Face of foreclosure tied to economic climate

Lakewood Sentinel, July 1,2010

Those who work to provide assistance to people in need with food, clothing and rent money said they don't always get the full story from people on why they are seeking help, but they are seeing an increase in need, and people are having to make choices between paying a mortgage, buying food or getting a prescription.

Click here for the story

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Record Number of US Kids Facing Summer of Hunger

AOLNews, June 16, 2010

With the school year ending in communities across America, more than 16 million children face a summer of hunger.

While classes were in session, they relied on free or discount cafeteria meals subsidized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But they will not be reached by the patchwork summer food programs financed by the USDA, which feed fewer than one in five of the total number of kids poor enough to qualify.

Click here for the story.

 

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Redefining Life in the Bad Economy - Pat's Story

CPR, April 26, 2010

Colorado Public Radio produced a story about Pat, a shelter client who has redefined her life after a series of setbacks.

Click here for the story.

 

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Johnson: Slow creep of poverty to the door

Denver Post, April 14, 2010

It is the number — 2,400 — that floors me, still.

It is the number of schoolkids in Jefferson County who are homeless. It was in the paper the other day. You say that isn't a crime?

It should be.

Click here for the story.

 

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Big Challenge In JeffCo To Meet Needs Of Children

CBS 4, April 13, 2010

Gov. Bill Ritter says a new report on child poverty in Colorado is disturbing. At the state Capitol Tuesday, the governor and the Colorado Children's Campaign announced that Colorado has the fastest growing child poverty rate in the nation and Hispanic and black children are twice as likely to live in poverty in the state as white children.

Click here for the story.

 

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Child Poverty Skyrockets in Colorado

Denver Post, April 13, 2010

Colorado has the fastest-growing child-poverty rate in the nation — a distinction attributed to a burgeoning number of poor in Denver's suburbs and a widening gap between Latino and non-Latino income.

Click here for the story.

 

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Grants go to Human Services

YourHub, Jan. 21, 2010

Not every Jefferson County group got the federal grant they requested, but nine human services will split $272,701.

Click here for the story.

 

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13 little girls make one big difference

9news, Jan. 16, 2010

They are 7 and 8-year-old girls who make up Brownie Troop 2494. When they got together to find a way of helping people in the community in need, they didn't have to look very far.

Click here for the story,

 

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Action Center asks for blankets and coats

9news, Jan. 9, 2010

The Jeffco Action Center says it is turning people away empty handed. The Action Center usually gives out about 40 to 50 blankets a day. Now, their shelves are all empty ...

Click here to read the story.

 

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WHAT MATTERS NOW

JEFFCO ACTION CENTER NEWS

Additional School Supply Distribution

August 27, 2010

In an effort to reach as many children as possible, for the first time, Jeffco Action Center worked in partnership with the Jefferson County School District to distribute extra school supply bags directly to the schools. A total of 950 to 1,000 bags have been distributed to 18 schools in addition to the district's homeless services program.

Some of the first to arrive at the dock were Lawrence Elementary and middle schools, O’Connell, Arvada and Wheat Ridge.

Stephanie Bogott and Annette Quintana of O’Connell Middle School said “It means the world to the families, they are very grateful for these supplies.” Stephanie explained that it was such a blessing because 84% of O’Connell’s student body is on the free and reduced lunch program.

Joan Chavez-Lee, principal at Wheat Ridge Middle School stated “these school supplies are well needed and very well appreciated by our kids and their families.” Wheat Ridge Middle School also has about 84% of students receiving free and reduced lunch.

Staff members from the schools couldn’t thank the Action Center enough – those many thanks go out to you, our dedicated community for donating supplies to meet this growing need. The Action Center is thrilled to hand out the remaining school supplies to help more children start the school year on the right path.

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School Supply Distribution a Big Success

August 25, 2010

For a third straight year, Jeffco Action Center experienced an increase in the number of children in need during the annual school supply distribution. This year, from August 9th through 14th, 3,838 children received basic school supplies from the Action Center at O’Connell Middle School in Lakewood.

In 2007, Jeffco Action Center distributed school supplies to 2,800 children. In just three years, an additional 1,000 families have fallen on hard financial times and are now in need of assistance to obtain these essential school supplies. Ongoing economic challenges are contributing to the consistent rise in clients seeking services at Jeffco Action Center.  

