2018
ANNUAL REPORT
Inspiring Change
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FOUNDER’S LETTER To the Realities For Children Family, As I prepared to write this letter in review of our past year of service I realized it was the first full year that the newest resource of our Homebase Campus has been made available to Larimer County children in need. If there was ever any question about the extreme need of this directly requested facilities, 2018 answered with a resounding affirmation. Although we continue to see increased need for children’s services, as last year Larimer County received 6,704 new referrals of child abuse and neglect, the dedicated support of our Business Members, Donors, Volunteers and Partners has allowed us to not only meet this increased demand but actually reach further in service than ever before. The year of 2018 marks a true tipping point in both our reach and impact of services. Just two years ago our Partner Agencies identified a need for safe and confidential facilities that could be used for services and programs to help improve the healing process of those in need. Through the Realities For Children Family, the call to meet this need for the children we all have united for was met in an extraordinary fashion. In less than 18 months from the point this need was identified, we came together to purchase and complete the 4 acre Homebase Campus with an agency hall, child care building, distribution center and a private park and playground, all designed to better provide services for at-risk youth and help carry on our mission to see that no child in need is forgotten for generations to come. After one complete calendar year of providing this additional core service, we have seen every service and resource expand and reach further than ever before. In addition to the 3,532 children, guardians and leaders that used the free Homebase facilities last year, thanks to your support we also provided a record number of emergency and healing services to over 11,000 children in need throughout the year. Providing emergency services funding to 2,417 children, needed items to 4,403 children, and last year 4,257 children attended our special youth activities that allow a child to be a child during difficult times. This report is designed to share more about each of these resources you have helped to provide and highlight what your support helped to accomplish this past year. But no report can illustrate the joy in a child’s eyes, the relief of a struggling guardian or the life changing support that is offered every day because of the impact your partnership has helped to make a reality. Because not only have you the Business Members brought the collective power of the business community to the fight against child abuse, but in doing so have helped to unite the non-profit community of our now 38 Partner Agencies in collaboration to provide the best continuum of services possible for children that have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. On behalf of every child that your membership and support has helped us to serve this past year, thank you for choosing to be part of the Realities For Children Family, and making it your business to make a difference. In friendship and appreciation,
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Realities For Children is Collaboration in Action Realities For Children and Realities For Children Charities form a collaborative partnership that directly connects community members, business leaders and local youth agencies to provide the most efficient and direct services possible to support the needs of local children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned or are at-risk.
In Creating this Private – Social Partnership that invites everyone in our community to help see that no child in need is forgotten, Realities For Children has set the industry standard in: •
Fiscal Efficiency – 100% distribution of every donation directly to core services programs.
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Collaboration – Building a collaborative network of 38 Partner Youth Agencies.
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Community Involvement – Uniting over 250 local businesses and thousands of community members.
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Volunteer Support – Managing one of the largest volunteer bases for at-risk youth.
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Management – Board oversight by proven community leaders.
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Fundraising Events – Hosting premier events that invite all community sectors to get involved.
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Organization Sustainability – Realities For Children is not grant, market or government dependent.
Realities For Children
Realities For Children
MEMBERSHIP
CHARITIES
is a non-profit cause marketing organization
is a 501c3 charitable organization that is
comprised of local businesses. These Business
designed to unite the non-profit community,
Members pay a monthly membership fee that
provide Emergency Services, Item Distributions
collectively provides marketing and promotions for
and Special Programs for children that have been
their business and underwrites all the administrative
abused, neglected or are at-risk to help realize a
and overhead fees for the charity.
strong continuum of services.
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Realities For Children
MEMBERSHIP Where Business, Community and Service Come Together The Vision of Realities For Children is to educate, engage and inspire local businesses, youth agencies and the community to support and improve the lives of Northern Colorado children who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk – so that no child in need is forgotten. Keeping Dreams Alive recipient with Business Members Saunders Heath Construction.
