APRIL 2024 | MAKING MORE POSSIBLE |
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Community Housing: Dreams Really Do Come True |
Erin Dann and her son Ian are the newest residents of Pinion Park in Norwood! Originally hailing from California, Erin first visited Telluride when she spent the summer of 2005 as a camp counselor for Telluride Academy. She taught the infamous "Flower Fairies" program to 5-6 year old girls. Though she left at the end of summer, she returned briefly as the preschool director of Telluride Early Childhood Center in 2008. With student loans begging to be paid, she left again, this time to join the Army and take advantage of its Loan Repayment Program. She spent 5 years in active duty and another 6 in the reserves before recognizing she wanted Colorado to be her forever home. She started reconnecting with friends in the area and learned about Rural Homes. A year later, the program coordinator position at Lone Cone Library opened, and she landed the job. Within 6 weeks, she purchased a home in Pinion Park (sight unseen), moved across the country from Portland, Oregon, and settled in last week.
Listen to the video to hear Erin talk about why she is thrilled to be in Norwood. Erin, we wish you well and welcome to the neighborhood! |
Economic Diversity: TVN Graduates 5 Regional Businesses from Strategy & Growth Bootcamp |
Growth can prove elusive even for founders who have experienced initial success in running a business. Keeping all the proverbial plates spinning while looking for adjacent products and services and prospecting for new customers is challenging. During Telluride Venture Network's Strategy & Growth Bootcamp, founders were introduced to concrete skills they can use to move the needle forward in their businesses. They learned how to design customer empathy interviews, measure what matters by establishing OKRs (objectives and key results), ensure business viability through unit economics, and map business uncertainty. An opportunity to listen to local entrepreneur and author Stephanie Breedlove tell her founder story, 1-1 coaching sessions, and growth hacking exercises rounded out the program.
On March 8th, these businesses graduated from the Bootcamp: Agolix, a SaaS business that creates lead generation through surveys and assessments for independent business consultants and executive coaches; Phoenix Haus, an offsite manufacturer of energy-efficient, legacy-quality homes; Telluride Moto, a motorcycle rental, tour, and training business; BarUEat, a manufacturer of granola bars made without added oils, preservatives, and sugars in compostable packaging; and Liquor Tech, a point of sale system that streamlines data management and sales. After spending two weeks together, the cohort formed a close bond and now has a network of support from fellow entrepreneurs. They left armed with tools and a roadmap to propel their businesses forward. While Agolix and Phoenix Haus are already participating in TVN's mentorship program, the other businesses will pitch to the Mentor Network on Wednesday, April 17th. TVN will curate volunteer mentor teams that will meet monthly for a year to offer guidance and coaching. If you are interested in volunteering as a business mentor, please complete our mentor form or contact program director, Annemarie Jodlowski to learn more.
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Community Housing: Waterview Homes Presents Opportunity for Entrepreneurs
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With spring in full swing, Rural Homes will be resuming work on the 21-unit Waterview Homes development in Ouray. Similar to the projects already completed in Ridgway and Norwood, Waterview Homes will consist of for-sale deed-restricted units priced and intended for the local workforce. The streets and utilities were completed last year, so with good weather allowing, the subdivision should be ready for buyer move-ins this fall. Impact Development Services will administer the lottery, and homebuyers can begin the process on Wednesday, May 15th when the application window opens.
Unique to this development is the inclusion of two licensed-ready units designed specifically for home-based childcare. The Rural Homes Early Childhood Initiative (RHECI) aims to simultaneously address the housing and childcare shortages of the region through integrating affordable home construction with Family Child Care Home Provider (FCCHP) operations. In partnership with RHECI, Bright Futures will host a business accelerator for aspiring childcare providers. The program utilizes a curriculum designed by the nationally recognized nonprofit organization, All Our Kin, and will be taught in English and Spanish. The 12-week intensive training program will cover the necessary components of early childhood care and education, business operations expertise, and provide targeted coaching and training on how to start or grow an FCCHP operation.
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Nonprofit Support: Website Accessibility and Insurance Workshops |
Each year, the Foundation responds to nonprofit organizations’ requests for trainings and educational workshops, and two popular topics requested this year were website accessibility and nonprofit insurance. On February 22nd, the Foundation hosted a website accessibility workshop taught by Alley Rubadeau of Chair 9 Marketing. Rubadeau presented on legal compliance and web content accessibility guidelines, and inclusive design practices; on March 7th, the Foundation hosted an insurance for nonprofits workshop taught by Darren Coltrinari of Home Loan Insurance. Coltrinari discussed all the different types of insurance that nonprofit boards should consider to manage their risk. Both workshops were held via zoom, enabling a geographically diverse group of nonprofits to attend. Workshops hosted by the Foundation are free and open to the public. The Foundation will host AI Tools for Nonprofits on May 16th.
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Skidola: 100 Racers Brave the Elements for a Cause |
Now in its fourth year, the 2024 Telluride Foundation Skidola saw a record-breaking turnout of 100 participants on March 14th, affectionately known as 'PI' day. Racers showcased resilience and commitment to supporting the Peter Inglis Avalanche Education Fund (‘PI Fund”), ascending 1,810 vertical feet over 1.2 miles from the base of the Telluride Gondola to the top of Chair 7 in snowy conditions.