“Receiving school supplies is a financial blessing for our clients. The gratitude from parents and smiling faces of children is priceless as they receive new supplies and a backpack, said Mag Strittmatter executive director of Jeffco Action Center. “Gracious contributions from the community and support from outstanding volunteers make it possible for the Action Center to help these families struggling to pay for food, utilities and housing.”

Thanks to generous donations from our community and our outstanding volunteers, 1,656 households were supported this year.

Although the distribution is over, the Action Center is still getting requests from parents who are in need of school supplies for their children. The remaining pre-packed bags of supplies will be distributed to the schools, and children, that need them most.

We encourage the community to continue collecting and donating school supplies to the Action Center to help meet this ongoing need for children and families in Jefferson County.

 

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Jeffco Action Center Staff Updates

July 13, 2010

Jeffco Action Center is pleased to announce that Amanda Denning is our new full-time Communications Coordinator.  She received her bachelor's degree in communication and business management from the University of Pittsburgh and has spent the last few years honing her public relations and communications skills most recently, at Pure Brand Communications as a junior account executive and self-described "go-to girl." Amanda has developed relationships and worked closely with local, regional and national media - securing and monitoring media placements in TV, Radio, Newspaper and online outlets for a variety of clients. Prior to that, she worked at the Muscular Dystrophy Association as regional public relations coordinator in Pittsburgh. 

Jeffco Action Center welcomes Jennifer Murphy as the new Manager of Shelter Programs. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and her Master's in Social Work from Aurora University in Illinois. Jennifer is a licensed social worker in the state of Colorado and brings a wealth of experience to the Action Center. Most recently, she worked as a field outreach case manager at DuPage PADS, a homeless shelter in DuPage County, Illinois. In this position, Jennifer engaged with clients, developed the organization's mental health program and collaborated with other agencies to provide services. Additionally, Jennifer spent two years working as an intake counselor at SHARE, a substance abuse facility where she did intakes, assessments, phone screens and crisis counseling.

Brooke Wuchner came to Jeffco Action Center in 2005 as Shelter Counselor after graduating from Colorado College. She did intakes of new shelter residents and counseled current residents toward self-sufficiency. Brooke left for a time to pursue her Masters of Social Work at the University of Denver. While working toward that degree she worked as a school social worker and then as an in-home therapist for families at risk of child protection involvement. Following graduate school, she spent 2 years working for Adams County Child Protective Services. Brooke is delighted to be back at the Action Center as Manager of Client Services. She's excited to support our volunteer and staff counselors and further the development of our client services programs.

Chris Gray joined the Action Center as a contractor in August of 2009 providing administrative and operational support. Additionally, he evaluated our former homeless prevention program, assessing the effectiveness of providing financial and counseling services to Jefferson County residents in danger of becoming homeless. Chris has 16 years of valuable experience in various aspects of business operations that he brings to the Action Center.  As the new full-time Site Manager, Chris' responsibilities include safety and risk management, safety training, contracts and vendor relationships and maintenance and repair - extending to all five sites where we operate.

 

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The 2010 Jeffco Action Center Where Golf Matters Golf Classic

July 7, 2010

Jeffco Action Center was the proud recipient and co-host of the 11th Annual Golf Classic, Where Golf Matters. The Rolling Hills Country Club Foundation chose the Action Center as the partner and beneficiary of this year’s tournament, located at its stunning championship course and brand new clubhouse in Golden.

“We were thrilled to be this year’s co-host, a truly once in a lifetime opportunity for the Action Center,” said Mag Strittmatter, executive director of the Jeffco Action Center. “Funds raised will aid countless programs that keep Jefferson County families from slipping further into poverty.”

With the help of the community and our golf-loving friends, we reached our goal of more than $100,000!

The 2-day event started with Casino Night on Saturday, June 26th. 200 guests enjoyed live casino action, live and silent auctions and great food. Thank you to everyone for participating in the live and silent auctions – lucky bidders left with Bronco’s season tickets, private racing at Bandimere Speedway and a private Blue Moon tasting at a Rockies game to name a few.