“It is our privilege to support Realities For Children. We have seen the tremendous impact they have made in the lives of local children in need. We truly appreciate the opportunity to give back to the most vulnerable population in Northern Colorado. It is our honor to be part of a team that contributes to our community in such a meaningful way.” - Bart Palmer – Owner, Lion Home Service
Realities For Children Staff
Craig Secher
Jill Foster
Molly Secher
Joyce Dickens
Serena Thomas
Shelley Carroll
Executive Director
Director of Events & Donor Relations
Director of Marketing
Youth Agency Program Manager
Member Relations & Accounts Mngr.
Membership Director
Building Private – Social Partnerships
Realities For Children Inc. is a Colorado non-profit corporation – however it is not an IRC section 501c3 organization. It was created in this manner so that Business Membership dues are business advertising expense, rather than a charitable donation. This distinction is important in achieving our mission to unite the non-profit community because these membership dues are non-competitive resources that underwrite the charities administration so 100% of all dollars raised goes to direct services and programs. For a complete list of all Member Marketing and Promotional Benefits, contact Shelley Carroll at 484-9090 x 101
Membership Matters Realities For Children Business Members are an alliance of local business leaders have made it part of their company culture to making a positive difference in the lives of children in our community that have been abused, neglected and at-risk. These Members are the backbone of the Realities For Children organization in that they fortify the Private - Social Partnerships that allow business, community and service to come together. For a complete list of the over 250 Realities For Children Business Members visit www.RealitiesForChildren.com
Premier Fundraising Events
The Members of Realities For Children produce some of the Premier Fundraising Events for Northern Colorado children who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk; underwriting the management of events that invite all community sectors to get involved. These events have become Community Landmarks and World Record holding events that not only benefit youth in need but also increase community awareness of the problems of child abuse and how everyone can make difference in the life of a child. •
Realities For Children Awards Gala
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Realities Ride & Rally
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Realities Cup Invitational Golf Tournament
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Forever Family Ride
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NightLights - Tree Lighting Celebration
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Realities For Children
MEMBERSHIP Ambassadors Program
Realities For Children’s Ambassadors are a select group of Business Members that have elected to volunteer to reach out to the business community to help us spread community awareness. They go above and beyond to invite business leaders to make it their business to make a difference and serve as lead volunteers at community events and agency programs. Realities For Children Business Ambassadors •
Dr. Ed Osgood, Lighthouse Chiropractic
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Brent Barstad – Mountain View Bank of Commerce
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Emily Birdsall – Jolly Events
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Laurie Czarnecki – BodyVision4U
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Sean Dougherty – RE/MAX Alliance
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Shannon Doyle – SPD Architecture
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Dawn Eger – Eger CPA
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Kevin Lemasters – EnviroPest
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Ian Senesac – Roth Lighting
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Matt Shoup – M&E Painting
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Jennifer Snyder – Fully Promoted
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David Wiegand – Country Financial
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Kelly Kettler – SpeedPro Imaging
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James Morrissette – WatchDog Automotive
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Kevin O’Connell – Graham’s Flooring & Design
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Stacy Ray – United Mailing
2018 Realities For Children Awards & Impact Report: AWARDS Give Next Award Recipient Poudre School District Students honored the Members of Realities For Children as the Give Next Award recipients. Realities for Children Triumph Awards Scholarship Endowment reaches over $526,000 Realities For Children Playground named at ATV Safe House Alternatives To Violence opened their Loveland Safe House for Domestic Violence survivors and named the on site playground the Realities For Children Playground. Realities For Children Playroom named at Family Housing Network FHN finished their new facility for the youth and families they serve and named the in-house playroom the Realities For Children Playroom. Ordinary Extraordinary Award Recipient Northern Colorado Community honored Craig Secher as an Ordinary Extraordinary recipient. Most Dynamic in Community Services Global Business Insight, celebrating business leadership, innovation and sector success, honored the Members of Realities For Children with their Community Services Award. Weld County Commissioners Presentation In recognition of Realities For Children, Weld County Outreach program honored the members of Realities For Children as a champion for children and teens in crisis.
