June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! Find out more in this month's Guide!
Vowlituh thne twheolee framiilny g 1 E 202 JUNE 20 21
Join us TOMORROW for our next Community Connection Event: Youth Volunteering
OPPORTUNITIES, OPPORTUNITIES EVENTS & STORIES To Inspire Change in Your Community
Thank You to Our Promotional Partner, DEDO!
In This Issue: June & July Events ........................................2 LGBTQ+ Pride Month ..................................3 Upcoming Ways to Spark Change ..........4 Board & Virtual Opportunities ................6 Help Grant Wishes! ......................................7 Where Can Kids Volunteer? ......................9 Community Connection Event: Youth Volunteering .................................................10 Minoru Yasui: May Recipient ..........11-13 POL Civic Life Today: WORK..................15 Join the Spark Team!: Now Hiring .......16 Member Spotlight: Wee Cycle .......18-19 Upcoming Events & Trainings ...............20 A Year of Kindness: June .........................21 Volunteer with Spark! ...............................22 How Can You Stay Informed? ................23 Our Resources .............................................24 Premium Member Listings ................................................ 5, 8, 14, 17 & 20 Contact Us ...................................Back Cover
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Thank You to DEDO, a proud promotional partner of the Monthly Volunteer Guide
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e n u J National Immigration Month Gay & Lesbian Pride Month Great Outdoors Month June 23rd: Community Connection Event: Youth Volunteer Opportunities
J u ly July 4th: Independence Day July 16th: CSR Solutions of Co. Panel Discussion: Make it Happen! Insider Tips to Become a Civic 50 Colorado Honoree
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? w o n Did You K
m s i v i t c A n i d e t o o R s i h t n o M e d i r P + Q T LGB Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. In addition to celebrations of life, memorials are also held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. If you'd like to find resources and ways to support the LGBTQ+ Community this month and beyond, follow this link!
+ Q T B G L '24 s n o i t a z i n a Org t r o p p u S You Can ' w o N t h g i R 3
# P r i d e M o n t h # P r i d e M o n t h # P r i d e M o n t h # P r i d e M o n t h # P r i d e M o n t h # P r i d e M o n t h #PrideMonth
Spark Change in YOUR community with Spark the Change Colorado.
Join us TOMORROW for our next Community Connection Event: Youth Volunteering June 22nd, noon-1:15pm Learn More on pg. 10
n i r e k a m e g n a h C a U O Y Are e h t n i o J ? y t i n u m m o c r you o d a r o l o C e g n a h C e h t Spark Team! e l p i t l u M r o f g n i r i H w o N s n o i t i s Po
NOW HIRING
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6 1 . g p n o e r o M Learn
Seeking Skilled Volunteers The Minoru Yas u i Community Vo l u n t e e r Committee is S eeking New Members ! Learn More ab out w hat the MYCVA C o m m it t e e d o e s o n p g s . 1 1 - 1 3
Visit our website to stay up to date on all our latest news and updates! 4
Listings A Precious Child Broomfield // View Profile ABOUT: To provide children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Joshua Walsh, joshua@apreciouschild.org
Aero Angel Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free, lifesaving longdistance medical flights for critically ill children on private jets at no cost to their families. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Dan Paladino, dan@aeroangel.org
All-Stars Club Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: To provide a place of belonging for individuals with special needs, along with a place of rest and support for their families. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Scott Russomanno, scott@allstarsclub.org
Athena Project Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: To empower women through the arts. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Angela Astle, aastle@athenaprojectarts.org
Audio Information Network of Co. Boulder, Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To provide news and information in audio format for the blind, low vision and print disabled community of Colorado. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Kat Bradbury, kat@aincolorado.org
Benefits in Action Lakewood // View Profile ABOUT: Dedicated to improving the understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare INTERESTED? CONTACT: Sally O’Dwyer, sodwyer@benefitsinaction.org
Bridges Community Homecare & Hospice Colorado Springs, Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To increase quality of life and patient independence through principles of compassion, integrity, knowledge, and uncompromising service. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Heather Romero, hromero@bridgescommunitycare.com
Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Castle Rock // View Profile ABOUT: To make life more fulfilling and create community for seniors as they come here to engage in a wide variety of programming and services designed for “Loving Life in the Second Half” INTERESTED? CONTACT: Debbi Haynie, dhaynie@crgov.com
Celebrate the Beat Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide the highest quality inschool, after-school and virtual dance programs for all children that improves their physical health and well-being. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Mikayla Houser, mikayla@ctbeat.org
Children's Literacy Center Metro Denver, Pikes Peak Region, & Southern Colorado // View Profile ABOUT: To build a life of success through a foundation of literacy...ONE child at a time. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Pamela Polke, pamela@childrensliteracycenter.org
What are Listings? Listings give a brief overview of all our Spark Premium Members! The easiest way to find active opportunities with these great organizations is to sign up directly on our site!
