A PLACE FROM WHICH IT STARTS AND WHERE IT CAN GO

• Integrated Family Community Services provides essential human services and enrichment programs to low-income individuals and families. While they are best known for their food market, IFCS offers much more, including financial assistance, school supplies, holiday grocery boxes, and recreation center vouchers. They began in 1964 when a South Metro Denver resident Maida Navis recognized that some of her neighbors needed extra help. Mrs. Navis gathered neighborhood leaders for a “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” effort, forming the original Inter-Faith Task Force for Community Services.

• For the November donation I decided to split the contribution between two organizations near to my heart. The first is the Centerstage Theatre Company located right by our office in Louisville! This non-profit is dedicated to providing a creative, enriching experience for children through the magic of theatre. Our support to the mission helps foster creativity, empathy, and critical thinking in the next generation. Theatre has the unique ability to engage children in a way that stimulates their imagination, encourages emotional intelligence, and broadens their worldview. 

• For October, I decided to split our monthly donation between two local organizations that I’ve interacted with in recent years, and the second is Love for Lily. For my first several years living in Colorado, I worked as a nanny for an incredible family. In 2012 they lost their first baby, Lily, in hospice at home after spending three months with her in the NICU. Sahra, the mother, recognized that they had a lot of support from family and friends throughout their journey, but not everyone does.
• She founded a non-profit honoring Lily that provides support for families in and after the NICU. They bring essentials bags to hospitals for parents not expecting their baby so soon, they run support groups for moms and dads processing grief and a new chapter, and they also have a training course for nurses and medical teams to encourage self-care and harmony between families and their caregivers. I’ve volunteered several times at Love For Lily events and fundraisers and am consistently blown away and brought to tears hearing about just how impactful this organization is for the families it has cared for (now over 4500 families!). They serve three hospitals in the Boulder/Denver area now and are continuing to expand their programs.

Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue by Emma Snelling

• For October, I decided to split our monthly donation between two local organizations that I’ve interacted with in recent years! Rocky Mountain Rabbit Rescue is a totally volunteer-based rescue that finds “fur-ever” homes for rabbits who have been abandoned or need re-homing. They also help bond rabbit pairs (did you know rabbits bond for life?) and educate new rabbit owners. 
• Jesse and I adopted our second rabbit Bumble from RMHRR and they helped him bond with Churro, who definitely did not want a friend but now wouldn’t know what to do without him. The volunteers we interacted with are such kind and devoted animal lovers, and a donation will go a long way for those bunnies waiting to be adopted!

A Little Help by Lindsay Gablehouse

• For September’s donation I have chosen A Little Help. They are a Colorado based non-profit started in 2005 and currently serve communities throughout Metro Denver, Northern Colorado, and the Western Slope. Their mission is to empower elderly members of our Colorado communities to age well by connecting them with neighbors of all ages who volunteer to perform services and provide companionship. Volunteers provide transportation, complete yard and home chores, support technology needs, snow shoveling, and do care calls, all while forging meaningful intergenerational connections.
• Having moved my two elderly parents into my home two years ago I’ve witnessed first-hand how quickly needs can change and often how far a little help can go. I am proud to support a local Colorado organization looking to strengthen community bonds through small acts of kindness and believe this type of giving can act as a catalyst to promote greater humanity and compassion throughout all our communities. You can learn more here: A Little Help 

UNFPA by Katrina Gore

• For the August donation, I wanted to support an organization focused on improving the lives of women in underdeveloped countries, particularly in the areas of menstrual education and supply.
• As a woman, I find it unimaginable not to have knowledge about my menstrual cycle or access to the necessary supplies. Many girls are forced to miss school or work due to a lack of these essentials. The UNFPA addresses these critical issues by educating girls about puberty and menstruation. Additionally, the UNFPA supports family planning, maternal health, and efforts to end violence against women. You can learn more here: USA for UNFPA

The Delores Project by Victor Cochran

• For our June donation, I have chosen The Delores Project. The Delores Project is a shelter for unhoused women, transgender, and nonbinary individuals in the Denver Metro Area.
• I was drawn to The Delores Project for a number of reasons. The Delores Project ensures that all of its staff members are trauma informed to ensure everyone who seeks shelter there is treated with respect. They also use a housing first initiative while providing people at the shelter with resources to seek medical help and find jobs. They encourage everyone under their roof to maintain as much autonomy as possible in a situation that often strips people of their sense of self. Lastly, The Delores Project works with leaders in the community to try to change public policies and housing developments, therefore working to reduce the size of the unhoused population by starting at the root of the problems that lead to homelessness. ou can learn more about their initiatives and practices on their website: The Delores Project

