focus 15 Mins
🍎 SNAP (Food Assistance)
Explain that SNAP is a plastic debit-style card (EBT). It refills on the same day every month. Many youth experiencing homelessness qualify as "unaccompanied youth" even if they have no parents signing the forms.
Say: "SNAP is for buying fresh, uncooked food. It is accepted at King Soopers, Safeway, Walmart, and local markets."
🏥 Health First CO (Medicaid)
Explain that Colorado has a dedicated Medicaid plan. It pays for basic physical medical visits, dental, eye care, and mental health counseling. This includes free therapy sessions at community partners.
Say: "Health First Colorado covers 100% of your doctor checkups, filling cavities, and therapy."
🎓 Pell Grants (College)
Many youth think college is out of reach because of debt. Explain that a Pell Grant is FREE MONEY that does not get repaid. Housing-unstable youth can file as independent, lowering parent-tax requirements.
Say: "Pell Grants can cover your community college tuition entirely, leaving you with zero debt."
💵 SSI (Disability Support)
SSI is federal support. Remind students that physical and mental conditions (like severe ADHD, PTSD, or chronic conditions) can qualify. It provides a monthly check to help with survival costs.
Say: "If you have a medical or mental condition that makes holding a full job very difficult, SSI is here for support."
Benefit Blueprint — Colorado Facilitator Guide Page 2 of 4
DELIVERY SCRIPT Part 2
Slides 9 to 17 — Portals & Exercises
Slides 9-11: Colorado PEAK & Documents 10 Mins
Facilitator Prompt: "Now, how do we actually sign up? We use Colorado PEAK. It is a single website where you can apply for SNAP and Medicaid at the same time. You can also download the MyCOBenefits app on your phone. This lets you upload pictures of your documents instead of mailing them!"
Document Advocacy Script: "Gathering paperwork can feel like a headache. You might think, 'I don't have a birth certificate or tax returns, so I can't apply.' That is NOT true! You should apply anyway. Case managers or school McKinney-Vento liaisons can write verification letters or help you order copies of IDs for free."
Slides 12-13: 2-1-1 Colorado & Community Allies 10 Mins
Dialing 2-1-1 Walkthrough: "PEAK is for long-term programs. What if you need help tonight? Food pantry directions, emergency shelter bed lists, or transit bus passes? You dial 2-1-1. It is just like calling 9-1-1, but for social support."
Who Can Help List: Highlight the roles in Slide 13. Note that the school liaison has specialized legal duties under federal law to make sure housing-unstable students can attend classes, ride school buses, and access meal programs instantly.
Slides 14-17: Scenario Practice & Wrap-Up 15 Mins
Activity Delivery (Visual Matching): Display Slide 14. "We are going to match. Hold up your colored cards or call out the answer. If you need health insurance, what color do you hold up?" (Blue/Medicaid).
Scenario Practice (Jordan, Carlos, Alex, Sarah): Display Slide 15. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 and hand out the Roleplay & Discussion Cards. Ask each group to spend 5 minutes reading their scenario card and filling out the corresponding section on their Guided Scenario Worksheet.
Support Strategy: Walk around the room. Ensure students don't feel performance anxiety. Say, "There are no wrong answers here. We are just brainstorming who to call." If students struggle with writing, encourage them to draw arrows or dictate their answers to you.
Benefit Blueprint — Colorado Facilitator Guide Page 3 of 4
RESOURCE APPENDIX Contact Cheat Sheet
Colorado-Specific Contacts
Keep this sheet handy to write down specific local contact names for your county or school district. Cut out or photocopy for student binders.
Access Portals
Colorado PEAK
Online: colorado.gov/PEAK
MyCOBenefits App
Download on App Store or Google Play
2-1-1 Colorado
Call: 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489
Web: 211colorado.org
Education & Crisis
FAFSA Help
Web: studentaid.gov
Call: 1-800-433-3243
Colorado Youth Liaisons
Check with your school district front office or counselor for the district's designated "McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison" contact.
Colorado Crisis Services
Call: 9-8-8 (Mental Health Emergency)
The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing housing instability. Unaccompanied homeless youth are defined as youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
✓ Instant Enrollment
Students must be enrolled in school immediately, even if they do not have birth certificates, residency proof, academic transcripts, or immunizations.
✓ Free School Meals
Students experiencing housing instability automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch programs, with no application required.
✓ Transportation Rights
The school district is legally required to provide free transportation to and from the student's school of origin if requested.
✓ Liaison Support
Every school district has a liaison to help students obtain IDs, coordinate housing shelter verifications, and sign off on independent college FAFSA forms.
Write Local Resources Here:
School Liaison: ______________________
Youth Shelter: ______________________
Local Food Bank: ____________________
Transit Agency: ____________________
Benefit Blueprint — Colorado Facilitator Guide Page 4 of 4
First Action Step:
Sarah: Emergency Shelter
Sarah just arrived in town. She has nowhere safe to stay tonight and needs an emergency hot meal.
Best Program or Advocate:
First Action Step:
Knowledge Is Power
Asking for help is a sign of extreme strength. Write down the name of at least one adult you know (in school, shelter, or community) who you can talk to about resources:
Benefit Blueprint — Student Worksheet Page 2 of 2
Role B (2-1-1 Dispatcher): "Let's find the nearest active youth shelter and arrange a bus pass or ride to get you there safely."
❓ Discuss: When should you call 2-1-1 instead of applying on Colorado PEAK?
Facilitator Grouping Instructions:
Divide the room into groups of 3 or 4. Hand each group a card. Have them select who plays the student and who plays the advisor. Read the script on the card aloud to practice speaking up and asking for help. Spend 5 minutes on the discussion question at the bottom of your card.
Benefit Blueprint — Roleplay Cards Page 1 of 1
