Skip to content

Angels Among Us

Each month, The Castle Pines Connection features a different Douglas County nonprofit with the goal of introducing our readers to various organizations and ways they can help.  For everyone who contributes in any way, no matter how large or how small, we recognize that you make the difference.

Here are the featured stories.

Preserving land for generations to come

By CPC | February 27, 2024

Angels Among Us               The Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) was established by community members in 1987 over concerns about unsustainable growth. Since then, the nonprofit organization has protected nearly 27,000 acres of wildlife habitat, working ranches, wetlands, clean water and scenic views across Douglas, Elbert and Jefferson Counties by…

Mental health support and advocacy for our heroes

By CPC | January 29, 2024

Douglas County nonprofit, It’s A Calling Foundation (IACF), was founded to provide mental health and wellness support for emergency responders, frontline medical workers, service members, veterans and the families who support them. This work requires strength, courage and bravery, but behind that grit, these heroes can experience emotional tolls leading to mental health struggles, suicidal…

The power of companionship in healing

By CPC | December 28, 2023

The strength of the human-canine bond is one for the ages. Dogs can instantly inspire a smile and provide hope and happiness. Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a national nonprofit that vets, tests, observes and provides support and insurance coverage to pet therapy teams (dogs and handlers) across the United States, Canada and Puerto…

Hide in Plain Sight has new name: Aspire Scholarships

By CPC | December 28, 2023

On November 30, longtime supporters of Hide In Plain Sight, now named Aspire Scholarships (AS), gathered on Happy Canyon Road to celebrate the new name and sharpened focus of the organization under the leadership of the new executive director, Leah Goss. The mission of the nonprofit is to “award college scholarships to aspiring young students…

Strength and hope are abundant!

By CPC | November 27, 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, we reflect on the strength and hope that is all around us.  For the past seven years, our Angels Among Us segment has featured nonprofits and people who are using their voices and abilities to bring incredible impacts to the community and beyond.  This year, we featured 12 stories. …

Honoring legacy through Folds of Honor

By CPC | October 29, 2023

Honor Their Sacrifice.  Educate Their Legacy.  That is the beautiful mission of Folds of Honor (FOH), a national nonprofit organization started by Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, dedicated to providing educational assistance to dependents of those who sacrificed so much. In 2007, after his second tour in Iraq, Rooney was traveling home to Grand Rapids, Michigan…

Helping vets get what they deserve

By CPC | October 29, 2023
project one vet at a time logo

When a service member retires from the military, evaluations are made on mental and physical health to establish a barometer of disability for pensions and compensations.  For some veterans going through the process, it is a good experience.  For others, navigating the system with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is challenging. Command Chief Master…

A sanctuary for unwanted farm animals

By CPC | September 1, 2023

About 18 miles southwest of Castle Pines, sits The Random Ranch (TRR), a beautiful place for animals of all kinds to live out their remaining years in glorious form.  Amy Bennett founded TRR 12 years ago.  This working farm was not intended to be an animal sanctuary, but it accidentally became one. Animals end up…

Join 100 women who care on August 7

By CPC | July 27, 2023
logo for charity

Suzanne Wexler has put her stamp on Douglas County and Colorado as a leading champion of help and hope.  She originally hails from New York but lived in Chicago for 22 years where she raised her family, was the director of a homeless shelter, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and huge supporter of the…

Guys Who Give in Douglas County

By CPC | July 1, 2023
logo for guys who give

On the second Wednesday of the second month of each quarter, a group of guys meet at Lone Tree Brewing Company to grab a beer and combine forces to support local charities.  Guys, mark your calendars and join the next meeting on Wednesday, August 9.  It is open to all. Guys Who Give (GWG) is…

Women’s Bean Project provides stepping stones for a fresh start

By CPC | May 1, 2023

Located in Denver near I-25 and Alameda sits a very special place, called Women’s Bean Project (WBP). For 34 years, this nonprofit organization has been helping women create a fresh start with self-sufficiency through social enterprise. The founder of WBP, Jossy Eyre, was volunteering at a daytime women’s shelter in the late 1980s as part…