A Thousand Summers by Alanna Savor

• For our May donation, I’ve chosen A Thousand Summers, which helps send Colorado’s underprivileged children to summer wilderness camps. The following statements stood out to me from their website:
• “The founders of the John Austin Cheley Foundation understood in their hearts that summer camp and time spent in nature have a profound effect upon the trajectory of children’s lives, and they desired to carry this powerful opportunity forward to others.”
• “We believe the opportunity to go for a hike, jump in a boat, enjoy the warmth of a campfire, make lifelong friends and count stars in the sky should not be limited. So we strive to make it available to as many youth as possible because we recognize the impact we have isn’t on one person or one family, but ripples out into society as a whole.”
• “We are committed to serving youth who represent the full breadth of diverse backgrounds. This means partnering with camp programs that invite people not simply to “fit in” with the spoken and unspoken cultural norms of those who have historically been represented at summer camp, but to feel a deep sense of belonging. We strive to ensure that each participant is valued for who they are and what they bring to the summer program they join.” Read more about the organization here: A Thousand Summers

A Woman’s Work

• I’m happy to announce that A Woman’s Work will be the recipient of our April donation. Having recently attended their luncheon, I was profoundly moved by the impactful presence this organization holds within the Saint Vrain Valley community through its various programs. A Woman’s Work extends crucial, one-time grants to women facing urgent financial needs, ranging from securing transportation for employment to stabilizing families amidst unforeseen emergencies. It’s truly remarkable how providing support to women facing an unforeseen crisis can serve as a catalyst for positive change within a community. A Woman’s Work exemplifies this transformative spirit.
• Moreover, their collaboration with the Saint Vrain Valley School District is commendable. By engaging students from the P-Tech program in repairing and refurbishing cars for donation, they not only foster vocational skills but also instill a profound sense of empathy and community service. The symbiotic nature of this partnership is truly inspiring.
• Our very own Jenn Wenande serves as the Event Coordinator for A Woman’s Work, orchestrating memorable gatherings that reflect the organization’s dedication. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with the opportunity to attend one of their events and experience firsthand the remarkable impact of this organization. For those seeking further insight into A Woman’s Work and the countless lives they’ve touched, I invite you to explore their website at awomanswork.org.

Oweesta Corporation

• For my nomination for March, I have chosen Oweesta Corporation. Oweesta is a non-profit that provides the tools, training, and funding to help Native people set themselves up for financial and economic success. My time before Origin was spent in the auto and real estate industries, specifically working alongside lenders, and I have seen firsthand the hardships that Natives suffer due to lack of financial and economic circumstances, which a lot of times are outside of their control. Obtaining a loan for basic necessities like a home or a car can be nearly impossible, and access to banks, credit unions, etc. is also extremely difficult for Natives. Oweesta has helped so many Natives start businesses, own homes, build homes, rebuild communities suffering from natural disasters. etc. The impact Oweesta has made is life changing for so many.
• My cousin, Crystal Cornelius, experienced firsthand the hardships of growing up on a reservation. Born into both Ojibwe and Oneida communities, she has dedicated her work to serving the Native Economic Development field. She has done amazing work, including testifying before the Senate on the impact of CFDI’s in their communities. Currently, Chrystal serves as CEO of Oweesta, so to be able to give back after watching her work so hard is incredible! Thank you Origin for your generosity!! This donation will touch many lives!

Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project

• Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project is based out of Los Angeles. This nonprofit works to provide abortion care and emergency contraceptive aid, among other things, to people who would normally not be able to afford it. They especially focus on states with high restrictions on reproductive care. Especially in a post-Roe world, I think it’s a super important mission.

Native American Rights Fund

• Native American Rights Fund is based in Boulder. It is a nonprofit headed by a board of 13 Native Americans from different tribes and focuses on applying existing laws/treaties to help protect the sovereignty and survival of tribes. It’s a super important cause to me, especially with the recent legal challenges to ICWA, as well as new pipeline proposals, etc. that would have a lasting effect..