Between registration income, local sponsorships, and proceeds from a "Pies for PI" silent pie auction, the event raised over $11,000. All net proceeds will go to the PI Fund, which provides scholarship opportunities for avalanche education and backcountry awareness in our region. Lindsay Allison led the female podium with a time of 33:29, while Ryan Becker took first on the male podium with a time of 26:59. Emerging victorious in the costume category was the handcrafted pizza suit with Brown Dog Pizza box headpiece, donned by local Vickie Hormuth.
Following the race, participants enjoyed refreshments at OAK restaurant and celebrated with prizes generously provided by lead sponsor La Sportiva. The event concluded with a torchlight parade in honor of those we’ve lost in avalanche incidents.
The Telluride Foundation and the PI Fund extend thanks to sponsors and supporters for their contributions, ensuring the success of the Skidola and laying the groundwork for future years. |
Unlocking Longevity: Exploring the Impact of Lifestyle Choices and AI on Longevity
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The Telluride Foundation and Telluride Science collaborated to host a captivating presentation by Dr. Alan Safdi, the Chief Medical Officer of Quadrant Health, and a distinguished partner of the Mayo Clinic and Stanford University. The Sheridan Opera House was filled with eager ears as Dr. Safdi delved into the profound impact of lifestyle choices on longevity and the intricate intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine.
Dr. Safdi addressed how lifestyle choices impact longevity, unveiling a staggering statistic that over 70% of deaths today are preventable and linked to factors like food, sleep, exercise and more. A couple of tips: flavanols (found in green tea, chocolate, legumes, blueberries, and dark leafy greens) are correlated with a reduction in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other causes of death. Oh, and did we mention that you shouldn't drink out of or store or heat foods in plastic? Like, ever!
Using a red laser pointer as his beacon of truth, Dr. Safdi adeptly guided the audience through the complex terrain of information on nutrition and wellness inundating modern society, providing invaluable insights and practical guidance on navigating the maze of lifestyle choices. |
Hoof and Paw: Finding Our Furry Friends Forever Homes |
Hoof and Paw (H&P), established in 2009, is a volunteer animal welfare organization. Its mission is to aid companion animals in the West End community that are stray, abandoned, or surrendered. H&P cares for and works to find new homes for these animals. In 2023, it tended to 254 animals, up from 136 in 2022! Also crucial to its mission is H&P's assistance and support for members of the community through the care and well-being of their animals. To that end, H&P holds low-cost vaccination and spay and neuter clinics and offers emergency vet support and boarding in times of personal crisis.
Funding for H&P, comes primarily from donations and income from its thrift store, staffed by volunteers. In 2023, it had the good fortune, in the form of an ambitious volunteer, to apply for and receive several grants. Many of these grants were to assist in funding spay and neuter clinics and vet services; however, the grant it received from the Telluride Foundation best reflects H&P's connection to the entire region. This grant will support TNR ( trap, neuter, release) of feral cats in the towns of Nucla, Naturita, and Norwood. H&P is excited about this grant as the towns have agreed to provide matching funds, and it will also be working with Second Chance in Ridgway for the veterinarian services -- a true collaborative effort. H&P is a grassroots organization that would not exist without its dedicated volunteers and generous financial supporters.
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Uncompahgre Volunteer Legal Aid: Protecting the Vulnerable Through Legal Assistance |
Uncompahgre Volunteer Legal Aid (UVLA) protects the fundamental rights of the most vulnerable individuals in the Uncompahgre Valley by providing legal assistance, support, and education. With support from the Telluride Foundation, ULVA has made services more accessible to rural communities and increased individuals served in Telluride, Ouray, and the West End of Montrose counties by 250%. UVLA services include:
Pro Se Support: UVLA helps clients understand their case, their options, and the decisions they’ll have to make. It helps clients fill out and file court documents, prepare for hearings and court appearances, and connect with attorneys throughout their case so they can ask questions and get free advice.
Mediation: Mediation is faster and more effective than a drawn-out court battle, so UVLA helps clients find and afford a mediator.
Clinics: During clinics, a volunteer attorney answers client questions and provides advice about how to move forward. Clinics are available, virtually, to all individuals in the 7th Judicial District, with priority given to those with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Representation: When able, UVLA places clients with an attorney who agrees to accept a stipend from UVLA in lieu of a retainer.
Through UVLA programs, clients are able to: talk through the emotional barriers attached to their experiences so they can think clearly and make decisions; relieve mental, emotional, and financial stress; gain agency and stability; resolve legal issues; and gain the legal knowledge to avoid legal issues in the future, advocate for themselves, and help family and friends do the same. |
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AI Tools for Nonprofits Thursday, May 16, 2024 |
Anyone is welcome to take part in this lunch and learn workshop. AI is taking the world by storm. Learn how to harness the power of AI and expore tools that can help you save time and become more efficient in the workplace. The workshop, taught by Kiki Huckaby, Chief Impact Officer of Mindspark, will be held over Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link. May 16th, 12:00pm-1:30pm |
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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 Corzine. 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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