I am Goodness is a reason to celebrate

By CPC | April 1, 2023

Catherine Ojala’s story began years ago in Liberia, in western Africa. At age 3, as she and her family faced civil war, they escaped north to the country of Sierra Leone, where they thrived for about five years until the rise of a second civil war. The journey that ensued for Ojala, her older sister…

Together Women Rise reaches for global gender equality

By CPC | March 1, 2023

March is gender equality month, so fittingly this month’s Angels Among Us features Together Women Rise (RISE), whose mission is to cultivate the collective power of community to achieve global gender equality. RISE is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. What started as a collective giving circle among a group of friends has blossomed into…

Parker Senior Center keeps life in motion

By CPC | February 1, 2023
logo image of angels among us

  There is a place in downtown Parker that is a home away from home for the 50+ community. The Parker Senior Center (PSC) is a membership-based nonprofit organization that offers fun, laughter and friendship with all sorts of group activities. The average age of members is 75, but the range is from 50 to…

Ending the Year with Gratitude

By CPC | December 1, 2022
Graphic Angels Among Us

As the year draws to an end, we reflect on the good that surrounds us. In 2022, we featured eleven Angels Among Us stories, highlighting nonprofits that are using their voices and abilities to make incredible impacts in the community and beyond. Many thanks to each of these organizations for visiting with us and allowing…

TAPS: providing care and resources for military survivors

By CPC | November 1, 2022

          Behind the brave men and women who serve our country are countless loved ones. When the unthinkable happens to a service member, no matter the cause, there is an organization ready to help. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) was founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll, a retired U.S. Air…

Invisible Disabilities Association – Seeing is not always knowing

By CPC | October 1, 2022

Everyone has a story: the person in line at the grocery store, the person driving in the next lane, the person in the crosswalk, friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.  The list goes on.  It’s easy to think that what one sees on the outside is reflective of what’s going on in the inside of a…

Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS

By CPC | September 1, 2022

Paul Dannels was quite simply a good man with a gentle spirit. For 34 years, he served as the district manager of The Village at Castle Pines Metropolitan District, earning admiration and appreciation throughout his career until his much-deserved retirement in 2015. One of Paul’s greatest gifts over the years was mentoring youth and young…

Rocky Mountain Welcome Center – Giving a Rocky Mountain welcome to immigrants and refugees

By CPC | August 1, 2022

In 2005, Diana Higuera came to Colorado from Venezuela to study international and intercultural communication at University of Denver. Her plan was to come for her education, but she met a student named Darren from Boulder in her first class. After she graduated with her master’s degree in 2007, she went on to marry Darren…

Sorority Sisters Partner to Fight Hunger

By CPC | July 1, 2022

The simple act of meeting for lunch twice a year to celebrate each other’s birthdays has kept two sorority sisters connected since their days at Indiana University. In the past two years, that friendship has turned into a partnership as the two have created a nonprofit serving communities in need. Castle Pines resident Kim Sasko…

Johnny’s Ambassadors –

By CPC | June 1, 2022

A mom’s mission to educate about marijuana It’s been two and a half years since Johnny died; he was just 19 years old. The pain and grief are still raw and palpable for his mom, Laura Stack. Stack’s son was a typical kid growing up in Highlands Ranch. He ran cross country and track, played…

Bridging the Political Divide

By CPC | May 1, 2022

Dennis Smith has a gift for bringing people together. A fourth generation Coloradan, he cares deeply about the state as well as local communities and the country at large. He believes that how people treat each other matters – and it matters a lot. Smith, who is a retired CPA, grew up in Jefferson County…

Hope’s Promise –

By CPC | April 1, 2022

gives hope to children and families here and everywhere By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Beth Woods Hope’s Promise creates hopeful journeys through pregnancy support, adoption services, orphan care and foster care. Located in Castle Rock, Hope’s Promise touches children and families in Douglas County, as well as across the country and the world. Executive…

The Backpack Society provides hope through food

By CPC | March 1, 2022

Article and photo by Elean Gersack June Everett and Laurel Gebhard are community heroes with huge hearts. A little over two years ago, Everett was experiencing career burnout and decided to change course. With memories of food shortages in her youth, she decided to create a food assistance program. She wanted to reach students, school…

