Week #50 Third Street Center
The mission of the Third Street Center is to build community and a sustainable future through a multi-tenant, mixed-use facility that models sustainability in its design and practice.
As as nonprofit organization, the Center brings together a diverse collection of nearly three dozen nonprofit organizations, artists and small businesses under one roof, leveraging their unique strengths. We offer long-term, affordable rental space, opportunities to work together creatively and efficiently to develop solutions that improve the lives of their clients and make our community and region better and more sustainable places.
http://www.thirdstreetcenter.net
Week #49 TACAW- The Arts Campus At Willits
The Arts Campus at Willits is a 501c3 nonprofit entity whose mission is to further define the cultural identity of the Roaring Fork Valley by presenting performing, cinematic and culinary arts events. Currently, TACAW is building The Contemporary, a permanent home for the arts that will open in 2021. Programming there will build upon the successes TACAW enjoyed at their interim home, The Temporary. The cultural acts presented by the organization are the culmination of decades of work to bring performing arts to the area.
https://www.tacaw.org/athome/
Week #48 CORE
Leading the Roaring Fork Valley to a carbon-free, net-zero energy future.
Since 1994, CORE has been helping Roaring Fork Valley residents save energy and cut carbon emissions to mitigate climate change. We are a nonprofit organization created by a group of visionary citizens, local governments, and utilities that came together a quarter century ago to conserve natural resources.
Week #47 Patrick’s Place
resource for youth and teens in Basalt to support them in their development. Patrick’s Place, named after Patrick Palardy, a 15-year old who committed suicide on November 3, 2017, will be that resource. Patrick was not the classical case of a suicidal teen who exhibited signs of depression or other mental health issues Patrick's Place will be Stepping Stones, newest drop-in center in Basalt.
During the month of October, FirstBank and Dos Gringos Burritos, are collaborating to raise funds for local Roaring Fork Valley nonprofit, Stepping Stones. For each burrito purchased in the month of October, FirstBank will donate $5 to the local nonprofit up to $10,000. https://www.steppingstonesrfv.org/patricks-place
Together we can make Patrick’s Place a reality. Info: 720.207.7646 kyle@steppingstonesrfv.org.
Week #46 Aspen Hope Center
The Hope Center provides a specific array of services that were designed to decrease the stress of navigating the convoluted system of mental health and most importantly, to tighten the reins on the gaps found in the services provided in the valley. https://ourhopecenter.org
24-Hour Hopeline
Aspen (970) 925-5858
Eagle River Valley (970) 306-4673
Garfield County (970) 945-3728
Crisis Intervention:
Each person who calls in crisis requires an individualized approach to handle with their particular situation.
Information & Referral:
When a client calls for a referral, the Hope Center clinician makes it a priority to connect them with appropriate practitioner or agency from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
Individual Counseling:
The Hope Center offers short-term, solution focused therapy provided by licensed therapists for various types of life struggles.
Community Education:
The Aspen Hope Center believes that to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness, education is key.
School Programs:
The Hope Center has recently signed a contract with the RE 1 school district to provide all crisis services and prevention education programs to the schools in the district.
Community Collaborations:
The deep collaborations and partnerships the Hope Center has with local agencies, businesses and other non-profits is what adds to the care and healing that is able to be provided.
24-Hour Hopeline:
Aspen (970) 925-5858
Eagle River Valley (970) 306-4673
Garfield County (970) 945-3728
Crisis Intervention:
Each person who calls in crisis requires an individualized approach to handle with their particular situation.
Information & Referral:
When a client calls for a referral, the Hope Center clinician makes it a priority to connect them with appropriate practitioner or agency from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
Individual Counseling:
The Hope Center offers short-term, solution focused therapy provided by licensed therapists for various types of life struggles.
Week #45 Thunder River Theater Company
To better understand the human experience, Thunder River Theatre Company creates professional and stimulating programming for the Roaring Fork Valley. Through live theatre, educational outreach, our Latino Theatre Initiative and our Theatre for Young People Conservatory, TRTC participates in an ongoing dialogue with our audience and community on theatre's uniquely immediate terms.
https://thunderrivertheatre.com
Week #44 Rifle Animal Shelter
Friends of the Rifle Animal Shelter (FRAS) and the Rifle Animal Shelter providing temporary shelter and care for homeless animals, while encouraging responsible pet care and being a community resource for animal welfare.