While attendees enjoyed one of Denver’s loveliest and most exclusive views, eyes turned to the skies for the spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop! Winning golf balls landed closest to the pin for a first place $1,000 cash prize and a runner up $500 cash prize! Both winners generously gave the money right back to the Action Center!

After recovering from the fun festivities of Casino Night we got ready for the main event – Where Golf Matters. 40 foursomes teed off throughout the day getting their picture taken with legendary basketball icon and former Nuggets player Walter Davis, our ambassador for the celebrity drive. Players also got their photo taken with a mysterious man in a duck suit who turned out to be Mr. Joe Coors Jr.!

The 2nd Annual Duck Race down Duffer’s Gulch didn’t end with Mr. Coors swimming across the finish line, but more than 300 ducks were purchased for a fun finale to this wonderful 2-day event.

Rolling Hills Country Club is the only private club in the state of Colorado and one of only seven in the nation with a charitable foundation. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has raised and distributed over $1,000,000 to local organizations.

Jeffco Action Center would like to thank Rolling Hills Country Club and Foundation for hosting the event and our title sponsor, Out of The Box Foundation. Major sponsors included J&K Roofing, Casey Resources, Hi Country Wire & Telephone, RH Jacobson & Co., Narrow Gate and Bandimere Speedway.

Additionally, we thank Bear Creek Golf Course, Billings Investments/Skyline Property, Cherry Hills Country Club, CoorsTek, Lone Tree Energy, Merrill Lynch, The RMH Group, Inc., Visiting Angels, Empire Lakewood Nissan, Wells Fargo Advisors, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Rogers 4 Energy and Citywide Bank.

Thanks to invaluable participation, sponsorship, in-kind donations and live and silent auctions, the event went off without a hitch and was a huge success for the Action Center.

 

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The 2010 Jeffco Action Center Volunteer and Staff Picnic

June 12, 2010

Welcome, Welcome, Step Right Up for Spectacular Spectacular! This year’s carnival themed volunteer and staff appreciation picnic, Under the Big Top celebrated the Action Center’s best assets – our wonderful volunteers and staff. It was hot and sunny but that didn’t stop the more than 120 guests from reliving childhood memories as they participated in classic carnival games like ring toss, balloon darts and tire toss. They also tried their luck at bean bag toss, can wham and the 3-man sling shot. Some got a hole-in-one at the putting green and many had their fortunes told by Food Assistance Navigator Rebecca Pratt - The Mysterious Madame TEFAPia.

Under the Big Top, outstanding volunteers who have given 5, 10 and 25 years of dedicated service were recognized – truly remarkable friends of the Action Center. Thanks to Director of Volunteer Programs Barbara Penning and Volunteer Coordinator Tamra Padgett for putting together one of the most exciting picnics to date. See more photos on the Action Center's Facebook page.

 

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Jeffco Action Center Hosts 11th Annual Golf Classic, Where Golf Matters

Jeffco Action Center is the proud recipient and co-host of the 11th Annual Golf Classic, Where Golf Matters. The Rolling Hills Country Club Foundation chose the Action Center as the partner and beneficiary of this year’s tournament, located at its stunning championship course and brand new clubhouse in Golden.

With a goal of raising $100,000, proceeds from the event will allow Jeffco Action Center to provide an immediate response to basic human needs and promote pathways to self-sufficiency for Jefferson County Residents.

We invite you to help us kick-start the 2-day event with Casino Night on Saturday, June 26th. The evening will feature live casino action, live and silent auctions and great food. Try your luck at the tables for your chance at dazzling prizes and to support a wonderful cause.

While you enjoy one of Denver’s loveliest and most exclusive views, turn your eyes to the skies for the spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop! For $20, you could adopt the winning golf ball that’s closest to the pin or makes a miraculous hole-in-one for a $1,000 cash prize!

After you recover from the fun festivities of Casino Night get ready for your tee-time on the championship Rolling Hills Country Club golf course for the main event – Where Golf Matters. A scramble format for social golfers offers fun for everyone.

Bring the whole family out after the tournament for the 2nd Annual Duck Race down Duffer’s Gulch. For $20, your adopted duck could swim its way to a Michael Phelps finish winning you a $1,000 cash prize.