HomeAid builds new lives

By CPC | January 1, 2022

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos by Terri Wiebold HomeAid Colorado (HAC) is a local affiliate of HomeAid, a leading nonprofit developer of housing and programmatic facilities for those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. HomeAid operates within a network of 19 affiliates in 13 states. Through a collaborative approach with home builders…

Shining a light on the angels in our community

By CPC | December 1, 2021

By Carin R. Kirkegaard Every month for the past six years, The Connection has featured a different nonprofit organization with ties to the Castle Pines community. The goal behind this segment is to introduce our readers to a variety of organizations that are the “angels among us.” The belief is that those who are doing…

Castle Rock Collective –

By CPC | December 1, 2021

serves up coffee, goods and lots of joy By Elean Gersack; courtesy photos Wellspring Community (Wellspring) has been a constant source of hope and joy in the Castle Rock area since 2008. Adults with disabilities are empowered through in-person and virtual enrichment opportunities, including life and leadership skills, arts and performance, physical fitness and enterprise…

Mattersville Veterans – Pack healing helps veterans find their way

By CPC | November 1, 2021
Photo of Drew Robertson, president and executive director of Mattersville Veterans with wolf-dog Autumn.

By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Sedalia-based Mattersville Veterans is a community that provides sustainable housing and healing programs for veterans. Through their unique Pack Healing Experience which integrates the lives of veterans with wolf-dogs, Mattersville is making a difference in veterans’ lives not just in Colorado, but across the country. Drew Robertson, president and executive…

RiseUp Malawi – The warm heart of Africa

By CPC | October 1, 2021
Photo of eager students who want to learn, students devour the books and supplies.

By Hollen Wheeler; courtesy photos Although Megan Mathis is a local, her work and passion are 9,000 miles away. She is co-founder of RiseUp Malawi (RUM), and her organization is making small but significant differences in the land-locked, southeast African country of Malawi. The average Malawian lives on less than $2 a day. For the…

Nature’s Educators –

By CPC | September 1, 2021
Photo of Devin Jaffe, founder of a nonprofit called Nature’s Educators.

inspire next generation of animal advocates By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Nature’s Educators Almost everyone can recall when they were introduced to a subject at just the right time in their life, changing its course forever. For Devin Jaffe, it happened in college when she met a prairie falcon at the Nature and Raptor…

Equine Partnership Program

By CPC | July 29, 2021
Photo of Equine Partnership Program uses equine-assisted psychotherapy

Horses take the lead on path to healing By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of the Equine Partnership Program The advent of equine-assisted therapy has brought renewed confidence and healing to people of all walks of life – and even the horses. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the Equine Partnership Program (EPP), an Elizabeth-based…

Double Angel Foundation

By CPC | July 1, 2021

Foundation honors boys’ legacy, love of baseball By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of Gameday Baseball More than 20 years after a tragic accident took the lives of two young brothers from Parker, a foundation that honors their memory and love for baseball is still going strong. The Double Angel Foundation was named for Logan and…

Dads of Castle Rock

By CPC | June 1, 2021

Dads celebrated for year-round contributions By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of Dads of Castle Rock A grassroots group of philanthropic Castle Rock dads is being celebrated on more than just Father’s Day for its well-earned reputation for making a difference in the community. The Dads of Castle Rock (DoCR), a community outreach organization with a…

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

By CPC | May 1, 2021

Family raises awareness about the disorder By Chris Michlewicz A Surrey Ridge couple’s quest for information and help for their son’s complex medical condition has been aided by a small army of people with progress on their minds and kindness in their hearts. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), an umbrella term for a range of…

Rescue Dogs –

By CPC | April 1, 2021
Photo of Hannah a rescued dog

volunteers help find them homes By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of Jen O’Connor Massachusetts has the Boston terrier as its official state dog and Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay retriever. In Colorado, it’s simply the rescue dog – and there’s good reason for that. The state’s human population is made up mostly of transplants, so…

