DECEMBER 2024 | MAKING MORE POSSIBLE |
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Happy Holidays, Here's To An Amazing 2025! |
As we approach the new year, the Telluride Foundation reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and workers in our region. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, nonprofit partners, and volunteers who help us make more possible for those we serve. Next year, we celebrate our 25th anniversary! We are excited to host events and convenings, and manage programs to increase our impact on the initiatives that matter the most to our community, including workforce housing, food security, economic diversity, equitable healthcare, and local climate resiliency.
We hope you enjoy this festive season, and we look forward to seeing you around town and on the slopes. In the spirit of the holidays, we invite you to make a year-end contribution to support all of the Foundation's efforts. Thank you and happy holidays. |
Housing: Helping More Locals Buy Homes |
Through the Foundation’s Rural Homes initiative, 59 affordable homes were recently completed providing critical support to the regional workforce. With those projects complete, the Foundation is now set to launch another innovative pilot program in early 2025 to further tackle housing affordability. The Foundation’s new Housing Opportunity Fund is a comprehensive program offering education and financial assistance to help workers purchase homes. The program aims to strengthen workforce resilience and foster sustainable communities.
Representing a significant expansion of the Foundation’s existing Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF), the program will provide shared appreciation loans of up to 20% of a home’s purchase price (maximum $100,000). These loans carry no interest or payments until the home is sold or refinanced, ensuring funds can be re-invested to support other families. Additionally, the HOF will host quarterly Home Buyer Education workshops, guiding first-time buyers through the homeownership process.
This public-private partnership is powered by the Foundation’s generous donors, state and federal support, and contributions from regional governments and taxing districts. The program’s first-year fundraising goal is $1.4 million, with over $950,000 already committed thanks to overwhelming regional support. If you'd like to learn more, please contact Elaine Demas at elaine@telluridefoundation.org.
If you are interested in helping us reach our fundraising goal, please consider a year end donation to support this critical program. Together, we can make homeownership attainable for more hardworking families. |
Economic Diversity: TVN Graduates 7 Businesses From Cómo Construir Un Negocio |
This fall, Telluride Venture Network graduated 7 businesses from its 4th Cómo Construir Un Negocio (How to Build a Business) Bootcamp. The 9-week program, designed to help ambitious Latino entrepreneurs start or expand a business, follows the Lean Canvas business model. Weekly sessions covered problem definition, product market fit, customer acquisition, channel strategy, and more. Throughout the Bootcamp, each entrepreneur was paired with a mentor who provided coaching, guidance, and assistance in incorporating classroom concepts into business practice.
New to the Bootcamp this year was the addition of many local business professionals who volunteered their time to present topics in their field of expertise. Scott Miller spoke about the need for bookkeeping and financial statement preparation to help assess the health of your business. Ryan Markey discussed liability insurance and how it protects your business. Kailey Ranta and Ashely Berard from the Town of Telluride explained how to secure a business license and pay sales tax. Ensuring the cohort knows how to access additional resources beyond the Bootcamp is essential to the success of their businesses.
On October 29th, TVN held the Business Showcase where entrepreneurs presented their business or business ideas. Be on the lookout for these stellar new startups: Bash Chocolatier - Chocolate-making classes and private event catering Beats by Lartman9 - DJ business Community Language of the Western Slope - Translation and interpretation services
El Arepazo Venezolana - Food cart selling traditional Venezuelan dishes High Altitude Property Care - Housekeeping, property care, landscaping, maintenance Los Remedios de Maria - Natural skincare products Vibras Artesanas - Apparel and handbags made by traditional Columbian weavers |
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Health & Well-being: Breaking Health Barriers for Immigrant Communities |
Tri-County Health Network’s (TCHNetwork) vision is to build vibrant, healthy communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating spaces where all individuals feel a sense of belonging and safety.
However, immigrant communities often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and feeling truly included. Issues such as racism, immigration status, language barriers, and the cost of services all contribute to these challenges.
TCHNetwork tirelessly works to break down these barriers. This fall, its staff has been hard at work to help community members access OmniSalud, a state-sponsored program that assists undocumented Coloradans and DACA recipients in securing affordable health insurance. With only 12,000 spots available, the program has become highly competitive, but TCHNNetwork's staff has successfully submitted 300 enrollments and continues to work toward new enrollments as the program allows.