*NEW COVID-19 has
changed the way some member organizations are utilizing volunteer help. Use this legend to get a quick look at available opportunities with some of our members! Virtual Opportunities
Youth Opportunities Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Group Opportunities
Bullying Recovery Resource Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To building a community of support to help families rebuild and recover together. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Dru Ahlborg, dru@bullyingrrc.org
Did You Know?
Clinica Colorado Westminster // View Profile ABOUT: To provide low cost health care for those who are indigent, without health insurance or unable to obtain primary care services. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Jill Schneider, jschneider@clinicacolorado.org
Worldwide, the top 3 causes that individuals choose to vo lu n te er w it h are hunger and homelessness (13%), children and yo u th (1 2 % ), & h ealth and wellness (12%).
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s e i t i n u t r o p p O l a u t r i V & d Boar Athena Project Central Visitation Program
Volunteer for a Nonprofit Board with these Member Organizations!
Human Services Network of Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County Womxn's March Denver Benefits in Action is looking for... Medicare or Connect for Health Navigator Bullying Recovery Resource Center is looking for... Community Research Coordinator
Volunteer from home with these Virtual Opportunities!
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative is looking for... Medical Bill Coding Auditor Volunteer - From Home Community Resource Center is looking for... Colorado Grants Guide® Research Volunteer History Colorado is looking for... Transcription
Hulk Industries is looking for.... Attorney Prospect Academy of Colorado is looking for... Finance & Development Committee Search & Rescue Dogs of Colorado is looking for... Social Media Professional Spark the Change Colorado is looking for... Kind Connection Telephone Volunteers WeeCycle is looking for... Bust a Move! Youth Fundraiser
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! s e h s i W t n a r G p l e H Want to give back, but still weary about in-person volunteering? Want to leverage your resources & network to help local nonprofits with what they need the most? Are YOU the Changemaker that helps make these wishes come true?
Extreme Community Makeover Needs: Supplies for projects heavy duty trash bags, latex gloves, work gloves, paint brushes Can You Help Make This Wish Come True?
Aurora Community Connection Needs: Soccer equipment for kids K8: Balls, Soccer goals for kids, hands towels, Soccer Ball Inflator, First Aid Kit, Sun Block Spray, Basketball, Soft Touch Foam Ball, Reusable water bottles (150) Spot Marker Kid Mesh Scrimmage Can You Help Make This Wish Come True?
Soles4Souls Needs:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Needs:
500 sets of Paint Pens: We have many shoes to donate to the community, however, we would love to offer the students an opportunity to personalize their shoes. Help us purchase the paint pens needed to make this an extra special gift! We are looking for 500 sets
Granola bars, Gatorade, Soda, Trash boxes: We are looking to provide our dedicated cyclists with a great experience this year through a variety of single serve options as well as offset some of our costs for the additional needs this year due to additional safety protocols in place.
Can You Help Make This Wish Come True?
Can You Help Make This Wish Come True?
Click Here to Grant A Wish! 7
Listings Need Volunteers? We can help!