National Alliance on Mental Illness

By CPC | March 1, 2021

Volunteers provide hope for those with mental health struggles By Chris Michlewicz A small army of volunteers from Douglas and Arapahoe counties is helping those with mental health struggles find hope during uncertain times. Volunteers for the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness — or NAMI — not only find the work…

ARC Thrift Store Castle Pines

By CPC | February 1, 2021

Helping those with disabilities find their path By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Arc Thrift Stores A new donation station in the City of Castle Pines helps a nonprofit that has risen to prominence thanks to the hard work of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arc Thrift Stores is a statewide chain known mostly…

SungateKids

By CPC | January 1, 2021

advocates for kids during toughest times Article and photo by Chris Michlewicz When the worst of the worst happens to a child, there’s a team dedicated to getting them justice and access to every available recovery resource. The work by SungateKids is without a doubt some of the most difficult there is, but there’s also…

Shining a light on the angels in our community 

By CPC | December 1, 2020

By Carin R. Kirkegaard For the past five years, The Connection has featured a different nonprofit organization with ties to the Castle Pines community in our Angels Among Us segment. The goal is to introduce our readers to a variety of organizations that are doing the daily work of providing assistance for those in need,…

PTSD Century Hike

By CPC | November 1, 2020
Photo of wounded veterans who walked 100 miles from Westminster to Colorado Springs

Veterans use long-distance walks to lift each other up –and bring attention to PTSD By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of Josh Emer Play was stopped mid-game on a baseball diamond in Larkspur in August, and all of the players and spectators left the field. It wasn’t because of inclement weather; it was because a procession…

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation

By CPC | October 1, 2020
Photo of grant presentation i

Neighborly chat leads to $50,000 grant By Chris Michlewicz; photo courtesy of the Marilyn Lichtman Foundation A conversation between neighbors in Glen Oaks set in motion a chain of events that could positively impact job opportunities for the visually impaired for years to come. It was in May that Elaine Hussey and Michael Scott were…

The Aspen Effect

By CPC | September 1, 2020

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Colorado is unfortunately no stranger to mass gun violence, and from 2016 to 2019, the state had the highest increase (58%) in teen suicides. With greater emotional and mental strain due to the current pandemic, programs helping youth deal with mental…

Robin’s Nest and War Horse Project

By CPC | August 1, 2020
Photo of Emma Beaman and rescue horse Stormy

Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Mental health – the emotional, psychological and social well-being of an individual has always been important, particularly among youth and veterans. Robin’s Nest Foundation and War Horse Project are two Douglas County nonprofit organizations that provide a community space where individuals suffering from challenges like depression, anxiety and…

Roundup Riders of the Rockies Heritage and Trails Foundation

By CPC | July 1, 2020
Photo of volunteer for Roundup Riders of the Rockies

Colorado is known worldwide for its picturesque outdoor living. Whether white water rafting down river rapids, camping in remote areas, mountain biking rocky trails or riding horses through beautiful vistas, love for the state’s wilderness is shared by many. The Roundup Riders of the Rockies Heritage and Trails Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was created out…

Facing Homelessness: Denver

By CPC | June 1, 2020
Photo of Facing Homelessness ladies

By Carin R. Kirkegaard, courtesy photo Homelessness is a prevalent, growing and evolving issue. For those individuals experiencing life on the street, there may be a stigma of prejudice and ridicule that creates isolation and vulnerability. Facing Homelessness: Denver (FHD), a Douglas County-based nonprofit, is working to end homelessness by inviting the community to be…

Second Wind Fund

By CPC | May 1, 2020

Lifeline for struggling youth By Carin R. Kirkegaard May is Mental Health Month. Nearly 450 million people across the world are currently living with a mental illness. One in six children between the ages of 6 and 17 is experiencing a mental health disorder in the U.S. In Colorado, suicide is currently the leading cause…

Manna Connect

By CPC | April 1, 2020
Photo of leaders from the Manna Connect personal development program

Training to overcome poverty By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Erin White Homelessness is quite often equated with urban living. Tent cities under bridges and panhandlers on street corners are stereotypical images of disadvantaged members in society. While the Denver metro area is seeing a rise in the homeless population, suburban poverty is also…

