Non-Profits
What is Kramerica Gives’ Mission Statement/Goals?
To provide students with leadership skills and opportunities to empower them to live up to their full potential.
How did Kramerica Gives’ non-profit start?
I have been working in student leadership and mentoring for over 15 years, creating different versions of youth leadership and mentoring programs. I took the things I’ve learned and in 2018, I did the most exciting and terrifying thing I’ve ever done and started Kramerica Gives. I knew there are so many students without a lot of resources and opportunities that have this amazing potential, but just needed access and some guidance.
What inspires you about Kramerica Gives?
My students inspire me every time I’m around them and see how incredible they are. It takes a lot to do this leadership program and is not easy for them. They work very hard to maintain their good grades, take the time to work on their leadership, team building, and public speaking and still find the time to volunteer with different organizations and people.
Kramerica Gives’ accomplishment you are most proud of?
I’m most proud that I have several former students that have graduated college and have come back to support Kramerica Gives by being a Mentor for the students that they used to be. It has come around full circle and so proud of them for taking the time to volunteer to be a Mentor and give back.
What about Kramerica Gives do you love?
I love that we have created a safe place for kids to be able to learn and grow and find ways to get out of their comfort zone. One of our students has even said, “Before I joined this program, I was a lonely kid and didn’t know what home meant. I have been many places and never had a place where I felt myself or loved. But after being in Kramerica Gives, I learned a lot of things about myself and most importantly, I found a place where I can call home.”
How can Val-U-Ads® support Kramerica Gives?
We are still a small non-profit and trying to grow as we know there are many students still out there, we are trying to reach. The exposure that VAL-U-ADS® could provide would be monumental in helping people learn about ways to donate and provide support for us.
Epic Experience
Epic Experience Mission Statement/Goals?
Epic Experience empowers adult cancer survivors, thrivers and caregivers to live beyond cancer. Epic Experience was started by Nancy Ferro in 2012 after her son was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2007. Nancy wanted to ensure that adult cancer survivors and thrivers were supported through their cancer journey.
What inspires you about Epic Experience?
The ability to provide transformational experiences for adult cancer survivors with our weeklong adventure programs that are free to our attendees. We provide them a platform to prove what is possible besides thinking about what is impossible.
We have grown our program offerings to our Campfires of Hope Podcast, Virtual excersize programs, regional one day programs and ThriveVR. All of these programs empower the possible for cancer thrivers.
The accomplishment Epic Experience is most proud of?
During the pandemic we added 3 new programs that we have continued to this day, we saw the impact we could have with our virtual programming as well as our in-person adventure programs.Within a couple days of the pandemic starting, we hosted virtual cooking classes and dance classes to ensure the adult cancer community knew they were supported with a community that understands them.
What about Epic Experience do you love?
We get to teach adults to play again, showing themselves that are made in trying new and challenging things or things you have done before but doing them differently.
How can Val-U-Ads support Epic Experience?
Any promotions to help us drive awareness of our nonprofit and funding is a huge support. The ability to have a partner like Val-U-Ads is a blessing to ensure no cancer survivor or thriver goes through a cancer diagnosis alone.
Jefferson Academy
Jefferson Academy Mission Statement/Goals:
The mission of Jefferson Academy is to help students attain their highest academic and character potential through an academically rigorous, content-rich educational program. Jefferson Academy envisions a community of parents, teachers, students, and educational and business leaders working together to create a learning environment that engenders growth in character, academic achievement, and the love of learning, resulting in responsible, productive citizens.
JA’s core values are:
● We stand confident and unwavering in our mission and vision.
● We communicate with candor, kindness and respect.
● We are responsible for ourselves and accountable to each other.
● We value learning through growth.
● We embrace new ways to introduce, explore and understand.
● We are invested in educational partnerships and intellectual curiosity.
● We promote a supportive environment for the safety and well-being of our community.
How can Val-U-Ads support Jefferson Academy non-profit’s success?
We are always looking for Partners in Education! This would entail connecting us with local businesses that want to support our cause by purchasing ads on our scoreboards, sponsoring events, providing in-kind donations and access to grants, and/or offering internship opportunities for our students. We have so many opportunities for community support!
Check out our website for more information.
How was Jefferson Academy non-profit started?