Pictured: Deatra and JackJack
https://www.facebook.com/events/2743485269262656
Week #43 Way of Compassion Bike Project
The Mission of the Way of Compassion Bike Project is to positively impact personal, community, and global health through compassionate bicycle advocacy, education, and outreach. Current Bonedale Bike Project programs include community tune days, bicycle refurbishment fundraiser program, and community tuning days.
Week #42
CLEER - Clean Energy Economy for the Region
Clean Energy Economy for the Region works to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy, increase energy independence, and reduce our contribution to climate change.
https://cleanenergyeconomy.net
CLEER seeks and supports collaborative opportunities for research, education, advocacy and implementation of resource efficiency projects.
Weeks #40 & #41
Weeks #40 and #41...WE HAVE CAFFEINE TO SPARE AND GRATITUDE TO SHARE. Dos would like to spotlight all the wildfire angels who have come from all over the US to help with the #grizzlycreekfire as well as all of our local heroes - the boots on the ground and in the air. FREE COFFEE for all firefighters battling the Grizzly Creek Fire.
inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942
Week #39 Aspen Valley Land Trust
COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO PROTECT CARBONDALE’S ICONIC RED ROCK EXPERIENCE
In 2017, AVLT partnered with the Town of Carbondale to permanently protect a privately owned and commercially zoned 25 acre property at the base of Red Hill in Carbondale. Between November 2017 and March 2018, you helped us raise $1.35 million to save Red Hill.
http://avlt.org
Week #38 Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District
This week Dos would like to spotlight Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, whose mission is to serve the communities within the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District and help create a safer environment through the provision of quality emergency services, public education, and prevention programs with a professional dedicated force of volunteers and paid staff.
https://www.carbondalefire.org
Week 37 KDNK
This week Dos would like to spotlight KDNK Carbondale Community Access Radio, connecting community members to one another and the world
KDNK is here because of you. Your support of this local broadcasting institution has enabled us to continue to win awards, offer trainings, and bring you so much unique music over the years. Since 1983, KDNK has been serving the information and entertainment needs of our listeners. Thank you for helping us continue onward.
www.kdnk.org
Week 36 Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork / ReStore
Week #36...This week Dos would like to spotlight Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley, a local non-profit whose mission is to build affordable homes in partnership with families in need of a hand up, not a hand-out.
Click here to shop for treasures or donate. They will pick up donations at your home as well. https://www.habitatroaringfork.org
This is our local chapter of the national Habitat for Humanity organization https://www.habitat.org
Week #35 Colorado Wild Public Lands
This week Dos would like to spotlight Colorado Wild Public Lands (COWPL), a local non-profit whose mission is to preserve the integrity, size and quality and public lands in Colorado. We work to represent the interests of local communities and we have a focus on the public to private land exchange process.
https://coloradowildpubliclands.org
Your Land Exchange Watchdog
We closely watch each step of the federal land exchange NEPA process to ensure that the public agency is adhering to the laws and regulations governing its evaluation process and that the public interest is represented.
Week #34 Windwalkers
This week Dos would like to spotlight WindWalkers Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Center WindWalkers’ Mission Statement:
Where horses and caring professionals help individuals with challenges, and their families, to grow and thrive!
WindWalkers is an equine assisted learning and therapy center with a family-centered approach. Our mission is to provide a variety of equine assisted therapies to aid in the development and growth of those with challenges, be they physical, neurological, emotional, behavioral or psychological.
https://www.postindependent.com/news/windwalkers-set-to-secure-its-long-term-future-with-purchase-of-missouri-heights-ranch-property/
Week #33 Carbondale Homeless Assistance
With the Faith Lutheran Church…
Carbondale Homeless Assistance (CHA)
This week Dos would like to spotlight Carbondale Homeless Assistance (CHA). Founded by Lynn Kirchner and others five years ago, CHA is dedicated to assisting the homeless and "almost" homeless individuals of Carbondale. Integral in CHA's efforts is the Faith Lutheran Church which provides FREE community lunches are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm. in Carbondale on the third Saturday of each month. These are non-denominational events. All are welcome. Volunteers are invited to help by providing food, setting up, serving, etc. Faith Lutheran Church has been providing free community meals since 2006. An inventory of CHA accomplishments so far provided by Kirchner include:
• Opened a conversation with the habitat challenged in our community;
• Created awareness of who these people who are in our community;
• Established a reputable fundraising process to support our efforts;
• Help get people back on their feet and self-sustaining;
• Provided annual membership passes for our habitat challenged community members to take showers at the Carbondale Community Center;
• Provided gas/repairs for vehicles;
• Provide veterinarian care for pets;
• Provided assistance for safe and legal camping
For more information on Carbondale Homeless Assistance, call 963-5177 or e-mail lynnk@rof.net.
