$25,000 to 18 Colorado Nonprofits 

focusing on children and youth

Debbie Grover, aka Grover, a retiree from the Department of Labor nominated Heart of CASA located in Canon City. In 2022, they served 77 children involved in 52 cases. There were 11 new volunteer advocates sworn in – each of who work hard to give a voice the children they serve. These children are often the result of a Dependency and Neglect case being filed and they might not even be living with their parent(s). Unfortunately they still had to turn away 94 children in 47 cases last year due to funding and lack of volunteers.

 

The Matthews House is just another example of a nonprofit helping kids – our future.  The House helps youth and families in the Fort Collins community who do not have access to the resources they so desperately need, so they are better equipped to handle the stresses of life.  Their thanks you letter told of a student who came to them with failing grades.  With a recipe of structure and diligence this kid is now succeeding in the majority of their classes and is now looking forward to graduation.   People making a difference.

Kids at their Best received a $1500 surprise check from Strength in Change in 2022.  Nominated by Judith out of Fort Morgan she shared this about the organization:  Mission is to inspire, educate and empower rural young people from low-income families to change their life trajectory and become successful, productive adults. Kids at Their Best serve kids from kindergarten through college and into the work force. Mobile program meets kids where they are-in their own neighborhoods to overcome transportation barriers and parents need to work. Provide leadership programs, numerous fun activities, summer meals, built playgrounds and aided older kids in finding employment, some as teachers of younger children. Morgan County is a rural county. One in six children live in poverty. I am amazed that the founder and director, Jodi Walker, started the non-profit as a small dance program to build self-esteem and healthy habits. They now serve over 600 children. It takes a village and one person created a village for our most
vulnerable children.

Rosemary, a PERA retiree from Leadville, nominated Full Circle to receive a $1,500 check from Strength in Change in 2022.    Full Circle of Lake County empowers the Leadville community through youth development, family supports, immigrant services, and resource connection.   She said this organization was doing amazing things for kids who end up being “latch key”with their parents usually working in resort communities a decent commute away.  

Colorado Discover Ability in Mesa County received a $1500 donation from Strength in Change in December 2021.  The mission of Colorado Discover Ability is to increase the independence, self-confidence, self worth and education of people with disabilities through outdoor recreation.    They get kids with disabilities on the mountain to ski, on the river to paddle, and on the trails to bike.    Making kids feels like the kids.

Morgan Family Center in Fort Morgan is highly regarded by that corner of the state and their services are used by many.

Court Care provides free, licensed child care for children of individuals who have court-related business in the Pikes Peak region.   In existence since 2003, Court Care has protected children from witnessing harsh or inappropriate court proceedings.   In addition, parents can conduct business, such as filing for a restraining order or for divorce, without having their child(ren) right there.   It is an incredible service offered.

La Puentes – Alamosa – is an incredible organization out of Alamosa which helps so many residents with so many things…in fact too many to spell out here. Their kid programs are a God send and their devotion to helping others far reaching.
Pueblo Food Project – Pueblo – was the first of four child focused food centers which received a $1500 check from Strength in Change during the first fall of COVID (October 2019). The board wanted to support food programs which specifically targeted children. With the economy still in turmoil and no pending nominations we felt this was the direction PERA retiree’s would want us to head.
Family Promise – Colorado Springs – also received a $1500 check from Strength in Change during the first fall of COVID (October 2019). The board wanted to support food programs which specifically targeted children. With the economy still in turmoil and no pending nominations we felt this was the direction PERA retiree’s would want us to head.
Food for Thought – Denver – received a $1500 check from Strength in Change during the first fall of COVID (October 2019). The board wanted to support food programs which specifically targeted children. With the economy still in turmoil and no pending nominations we felt this was the direction PERA retiree’s would want us to head.
Kids Aid backpack program in Grand Junction has been helping kids concentrate on being kids instead of worrying about where their next meal would come from. This program is in all schools, elementary to high school, and according to teachers a huge life saver. $1500 might not sound like much but think of how many granola bars can be bought and included in these backpacks?
Realities Bent County Community Center After School Program was thrilled to receive the $1500 donation from Strength in Change in October 2019. Their after school program is very active and many families need assistance to attend. That is where PERA retirees steped in and were able to help out.

Realities For Children, in Larimer County, was nominated by Karen Salaz who is a retiree of the 19th Judicial District.   Realities received a $1500 check from Strength in Change donors in the spring of 2019.  Realities For Children provides for the unmet needs of norther Colorado children who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk.   They do this by providing emergency funding, youth activities, critical distributions and collaboration resources of their Partner Youth Agencies.   Their mantra is:   No child should be forgotten.

The Western Slope Center for the Children, in Grand Junction, was nominated by Kathy Nelson who is a retiree of the 21st Judicial District.   The Center received a $1500 check from Strength in Change donors in the summer of 2018.  The Center provides a safe, child-friendly environment to facilitate the interviewing of children who are victims of abuse and neglect as well as provides direct, supportive services to victims and families or appropriate referrals to community agencies. In Mesa County, more than 300 children a year are harmed by sexual or physical abuse. These children need the careful attention of professionals trained to address their special needs. With your support, the Center allows service providers and professionals to come to the child instead of the child and family having to go from agency to agency.

Los Pobres, located in Avondale, received a $1500 check in November 2018.   They provide a multitude of services to a large client base and have never received any government money to do so.   They encourage the middle and high school students to work hard to achieve the best education possible.   We have assisted with tuition for more than 40 students seeking college degrees.

Carole Andersen, a State Department of Regulatory Agencies in Denver, nominated the Kempe Center for Child Abuse and Neglect.   Strength in Change awarded them a $1500 check in November 2015.    Carol said she had worked for the Early Childhood Project at the Education Commission of the State.   In that position she did some work in the area of child abuse and became aware of the extraordinary work of Dr. Kempe.   The foundation has continued his work and is actively helping young children across the state.

Karen Bailey retired from teaching elementary school at Jefferson County ins 2004.    She and her husband first moved to Summit County in 2005 (they have since relocated to Pueblo) and she started volunteering at Summit County Mountain Mentors in 2008.  When she nominated this nonprofit in 2015 she had just attended her mentees graduation from high school.    This program benefits parents and their children.   The staff do an outstanding job of setting activities for the mentor and their mentee.   There is always a waiting list for mentors.