2023 Giving Guide: Community Nonprofits That Change Lives
Colorado Expression's 2023 list of local nonprofits supporting the community and changing lives
Photo courtesy of Joel Muniz
Denver Rescue Mission
Denver Rescue Mission serves the most vulnerable men, women and children in our community and is grateful for the generous support from Colorado Gives Day. Donations help people experiencing homelessness and addiction through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional programs and community outreach across the metro area. Last year, the Mission provided more than one million meals and 427,952 nights of shelter. Its New Life program graduated 84 men, and the Bridge program helped hundreds of families transi- tion off of the streets into secure housing, setting them on a path to lasting stability. Support of the Mission from the community has helped to restore families, bring hope to the hopeless and change lives for the past 131 years.
303-297-1815
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens offers 24 acres with more than 40 gardens showcasing plants from around the world. Special events like the Sum- mer Concert Series and Blossoms of Light draw visitors near and far. The Gardens strives to entertain and delight while spreading collective wisdom through outreach, collaboration and education. Conservation programs play a major role in saving species and protecting natural hab- itats for future generations. Chatfield Farms is a 700-acre native plant refuge and working farm in Jefferson County. On-site are historical buildings dating back to the 1800s, nature trails and wildflower gardens. Special events like the Corn Maze and Trail of Lights are perennial fa- vorites. The Gardens provides programs for more than 35,000 children annually, conducts cutting-edge research, and cultivates plant collec- tions specially selected for our Rocky Mountain region. Your support helps us maintain both locations and our work on Mount Goliath and programming at the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora.
York Street 720-865-3500 Chatfield Farms 720-865-3500
Junior League of Denver
Founded in 1918, the Junior League of Denver is a women’s training organization empowering women to become civic leaders and impactful community volunteers. Having helped to start countless organizations and programs in Denver, the league is currently working to disrupt the cycle of systemic poverty for women and families in the metro area. In 2022-23, volunteers contributed near- ly 3,000 hours to the community, served nearly 7,000 children and adults, distributed more than 1,500 books, served almost 2,500 meals and granted $33,000 to area nonprofits. The league hosts signature community programs, partners with fellow nonprofits, and advocates on behalf of women and families at the Capitol. Your Colorado Gives Day donation will help the Junior League continue these important efforts.
303-692-0270
National Jewish Health
For 124 years, National Jewish Health has been at the fore- front of research and medical care focused on lung, heart, immune and related disorders. At this nationally recognized specialty care hospital, doctors, scientists and caregivers come together to find answers, develop new treatments and solve medical challenges. Caring for kids and adults and finding cures for many serious illnesses are cornerstones of the work done at National Jewish Health. Support from the community, including during programs like Colorado Gives Day, is key in continuing life-changing research and in providing unique programs such as the Morgridge Academy, a kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school on the hospital campus that is designed for children with chronic illnesses.
1-877-225-5654
Photo courtesy of Eyoel Kahssay
Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS)
JFS is a nonprofit human-services organization that serves anyone in need, regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs. Founded more than 150 years ago, JFS currently offers more than 30 programs and services, including food support, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, refugee re- settlement, and disability services. Gifts made on Colorado Gives Day and this holiday season help provide these life-changing programs to those who need them most.
303-597-5000
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is a public nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Established in 2009, GLOBAL is the largest nonprofit in the U.S. working to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome and their families. GLOBAL is part of a network of affiliates that includes the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Chil- dren’s Hospital Colorado, and the CU Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center. GLOBAL’s signature fundraiser, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18.
GLOBAL is honored to participate in Colorado Gives Day and appreciates the community and donors for their generosity.
303-321-6277
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America Colorado is a faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. VOA Colorado has more than 50 programs state- wide that provide emergency shelter, housing and food to nearly 100,000 state residents in need. Every holiday sea- son, VOA Colorado distributes 1,500 food baskets during Thanksgiving and Christmas to individuals and families facing food insecurity, providing over 18,000 meals during the holiday season. In 2021, VOAC provided meals and nourishment for nearly 72,000 individuals and has housed more than 9,000 individuals while providing wraparound supportive services where needed. Volunteers of America Colorado supports diverse populations, including families, children, veterans and older adults.
303-297-0408
We Don’t Waste
We Don’t Waste believes that good food should go to people, not landfills. The Denver-based organization reduces food insecurity and food waste in the area by recovering quality unused food from the food industry and delivering it free-of-charge to food pantries, schools and shelters, and directly to the community through Mobile Food Markets. As of 2023, We Don’t Waste has recovered and distributed more than 200 million servings of quality food, equal to more than 65 million meals, while also diverting roughly 50 million pounds of food from landfills. You can support food access for your neighbors through weekly volunteer opportunities, or by donating to We Don’t Waste’s capital campaign for a brand new Food Recovery Hub this Colorado Gives Day.
720-443-6113
Photo courtesy of Nico Smit
Judi’s House
Judi’s House was created with the belief that all bereaved children and families should have access to effective and compassionate care. Former Broncos quarterback Brian Griese was just 12 years old when his mother, Judi, died from breast cancer. Brian and his wife, Brook Griese, PhD, a clinical child psychologist specializing in trauma and loss, founded Judi’s House in her memory. For the past 21 years, the organization has worked toward its mission to help children and families who are grieving a death find connection and healing. The organization’s research arm, JAG Institute, furthers this mission through comprehensive research and training initiatives. All services, provided by mental health professionals, are offered at no cost to the families they serve. Last year, Judi’s House moved to a new, purpose-built home, created by and for the community, at the crossroads of Aurora and Denver just east of the Stanley Marketplace.
720-941-0331
Warren Village provides low-income, single-parent families with the space and resources to achieve economic mobility through affordable housing, workforce development, post-secondary education support and early childhood education. As inflation and the cost of living in the Denver area continue to grow, more families are facing housing instability and struggle to find safe and affordable housing. Warren Village builds community that empowers families to strive for economic and personal independence at its two current campuses, and at its new campus, Warren Village at Alameda, opening at the end of 2024. Become a part of the Warren Village community on Colorado Gives Day.
303-321-2345
Urban Peak
Urban Peak ignites the potential in youth to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilled lives. Urban Peak is the only organization in the Denver area providing a full convergence of services solely focused on one of the most vulnerable populations in our community: youths ages 15 through 24 experiencing homelessness. These young people face challenges that are hard to imagine. They have little experience living independently and are often developmentally unprepared to find stability without supportive adults or safe and caring connections. Urban Peak puts youths on a path toward self-sufficiency and success through programs including street outreach, a drop-in center, shelter, housing, support services and case management. In 2024, Urban will open a highly anticipated new campus, lovingly known as The Mothership, that will offer expanded shelter, independent living options and on-site support services. The generous support of individuals and organizations through Colorado Gives Day and throughout the year allows Urban Peak to continue this innovative and critical work.
303-974-2900
