It is the season of giving, and there are people in Colorado who could use a little extra support this holiday season. Last week, I featured local dog rescues who are matching dogs with their forever humans. This week, I’m shifting the spotlight to our human family. Here are five local organizations who provide support and services to people in need right here in Colorado, year-round. Don’t have extra cash to give this holiday season? That’s ok. There are other ways to give! You can give your time, your skills, your gently used items. All the details below. Happy holidays!
Casa de Paz
Photo Courtesy Casa de Paz
Casa de Paz provides support to families separated by immigrant detention, a need that continues to grow. The organization provides a space for visits and emotional support, shelter and meals, access to phones, WiFi, computers and transportation. Detention tears families apart and carries a heavy financial burden. Casa de Paz offers its services free of cost and has hosted over 1,600 immigrants since 2012.
Casa de Paz is always accepting monetary donations, but there are other ways to provide support to immigrants who will be separated this holiday season. Other ways to help include: donating household items, bringing Casa de Paz groceries, bring a meal, or making a visit to a person being detained.
Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence
Photo Courtesy Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence
Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence is a human rights organization committed to ending violence against adults, youth and children through support, advocacy, education and community organizing. SPAN began providing services in 1979 and is crucial to the network of support that offers critical “safety net” services to vulnerable, low-income and at-risk populations. It is the only organization serving Boulder, western Broomfield, smaller towns and unincorporated Boulder County designed to provide shelter and advocacy for victims of interpersonal violence at a time when our community is experiencing higher domestic violence rates than national and state averages.
In addition to financial donations, SPAN depends on the kindness of volunteers to support survivors on the crisis line, as court advocates, cook a meal, or help with one of the many important volunteer roles! Donations of food items are always needed, as well as gift cards, toiletries, diapers and medications. Click here (and scroll down) for a full wish list.
Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
Photo Courtesy Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
Each year, 1,200 adults seek respite at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. Some have been on the streets for years while others find themselves with nowhere else to turn for the first time in their lives. Some are battling addictions or mental health issues while some have just had a string of setbacks. Some never made it through high school and some have advanced degrees. The one thing they all have in common is that they are poor and they have turned to the Shelter as a last resort. Boulder Shelter for the Homeless provides support such as: safe shelter, food, and other services.
If you would like to help the Boulder Shelter, check out their holiday wish list here. In addition to the holiday wish list, the shelter always needs goods and food, listed here, as well as funds to support the shelter.
A Precious Child
Photo Courtesy A Precious Child
A Precious Child assists children and families facing difficult life challenges such as abuse and neglect, crisis situations and poverty. We work with more than 450 agency partners throughout eight Denver Metro counties including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson and Weld to identify children and families in the most need of our services. Our core initiatives help build the whole child. In addition to meeting basic human needs through our Resource Center and Boutiques (satellite resource centers), A Precious Child also helps children and their families navigate community resources.
In addition to much needed funds, A Precious Child is always accepting new and gently-used items including children’s and adult clothing, shoes, books, baby gear household items and more. Or volunteer your time!
YWCA of Boulder County
Photo Courtesy YWCA Boulder County
YWCA of Boulder County‘s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women through expanded programming and increased services. Annually, they support over 5,000 clients throughout all walks of life. YWCA Boulder County believes that together, we can face the challenges of our community to work towards a more just and equitable society for all. YWCA’s comprehensive services include drop-in childcare services, financial counseling, parenting classes and more.
To support the YWCA of Boulder County, consider volunteering your time! Financial donations are also appreciated, and provide hot meals for children, tutoring for high school students, child care for families in need and so much more.