YOUR AD HERE! Visit our website to learn more about ads and listings
Clothes To Kids of Denver Inc. Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free school clothing to students from low-income or in-crisis families in a warm, welcoming storelike setting. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Eileen Robinson volunteer@clothestokidsdenver.org
Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry Greenwood Village // View Profile ABOUT: To address the food security needs of seniors, disabled individuals, and the unemployed or underemployed households in our community in a compassionate, dignified and secure environment. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@covcupboard.org
Colorado Pet Pantry Multiple Locations // View Profile ABOUT: To temporarily feed Colorado pets, allowing families to increase their ability to care for pets with the goal of keeping them out of shelters and with their families. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Eileen Lambert, eileen@coloradopetpantry.org
Colorado Talking Book Library Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free services to Coloradans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or learning disabilities whether permanent or temporary. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Terri Marcotte, marcotte_t@cde.state.co.us
Community Resource Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To create opportunities, tools and strategies to develop nonprofits and community groups to strengthen Colorado. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Maria Fabula, fabula@crcamerica.org
Envision:You Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To support, educate, and empower members of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) community who are living with a mental health and/or substance use disorder. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Steven Haden, steven.haden@envision-you.org
Extreme Community Makeover Denver, Multiple Locations // View Profile Denver Rescue Mission Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To change lives in the name of Christ by meeting people at their physical and spiritual points of need, with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Sydnye McCleery smccleery@denrescue.org
Dinosaur Ridge Morrison // View Profile ABOUT: To educate the public about, and ensure the preservation of, the natural and historic resources of Dinosaur Ridge, Triceratops Trail, and the surrounding areas. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Barbara Farley, barbara.farley@dinoridge.org
ABOUT: To coordinate volunteer teams to partner with underserved people to improve their own homes and neighborhoods. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Angela Bomgaars, angela@extremecommunitymakeover.org
Food Bank for Larimer County Fort Collins, Loveland // View Profile ABOUT: To provide food to all in need through community partnerships and hungerrelief programs. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Tasha Aguilar, taguilar@foodbanklarimer.org
Did You Know?
Douglas County Libraries Multiple Locations // View Profile ABOUT: To elevate the community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery, and connection. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Ali Ayres, aayres@dclibraries.org
Youth want to volunteer! Only 5 percent of youth say they volunteer because their school requires it. 8
Our Members: Where Can Kids Volun teer? Summer has arrived and families are seeking opportunities for the whole family. Not sure where to start? We can help! On average, many of our member organizations can accommodate volunteers 14-16 years old (some require an adult) These organizations can accommodate youth as young as 12 (w/ an adult): Harvest of Hope Pantry, The Right Step, Covenant Cupboard, All-Stars Club, & National MS Center. Contact the organizations directly for individual inquiries or questions.
The following Member Organizations are currently accepting Youth Volunteers:
(l to r, top to bottom): All-Stars Club, Audio Information Network of Colorado, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center, Clothes to Kids of Denver, Colorado Talking Book Library, Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry, Foster Source, Growing Home, Inc., Harvest of Hope Pantry, I Have A Dream Foundation of Boulder County, Metro Caring, Move United 2021 Junior National Competition, National MS Society, Rocky Mountain MS Center, The Right Step, Inc.
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: t n e v E n o i t c e n n o C y t i n u Comm ! g n i r e e t n u l o V h t You
The Impact Area for our June Community Connection Event will be: Youth Volunteering!
Looking for opportunities for the whole family? Interested in supporting local nonprofits near you? Join us for our next Community Connection Event! TOMORROW, June 23rd Noon- 1:15pm Virtual via Zoom Volunteers Register FREE Presenting Organizations:
Next Event: August's Theme will be Social Justice! Save the date for August 19th and Register Today. 10
Volunteer Spotlight! Minoru Yasui Volunteer Award: May Recipient
(l to r): Jennifer Stith, Executive Director, WINGS, Mary Katherine Bywaters, John Bywaters, Ellen Bywaters, Kelty Fehling, Patrick Fehling
Ellen Bywaters Helps WINGS Take Flight by Cindy Piggott
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood sexual abuse affects 1 in 5 adults. WINGS is a unique organization headquartere d in Denver whose mission is to break the cycle and heal the wounds of childhood sexual abuse by providing education, advocacy and support to adult survivors, their loved ones, providers, and the community. Saturday, May 22, the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award honored Ellen Bywaters for her extraordinary volunteer work with WINGS. If you are not familiar with the nonprofit WINGS, you should be. WINGS was founded in 1982 by and for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the high level of stigma and denial associated with this sensitive issue impeded the organization’s ability to advance beyond its grassroots beginnings. Despite the incredible impact for those it served, and despite receiving multiple requests across the country as well as internationally, WINGS could not achieve its full potential to meet the needs and demands. Ellen Bywaters and her family made the difference. As a graduate of WINGS Loved Ones group, Ellen and her husband, John, had learned that their daughter, Mary Katherine, had experienced childhood sexual abuse. WINGS helped them 11
