One of my earliest experiences as a Fellow was traveling to the two regions I support. As a 1st Year Fellow, I was thrilled to visit the places where I would contribute directly and begin shaping impact. I have the unique experience of supporting two regions on opposite sides of the state, the Southeast Region and the Northwest Region. Though these regions could not be more different, they share one powerful common thread: people who consistently give back to their communities.
During one-on-ones, which is an opportunity for Fellows to connect with council members, I had the chance to participate in nonprofit site visits across both regions. No amount of preparation could have captured how meaningful it would be to stand in the places that receive support from El Pomar Foundation. Experiencing the work firsthand was transformative. It not only helped me understand the regions themselves, but it also revealed the importance of supporting them. Meeting the individuals behind the organizations we fund was incredibly inspiring; their energy and passion were genuinely contagious.
More specifically, during my visit to the Northwest Region, I had the opportunity to tour Harmony Acres in Loma, Colorado, a community‑based equine and animal‑assisted therapy center. We received a wonderful tour of their facilities and met the many animal partners who help support the therapeutic work they do!
One memorable moment was watching an individual learn to ride a horse for the first time. As we observed, the executive director shared that since beginning therapy, this individual’s confidence and interpersonal skills improved significantly. Witnessing their progress made a powerful impression.
Similarly, while visiting the Southeast Region, I had the opportunity to tour Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center in Trinidad. During the tour, we learned about the variety of programs housed throughout the facility and the significant impact each one has on the community. It quickly became clear that Mt. Carmel is a vital pillar of the Trinidad community, playing an essential role in supporting the overall well-being of its residents. From programs serving students and older adults to a food bank that supports local families, the center provides comprehensive services that meet community needs at every stage of life. Seeing the facility firsthand and witnessing the breadth of their services underscored how organizations like Mt. Carmel, and the dedicated people who work there, enable communities to grow and thrive.
Experiences like this underscore the real impact of generous philanthropic support. Witnessing how grant dollars directly contribute to meaningful, life‑changing outcomes for people is something I will never forget. I feel truly privileged to play a part in work that makes such a positive difference in the lives of others.
In addition to site visits, meeting with council members quickly became one of my favorite parts of the experience. Our conversations about their hopes for their communities and the change they strive to create were deeply enriching. Being with them in the communities they call home added a level of meaning I could not have anticipated. Seeing the people they serve and understanding the realities they navigate brought everything to life. Each council member plays a unique and critical role in strengthening their communities—they are advocates, experts, and deeply committed representatives.
With every interaction, I was reminded of why I love Colorado and its people. These experiences grounded my work, fueled my passion, and connected me more deeply to the communities I am privileged to support.