Here are some fabulous articles about this initiative to help including
https://www.postindependent.com/…/carbondale-homeless-orga…/
https://www.soprissun.com/…/carbondale-homeless-assistance…/
Week #32 Eco Flight
Week 32...This week Dos would like to spotlight Eco Flight. EcoFlight educates and advocates for the protection of remaining wild lands and wildlife habitat using small aircraft. Right now they are also helping deliver personal protective equipment to Native American communities in the Southwest. EcoFlight recently delivered a quarter of a million pieces of PPE to The Navajo Nation, Zuni, and Ute Mountain tribes in Colorado. This is just one aspect of what this non-profit does. See more here.
https://denver.cbslocal.com/2020/06/12/coronavirus-native-american-ecoflight-aspen-personal-protective-equipment/?fbclid=IwAR0esv_nIy_VTsJQ3uUK2Kq5wcaXBj_VA1wYHSnk4dQUOw4QL_zlW24YroM
EcoFlight has been putting people into high places since 2002, revealing from an aerial vantage the environmental threats to varied western landscapes. EcoFlight provides a critical perspective shift that bestows a solid grasp of large-scale land use issues like oil and gas drilling and associated impacts, hard rock mining, water diversion projects, forest clear-cuts, road building, and off-road vehicle use.
Life takes on new meaning when looking down on the world through the lens of the atmosphere, across mountains, deserts and forestlands. Perhaps for the first time one begins to see the interconnections and relationships of the natural landscape and the holism of the biosphere. The view from the top is life-changing. That’s why EcoFlight puts people into high places.
https://ecoflight.org
Week #31 Voices
This week Dos would like to spotlight Voices, founded by Barbara Reese, who's mission and vision is the following:
We amplify voices in our community through the arts.
By collaborating with diverse people and ideas, participants develop an understanding of self and other, making choices that connect us rather than divide us. Participants are empowered to live their authentic lives, feeling seen, feeling heard.
Goals
Build strong partnerships
WITH SCHOOLS
Build arts projects with two partner schools each year
WITH YOUTH
Assemble a diverse Youth Advisory Board with representation from each Roaring Fork Valley High School to help guide the vision, planning, and operations of Voices
WITH TEACHING ARTISTS
Partner with excellent local and regional teaching artists from various art disciplines and backgrounds to bring dynamic and diverse programming to students
WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Contribute to a strong landscape of community services by focusing on connection, sharing, and collaboration, while avoiding redundancy and competition
Week #30 Valley Settlement
This week Dos would like to spotlight Valley Settlement, working with immigrant families in the Roaring Fork Valley to promote early childhood development, advance opportunity, and reduce barriers to accessing vital community resources.
Valley Settlement began as a project of the Manaus Fund, a social justice organization serving the Roaring Fork Valley, in 2011. The project was started in response to a challenge to identify and address the needs of the fast-growing, low-wage immigrant community in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Week 29 Glenwood Springs Citizens Alliance
Week 29… This week Dos would like to spotlight Glenwood Springs Citizens' Alliance, who's mission is to educate and empower Glenwood Springs residents, businesses and community leaders, through advocacy and action; and to express opinions related to projects or issues that may affect the health and safety of residents, or that may have an undesirable economic or environmental impact to the quality of life in Glenwood Springs.
According to their website, Rocky Mountain Industrials (RMI) is proposing to expand the existing Transfer Trail limestone quarry from the current 20 acres to a highly visible open pit mine of 321 acres. GSCA is actively raising awareness around opposition this mining proposal. They say the proposed quarry is so big, it will be visible from almost all over Glenwood Springs.