to walk the painful and difficult journey of supporting their daughter to help her recovery. Their supportive response is highly uncommon. Often the parents or family members believe the person who was the abuser, instead of the child. This is just one of the reasons that this issue is silenced. Few families are willing to do the hard work of accepting the reality and supporting the survivor. Ellen and John not only believed their daughter, but they also followed her lead when she wanted to speak out about her experience to help others. Out of what was a most painful, dark experience, they brought light. Ellen stepped up to chair WINGS first fundraising event, Wine, Wishes and WINGS. In 2015, the organization had a $280,000 annual budget with a very slim financial reserve. Today WINGS has an annual budget of $1.2 million with nearly 6 months of funding reserve. None of this would have been possible had Ellen and her family not stepped forward in the bold, brave ways that they have. She and her family were willing to tell their story through WINGS’ first mission video. That video has now been viewed by more than 25,000 people. Revealing their story took a kind of courage and grace that few individuals possess and are willing to share. Their ability to do so helped others to see that this problem affects individuals from all walks of life. Through the mission video Ellen’s family produced, an important connection was made by Ellen’s other daughter, Kelty Fehling. Through Kelty, WINGS was introduced to the Colorado School of Public Health and given the opportunity to do a statewide community needs assessment to bring public health data to this issue that few wanted to see or accept. The “One Voice Project” is the first of its kind to center the voices and experiences of adult survivors. All of this led to WINGS being granted essential funding through the Colorado Office of the Attorney General to enhance its programming. WINGS sets the gold standard of care for adult survivors in Colorado, pioneering resources that can also be scaled nationally. Ellen and John worked to open doors to additional funding partners, who would become essential “early adoptes” to this emerging health issue. There is no question that those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse live with a heartbreaking issue. As a result of Ellen’s strength, grace, courage, resilience, and dedication to the mission of WINGS, she has helped so many. She has inspired, educated, and shown survivors and their families that they too can be courageous and resilient. In her nominating letter, Jennifer Stith, Executive Director of WINGS, stated, “It takes a very rare person to be able to accomplish all of these endeavors. All who know her, know that ‘special’ is exactly the word to describe Ellen. Ellen wanted to reach out to her community of ‘soulful, caring people’ because she felt that they would be the ones to understand and to help survivors. And it is because she is a 12
soulful caring person who was willing to be a catalyst for that good work that it is all unfolding so remarkably.” The Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award has been honoring extraordinary volunteers in our community for the past 45 years. Conceived by the Commission on Community Relations in 1975, to recognize, celebrate and promote volunteerism in our community, the committee honors a person each month whose contributions are constructive, unique and outstanding. Each recipient receives a $2000 cash award that goes to the non-profit of their choice. Over $950,000 has been given to 499 non-profits. Ellen donated her cash award to WINGS. The Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award is a program of Spark the Change Colorado. Together we hope to inspire a movement of good through the power of volunteerism, service and engagement.
Sponsorship includes: The Yasui Family, Lanny and Sharon Martin, Liza and Don Kirkpatrick, Ben and Jill Piggott, Ireland’s Finest Painters, About Time Awards, Cherry Creek Fed-Ex and committee members
Do You Know an Outstanding Volunteer? Nominate A Volunteer! Want to get involved? Volunteer for the MYCVA Committee!
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Listings Are you or someone you know a mental health professional interested in giving back by supporting a new professional? Now Seeking Volunteer Clinical Supervisors! Learn More
Foster Source Thornton // View Profile ABOUT: To provide relevant training, resources and support to foster parents from a trauma-informed approach, giving them the skills and confidence to spark healing in vulnerable children. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Renee Bernhard, info@fostersource.org
Growing Home Westminster // View Profile ABOUT: To guide children and their families on the path to a brighter future. INTERESTED? CONTACT: David Gonzalez, david@growinghome.org
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To help homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Laura McRell, lmcrell@habitatmetrodenver.org
Human Services Network of Co. Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To create opportunities to improve the quality and integrity of services provided to vulnerable populations. INTERESTED? CONTACT: John Dandurand, john@thenetwork-co.org
Imagination Library of Denver Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To increase access to age-appropriate books and promote kindergarten readiness. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Sara Randall, sara@imaginationlibrarydenver.org
Jovial Concepts Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To support undeserved communities to thrive by offering sustainable solutions for nutrition and hunger. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Kristina Welsh, kristina@jovialconcepts.org
MADD Colorado Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To stop drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Rebecca Green, rebecca.green@madd.org
March of Dimes Colorado Jeffco Eats Statewide // View Profile Denver // View Profile ABOUT: ABOUT: To fight for the health of all moms To provide weekend food for food and babies. insecure children in elementary, jr. high INTERESTED? CONTACT: and high schools throughout Jefferson Barbara Abbey, County. babbey@marchofdimes.org INTERESTED? CONTACT: Barbara Moore, jeffcoeats@gmail.com
Jewish Family Service of Colorado Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To restore well-being to the vulnerable throughout the greater Denver community by delivering services based on Jewish values. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Nancy Benyamin, nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org
Missed May's Issue? Read it Here!