Bringing Music to Life

By CPC | March 1, 2020
Photo of Pete Chambers brings musical instruments to kids

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Steve Blatt Numerous studies show that introducing music into the lives of children is beneficial. From improving IQ levels to increasing happiness, music in countless ways enhances one’s life. For many that love of music begins when picking up an instrument in a school band or orchestra. Steve…

Jessie’s Heart Foundation

By CPC | February 1, 2020
Photo of Members of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Heart Institute Wellness Program

Healing little hearts By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of J.C. Heinen New Year’s Day 1975, J.C. Heinen gave birth to her daughter Jessica Renee. Jessie was born premature with a congenital heart defect (CHD) called Tetralogy of Fallot. Her condition required Jessie to remain in the pediatric intensive care unit for the first 18…

One Good Turn

By CPC | January 1, 2020
Photo of girls One Good Turn nonprofit

Offering dignification By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of One Good Turn   Driving around the metro area it is not uncommon to see someone at a street corner holding a sign asking for money. It happens frequently outside of Castle Pines and recently has been a topic of conversation here in the city (see…

Tennyson Center –

By CPC | December 1, 2019

for Children and Operation Santa By Carin R. Kirkegaard The holiday season, for many, is met with joy and anticipation, and perhaps a dose of stress. Across the Denver metro area, there are many families that struggle through the holidays. Tennyson Center for Children (TCC), located in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver, is able to…

Victory for Veterans

By CPC | November 1, 2019

and Memorial Day Flowers By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Memorial Day Flowers It has been said that Veterans Day is for the living and Memorial Day is for the fallen. Many have cause to mark both holidays and reflect on loved ones who have given their lives to service. Victory for Veterans is…

Sense of Security

By CPC | October 1, 2019

Providing a Sense of Security By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Grant Oakes   October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 265,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2019. It is a dise ase that impacts many,…

Rylie’s ARK

By CPC | September 1, 2019

Random acts of kindness By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Meghann Guentensberger After a terrible tragedy, the Guentensberger family made a decision that they hope will have a ripple effect for years to come. Following the accidental death of their daughter Rylie at just 12 years old, the family decided to honor her memory in…

ShesCHERIshed

By CPC | August 1, 2019

Peaceful future grows through ShesCHERIshed By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of ShesCHERIshed It is the kind of thing most people think couldn’t happen to them or someone they know, but it does. Domestic violence happens to people in all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, education, profession or socioeconomic status. In fact, Douglas County…

2 Blondes All Breed Rescue

By CPC | July 1, 2019

Dogs looking for forever homes By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of the Mellor family As any dog lover can tell you, underneath all that fur, beyond their love of people food, chew toys and causing household mischief, a dog has a heart of gold that offers an unconditional love rarely found anywhere else in life.…

The Happy Crew

By CPC | June 1, 2019

Teens supporting teens By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of The Happy Crew A smile and a kind word from a friend can brighten anyone’s day, but when teens need extra support, The Happy Crew is here! The Happy Crew is a group who empowers teenagers to help their peers reduce stress, anxiety and depression through…

SECOR and Food for Thought

By CPC | May 1, 2019

SECOR ensures students have Food for Thought By Elise Brassell Remember during your school-age years, that feeling of excitement as the last few minutes of Friday afternoon ticked away before the bell rang to dismiss you for the weekend? Many students feel that excitement to get to the weekend and their plans with family and…

Aging Resources of Douglas County

By CPC | April 1, 2019

Resources and education for older adults By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Aging Resources of Douglas County Age is just a number, but as that number changes, the mental and physical needs of people change too. When older adults seek help to navigate the changing needs in their lives, a newly formed nonprofit, Aging Resources…

National Charity League

By CPC | March 1, 2019

Connecting mothers, daughters and community By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of National Charity League With a family calendar full of birthday parties, school events, holidays, graduations, practices and much more, it can be hard to find time to volunteer together. For mothers and their daughters in seventh to twelfth grade in Douglas County, knowing where…

Home Builders Foundation

By CPC | February 1, 2019

Making a house home By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Home Builders Foundation When people have accidents, illness or other events happen in their lives that suddenly leave them physically disabled, it can make the everyday task of moving throughout the home difficult. Imagine trying to use your kitchen from a wheelchair, or come into…