IMPACT Launched new Realities For Children Website Visit us at realitiesforchildren.com Realities For Children began FosterLarimerKids.org RFC began hosting the single site location for all Foster Adoptive interest at FosterLarimerKids.org Realities For Children hosted First Summer Carnival RFC hosted nearly 500 attendees at the first Summer Carnival for the children we serve on the Homebase Campus, run in conjunction with Partner Agency Homeward Alliance. Remi, the Realities For Children Therapy Dog joined the Realities For Children Family Remi is on-site for agency meetings 3 days a week, attends all RFC Youth Activities, works directly with Partner Youth Agencies and even provides one-on-one specialized therapy.
Remi, RFC therapy dog, greeting children at a RFC monthly Youth Activity.
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2018 IMPACT REPORT 4,257 Children attended Realities For Children Youth Activities and Events $ Presented 5 Premier Community Events Raising 394,655 for Direct Services 643 Volunteers gave of their time and talents sharing thousands of hours for the children we serve Provided Critical item Distributions to 4,403 Children in Need Locally $ Supported 31 Partner Youth Agency Fundraising Events collectively raising 1,368,270 Over 24,000 Community Members attended RFC presented and supported benefits Provided Emergency Services to 2,417 Children when no other resources were available $ Funded 731,241 in Core Services and Youth Program needs Introduced ‘Remi’ the Realities For Children Therapy Dog Serving at all RFC Youth Activities Built the Triumph Awards Scholarship Endowment Fund to Hosted
$
526,163
3,532 attendees for Partner Agency programs and services at the Homebase
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Realities For Children
MEMBERSHIP Membership Financials Membership Revenue is entirely from local Business Membership. These resources not only provide Member marketing and promotions, increase community awareness of the issues of child abuse but also cover all administrative expenses and operating costs of both Realities For Children Membership and Realities For Children Charities so that 100% of all Donations received go directly to children’s emergency needs, programs and direct services.
Membership Expenses Payroll All Operating Expenses Member Advertising & Promotions
Income
Membership Sales “Turning Point has been a proud Partner Agency of Realities For Children for many years. We rely on the Emergency Funds to help our youth and families when there is nowhere else to turn. Some of our families are in crisis, facing homelessness or struggling with food insecurity. The Realities For Children Emergency Funds allow us to immediately help with the crisis and help connect them to other services in the community.” - Paul S. Christenson, M.A. Director of Business and Operations
540,333.39
Expense
Accounting Business Member Advertising Bank Service Charges Business Insurance Office & Car Expenses Employee Benefits Equipment Lease Health Insurance Janitorial Legal Fees Maintenance, Utilities & Supplies Payroll Payroll Tax Expense Professional Development
5,183.70 153,900.01 7,003.90 2,181.20 14,543.91 4,380.13 537.25 21,711.08 1,750.00 496.85 19,610.12 287,496.56 22,633.98 8,138.59
Total Expense Net Income
549,567.28 -9,233.89
MEMBERS TESTIMONIALS Child abuse and neglect robs its victims of the full, rich lives they deserve – and it also silences them. Realities For Children gives voice to this intolerable epidemic and works to ensure these children a better present and future. I am honored to be a Business Member of Realities For Children as they empower children to reach for their dreams and help bring laughter and light back into their lives Shannon Doyle - Owner SPD Architecture, Inc.
The Charco Broiler Restaurant is proud and honored to be a partner with Realities For Children. We understand the importance of working within our community to provide support for others, and believe that “No child should be forgotten.” Realities provides an opportunity and is committed to helping these children build a better future; they are an invaluable organization to this community. Stan and Chad McGarvery, Co-Owners Charco Broiler
Realities For Children always provides steadfast support to kids of The Jacob Center who are working to overcome the impact of trauma. The dedicated and responsive Realities team works diligently to assure children in need are afforded resources and opportunities that inspire positive and lasting change. The Jacob Center’s youth services are made better with the incredible support and community collaboration Realities For Children provides. Emily Brown – The Jacob Center, Community Resource Coordinator
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Realities For Children
CHARITIES
For a non-profit strong leadership is essential to not only providing the best impact and continuum of services, but also in discerning the most efficient use of resources entrusted by our donors and supporters. The Realities For Children Charities Board of Directors is comprised of key community leaders with front line awareness and expertise of community issues and the needs of child abuse survivors.