Did You Know? 55% of young people aged 12-19 volunteer each year. That's 15.5 million youth volunteers!
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Points of Light Civic Life Today Magazine:
Latest Issue: Work
This issue of Civic Life Today examines finding purpose through our work. Whether you are a corporate social responsibility professional, have a cause you're passionate about and become and intrapreneur, or find your career to be your calling like a doctor, nurse or teacher, there are so many ways we can change the world through our work. Visit pointsoflight.org for more info
Past Issues:
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! m a e T k r a p Join the S
Now Hiring for the following positions: RSVP MANAGER: Hiring in Huerfano, Las Animas, Montezuma, and Broomfield Counties Programs Administrative Assistant: Colorado Mental Wellness Project Coordinator: Denver, Colorado
We're also seeking the following skilled volunteers! Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Committee Members Mental Wellness Program Volunteer Supervisors Mental Wellness Program Volunteer Therapists
Visit our website for full details and instructions to apply! 16
Listings Metro Caring Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To meet people’s immediate need for food while also addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Yazmin Castillo, ycastillo@metrocaring.org
Ride the Rockies Cortez, Denver, Durango, Norwood, Ridgway // View Profile ABOUT: To improve and enrich the lives of those in our community through support of programs that benefit arts and culture; children and youth; education and literacy; and the provision of basic human services. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Deirdre Moynihan, dmoynihan@denverpost.com
Move United Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To empower individuals with a disability through access to competitive sport(s) opportunities. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Susan Rossi, srossi@moveunitedsport.org
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: People affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Brittany McGarry, brittany.mcgarry@nmss.org
Project C.U.R.E. Centennial // View Profile ABOUT: To identify, solicit, collect, sort and distribute medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Marlo Kirkham, marlokirkham@projectcure.org
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Salvation Army Intermountain Division Multiple Locations // View Profile ABOUT: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Regina Leeson, regina.leeson@usw.salvationarmy.org
Senior Assistance Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To promote the self-sufficiency of seniors in Metro Denver and ensure that no senior goes without the necessities of life, including food, shelter, and public services. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Karen Black, kb@seniorassistancecenter.org
Senior Hub Federal Heights, Northglenn // View Profile ABOUT: To advance the quality of life for older adults through advocacy, community partnerships, and a variety of direct services planned to sustain an independent, healthy aging experience. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Angela Caudill, acaudill@seniorhub.org
Spark the Change Colorado Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To SPARK CHANGE and INSPIRE A MOVEMENT OF GOOD through the power of service, volunteerism, and civic engagement. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Amanda McKee, amckee@sparkthechangecolorado.org
The Action Center Lakewood // View Profile ABOUT: To provide an immediate and compassionate response to those in our community experiencing hardship and offers the resources and services needed to stabilize lives and promotes pathways lasting change. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Carolyn Alexander, calexander@theactioncenterco.org
Did You Know? Youth dedicate more than 1.3 billion hours to community service each year.