Water for People by John Dicken

• My nomination is Water for People, which is a nonprofit based here in Denver. It is an international nonprofit working across countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa to address the global water crisis and give communities access to clean water.

Tennyson Center for Children

• “It was my honor to choose the beneficiary of Origin CPA Group’s generosity for December. The great news is that our donation was matched 100% for Colorado Gives Day! (Thanks to Pamela Vogel and Reese Vogel for getting this done quickly to get the match)
• I chose a charity dear to my heart and the hearts of my sons and their friends growing up in Arvada -The Tennyson Center for Children. Here is a little info from their website: ‘Since 1904, Tennyson Center for Children has partnered with kids and families impacted by neglect, abuse, and trauma to find personalized paths to healing. We build stronger and healthier families by addressing a variety of mental health and behavioral challenges.’ Tennyson’s therapy and support services are for kids from birth to age 18, their families and parents-to-be, offered in homes across Colorado and in their Denver-based school. They also provide residential programs for youth in need.
• There were several Tennyson graduates who attended high school with my sons, and I saw firsthand the good work that Tennyson does with very vulnerable young people. Thank you, Origin, for your generosity!”

Louisville Community Food Bank

• “For the month of November, I have chosen to donate to the Louisville Community Food Bank (LCFB). They provide food to less fortunate families in the 80027 zip code. Being in the holiday season now, I felt this was a great organization to donate to, as the central part of most holidays and celebrations is food!”

Broomfield FISH by Kacey Denham

• “For the month of October I chose to donate to Broomfield FISH, a local institution. They have serviced families in need for many years by providing food items, housing costs, and access to other resources. This is close to my heart, as throughout the years we’ve participated in and helped organize canned food drives to assist in stocking the FISH food pantry shelves. There are so many families in need and this sweet organization provides hope and is a reliable partner by elevating the lives of those in our community who can use a helping hand.”

Dumb Friends League

• “I chose the Dumb Friends League because of my love of animals. The foundation was created over 100 years ago to help those who could not speak for themselves (animals). Their mission is to end pet homelessness and animal suffering. They do this by offering many services such as adoption, sheltering, lost and found, and informational services for animal owners. Just last year, they expanded their veterinary care which provides low-cost services for pets for whose caretakers wouldn’t otherwise be able to provide such care. After spending two weeks in Egypt and seeing all the homeless animals and animals who needed veterinary care and clearly weren’t receiving it, I’m proud to support a foundation who is helping the animals we have here in our own state.”

Boulder Voices for Children

• “I chose Boulder Voices for Children. They deliver services, support, and advocacy to children who have experienced trauma. They do this through matching volunteer attorneys with children in the foster care system to ensure that children in foster care have an advocate for their best interest. The idea is that parents have attorneys and caseworkers represent the state’s interest, but without a volunteer attorney there is no one directly advocating for the best interests of the child.”

The Wild Animal Sanctuary by Jennifer Wenande

• “I chose The Wild Animal Sanctuary in in Keensburg. The sanctuary specializes in rescuing and caring for lions, tigers (and bears!) along with other large animals, which were previously ill-treated and sometimes severely abused. Some day if and when I ever retire, I would like to volunteer with this organization, and hopefully not get eaten by a tiger because I’d like to be the staff large-kitty hugger.”

Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter by Brenda Fernandez

• I chose Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in my hometown of Trinidad. It’s a small shelter and they have a 100% placement rate of adoptable pets. They also donate food that they can’t use to the homeless shelter for people who cannot afford pet food. Animals are so important to me and my dog Poe is going through radiation therapy and only has one day left of treatment!

Community Food Share

• I picked Community Food Share because eating is a daily source of joy for me. Knowing that for some people it’s a daily struggle tugs on my heartstrings. I get grouchy if I skip one meal. I can’t imagine missing multiple.

Dharma’s Garden

• For April’s donation, I chose Dharma’s Garden. Dharma’s Garden is a half-acre educational garden in North Boulder with volunteer opportunities, workshops, festivals, and a place for community and connection to the earth right in the middle of town. They serve as a model for ethical land stewardship and all are welcome to visit. I plan to volunteer with them this summer (2023), so let me know if any of you would like to join!