Christmas for Kids and Kids Crossing

By CPC | January 1, 2019

Christmas for Kids event supports children in foster care By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of James Dewhirst Photography Four years ago, friends Tom Vieregger and Kuntal Vora had an idea to create a charitable event that would help kids in foster care have a happier holiday season. The pair created Christmas for Kids benefiting Kids…

Featuring angels in our community

By CPC | December 1, 2018

By Elise Brassell Each month, The Connection profiles a different nonprofit organization that is active in Douglas County through our Angels Among Us column. From caring for animals, to teaching kids leadership skills, to dressing in costume to help cheer up families struggling with illness, there are Angels Among Us who wake up every day…

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

By CPC | November 1, 2018

On a mission Article and photo by Elise Brassell About one and one-quarter million Americans have type 1 diabetes (T1D), an auto-immune disease that strikes suddenly regardless of diet or lifestyle, can’t be prevented, and has no cure. T1D causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin – a hormone the body needs to get energy…

Unified Sports

By CPC | October 1, 2018

Bringing students of all abilities together By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Special Olympics There’s something special about the bond between sports teammates, forged by struggling together through wins and losses, teamwork often builds lifelong friendships. For many young athletes, learning to compete and have fun in sports begins with school sports teams, but people…

The OathKeepers

By CPC | September 1, 2018

Caped crusaders at large in the community By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of The OathKeepers What do Chester Cheetah, Mr. Peanut and a high school mascot all have in common? Vinessa Olp, founder of The OathKeepers has portrayed them all. The OathKeepers is an all-volunteer, costuming for charity organization. Costumers for charity don costumes of…

Denver Dumb Friends League Buddy Center

By CPC | August 1, 2018

By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Dumb Friends League Walking through the Denver Dumb Friends League Buddy Center (Buddy Center) feels like visiting a community center where the love of animals is shared by everyone inside. Buddy Center is a full-service animal shelter, just off Meadows Parkway in Castle Rock, offering pet adoptions, lost-and-found services…

Colorado Young Leaders

By CPC | July 1, 2018

Building youth leadership skills through acts of service By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Eden Mendrala It is often said that leaders aren’t born, they’re made, and many great leaders are being made right here in Douglas County and throughout our state as a result of the innovative programs at Colorado Young Leaders (CYL). CYL…

Tall Tales Ranch

By CPC | July 1, 2018

A tale of adversity turned into a vision, then action By Patte Smith, courtesy photos Several years ago, Susan and Pat Mooney jumped in “boots” first to establish a safe and supportive community for adults challenged with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thus began the story and growing reality of Tall Tales Ranch (TTR). Their son,…

Douglas/Elbert Task Force

By CPC | June 1, 2018

Giving locally matters By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of the Douglas/Elbert Task Force When donating to a nonprofit organization, sometimes it can be hard to know whether the help is applied locally. But when someone donates food or other necessities to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force (Task Force), it means giving back to those in our…

Castle Rock Senior Activity Center

By CPC | May 1, 2018

Boasting 47 years of making a difference Article and photo by Barbara Neff Their motto used to be, “not your grandparents’ senior center,” but since opening in 1971, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (Center) has changed much with the times, including their motto.  Today their motto is, “loving life in the second half,” a thoroughly…

Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation

By CPC | April 1, 2018

Cultivating the arts By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo by Lynn Zahorik In 2009, the Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) began as a committee to help establish a library in Castle Pines. Funds were raised for the first storefront library and, eventually, the new standalone facility. Throughout that time, the organization grew to a…

YouthRoots –

By CPC | March 1, 2018

Cultivating future leaders  By Lynne Marsala Basche During her high school years in South Dakota, YouthRoots founder Lacey Books participated in a basic leadership program. When Books was out of school and looked back on the experience, she realized how beneficial it would be to have been able to apply those lessons and skills right…

Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock –

By CPC | February 1, 2018

Community service for children By Lynne Marsala Basche In 1915, Kiwanis International was founded by a group of businessmen in Detroit, Michigan with a mission to “empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.” The local Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock takes that statement to heart as the…