! t h g i l t o p S r e b m e M WeeCycle About: WeeCycle’s mission is to recycle essential baby gear and match it to Colorado families in need. In 2008, WeeCycle was founded using a collaborative approach focused on providing support for direct-service partner organizations in the Denver Metro area. The foundation of WeeCycle is to provide community members in need with essential items for babies, toddlers, and children. The approach of WeeCycle is twofold: to provide organizations that support low-income families with essential infant and toddler items and to encourage the reusing of baby gear that could otherwise end up in landfills. WeeCycle’s strategy includes obtaining gear through the charitable donations of individuals and businesses as well as through gear and diaper drives. With these donations, WeeCycle distributes gear and diapers through local community organizations already serving families affected by poverty, homelessness, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, and under employment. COVID-19 Response: As a result of the pandemic, WeeCycle launched the Mobile Baby Essentials program to address the inequities that exist among vulnerable populations struggling to meet their children’s basic needs. Through this program - both in partnership with other organizations and independently - we deliver much needed diapers, wipes, baby food and baby formula to underserved populations in targeted low-income areas across the Denver metro area and beyond, in their own neighborhoods. Additionally, we organize temporary distributions that are initiated when a crisis arises. 18
Volunteer Opportunities: WeeCycle offers several volunteer opportunities. All opportunities can accommodate children ages 8 and up accompanied by an adult: Warehouse volunteer- Join Team WeeCycle at 20 S. Havana St. #210 on a Tuesday or Thursday to help sort, clean and inventory essential baby gear. Other projects include making clothing and diaper bags. Email lindsey@weecycle.org to sign up Distribution volunteer- Join Team WeeCycle out in the community to help facilitate our mobile baby essentials program. These events are drive-thrus and at various locations throughout Denver. Volunteers approach cars, find out what items are needed and then put the items into their vehicle. Visit weecycle.org/volunteer to sign up for a shift. Host an essential gear drive- email lindsey@weecycle.org for more information and to sign up. WeeCycle is a Spark Member! Not a Member? Join Today! Want to learn more about WeeCycle? See their full presentation TOMORROW at our Community Connection Event: Youth Volunteering!
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Listings The Delores Project Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To partner with individuals experiencing barriers to housing by providing safe, reliable shelter and housing coupled with onsite services as they move towards stability. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Stephanie Johnson-Wall, sjohnson-wall@thedeloresproject.org
Upcoming Events & Trainings Community Connection Event: Youth Volunteering TOMORROW June 23rd @ 12pm-1:15pm Virtual via Zoom Register Here!
The Gathering Place Denver // View Profile ABOUT: A community of safety and hope where positive relationships, choice, and essential resources transform lives. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Cortney Mabry, cortney@tgpdenver.org
CSR Solutions of Colorado Panel Discussion: Make it Happen! Insider Tips to Becoming a Civic 50 Colorado Honoree July 16th @ Noon Virtual via Zoom Register Here! Learn more about CSR Solutions of Colorado
The Master's Apprentice Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide urban young men a bridge to the skilled trades through on through basic training, on the job experience and the creation of a career path that will enable transition to financial independence. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Nick Brattin, nick@themastersapprentice.org
The Right Step, Inc. Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: To better the lives of people with disabilities through the healing power of horses. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Christine Remy, boardchair@therightstepinc.org
Community Connection Event: Social Justice August 19th @ 12pm-1:15pm Virtual via Zoom Register Here!
Womxn's March Denver Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To raise awareness around issues of oppression that affect women and other marginalized groups. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Suzie Schuckman, suzie@womxnsmarchdenver.org
Volunteer Today! 20
s s e n d n i K f o r a e Y A In honor of our dedication to A Year of Kindness, we're sharing monthly resources, stories, and tips of ways to spread kindness in your community! Does your busy schedule make it seem impossible to find the time to give back and get involved? No worries! Check out these daily, random acts of kindness for the next couple months to spark some ideas for easy deeds! Kindness Calendar courtesy of Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
Click Here to Download a Full Sized, year-long Calendar
Do you have an inspiring story, a kind Changemaker to spotlight, or unique ideas on how to spread positivity in your everyday life?
Contact Us Today with your stories, tips, and tricks to be featured in future issues of our Monthly Volunteer Guide! 21
s e i t i n u t r o p p O r e e t n Volu
Volunteer with Spark! Senior Companion Volunteers Visits The Senior Companion Program engages individuals 55+ years old to realize the independence of older adults in their home and as a team, continue to be vibrant, contributing members of our communities. Mental Wellness Program- Volunteer Therapist Our Mental Wellness Program matches licensed and insured mental health practitioners (or those seeking licensure under supervision) with low income Coloradoans who lack access to mental health care. Mental Wellness Program- Volunteer Clinical Supervisor Volunteer Supervisors needed for licensure candidates and graduate interns. Kind Connections Telephone Volunteer We are seeking volunteers who are looking to connect with people who would like a friendly connection and someone to talk with to combat loneliness during the pandemic. Harvest Pack Volunteer Packing Event Interested in a large group volunteer event? Contact Us today to learn about Harvest Pack! Visit our Volunteer Page here to Sign Up or Express Interest. 22
? d e m r o f n I y a t S u o Y n a C w Ho Do you find the monthly information and resources in this Volunteer Guide helpful? Are you looking for more ways to stay up to date on all things VOLUNTEER?