Jefferson Academy (JA) began as an idea in April 1993 by a group of parents wishing to become proactive in their children‘s education. E.D. Hirsch‘s Core Knowledge Curriculum was chosen to be the guiding force to this back-to-basics, highly rigorous approach to learning. This grassroots organization began with word-of-mouth discussions. The group then distributed flyers within the community to recruit other parents who wished to participate in the founding of a Core Knowledge Charter School. In May 1994, JA was approved by the Jefferson County Board of Education, making it one of the first charter schools in Colorado. JA began with two half-day kindergarten classes and one round of grades first through sixth. In the following years the school grew by one class per grade as the first kindergarten class moved up. The membership of JA parents voted to expand the elementary in order to accommodate the waitlist, address financial challenges, and support the secondary campus. In 1996, a junior high was added, and a senior high in 1999. The first graduation from JA High School was held on June 1, 2002. Since then, JA has grown in population and prestige. JA is consistently rated among the best kindergarten through twelfth-grade schools in the state of Colorado due to a dedicated Board of Directors, a talented and highly qualified administration and faculty, an invested family base, and motivated students. In 2013, JA opened its new secondary campus in Broomfield and further expanded its elementary campus. JA also expanded to include a homeschool program called The Summit Academy (Summit), with locations in Westminster and Lakewood. That program now serves over 900 students and offers a full-time program for high school students that includes concurrent enrollment classes at Front Range Community College. In 2019, the secondary campus expanded its facilities to include a new auxiliary gym and fine arts wing, and JA partnered with Hope House to provide resources for their high school program. Hope House is metro-Denver’s only resource providing free self-sufficiency programs to parenting teen moms, including Residential, High School & GED and College & Career Programs.
Alll-Stars Club
All-Stars Club Mission Statement/Goals
The mission of the All-Stars Club is to “provide free and first-class events centered on fun,
friends, and faith for individuals with special needs, and respite for their caregivers.”
How was All-Stars Club non-profit started?
After successfully hosting two annual proms for individuals with special needs, several parents and caretakers inquired if Activ8 Sports, Inc. (DBA All-Stars Club) would consider hosting regular events for their children. As a result, the All-Stars Club was founded in July 2016 as an informal version of the proms. The first All-Stars Club hosted 19 individuals with special needs (“All-Stars”) and has grown to its current in-person and virtual platform serving hundreds of All-Stars and families each year. The All-Stars Club offers a free, monthly night of safe, structured fun for children and adults with disabilities, serving any individual with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
What inspires you about All-Stars Club non-profit?
There are very few respite programs in the community available for families who have children with special needs. Additionally, stats show only 14% of churches have any sort of program that serves this population. So, to offer a program that is 100% free of charge families, which gives parents and caregivers a time of rest, all while giving their children an incredibly fun experience with volunteers in our community is very fulfilling.
What is the All-Stars Club accomplishment you are most proud of?
We are most proud of opening the doors of 8 church locations to our programs serving over 180 individuals with special needs each month. Additionally, equipping the hundreds of volunteer who have never served this community with the tools and exposure to effectively helping them, is a great accomplishment for our organization.
What about All-Stars Club non-profit do you love?
We love the relationships. The relationships with our All-Stars, with their families, with our volunteers, and with the churches. It’s a bunch of compassionate people coming together to make a difference. We make a difference in the families and All-Stars’ lives and they make a huge difference in our lives.
How can Val-U-Ads support All-Stars Club non-profit’s success?
Exposure to new audiences in the Arvada area is huge for us. Getting the word out about our programs to people who might be willing to volunteer at our events is vitally important. Exposure to new businesses who might be willing to support our growing programs is essential. And exposure to families who can benefit from our programs is why we exist.
Friends of Arvada Fire Protection District
AFPD Mission Statement/Goals? In 2013, I was part of a group who formed Friends of Arvada Fire to raise money for and otherwise support the Arvada Fire Protection District (AFPD). Our vision was an organization that would reduce Arvada Fire’s financial burden and allow the district to spend more of its time focusing on the mission of responding to emergencies and providing fire and safety education within the community.
How did you get involved with AFPD and what is your role? I acted as support staff in original formation of FAFPD and completion of the 501c3 application. I became a member of the Board of Directors in 2016 and currently serve as the Assistant Secretary – Treasurer.
What inspires you about AFPD non-profit? Arvada Fire personnel serve the citizens of the District with dedication and care. I love being able to support the District’s efforts by providing equipment and resources to make their work a little easier and more effective.
What AFPD accomplishment you are most proud of? Our biggest fundraiser of the year is the Firefighter’s Carfest, which is normally held on the first Sunday in August. The funds raised at this event have helped purchase equipment such as a Stryker Power Cot, which safely lifts and loads patients to and from the ambulance and an AutoPulse Automated CPR Machine for EMS, which safely performs consistent CPR while patients are being transferred. There have been many others, but these tow are the most meaningful to me.
What about Arvada do you love? I consider Arvada my hometown, having lived here since I was nine. There have been lots of changes, but I still love that most people are friendly and care about their neighbors.
How can Val-U-Ads of Arvada support AFPD non-profit? Visibility is one of the most difficult and expensive items for a non-profit. I truly appreciate that Val-U-Ads helps the community non-profits “get the word out” by highlighting one in each issue without cost. We are honored to be a featured organization.