To secure your tee-time, buy tickets, sponsor or contribute in-kind donations to the live and silent auctions, visit www.WhereGolfMatters.org. Your participation will be a valued contribution toward our goal of raising more than $100,000 to help families living in poverty in Jefferson County.

 

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New Staff at Jeffco Action Center

Jeffco Action Center is pleased to announce that Brooke Beltz is the new Health Navigator. Brooke has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing from Marquette University and is a registered nurse.

While in school, Brooke studied abroad in Capetown, South Africa, teaching health education at a women and children's domestic violence shelter. She also studied at a community health clinic in Peru, where she set up clinics, did wellness checks, conducted home visits and provided health education.

She most recently worked in the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit at Rogers Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin and the In-Patient Adult Unit at Highlands Behavioral Health in Littleton.

All of her experience will be put to good use at the Action Center. Brooke will be working with fellow Health Navigator, Jule Hahn, providing health education and referrals to the Action Center's clients, making sure they know all the health options available to them.

"I look forward to meeting with clients individually to discuss their health concerns and goals," Brooke said. "Also, I am honored to provide health education because I believe health education is the most sustainable type of health care a person can receive."

In her spare time, Brooke loves to hike and explore Colorado's beautiful mountains. She also loves cooking and discovering new and exciting restaurants.

 

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A Big Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to make it to the 7th Annual Where Action Matters breakfast. Despite the spring weather, we had a great turnout and we appreciate all your support.

 

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Jeffco Action Center Receives $50,000 through Denver Post Season to Share

May 5, 2010

Jeffco Action Center received $50,000 through Denver Post Season To Share, a McCormick Foundation Fund, to support the thousands of Jefferson County residents that the Action Center provides much needed support to each year during a reception held on Monday, April 26.

A record-breaking $2,532,000 was distributed to 74 Denver-area non-profit agencies through this year’s Season To Share campaign. Since 1992, this program has raised charitable donations that are matched and disbursed to local non-profit organizations serving low-income children as well as those who are homeless, hungry or in need of medical care. Funds are raised through reader, community and corporate donations, and each dollar donated is matched at 50 cents by the McCormick Foundation. The Denver Newspaper Agency and the McCormick Foundation pay all administrative costs, allowing 100 percent of donations, plus the match, to go directly to charitable organizations. In total over the past 18 years, more than $26 million has been distributed through Season To Share.

"We are so grateful for the recent grant from the Denver News Agency via Season To Share,” said Mag Strittmatter, Jeffco Action Center Executive Director. “This award is very timely for the Action Center, given the tremendous surge in services provided over the past year. Thanks to the support from our community, Jeffco Action Center will be able to serve as a supportive beacon to those in need during this economic recession.”

Jeffco Action Center will use its Denver Post Season To Share funding to support our hungry neighbors by purchasing foods, clothing, medical supplies and distributing utility assistance funds.

 

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Suburban Child Poverty and Jeffco Action Center

April 23, 2010

Recently, Jeffco Action Center's work on meeting the needs of children in Jefferson County has been in the news following the release of a study by Colorado Children's Campaign.

The Denver Post published a story and a column and CBS 4 produced a video story. You can find those stories through these links: Denver Post story, CBS 4 story, Denver Post, Bill Johnson Column.

Since 2007, Jeffco Action Center has served more than 60,000 Jefferson County residents. Of that number, 40 percent were under the age of 18. In fact, the under 18-age group makes up one of the largest groups that the Action Center serves.

The Colorado Children’s Campaign published the report titled, KIDS Count in Colorado. This annual report stated that Colorado’s child-poverty rate is now 72 percent and the state ranked 22nd nationally.

Another issue covered by news stories was that Jefferson County schools have approximately 2,400 homeless students. These students often face uncertainty each day about where they are going to sleep and what they will eat. This issue is compounded during the summer when the school lunch program they rely on as a primary meal is not in operation. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “hungry summer” for thousands of school children.

For more information on how to help the Action Center meet this need, please visit the Donate or Volunteer pages. With community support, Jeffco Action Center is the place where action matters.

 

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Dakota Ridge High School Empty Bowls Project Helps the Action Center

April 20, 2010

On Thursday, February 12, students from Dakota Ridge High School, Art Honors students, and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc. organized the first annual Empty Bowls Project to benefit Jeffco Action Center.