Check out some other ways to access Spark the Change News! Join our Organization Newsletter List to receive regular news regarding Spark programs, partner & member resources, and new member benefits! Become a Registered Volunteer on our site and find hundreds of opportunities near you! Schools & Nonprofit Organizations can Become a Member with Spark the Change Colorado to receive assistance with volunteer recruitment, discounts on events and trainings, and much more! Corporate Companies can connect with CSR Solutions of Colorado to find ways to become more civically engaged and community minded. Interested in Mental Health News? Join our Mental Wellness Program Newsletter List to receive our Quarterly MWP Newsletter! Interested in information on how to help with disaster preparation, response, and recovery in the state of Colorado? Join our Colorado Responds Newsletter List. This newsletter is sent out based on need during times of an active disaster. Visit our Website often to see our newest events, trainings, and program updates, or to sign up and volunteer with one of our member organizations! 23
It’s our job to recruit, connect and recognize those in our community who lead, inspire and are at the heart of the volunteer movement.
: s e c r u o s e R Our Spark the Change Colorado Website Colorado Responds Minisite City of Broomfield Minisite City of Golden Mini-site Board Match Training and Connection Events Volunteer Engagement Training Program Community Connection Events Mental Wellness Program Kind Connection Program Senior Companion Program *NEW RSVP Program *NEW School & Nonprofit Wish List
Spark the Change Organization Newsletter Spark the Change Volunteer Newsletter Mental Wellness Program Newsletter Colorado Responds Newsletter Spark the Change Colorado Blog Disaster Preparedness Resources Service Enterprise Certification CSR Solutions of Colorado EVP & Days of Service Resources Harvest Pack Events Database of Volunteer Opportunities
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LISTING INDEX Organization A Precious Child Aero Angel All-Stars Club Athena Project Audio Information Network of Colorado Benefits in Action Bridges Community Homecare & Hospice Bullying Recovery Resource Center Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Celebrate the Beat Children's Literacy Center (CLC) Clinica Colorado Clothes to Kids of Denver Inc. Colorado Pet Pantry Colorado Talking Book Library Community Resource Center Denver Rescue Mission Dinosaur Ridge Douglas County Libraries Envision:You Extreme Community Makeover Food Bank for Larimer County Foster Source Growing Home Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Human Services Network of Colorado Imagination Library of Denver Jeffco Eats Jewish Family Service of Colorado Jovial Concepts MADD Colorado March of Dimes Colorado Metro Caring Move United National Multiple Sclerosis Society Ride the Rockies Salvation Army Intermountain Division Senior Assistance Center Senior Hub Spark the Change Colorado The Action Center The Delores Project The Gathering Place The Master's Apprentice The Right Step, Inc. Womxn's March Denver
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Interested in adding YOUR organization to the next Volunteer Guide? All Spark the Change Colorado Member Organizations are eligible for inclusion in our new Monthly Volunteer Guide, in a variety of ways!
Not a Member? Not a problem! Visit our website to start a membership today! Still have questions? Contact us: Kelly Streck Director of Membership & Client Services KStreck@SparktheChangeColorado.org Amanda McKee Membership & Communications AMckee@SparktheChangeColorado.org Madison Taylor Marketing & Website Management MTaylor@SparktheChangeColorado.org
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303.282.1234
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AMcKee@SparkThe ChangeColorado.org
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Sparkthechangecolorado.org and search through dozens of volunteer opportunities based on location, time, impact area, etc. Register for a volunteer account and sign up or express interest in any of our member volunteer opportunities and activities.
Questions? Contact us!
SPARK THE CHANGE COLORADO'S MISSION IS TO SPARK CHANGE AND INSPIRE A MOVEMENT OF GOOD THROUGH THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERISM, SERVICE AND ENGAGEMENT.