Denver Round Table
What’s Denver Round Tables Mission Statement/Goal? The Denver Round Table is a non-profit organization that hosts an annual fundraiser that benefits Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health (ARCH) and Phamaly Theatre Company. Both organizations are very passionate about their community and helping individuals with disabilities.
How did you get involved with this organization and what is your role? Arvada I volunteer through Children’s Hospital Colorado ARCH program. They help individuals with disabilities and incorporate it with skiing, ski chairs, sit skis and many other options depending on their needs. I’m glad to support Denver Round Tables annual gala, raising money for ARCH.
What inspires you about your non-profit? I’ve seen how much ARCH has helped those with limitations, whether it is mental or physical. It helps its athletes learn skills, skiing, or other summer and winder activities and achieve goals that help them in their daily life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? There is nothing that compares to volunteering and giving back. I never through it would make such a difference in my life. I love helping Denver Round Table have a successful gala dinner and am so proud and happy when they get to present the donations.
What about Arvada do you love? The Denver Round Table meets in the Denver Area but their non-profits both provide amazing opportunities for our communities and people in the Arvada, Lakewood, Denver and everywhere in between!
How can Val-U-Ads of Arvada support your non-profit? The Denver Round Table is looking for donations, auction items or attendance at the gala dinner. We are thankful for any contributions and will also acknowledge gold and platinum sponsorship at the event and on the event website.
Black Ops Rescue
Why donate to Black Ops Rescue? When you give to Black Ops Rescue, you are providing life-saving and life changing support. Your generous donation enables us to rescue shelter pets and provide veterans with the love and healing of a companion animal. Black Ops Rescue takes pride in its established policies and procedures to assure that all donations are managed properly and only used for the charitable purposes of the organization. No activities of the organization are carried on for the profit or gain of any board member or officer.
How does Black Ops Rescue Help Veterans? Arvada Multiple ongoing studies are revealing that certain symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) are alleviated by companion animals. Owning a pet can lift your mood and help you feel less stressed. Pets can help people feel better by providing companionship, reduction loneliness and isolation, and giving unconditional love. All pet owners, including those who have PTSD, can experience these benefits.
What does Black Ops Rescue Do? We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity in Arvada, Colorado dedicated to pairing homeless pets with veterans in need for the good of both the veteran and the pet. We serve veterans along the Front Range from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. Black Ops Rescue’s tax identification number is 82-5479474
SpayToday
What is SpayToday’s Mission Statement/Goals? SpayToday is a non-profit, 501c3 organization that is dedicated to ending animal homelessness, neglect, and abuse. We provide no-cost and low-cost spay/neuter services and basic vet care to individuals and families in Denver Metro and surrounding areas. Our services area available to the public and we strive to connect with vulnerable populations. We understand the importance of the human-animal bond and strive to keep pets healthy and at home with the people who love them.
What accomplishment is SpayToday most proud of? – Since our inceptions in 2009, SpayToday has performed more than 80,000 successful spay/neuter procedures, helping to eliminate animal homelessness, neglect, and potential abuse.
What about Arvada does SpayToday love? Arvada is a very pet friendly community. I love all the open trails, dog parks and beautiful outdoor areas that are enjoyed by so many
How can Val-U-Ads of Arvada and the community better support your non profit? There are thousands of people in the Denver Metro area that cannot afford basic vet care services for their pets. We aim to change that and empower these families to take and active role in caring for their pets by providing no-cost and low-cost options, regardless of financial constraints. Val-U-Ads of Arvada is an incredible tool for branding and providing the opportunity of reaching new audiences and sharing out mission with the Arvada Community.
Cash & Supply Donations – Gratefully accepted!
Boulder County Wildfire Fund
What was the inspiration behind Cornerstone Foundation? Dr. Joseph Hsin founded the Cornerstone Foundation to provide orthopedic care and education locally and globally. He is thankful for the opportunities he received when his parents left China and eventually immigrated to the US. He wanted to go to Cambodia to help educate doctors – most were eradicated during the mass killings in the 70’s under the Khmer Rouge. We’ve had a consistent relationship with Jeremiah’s Hope Hospital in Phnom Penh and have gone other places too – Uganda, Guatemala…. and locally we work with underserved elderly and youth in our community.
What is your Mission and/or Mission Statement? – To provide orthopedic care and education locally and globally.
What accomplishments is Cornerstone Foundation most proud of? Two things: We were the first group to do a bi-lateral hip replacement surgery in the Country of Cambodia. And we were the first ortho team to go to serve with Musana in Uganda.
How can Val-U-Ads of Arvada and the community better support your non profit? We are sending a team to Guatemala in April with an organization called Faith in Practice. Our foundations help to pay the fees for nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and students. We would love financial donations to help cover the costs for this upcoming trip. You Make A Difference!