Board of Directors
Craig Secher
Realities For Children, President
Justin Smith
Laimer County Sheriff Board Vice President
Larry Abrahamson
Retired Larimer County District Attorney, Homebase Facility Manager
Kristy Volesky
Lieutenant Fort Collins Police Department, Board Secretary
“As a Board Member and former Mayor of Fort Collins, I am proud to be connected to the Realities For Children Family who diligently work to make a difference in the lives of our at risk, abused and neglected youth. Through our Business Members, Partner Agencies and Community Supporters, RFC unites and builds upon collaborative services to create positive impacts that truly provide the opportunity needed for our most vulnerable population to heal and follow a
Karen Weitkunat, Former City of Fort Collins Mayor successful path of triumph.�
Ted Ray
Great Western Bank Wealth Advisor, Board Treasurer
Karen Weitkunat
Former City of Fort Collins Mayor
Justin Smith Larimer County Sheriff Board Vice President
Craig Secher Realities For Children President
Larry Abrahamson Retired Larimer County District Attorney Homebase Facility Manager
Karen Weitkunat City of Fort Collins Mayor Retired
Kristy Volesky Lieutenant Fort Collins Police Department Board Secretary
Ted Ray Great Western Bank Wealth Advisor Board Treasurer
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Healing Philosophy The design of Realities For Children Charities embraces a healing philosophy that identifies and supports 3 essential legs of service in providing for children who have faced abuse and neglect. 1. Emergency Services - The first leg of service requires we identify and meet the immediate, unmet and emergency needs so that no child in need is forgotten. 2. Healing Process - The second leg requires effective support services once emergency needs have been met so that the healing process along the path of recovery can begin. 3. Breaking the Cycle - The third leg focuses on provision of services that equip, support and provide resources so that as children grow they are empowered to break the cycle of abuse.
Partner Youth Agencies
Realities For Children Partner Youth Agencies are an esteemed group of non-profit youth organizations that directly serve children that have been abused, neglected or are at-risk in Larimer County. Each agency has agreed to the Realities For Children principals of youth services collaboration so that collectively we are able to provide the best possible continuum of services throughout the healing process.
Realities For Children
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CHARITIES Core Services & Programs
Each of Realities For Children Core Services and Programs are designed with the intent to strengthen a specific leg within the healing process to help children thrive and overcome.
2nd Lt. and Security Force officer in the United States Air Force, RJ Raemsch-Sawyer , Triumph Award Winner, Kaleigh, and former Larimer County Commissioner, Lew Gaiter, at the Triumph Awards Gala.
Monthly Youth Activities – these are special youth activities
Community Education Partner Youth Agency Outreach Support
organized, run and sponsored by Realities For Children for the
In addition to direct community education about
purpose of simply letting a child be a child during a difficult time.
the problems of child abuse in Larimer County and
Youth Activities and Direct Grant Programs
how people can choose to get involved – Realities •
This past year 4,257 children attended these free activities and special events.
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Special Activities include: Ice Skating, Swimming, Bowling, Movie Days, Sporting Events, Pumpkin Patch and more.
Direct Grant Programs – these are direct service grants toward
For Children also helps to promote and helps to underwrite Agency Fundraising events throughout the year.
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In 2018, Realities For Children helped to support 31
Special Youth programs that better the Healing Process and
Agency outreach and fundraising events investing
Breaking the Cycle.
$131,400 and helping these Partner Youth Agencies raise
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$1,368,270 in collective net returns for their services.
