9Cares Colorado Shares Summer Food Drive

With sunshine, vacations, and fun, most people think that summertime is the most relaxing time of the year. But for some, summer is the "hungriest time of the year" because many low income families depend on the federal free and low-cost meal programs to feed their children lunch and often breakfast. When the school year ends, families must pick up the cost of feeding their children… and often they turn to food banks like Jeffco Action Center to help fill the gap.

On Saturday, June 21st 9Cares Colorado Shares Summer Drive collected food and clothing at the 9NEWS Studios and at locations up and down the Front Range. A portion of the donations goes to Jeffco Action Center. Get more info at the 9News website. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and to all the generous donors!

Garage Sale Sellers Beware

9News recently reported on a new scam which prays on the good nature of garage sale sellers. A woman advertised her garage sale online and was contacted by another woman asking if she could take some of the items prior to the sale to donate to charity. The seller agreed, the woman came and collected items totalling over $1,000. Adding legitimacy to her claim, she gave the seller a photocopy of a Jeffco Action Center donor receipt. Unfortunately, the items never made it to Jeffco Action Center. Instead they ended up online -- for sale. Police are investigating the incident. You can read the article or watch the video at the 9News website.

Jeffco Action Center does not approach garage sale sellers to accept donations. If someone approaches you claiming they are from Jeffco Action Center, ask for identification or call the Center to confirm their claims prior to giving them any donations. Taking your donations to the Action Center yourself is the best way to be sure that your items go to those to need them most.

If you have any questions about Jeffco Action Center's donation policies, please call Cathy Hatfield at 303-237-7704, ext. 206.

Where Action Matters Breakfast a Huge Success!

The Jeffco Action Center's fifth annual Where Action Matters fundraising breakfast on May 14 was a huge success with 480 friends and supporters in attendance and nearly $325,000 raised!

As part of the program, Harry Mathews, owner of The Mathews Collection, announced a leadership challenge of $150,500 that included a lead gift pledge of $100,000 from him and his wife, Cris. In addition, almost 300 attendees made pledges or gifts that morning!

The annual breakfast showcases the Action Center's many programs and accomplishments over the past year. Attendees at this year's breakfast saw successes highlighted in a new video that was unveiled. The one-hour event has become one of the key ways to let the community know about the Action Center and allows us to continue all the good work we do, expand services and programs, and implement new ones.

Thanks to the many volunteers who helped organize the event, especially those on the Community Awareness committee led by Shirley Bradsby.

For information about next year's breakfast, call Joe Haines at 303-237-7704, ext. 204 or send email.

Action Center Receives $50,000 Season To Share Grant

Jeffco Action Center received $50,000 from the Post-News Season To Share to fund our client services during a reception held on April 21st. This year's campaign raised a record-breaking $2,197,500 that was distributed to 65 Denver-area nonprofits. For 15 years, Post-News Season To Share has raised charitable donations that are matched and disbursed to local nonprofit organizations serving children as well as those who are homeless, hungry or in need of medical care. Funds are raised through reader, community and coporate donations, and each dollar donated is matched with 50 cents by the McCormick Tribune Foundation. The Denver Newspaper Agency and the McCormick Tribune Foundation pay all administrative costs, allowing 100 percent of donations to go directly to charitable organizations.

Action Center Volunteers Honored at Volunteer Connection Luncheon

The annual Volunteer Connection Luncheon gives Jefferson County nonprofit agencies a chance to recognize the important contributions of volunteers. At this year's event, held on April 30th, the Action Center honored the Wednesday afternoon Food Bank volunteers -- Matthew Cassa, Mary Jane McClellan, Cynthia Tamny, Dorothy Tweedell, Betty Walker, and Elton Walker.

Says Volunteer Coordinator Ann Vorick, "This multi-generational team works so well together. They fill food orders seemlessly and always with a smile. It was a pleasure to nominate them to be honored at this wonderful event."

Beautiful Junk Sale a Huge Success!

More than 1,900 people flocked to the spring Beautiful Junk sale on March 28th and 29th, snatching up amazing bargains at Jefferson County's biggest rummage sale. The sale generated more than $30,000 making it one of the most successful ever! Proceeds from the sale fund the Action Center's many programs and services.

Volunteer Coordinator, Ann Vorick, managed the event with hundreds of volunteers beautifully! Thanks to lead volunteers Lisa Markley, Henry Weibler, Marty and Don Simmonds, Fran Beeson and Helen Gross. Thanks also to Marti Smith, Sue Rudman, Pat Higgs and Sharon Gorman for their special efforts in the kitchen. And a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up and clear the event, especially groups from Olsson Associates, United Launch Alliance, and Green Mountain High School!

If you missed out, be sure to catch the fall sale on October 17th and 18th! Call Adele at 303-237-7704, ext. 203 or send email to get on our mailing list so you'll receive a reminder postcard closer to the sale dates.

Action Center Recognized for Sound Fiscal Management

For the third year in a row, the Action Center has been awarded Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating for sound fiscal management! Charity Navigator is America's premier evaluator of charities, using data-driven analysis to give donors confidence in their philanthropic endeavors. Only 8 percent of the charities the organization has rated have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Jeffco Action Center outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible. Click here to view the Action Center's rating page.

Extended Evening Hours on Thursdays for Clients and Donors

For many of the Action Center's clients, coming in for services means taking time off of work. For some, taking time off of work means putting their job at risk and is therefore not an option. In an effort to meet the needs our working clients, the Jeffco Action Center will be open on Thursdays from 11:00am to 7:00pm. The new schedule ties in with our in-house, partner agency, the Estes Street Community Clinic, which also has evening hours on Thursdays.

The extended hours will provide volunteer opportunities for those who have been unable to work shifts during the business day. If you would like to volunteer at the Action Center during the extended hours or would like further details, please call Ann Vorick at 303-237-7704, ext. 243.

Lastly, to accommodate donors who have been unable to drop off items during normal business hours, the Action Center's dock will also be open late on Thursdays. Donations will be accepted on Thursdays from 8:30am - 7:00pm. Call 303-237-7704 for more information.

Red Rocks Community College & Jeffco Action Center Create Client Education Collaboration

in a new collaboration to educate underserved populations, Red Rocks Community College has established Community Learning Centers. Four Learning Center Coordinators spend time at area agencies, including the Jeffco Action Center, talking with clients and helping them apply to the academic program.

Learning Center Coordinator Maryann Touitou, who spends 3 days each week in the Jeffco Action Center lobby says, "The aim is to break the day labor/no labor cycle." This is done by offering specialized certifications and skills training for sustainable employment. The hope is not to simply get jobs for clients, but to help them start meaningful careers. Some of the more popular programs are Construction Technology, Process Technology, Water Quality Management, Police Academy, Fire Science and Business Technology. Maryann will also be working with the shelter residents every Monday night.

To find out more about the program, call Maryann at 303-237-7704, ext. 224 or send email. You can also visit the Red Rocks Community College website.

Book your personal and business travel at the website address below. Every time you do, YTB Travel & Cruises donates a portion to the Jeffco Action Center. It's that simple!

http://www.ytbtravel.com/jeffcoac