Kobu Foundation

• For March’s donation, I chose the Kobu Foundation. Kobu was founded by three CU students and is still run today by them and a number of other students from CU. In Colorado, more than 566,00 people are food insecure, and 147,120 of them are children. Kobu was founded to help reduce these numbers. Over the last four years, Kobu has been able to deliver more than 200,000 meals. They continue to deliver meals every Friday from Community Food Share right here in Louisville to those in need in and around Boulder County.

Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation Mental Health Support Program

• Excited to choose Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation’s Mental Health Support Program for February’s donation! The Mental Health Support Program offers therapy to cancer patients and their family members with licensed professionals who have specialized training in psychosocial oncology, medical trauma, health psychology and anxiety, and more. They launched this program last year, and opened it to the whole community starting this year!
• This program is available to all Colorado residents who have been diagnosed with cancer, experience a progression in their diagnosis, or are family members of a person with a cancer diagnosis or who has passed from cancer. A $1,000 donation will provide recipients of the program between 10-14 therapy sessions. A program just like this (in Texas) was invaluable to my sister’s mental health while she was going through treatment!

Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming By Reese Vogel

• For January’s donation I chose the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming. Around 1 in 10 adults will have a seizure sometime in their life and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy. In the United States alone around 3.4 million people have active epilepsy, which makes epilepsy one of the most common neurological conditions in the world.
• The foundation focuses on research and education about epilepsy to help individuals and their families, and their mission is to “lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives.” I chose the Epilepsy Foundation because I know firsthand just how scary epilepsy and seizures are and how disruptive they are in everyday life. I want to give back to help people find the same level care and support that I’ve received.

Mental Health America

• “With some help I choose Mental Health America to donate to for the month of December. Mental health, as we all know, is a crucial part of overall health and affects everyone. When those who are struggling are given the right tools and support it makes a world of difference.”
• Their Mission: Mental Health America (MHA)’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal.”

Food Bank of the Rockies by Christine Prins

• I choose Food Bank of the Rockies to donate for the month of November. Unbelievably, 1 in 8 people in our Colorado communities are affected by hunger. Food Bank of the Rockies is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, distributing more than 1.5 million meals every week and bringing help to those that need it the most. An important cause always but one that sticks especially close to my heart during this season when we seem to come together more frequently gathering around food (and family) in joy and celebration.

Mother House by Emily Hellwig

• “For our October donation I’ve chosen Mother House. They house and care for struggling and at-risk moms and their babies. They help them get back on their feet and provide support and resources to set them up for success once they leave!”

Western Resource Advocates by John Dicken

• “For our September donation I’ve chosen Western Resource Advocates. Their main office is located here in Boulder, but they work across most of the Mountain West. They primarily work to advance solutions to climate change in the region and to protect our air, land, water, and wildlife. The fall is such a great time of year here in Colorado, and for me anyway, a reminder on how important environmental conservation is.”

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

• “The monthly donation for July is going to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established in 1980 and now has over 600 residents including tigers, African lions, black bears, wolfs and more. The sanctuary that is open for visitation sits on 789 acres where some of the animals live. The Wild Animal Refuge is not open to the public, but is located on over 9,000 acres and hosts animals in natural habitats. The sanctuary has been rescuing “captive exotic and endangered large carnivores” living in people’s homes, yards, and other areas not fit for such animals. The goal of their program is to place animals in large acreage habitats where they can live out their lives as nature intended.”

Safe shelter of St Vrain Valley

• “For our June donation I chose Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley. This amazing organization is located in Longmont. Below is a little information on what they provide:
  Safe Shelter provides a comprehensive system of programs and services to address the needs of individuals affected by Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Human Trafficking and Teen Dating Violence. All of our services are free, confidential, bilingual (English/Spanish), bicultural, open and affirming, and available 24/7. We provide a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, case management, legal advocacy, community and peer education, information and referrals.”

International Midwife Assistance

• “For May I chose International Midwife Assistance as our charity to donate to. Infant mortality rates are still unconscionable high in many parts of the world and women still do not have equal, if any, access to healthcare as well.”

• “I picked There With Care to donate to because it’s a local nonprofit that I’ve been volunteering with since I was 12. They provide services to families with critically ill children (groceries, transportation to doctor’s appointments, professional cleaning services so kiddos with compromised immune systems can safely go home, etc.), sometimes for years on end while kids are sick. They’re a really wonderful organization, and I was so excited to be able to provide them funds from our firm – thank you shareholders for making this happen!”