Keeping Dreams Alive - provides Dream Grants to encourage at-risk youth to follow their dreams of a better tomorrow.
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Triumph Awards - provides Collegiate Scholarships for youth emancipating from the system.
Total attendance at Supported events exceeded $14,000.
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Homebase Facilities and Campus The Realities For Children Homebase Facility and Youth Activities Campus is a 4 acre, centrally located private facility, distribution center, park and playground that is easily accessible to the youth, families and Partner Youth Agencies we work with in Larimer County. The Homebase Campus hosts youth activities, item distributions throughout the year as well as free facilities access to all Partner Youth Agencies in service of at-risk youth in Larimer County. These additional facilities help strengthen our collective ability to help heal along the path of recovery. In 2018 we hosted 148 Partner Youth Agency reservations serving 3,532 attendees totaling 944 hours of free program space for the children we serve.
Emergency Services and Distributions Emergency Services are immediate needs for children that have been abused, neglected or are at-risk that are requested from front-line providers when all other resources are exhausted or unavailable. Emergency Funding is accessible to all Partner Agencies within 60 minutes of requests creating a true County wide safety net so that no child in need is forgotten. This past year Emergency Service grants were provided to 2,417 children in Larimer County.
Item Distributions are managed throughout the year based on specific youth needs and allow Emergency Funds to reach further where they are needed most. In 2018 we provided needed items to 4,403 children in our community through these distribution programs.
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Back To School Backpacks and Supplies
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Community to Need Direct Requests
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Kids Matter Comfort Bags
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Bikes For Tykes – Bicycles and Helmets
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Thanksgiving Meals
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Santa’s Toy and Warm Winter Clothing Workshop
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Realities For Children
CHARITIES Charities Financials: Total donations Received in 2018 were $1,112,410.67 •
Total Sponsorship Underwriting, In Kind and Volunteer Value = $327,823.80
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Cash and Item Donation = $726,402.89
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Homebase Facilities & Campus Designated Donations = $58,183.98
Triumph Awards Scholarship Endowment $526,163.75
2018 Services Provided: Thanks to the Members of Realities For Children underwriting administrative expenses and Homebase utility and property costs, all donations received were dedicated directly to emergency needs and programs for the children we serve. The information and chart below illustrate the distribution of Core Services in addition to designated gifts toward the Triumph Awards Endowment and the Homebase Campus.
Core Services Grants Distributed = $731,240.79 Emergency Services and Distributions
$375,816.75
(Includes cash and item distributions) Agency Outreach and Community Awareness
$148,270.22
Homebase Campus booked by Partner Agencies
$109,245.00
Youth Activities & Special Programs
$97,908.82
Emergency Services & Distribution Agency Sponsorship & Community Awareness Homebase Campus Use Youth Activities & Programs
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Back To School Distributions
“The Item Distributions provided by Realities For Children have served our children and families for years, and allow our Emergency Funding to reach so much further. These essential items range from household and school supplies, beds and warm winter clothing, bikes and even toys at Christmas. These resources benefit our families in so many ways. Not just economically but emotionally as well – as it lets them know they are not alone as they move forward to best provide for their children.”
Adriana Quintero - Family Center - Family Development Director
“Thank you, this is the first normal Christmas we have ever had. We actually had a nice Christmas because of the kindness of your heart so I really mean this, Thanks and Thanks from all the other Santa’s Workshop Toy Distribution
kids you helped as well.”
Realities For Children
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CHARITIES Partner Agencies of Realities For Children Charities Partner Agencies of Realities For Children Charities are an esteemed group of 38 non-profit agencies that are committed to collaboration, fiscal efficiency and providing the best possible continuum of service for the needs of children that have been abused, neglected and are at-risk in Larimer County. “By providing scholarships for the Changing Leads Program at Hearts & Horses, Realities For Children has made a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of youth at risk in our community. This opportunity is giving kids the tools they need to succeed in life and ultimately give back to the greater community. The Changing Leads program would not exists if not for the generosity of Realities For Children.”