What is your Mission and/or Mission Statement? Community Table is launching a community-wide food drive to collect 25,000 pounds of food by December, 25, 2021. The drive is needed to help offset pandemic-related declines in food donations from individuals and groceries “rescued” from local retailers.
About Community Table – Founded in 1982, the Arvada Community Food Bank, now known as Community Table, began distributing food to hungry families out of a small house. In our 39th year, they have grown to be one of the largest emergency food providers in the metro Denver area, serving Arvada, Golden, Edgewater, Lakeside, Mountain View, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and surrounding communities, including Northwest Denver. Although providing food is still the core of their focus, their current slate of programs for those in need extends far beyond. In 2014, they added a “hand up” through Bridges to Opportunity that provides the resources struggling families need to lift themselves out of poverty. In 2018, they began hosting Living Well Showers for people experiencing homelessness, and in the Fall of 2019, they opened an onsite health clinic for uninsured adults. Community Table, a 501(c)(3) public charity, depends on support from individuals, corporations, foundations, churches and service organizations.
What is your Mission and/or Mission Statement? Hope House Colorado empowers parenting teenage moms to strive for personal and economic self-sufficiency and to understand their significance in God’s sight, resulting in a healthy future for them and their children.
What about Arvada does Hope House Love? We LOVE the people of Arvada! This community has given our teen moms a true since of belonging, which is something they have rarely experienced before coming here.
How can Val-U-Ads of Arvada better support your non-profit? We love being able to share the mission of Hope House of Colorado with our local Arvada community. We are so grateful for the current support we feel from local community members working to help empower our moms, and we see our participation with Val-U-Ads as yet another tool to help us share the mission with our broader community.
Goombas Pizza Grinder was looking for hero’s in search of a Kidney for a family member. We helped them in this search and we helped others along the way.
Follow Up from August 2021:
“I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful Kidney Donor Page in the last mailer. I wanted to let you know I’ve had someone looking for a kidney reach out to me because of your mailer and yesterday someone talked to me about how they shared it with a church group and loved it!
Since John got his kidney, he is doing very well! I’m excited to continue trying to help others. Thank you for having been such a big part of the process with your kindness!
May other people find renewed health because of these efforts!” – Ellie Papastergiou
About Arvada Soccer Association dba Real Colorado EDGE Soccer Club: Since 1969 serving boys and girls ages 4 through adulthood. Annually, the club has 2,500 registered players playing at various levels, from Recreational to Competitive to our TOPSoccer program for kids with special needs. We also offer seasonal camps, yearly events and tournaments are hosted to help support the club. The Arvada Soccer Association is a 501(s) (3) non-profit organization.
What are this year’s learning priorities for the kids? It is our belief that soccer is a game that teaches kids important life lessons, such as teamwork, physical fitness, goal setting, and determination. Teaching these life lessons benefits the entire community. Our goal is to provide all kids the opportunity to learn, regardless of income. Our 2021 Kick-in-4Kids Campaigns has been established to provide kids, from less fortunate families, financial assistance.
How can Arvada Residents support your fundraiser? We offer various levels of sponsorships and donations. Any interested individuals or business can contact us at Fundraising@edgesoccer.net or call us at 303-403-0902 for more information. Additional information on our club, fundraising, soccer programs, summer camps and upcoming events can be found on our website edgesoccer.net
When did Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado Begin? It was founded in 2010 by Linda Chassman and Ellen Winston with a mission to provide quality mental healthcare to anyone regardless of insurance or income.
What is the AATPC Mission Statement? Through our counseling and training programs, Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado provides and promotes animal assisted psychotherapy to facilitate healing for all people in need with rescued animals.
Tell us how Arvada Residents can support AATPC? By sponsoring one of our therapy animals or making a donation to support our work. Contact us to learn more!
When did Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis (AJK) Club Begin? It Kiwanis International started in 1915. The local, AJK club was chartered in 1963. Currently, the have nearly 70 members who live or work in Arvada and the surrounding communities.
What is the Mission of Kiwanis? Kiwanis is committed to serving the children of the world, one child and one community at a time. The club is an organization of volunteers focusing on improving the emotional, physical and mental lives of the children of the city and community by applying their resources and time to their most pressing needs.
Tell us how Arvada Residents can support your Non-Profit group? By helping get the word out about Kiwanis’ great non-profit charitable organization with wonderful members.
What is the Mission of Foothills Animal Shelter? Good Humans Unite
As the only full-service animal shelter serving Jefferson County, Colorado, we collaborate with Good Humans like you to improve the lives of thousands of pets each year, creating a better community for all.
Our purpose is To Make Lives Better for Pets and People. Our team shares your passion to improve the situation for our community’s animals. Become a part of our community, in whatever way you can, and let’s start improving lives together today.