To learn more and see the maps, visit www.loveglenwood.org
Week #28 Response & Advocate Safehouse Project
Response and @Advocate Safehouse Project - between these two organizations, they cover the entire upper and lower Roaring Fork Valleys, offering assistance and counseling for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
RESPONSE’s Mission: to work with our community to end domestic and sexual abuse and to support survivors in achieving their safety and empowerment in western Eagle and Pitkin Counties (upper Roaring Fork Valley). https://www.responsehelps.org
Services include:
· 24-Hour Helpline & Crisis Intervention
· Community & School Based & Education Programs
· Housing for Survivors
· Health & Medical Accompaniment � Court Accompaniment & Legal Advocacy
· Immigration Assistance for Survivors
· Individual Support & Advocacy
· Referrals to Other Community Resources
· Sexual Harassment Assistance
ADVOCATE SAFEHOUSE PROJECT’s Mission: To promote healthy relationships free from violence through education, advocacy, empowerment and safehousing.
https://www.advocatesafehouseproject.org
The Advocate Safehouse Project offers comprehensive and confidential services for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and their children.is the only non-profit organization providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Garfield County. Additionally, ASP is the only organization with a Safehouse Program in the Roaring Fork Valley and Garfield County. Services include:
· 24-Hour Help Line
· Safehouse Program
· Outreach Program
· Community Education Program
· Support Groups
· Sexual Assault Response
· Garfield County Domestic Violence Coalition
To express our gratitude to this community, DOS is spotlighting one of the many admirable local non-profits in the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. While our cash donations have necessarily been temporarily suspended during this pandemic, we want to continue to raise awareness about the good works being done here in the valley.
Week #27 Stepping Stones
a community-based youth mentoring program that operates drop-in centers for young people ages 10 to 21 in the Roaring Fork Valley. During the Covid 19 crisis, they have already disbursed tens of thousands in emergency assistance to local families and are fundraising to continue to meet the needs of families in crisis. www.steppingstonesrfv.org
Their philosophy: strong, long-term relationships with positive adult role models are the key to empowering youth and their families within our community. Our drop-in centers (while temporarily closed) provide a diverse, bilingual atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing meaningful life experiences and challenges. Stepping Stones maintains a 10 to 1 youth to mentor ratio, and each participant works together with staff toward individualized goals. To meet the varied needs of our participants, Stepping Stones offers essential services and programming free of charge, including skill development, nightly meals, basic needs assistance, educational support and advocacy, community engagement, arts programming, and outdoor recreation.
We are encouraging youth to stay home to stay safe, and to reach out to our staff any time, any day, for any reason.
To express our gratitude to this community, DOS is spotlighting one of the many admirable local non-profits in the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. While our cash donations have necessarily been temporarily suspended during this pandemic, we want to continue to raise awareness about the good works being done here in the valley.
Week #26 Seedpeace.org & Wild Mountain Seeds
Wild Mountain Seeds and seedpeace.org located at Sunfire Ranch, a 6th Generation owned former Potato Farm in the Crystal River Valley at the base of Mount Sopris and the tail waters of Thompson Creek owned by the Sewell Family.
Their mission:
To grow the local food supply and increase health giving food availability to people in need by supporting farmers and adapting food plants to a changing climate.
Week #25 Valley Life for All
Valley Life for All (VLFA) is a grassroots movement created by concerned citizens who are empowered to build a bridge between people with and without disabilities in Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle Counties. This community of parents, self-advocates, community organizers, service providers, business owners, educators, professionals, and government organizations joined together in November, 2010 to work together to create awareness and opportunity.
To express our gratitude to this community, DOS is spotlighting one of the many admirable local non-profits in the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. While our cash donations have necessarily been temporarily suspended during this pandemic, we want to continue to raise awareness about the good works being done here in the valley.
A recent article in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent
https://www.postindependent.com/…/valley-life-for-all-colu…/
Week #24
Davi Nikent
Center for Human Flourishing - Promoting Integral Health and Human Flourishing.
Our mission is promote health and well-being for individuals, families and community by offering experiential workshops, seminars, retreats and topical films by pioneers in integral health* and human flourishing.**
https://davinikent.com
Week #23 Addy’s Oasis
This week Dos would like to honor a local hero - Addy Moss and Addy's Oasis as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight. Thank you to Jen Collier Moss, Brent Moss, Jax and Mountain Parent for a beautiful article in last month's edition sharing their family's courageous journey.
https://www.mountain-parent.com/wellness-feature/
Understandably, the stay-home mandates have made things even more challenging for the Moss family. Please visit www.teamaddy.com for ways to support them.