Tamara Merritt • Hearts & Horses, Associate Executive Director
“Royal Family KIDS is thankful for the tremendous support we receive from Realities For Children. What a privilege to be included into such a great coalition of Partner Agencies...all doing good things for kids! This last June we were privileged to provide a week long overnight camp with great friendships, and lots of love for 48 kiddos from the Larimer County Foster Care system, many of whom have been severely abused, abandoned or neglected. Our Partnership with Realities For Children is helping us accomplish our mission and creating moments and memories that last a lifetime!”
Pastor Darell Hailey • Royal Family KIDS The Center for Family Outreach is proud to be a Partner Agency of Realities For Children. Support from Realities For Children provide critical services for our families in need of crisis intervention, mental health and substance assessments, individual and family therapy and parenting support. It takes “All of Us” working together to provide life-changing experiences for youth and families who reside in Larimer County.
Laurie Klith • The Center for Family Outreach, Executive Director
As the only diaper bank in Northern Colorado, The Nappie Project is very grateful to Realities For Children for championing us in our efforts to eliminate diaper need. Their support helped us centralize our warehouse operations to a clean, comfortable location, accessible to our partner agencies. That inviting space for diaper wrap sessions helped grow our monthly distribution to 16,000 diapers-helping more working families struggling to make ends meet. Thank you, Realities for making possible expanded outreach and helping us Help Little Behinds Get a Little Ahead!
Rachel Konda-Sundheim • The Nappie Project, Board President
Partner Youth Agencies
*Updated with 2018 Partner Youth Agencies
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Realities For Children
CHARITIES
“The emergency funding provided by Realities For Children is invaluable. It allows all Partner Agencies to overcome financial barriers in providing needed services to children when there is nowhere else to turn. For Healthy Harbors this means helping children receive much needed medical or mental healthcare. There are countless stories behind the tremendous impact of each Emergency Dollar provided. This is a true safety net for children that have been abused or neglected in our community and ensures that “no child is forgotten.�
Karen Ramirez Healthy Harbors Program Coordinator
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Lt. Kristy Volesky • Fort Collins Police Services
“With over 6700 referrals of child abuse in Larimer County last year, it is imperative that we respond to help those children not only survive but truly overcome. Realities For Children is meeting that need in both direct services and by assisting the great work of 38 local Partner agencies who also focus on serving abused and neglected children who are at risk. By coordinating our efforts and working together as a community we can and are making a difference.” Larry Abrahamson
“Just as every child is unique, every youth agency brings a special set of gifts and services that assist throughout the healing process. No single organization can meet all the needs of a child that has experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment. It is a great privilege to partner with agencies, business leaders and community members that understand and embrace the life changing impact we make when we all work together for a better tomorrow.”
Craig A. Secher
“Being a Board Member for Realities For Children allows me to give back to the community where I was born and raised. By ensuring that children that have been abused and neglected in Larimer County get the help and support they need to overcome their circumstances.”
Ted Ray
“As a Sheriff, every day, I witness the consequences of child abuse and neglect. It’s more than numbers; each incident represents a young person whose life path has been altered by what they’ve experienced. I am so proud to be a part of Realities For Children because Realities represent a tremendous force multiplier for our 38 Partner Agencies. Through Realities For Children, the community is able to make each and every one of our Partner Agencies, who all serve abused, neglected and at risk children, more effective. When you give of your time, talents or money through Realities, you are making healing possible.”
Sheriff Justin Smith
“Thank you for being there as a donor, a member, volunteer or any way you have helped, because it has made a huge difference in my life and in the lives of so many youth in need. To anyone who wonders if it really changes lives by supporting Realities For Children, the Triumph Awards or any one of the great Partner Agencies that work together to help…. It really does –thank you!
- 2015 Triumph Award Winner
Realities For Children 308 E County Rd 30, Fort Collins, CO 80525
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