A Perspective Outside My Own

How are we going to know who they are?” we joked as we anxiously awaited the arrival of the eight Israeli leaders in the arrivals hall of Denver International Airport. As eight suited men and women came up the escalators taking rapid fire selfies, we quickly realized we need not worry. Our delegates had arrived.

The Wetmore Community Building: DOLA, El Pomar grants to fund 1928 structure

W.A. Ewing, Wet Mountain Tribune

San Luis Valley’s Next Generation of Nurses

Linda Relyea, Assistant Director of Communications, Adams State University

Wowed by the San Juans

The six county San Juan Region is a place where the spirit of Colorado not only lives, but thrives. It is a place of coal mines and cowboys, of hiking and hemp. It is inhabited by people who are proud, resilient, and welcoming. And it is this vastness and diversity that make succinctly answering the question, “What makes the San Juan region unique?” such a difficult task. Difficult, but not impossible.

One Night Out

I think it’s about 4 am. Someone’s footsteps, crunching through frozen grass, catch my attention. It sounds as though they are standing right over my frost-covered sleeping bag.

Reflections from Statewide

“There’s a moment when I stand on the stage and I look at the Regional Council Members, the statewide funders, and the El Pomar staff members all sitting in one room...and it takes my breath away.”

The Nuts and Bolts of Building Community

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle County brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope through construction of simple, decent, affordable homes.

Hope is a Possibility

In recognition of Bright Future’s efforts, El Pomar honored the organization on October 6, 2015 during the annual Awards for Excellence ceremony. Bright Future Foundation received a $25,000 grant and a video highlighting its dedication and passion to serving the state of Colorado.

Rocky Mountain PBS: Lifelong Learning for All

A journey into outer space. A front row concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. A lesson in empathy taught by a giant, yellow bird. These opportunities are not only unique and transformative, but accessible for all Coloradans due to the efforts of Rocky Mountain PBS.

Highlighting the Proby Cultural Heritage Room’s Hispanic Inductees

Frames line the walls of the Milton E. Proby Cultural heritage room; they hold within them the pictures and stories of individuals who shaped their communities in Southern Colorado through leadership, advocacy, vision, insight, and hard work. Today, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the three Hispanic Inductees: Senator Casimiro Barela, Eva Raigoza Baca, and LTC Thomas H. Martinez, who were inducted into the room with photograph and frame in 2006, 2010, and 2014, respectively.

Lost in Translation

Imagine beginning school in a classroom where the language spoken is different than your own. Imagine having to learn math, history, and science–subjects that are difficult enough without the added burden of a new language. This is the plight many students in the Denver area face. Through a dual language K-5 program, Escuela de Guadalupe is beginning to level the playing field for both native Spanish and native English speaking students.

I Wish I Was From Colorado

As part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders program, I have been fortunate to work at El Pomar, a “Foundation for Colorado,” as it is proudly called here.

What Do You Want Most?

Thousands of years ago, a great warrior sent his armies against a powerful foe whose men vastly outnumbered his own. The chances of success looked slim but the warrior loaded his soldiers into boats and sailed to the enemy’s country. After everyone disembarked, he gave the order to burn the ships, the soldiers’ only escape from the island. Addressing his men before the first battle, the warrior said, “You see the boats going up in smoke. We cannot leave these shores alive unless we win! We now have no choice; we win or we perish!” The army went on to win the battle.

Turning Anxiety into Strength

We woke up at 4:00 AM, and my first thought was, “I can’t believe they’re making us do this.”

Pine River Library Like a Phoenix Rising

Like a phoenix rising from internet-induced public library ashes, the Pine River Public Library is proving itself far from obsolete –in fact, it’s thriving.

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