Week #22, Town of Carbondale…
Back in November, I never dreamed there would be a reason we might have to break our 52-week streak in the 1111 Giving Campaign, and here we are. This week Carbondale, Colorado is our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight. Thank you to Dan Richardson, the trustees and the all of those at the Town of Carbondale. The Town established an emergency task force on Monday, March 23rd, 2020 in order to mobilize a community-wide response to the impact of the COVID-19 virus. An amazing FB resources is also available at Carbondale CO Mutual Aid Group. We have dedicated the last two weeks to DOS - shoring up our business, trying to salvage as many shifts for our employees as possible while keeping them and our community safe, navigating the barrage of mandates from local, state and federal entities and trying to create new products and service models to responsibly continue to answer the needs our community. Our hope is to continue our "giving" campaign each week by continuing to help raise awareness about the resources available for those struggling here in the valley during this pandemic.
Town of Carbondale Task Force Vision
"Understand, support, and advocate for the needs of our community during a time of international crisis in order to ensure the safety, security, equity, and livelihood of all."
During this time of uncertainty, the major focus for the Town of Carbondale is ensuring that critical public services are continued. Systems are in place and are regularly being updated to make sure that public safety, drinking water treatment, sewage treatment and public infrastructure continue to be operated and maintained at high levels. The Town is also working diligently to follow all Garfield County Public Health orders. This webpage will be updated regularly to reflect current Town operations and Public Health orders.
Please visit this link for more information... https://www.carbondalegov.org/government/emergency/index.php
no copyright infringement intended, please IM if you know who's shot this is...
Week #19 Carbondale Arts
This week Carbondale Arts is our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight!
Carbondale Arts builds an inclusive and vibrant community through the arts, supporting Carbondale’s identity as a place that fosters creativity, collaboration, innovation, and artistic exploration.
https://www.carbondalearts.com
Week #18 AVSC
This week Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club is our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! ub's mission is to provide all youth in the greater Roaring Fork Valley the opportunity to excel as athletes and as people through winter sports.
Founded in 1937, AVSC is the Roaring Fork Valley’s oldest and largest youth non-profit. We coach and inspire kids to excel while promoting a community of passion, grit, and mountain culture.
https://www.teamavsc.org/Aspen-Valley-Ski-Snowboard-Club
Week #17
This week our employee, Dylan Barber, has chosen Junior Achievement of the Roaring Fork Valley as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! Dylan says, “I chose Junior Achievement as my featured non-profit because I had the opportunity of participating in their programs as an elementary schooler in Glenwood, and they help teach valuable life skills, as well as provide opportunities for personal growth and development for youth in the valley."
Junior Achievement Sparks Student Success!
JA impacted over 3,300 Roaring Fork Valley students in more than 170 classrooms last year.
Their volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential. With the help of more than 100 local volunteers, JA students develop the skills they need to experience the realities and opportunities of work and entrepreneurship in the 21st-century global marketplace.
https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-rfv
Week #16
This week our employee, Kate Oldham, has chosen The Pauline S. Schneegas WILDLIFE FOUNDATION as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight!. Kate says, “I have always loved being around animals but more recently I have been learning a lot about wild animals and their role in local ecosystems. This has inspired me to care about how they are treated when they are rescued and rehabilitated. The PSSWF is committed to keeping wild animals wild whenever possible, and we are so fortunate to have this organization in our area.”
The PSSWF mission: To provide quality, professional care to injured and orphaned wildlife in conjunction with educational programs on wildlife and the environment.
The Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation (PSSWF) is located in rural Garfield County near the town of Silt. We rehabilitate all species of wildlife (except bats and skunks) and provide educational programs to schools, clubs, groups, and businesses.
Week 15!
WEEK 15! This week our employee, Ryan Armstrong, has chosen LIFT-UP as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! LIFT-UP, which stands for Life Interfaith Team on Unemployment and Poverty, is a non-profit dedicated to providing humanitarian essentials while creating a bridge to personal empowerment and self-reliance.