Prior to the event, 62 students helped create artistic and colorful clay bowls. These were sold during a special open house event at Dakota Ridge High School Cafeteria that raised $400. The purchase of the bowl, filled with soup, was accompanied with free admission to a special musical performance called Creative Grounds hosted by the DRHS Choir Council.

Empty Bowls is a grassroots effort to raise money and awareness in an effort to end hunger and food insecurity, according to their website. Each group that participates in the Empty Bowls project works with their community to create their own event.

Community events like this help the Action Center meet the needs of more than 25,000 Jefferson County residents who seek support each year. It is through community support that Jeffco Action Center is the place where action matters.

 

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Jeffco Action Center Receives Golden Ethics Award

April 12, 2010

Jeffco Action Center has been awarded the 2010 Golden Ethics in Business Award, an honor given annually by the Rotary Club of Golden and the Golden and West Chambers of Commerce. Executive Director Mag Strittmatter accepted the award at the Ethics in Business Luncheon on April 9.

“We are so honored to be nominated and selected for this award,” said Strittmatter, “especially as the nomination comes directly from individuals in our community.

Our vision has always been to run a sound and trustworthy organization that, because of our high internal operating standards, can respond quickly and effectively to the external needs of our community.”

The Golden Ethics in Business Awards are given to one not-for-profit and one for-profit business each year. Nominations are collected from the public, and then winners are selected by ethics student and faculty at Colorado School of Mines. Each of the 15 nominees is judged on their record of adherence to the highest standards of ethics in business.

 

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Jeffco Action Center Honors Service with Commemorative Brick

On February 25, 2010, a commemorative brick, honoring Cathy Hatfield’s six years of service at Jeffco Action Center, was installed at the Lakewood Heritage Center.

Cathy Hatfield retired as Director of Operations in June 2009.

The Heritage Center hosted an event to unveil the brick with members of Cathy’s family, Jeffco Action Center staff, volunteers, and Board members there to celebrate with her.

Recently, Cathy returned part-time as a Project Manager and has been helping with a financial software conversion and other projects.

 

 

 

 

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Comedy Show to benefit Jeffco Action Center

Party of One, A Comedy Revue by Hillary Saffran will provide a portion of the proceeds to the Action Center.

Tickets are $10 (2 for $15) and the show is from 5-6 pm on Sunday, April, 25 at Cloisters, 2103 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO (off Wadsworth between Evans and Jewell.)

Wine, cheese & yummies begin at 4:30pm, come out for a laugh and support the Action Center.

Click here for a PDF flyer with more information.

 

 

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THANK YOU Beautiful Junk Shoppers

A big thank you to those who came out to make our spring Beautiful Junk sale a resounding success. We were able to set a record by raising more than $35,000 for our programs. Thanks to your generosity, Jeffco Action Center continues to be the place where action matters.

 

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Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado Supports Jeffco Action Center

Jeffco Action Center is pleased to announce the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado has become a sponsor of the 7th Annual Where Action Matters breakfast on May 12, 2010. Their sponsorship is a $2,500 new donor, matching grant. Their support  helps the Action Center provide human-services to Jefferson County residents in need. The Annual Where Action Matters breakfast is a free, fundraising breakfast event that showcases the scope of the positive impact Jeffco Action Center provides each day.

This year the breakfast will be from 7:30-8:30 am at the Crossroads Church of Denver, 9901 West 50th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-2225. Click here for a map. Those wishing to attend need to RSVP to Denise Sealover at DeniseS@jeffcoac.org, or call 720-407-6714.

For more information, about sponsorship opportunities at the Where Action Matters Breakfast, please contact Joe Haines, Director of Development, at 720-407-6704 or joeh@jeffcoac.org.

 

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Mag Strittmatter Honored by Red Rocks Community College

Congratulations to our very own, Mag Strittmatter, who was nominated and selected to receive the Red Rock’s Community College Community Leader Award! 

Mag was nominated by Maryann Touitou, Red Rocks Community College Learning Center Coordinator. The award is part of a larger event known as the Celebration of Humanity, which recognizes the lives of leaders who have made a positive impact on humanity, particularly remembering the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

 

A NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAG STRITTMATTER