Permit No. 1452 Denver, CO
PAID
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
NEWS WINTER 2014
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY
TOMISITA LIVING HER DREAM
COMMUNITY MATTERS WINTER 2015
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Project Homeless Connect,
November 2014 This free, one day event helped nearly 1,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homelessness access services and resources including medical care, Homeless Court, benefit assistance, employment services, haircuts, clothing and other community resources. Mile High United Way helped recruit a record breaking 1,216 volunteers.
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME, either with direct support or because they support many of the places I went for help. Now that I’m running Cafe United in their new building, I’ve even gotten to know some of the people there. It’s a great place. Tomisita Cafe United Manager
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Born and raised in Denver’s grittiest neighborhoods, Tomisita overcame many obstacles. Tomisita had a child as a teenager and dropped out of school. “I didn’t think going to school while pregnant was possible,” she said. “I thought I’d go back after Cyrissa was born; it didn’t happen.” Her parents weren’t able to provide the support she needed, and Tomisita spent the end of her pregnancy living in a car. After Cyrissa was born, she stayed in shelters and received vouchers for motel stays. Cyrissa’s father was supportive for a while, but after she got pregnant with her son, Shaun, they broke up. Tomisita needed help to get her life on track. “I made lots of calls to Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1. I had nowhere to turn, but every time I called, they gave me options and support. It meant a lot.” She applied for assistance and completed a GED program. “I was excited to have my GED, but I needed a career to support us for the long-term.” She then joined one of Mile High United Way’s Impact Investment Partners with strong program results, Work Options for Women. Through this social change kitchen and culinary training program, she put her love of cooking to work. In addition to food service training, the program provided case management and helped her secure a culinary internship.
41st Annual Turkey Trot,
November 2014 Mile High United Way’s signature Thanksgiving event, Turkey Trot, was ranked in the top 10 turkey trots by Shape Magazine and was named one of the best Thanksgiving events by Forbes travel blog. 9,700 runners took part and raised close to $450,000. Interested in sponsoring next years race? Email us at events@unitedwaydenver.org for more information.
HELPING OTHERS Give. Advocate. Volunteer. www.UnitedWayDenver.org
LIVE UNITED
Children’s Holiday Party, December 2014 A festive day of crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, story time, photos with Santa and gift selection and wrapping was enjoyed by 300 families who joined us at our new community hub. Families left with fun holiday memories and wrapped gifts to put under the tree. Hundreds of volunteers organized thousands of donated gifts.
711 Park Avenue West Denver, CO 80205
ON THE PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY
When her internship was nearing completion, Tomisita was offered a paid position. “That was incredible. Working with the students was great. Pretty soon, I was offered a promotion to open Cafe United in the new Mile High United Way building.” Mile High United Way is proud to have Cafe United in our new mission-based community hub. At Cafe United, Tomisita trains students in barista, catering and supervisory skills. Her students become more competitive in the food service industry and are able to seek jobs that pay a higher wage. In addition to managing Cafe United, Tomisita is enrolled in the American Culinary Federation’s Chef’s Apprenticeship Program. “I’ll be a certified sous chef when I complete the program. Someday I’d like to work in a top restaurant, but right now I’m so proud of all I’ve achieved. I feel like I’m setting a good example for my kids. I’m teaching them to never give up and to dream big.”