Since 1982, when thousands poured into our region to find work during the oil shale industry boom. Many were living in cars and under bridges while they looked for jobs. Local churches, businesses and concerned citizens joined together to start LIFT-UP. While the economy has changed over the years, the needs have continued, and LIFT-UP has remained a reliable channel of assistance for our community, serving thousands of people each year who need assistance during times of temporary hardship. www.liftup.org
Week 14!
WEEK 14! This week our employee, Caleb Cofsky, has chosen Sustainable Settings as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee nominates one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS makes a cash donation based on a percentage of sales. Caleb says, " I love the idea of an organization that not only provides the local community with sustainably raised milk and food, but also encourages education. They give tours to local schools inspire kids to think sustainably, they host interns who are interested in pursuing agriculture, and they are truly welcoming to anyone who wants to stop by the property and learn about biodynamics."
Established in August 1997 Sustainable Settings is an entrepreneurial non-profit organization that inspires people and communities to embrace integrated solutions for sustainable development.
To accomplish our mission we research, design and demonstrate whole-systems strategies in regenerative Biodynamic agriculture, land stewardship, green development, and micro-enterprise. Through our educational programs we raise awareness of our, human being’s, place and purpose in the matrix of life in our biosphere.
Purpose:
Sustainable Settings owns the 244-acre historic Thompson Creek Ranch where we operate our working ranch and Whole Systems Learning Center. This daily and long-term committed effort is to provide the arena and programming where human beings might find a harmonious regenerative intersection with Nature. We work on direct and locally applicable solutions to climate change, food and energy security and the regeneration of healthy topsoil – health in all systems – things we believe to be paramount if we are to survive. This effort is intended to move the culture into greater awareness of human being’s responsible participation as humble stewards and reverent members within Nature’s economy.
http://sustainablesettings.org
Week 13!
This week DOS features the Spring Gulch Trail System, a local gem we are so fortunate to have in Carbondale! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. We plan to Ski for Sisu tomorrow, Sunday February 2nd 9am-2pm and DOS will renew our business membership at the end of next week! Please don't forget your annual membership as you enjoy the beautiful trails, scenery and solitude.
https://www.springgulch.org/become-a-member
Ski for Sisu is a community skiathon that raises money to support the Spring Gulch trails! Skiers collect pledges per kilometer they ski from friends, family, and others in the community. And don't forget about the silent auction! To sign up, download our Ski For Sisu Form here. https://www.springgulch.org/ski-for-sisu
The Spring Gulch Trail System, created and sustained by the Mount Sopris Nordic Council (a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization), has 21+ km of cross-country ski trails available to residents of and visitors to the Carbondale, Colorado community. The Spring Gulch trails have been designed by skiers for skiers and are regularly groomed. Just bring your lunch (no services are provided other than a restroom), a friend (except your dog – no dogs allowed, please), and a taste for fresh air and incredible scenery.
The Spring Gulch Trail System is on private property. The North Thompson Cattlemen’s Association and the Crystal River Ranchgenerously permit the winter use of their property for our skiing enjoyment. Any use of the property other than cross-country skiing during the winter and any use at any other season is prohibited. Please respect whatever restrictions may be posted at the entry area, and as always, respect the land.
https://www.springgulch.org
Week 12!
This week our employee, Nina Aley, has chosen Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee nominates one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS makes a cash donation based on a percentage of sales. Nina says, "I picked C.A.R.E. because it is an organization run by people who deeply care about finding abandoned and rescued animals good homes. It is upheld by people who make giving back to these animals a priority." Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal care organization located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. We serve as the animal shelter for Garfield County and the city of Glenwood Springs. Our mission is practicing excellence in animal care, education, and advocacy to connect pets to their people. We work to place animals in loving homes, encourage population control, and promote responsible pet ownership.
C.A.R.E. strives to be the premier animal resource center in our community and greater Western Colorado. In addition to serving as a pet intake and adoption facility, we offer spay/neuter assistance, training classes, school visits, a pet food bank, and much more.
Our shelter operates off the basic premise that all animals deserve access to medical care, food, shelter, and love. We are guided by the principles of the Five Freedoms and believe every animal should have:
Freedom from hunger or thirst
Freedom from discomfort and inadequate shelter
Freedom from disease and injury
Freedom from distress and pain
Freedom to display normal behavior
Week #11
This week our employee, Sidney Roach, has chosen Smiling Goat Ranch as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee nominates one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS makes a cash donation based on a percentage of sales. Sid says, "Horses were a big part of my life growing up, and they can have an impact on your emotions. They sense things in you just by the movements you make. And during the hardest parts of my life I needed a horse. And so do these people."