Additionally, TCHNetwork believes that health goes beyond healthcare. It recognizes that documentation status can profoundly affect one’s mental and physical well-being. The TCHNetwork Immigration Legal Services team, accredited by the Department of Justice, provides affordable legal assistance for humanitarian visa cases. This accreditation reduces both the cost and time needed to navigate the immigration process, offering vital support to those in need. To learn more about TCHNetwork initiatives and services, please visit tchnetwork.org.
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Volunteers of the Year Celebration at the Livery |
The Livery in Norwood was filled with warmth and gratitude as over sixty community members gathered to celebrate the 2024 Telluride Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award recipients. The November 19th event honored two remarkable Norwood residents, Emily Haight and Leila Seraphin, marking the first time the Foundation has recognized corecipients from Norwood. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by Flying Bear Pizzeria's delicious "build your own chili bowl" setup, creating the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming community celebration. Haight, who moved to Norwood in 2013, has become an integral part of the community through her leadership roles with the Uncompahgre Medical Center board, Lone Cone Legacy Trust board, and other local initiatives. Seraphin, a resident since 2015, was recognized for her transformative work in local food security. As a founder of the Fresh Foundation, she has been instrumental in supporting local farmers and addressing food security challenges across the region. As 2024 Volunteers of the Year, both recipients received $2,500 to donate to local nonprofits of their choice. Haight directed her award to the Fresh Foundation, while Seraphin split her award between Hoof and Paw Animal Rescue and the Norwood Community Garden's pantry plot program. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of how volunteers form the backbone of small communities like Norwood, bringing together those who work tirelessly to make their corner of the world a better place. |
Telluride Adaptive Sports Program: Sharing the Joy of the Outdoors With Everyone |
The Telluride Adaptive Sports Program (TASP) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to engage in outdoor recreational activities, fostering independence and building confidence. Established in 1996, TASP has become a year-round resource for people of all ages and abilities, offering tailored programs in skiing, snowboarding, and a range of summer activities such as biking, climbing, and paddle sports.
The core mission of TASP is to create an inclusive environment where individuals with physical and cognitive challenges can experience the joy and freedom of outdoor recreation. With the breathtaking slopes of Telluride as a backdrop, participants are empowered to break down personal barriers, gain new skills, and enjoy the thrill of adventure in a supportive environment.
This winter, TASP is excited to offer several multi-day camps, including two for Native Americans with disabilities, a Women’s Week camp, and Military Adventure Week camps. In addition to these opportunities, TASP provides daily ski and ride lessons that benefit locals, regional students, veterans, and visitors alike. The program’s strength lies in its expert instructors and volunteers, who customize activities to meet the specific needs of each participant. With the right adaptive gear and individualized coaching, TASP makes sure every experience is fun, inclusive, and unforgettable!
TASP goes beyond sports; it focuses on creating a supportive community where individuals with disabilities are empowered, encouraged, and accomplishments are celebrated. Through these life-changing experiences, participants not only enhance their physical abilities but also build resilience and develop a lasting sense of belonging that extends well beyond their time on the slopes or trails. |
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Region 10: Empowering Seniors To Live Independently |
The Frontier Adult Services Partnership is a collaboration between Region 10’s Area Agency on Aging and several partners (including Tri-County Health Network, All Points Transit, Neighbor to Neighbor, Nucla and Norwood senior meal programs, senior companion programs, and homemaker services) to provide services and support to older adults in the region. Many disabled and older individuals want to remain in their homes for as long as they are able, and in more isolated communities like ours, support is needed to achieve this goal.
The services provided through the partnership address basic needs: access to food, in-home support, transportation, and a connection to someone local in case more support is needed. By working together, partners can help to identify areas where participants might need extra help and refer them to other organizations to meet that need. Additionally, Region 10’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a program designed to get older adults involved in their community by offering volunteer opportunities with various groups.
Region 10’s previous Director of the Area Agency on Aging, Eva Veitch, retired in August of this year. Taking her place is Brian Bowler, who has had experience in social services working with Delta County’s Adult Protective Services. With a new leader at the helm and a new volunteer coordinator based in the West End, Region 10 looks forward to continuing this collaboration. |
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Donor Holiday Party December 30, 2024 |
Our annual donor holiday party will be held in town's favorite new venue. Feel free to dress up in your most glittery holiday attire or swoosh in straight from the slopes in powder posh to mingle with fellow donors. 4pm-6pm | | |
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| Help us grow the Telluride Foundation If you know a community member who may be interested in becoming a donor or a volunteer, please make an introduction!
Contact Jason at jason@telluridefoundation.org. With your help, we can Make More Possible! |
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About
The Telluride Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of our community members by investing in initiatives and supporting nonprofits in the region. telluridefoundation.org |
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