Smiling Goat Ranch uses horses and small social animals to help people with autism and veterans with PTSD in a healing environment.
www.smilinggoatranch.com
Week #10
This week our employee, Ryan Armstrong, has selected Bridging Bionics Foundation (BBF) as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee nominates one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS makes a cash donation based on a percentage of sales. More about BBF...Our mission is to provide access to bionic rehabilitation technology for all individuals challenged with neurological mobility impairments. We serve individuals with neurological mobility impairments resulting from injury or disease, including: spinal cord injuries (paraplegia, quadriplegia), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, Cerebral Palsy, and stroke. These impairments can be socially isolating and is financially burdensome. Lifetime costs for spinal cord injuries, for example, can total over 2.5 million per individual.
At Bridging Bionics Foundation, we believe all individuals with neurological mobility impairments can live better through the use of advanced technology. We see a world using technology to optimize function and improve life for all individuals challenged with mobility impairments. This simple vision drives us to serve people through our unique programs.
www.bridgingbionics.org
Week #9
This week our employee, Isidra Morales, has selected The Buddy Program as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! Isidra says,“I chose the Buddy Program because they are always empowering and helping children in the valley. They give children a a bigger and better opportunity in life!”
The Buddy Program empowers youth through mentoring experiences to achieve their full potential. For 46 years, the Buddy Program has been serving youth in the Roaring Fork Valley community. The Buddy Program runs four mentoring programs primarily serving youth from Aspen to Rifle. These programs include one-on-one mentoring and group, experiential mentoring.
A BIG BUDDY IS…
A Friend
A Positive Role Model
A Confidant
Respectful of Parents
A Nurturer of Possibilities
Week 8! Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association
This week our employee, Jenna Pearce, has selected Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee will nominate one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS will make a cash donation based on a percentage of sales that week. Show your love for great mountain bike trails by becoming an RFMBA member! Your annual membership supports our mission to create and sustain the best possible mountain bike trail systems and experiences from Aspen to New Castle & beyond. RFMBA, an IMBA Chapter, is comprised of mountain biking enthusiasts in the Roaring Fork Valley and connecting areas.
http://www.rfmba.org
Week 7! YouthZone
Happy Holidays, everyone! This week our staff member, James Aurelio selected YouthZone as our Nonprofit-in-the-Spotlight! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee will nominate one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS will make a cash donation based on a percentage of sales that week. James writes, “I picked YouthZone because I feel it is important for kids and teens to have a place to go where they can escape and talk about things that they are going through. Equally as important, parents can get the support they need in connecting and communicating – the children are the future!"
ARE YOU A YOUNG PERSON LOOKING FOR HELP?
If you or someone you know is struggling, YouthZone can help. We help young people who are working through trauma, struggling with substance use, are experiencing emotional stress, or simply need someone to talk with.
ARE YOU A PARENT LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE?
Parenting sometimes comes with questions and a need for guidance and support. Let us help you with one of our parenting classes, one-on-one consultations, or counseling.
https://youthzone.com
Week 6!
The Sopris Sun
This week the staff at DOS has collectively nominated The Sopris Sun as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! We are so grateful for their pledge to mention our $1111 giving campaign and these individual non-profits each week for the months ahead as well as that fantastic article last week by Jeanne Souldern. To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee will nominate one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS will make a cash donation based on a percentage of sales that week. We are all appreciative for the hard work Will Grandbois and his staff put in every week to publish this tremendous community resource. The Sopris Sun is truly a local gem!
Week #5 Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
This week our employee, Emma Bauer, has selected Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! To express our gratitude to this community, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign for the 52 weeks leading up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee will nominate one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS will make a cash donation based on a percentage of sales that week. We are all indebted to RFOV for the work they did in the aftermath of the Lake Christine fire, their largest, local volunteer restoration project to-date!
Under the leadership of Ron Rash, RFOV's mission is to promote stewardship of our public lands by engaging the community in volunteer trail and restoration projects. The preservation and enhancement of our natural surroundings is the responsibility of every member of our regional community, and RFOV empowers our community to create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Week #4 Roaring Fork High School’s Rampage
The Rampage (RF High School Ram's monthly newspaper) is our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight. It has been a tradition in student journalism for almost two decades, but is in danger of extinction. DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a 52-week giving campaign up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Every week we will spotlight one of the many non-profits in our valley that do such admirable work and make a cash donation based on a percentage of sales that week. This week we want to honor the perseverance of co-editors Daniela Rivera and Lilly Peery. They are fighting to keep the Rampage going since they lost their funding. Not only have they taken on teaching the journalism course themselves due to a lack of staff, they are also looking for a sustainable source of income for the school year until the school can apply for grant money next year. “We print our paper within The Sopris Sun once a month, at a printing cost of $400. Without funding for this year, our school will have no choice but to cut the program altogether,” said Rivera. The Rampage was nominated as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight by our employee, Ricky Camacho who said, “This student-run high school newspaper has been around for almost 20 years and I think it’s really cool that they have their own voice in our community. These students are so dedicated to keeping it going, I’m really glad that Dos Gringos can support them."
To make a donation (cash, check or credit card),
reach out to Kathy Alcala at RFHS.
(970)-384-5756 or email at kalcala@rfschools.com
Week #3 Carbondale Clay Center
WEEK 3! This week our employee, Jennifer Arnold, has selected the Carbondale Clay Center as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! DOS is 19 years old this month & to express our gratitude over the next 52 weeks, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Each week an employee will nominate one of the many admirable local non-profits & DOS will make a cash donation based on a percentage of sales that week.
Jen says, "It’s all about community. CCC was one of the reasons I moved to the valley. Anyone can come, and everyone is welcome. CCC also works with other nonprofits and outreach programs. CCC is evolving and expanding, this donation would greatly benefit the clay center’s future in our community."
https://www.facebook.com/carbondaleclaycenter/
Founded by Diane Kenney 22 years ago and under the current leadership of Angela Bruno, the Carbondale Clay Center welcomes all, despite physical or financial limitations, to explore the art of ceramics, from the casually curious to the established artist. Clay is a universal language connecting us to people, cultures and world history. CCC works with numerous non profits in the Valley and provides support to nearly all the area schools, both public and private. In addition to our regular programming, we provide weekly programming to Ascendigo Autism Services and Mountain Valley Developmental Services. Our artist in residence program has brought over 40 artists to Carbondale, many of whom still reside and teach in the valley today. CCC is a community organization, and welcomes all to participate in our quality, art programming.
http://www.carbondaleclay.org
Week #2
This week our employee, Emily Baker, has selected Ascendigo Autism Services as our Non-Profit-in-the-Spotlight! DOS is 19 years old this month and to express our gratitude, over the next 52 weeks, DOS has pledged $11,000 cash in a giving campaign up until our 20th anniversary on 11/11/2020. Every week we will spotlight one of the many non-profits in our valley that do such admirable work and make a cash donation based on a percentage of sales that week.
Ascendigo provides opportunities for growth and independence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Ascendigo’s goal is to integrate people with autism into community life recreationally and socially through three core programs: Adventures, Life Enrichment and Outreach. https://ascendigo.org
““In my three years with Ascendigo as a skills trainer, I was so humbled by both the participants and my co-workers. I learned that it’s the small things in life that can make the biggest difference. While I was there to make a positive impact on their lives, I also know am a better person for my time there.””
The mission of Ascendigo is to elevate the spectrum by empowering people, inspiring lives and shattering expectations!
WEEK #1 The first non-profit out of the gate is called Return to the Dirt. Deatra Glock, a current DOS employee, used to work there and was a caretaker for Tim Burr, the founder, after he suffered a backcountry ski accident and was paralyzed in 2014. Deatra says, “I chose Return to Dirt as my nonprofit to spotlight because everyone deserves to experience the feeling that the backcountry can provide.” To summarize their mission, it’s about independence and access. As a byproduct of disability, many athletes are restricted to certain vehicles like mini vans and sedans, and this limits access to many natural areas. Return to the Dirt provides adapted off-road vehicles that allow disabled athletes to independently take themselves back to the dirt.”
WEEK #1 FEATURED NON-PROFIT…
RETURN TO THE DIRT, FOUNDED BY TIM BURR AND NOMINATED BY OUR EMPLOYEE, DEATRA GLOCK (in photo below)