Friends Douglas County K-9 –

By CPC | January 1, 2018

Heroes in all shapes, sizes and species –By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Friends of Douglas County K-9 In 2011, David Swieckowski, Angela Sanders, Terry Barnhart and Kim Vanderholm learned that two of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) working dogs needed to be retired but that the DCSO did not have the funds…

A year in the life of Angels Among Us

By CPC | December 1, 2017

By Lynne Marsala Basche At the beginning of 2016, The Castle Pines Connection began its Angels Among Us segment with a belief that nonprofit organizations strengthen our community along with faith in our readership and humanity in general that we all have talents to give.  Each month, the paper featured a different Douglas County nonprofit…

Douglas County Mental Health Initiative

By CPC | November 1, 2017

By Lynne Marsala Basche You may be struggling. Someone you know could be suffering. In fact, one in five adults and adolescents will be diagnosed with a mental health issue in their lifetime. In 2014, after seeing a spike of various mental health issues in Douglas County, officials recognized the need to increase community mental…

Where to donate when disaster strikes

By CPC | October 1, 2017

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of NASA Traditionally, the Angels Among Us segment features a different local nonprofit each month. With the many recent natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as the wildfires in California, Montana and Oregon and the earthquakes in Mexico, The Connection is featuring national nonprofit…

Arapahoe Community College (ACC)

By CPC | September 1, 2017

Focus on student success By Lynne Marsala Basche Arapahoe Community College (ACC) opened its doors in the mid-1960s, and by the early 1970s, a foundation was formed to host events and bring attention to the college. This foundation, the Arapahoe Community College Foundation (ACCF), transitioned to a fundraising organization when it became apparent that certain…

Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue (RMCR)

By CPC | August 1, 2017

Providing homes to rescued cocker breeds  By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of RMCR In 2009, Douglas County resident Kathryn Glass founded RMCR after volunteering for other rescue organizations and developing a network of contacts and shelters. RMCR became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and remains the only state-licensed cocker spaniel rescue facility in Colorado. Glass recognized…

Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation

By CPC | July 1, 2017

Connecting people to agriculture By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of CALF In 2002, lifelong Douglas County residents and ranchers John and Bea Lowell saw the tremendous pace of growth happening along the front range and felt that people and especially children needed a place to learn about agriculture. Together with a group of like-minded…

Harmony Equine Center –

By CPC | June 1, 2017

Horses find hope and homes By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DDFL Chances are high when people hear about the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL), their thoughts immediately turn to dogs, cats and possibly rabbits. However, it might be a surprise to learn that the Dumb Friends League has a 168-acre facility dedicated to…

Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation

By CPC | May 1, 2017

Be a hero to a hero By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Nick Lucey When the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation (DCVMF) began, the organization’s mission was to promote the creation, construction and maintenance of a monument to honor all Douglas County veterans, including past, present and future military personnel. After a six-year effort,…

Historic Douglas County

By CPC | April 1, 2017

Revealing history and keeping it alive  By Lynne Marsala Basche Imagine triggering the 1858 Colorado Gold Rush by finding gold flecks in Cherry Creek and the Platte River.  Think about trekking up to the Devil’s Head summit in the late 1800s to what would become one of only four fire lookout stations along the Front…

Douglas County Parenting Coalition –

By CPC | March 1, 2017

Parenting Ph.D.  By Lynne Marsala Basche   Raising a child is difficult.  While challenges may change with the times, if you are a parent, grandparent or a caregiver to a preschool-aged child through high school-aged student, the need for education and guidance is always necessary.  The Douglas County Parenting Coalition (DCPC) is waiting to support…

Douglas County Search and Rescue

By CPC | February 1, 2017

Called to help – By Lynne Marsala Basche One of the many benefits of living in Douglas County is the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  The open space and trail systems are extensive, and when something unexpected occurs and help is needed, the Douglas County Search and Rescue (DCSAR) team is ready to respond. DCSAR…

Douglas County Libraries Foundation

By CPC | January 1, 2017

Giving now for generations to come By Lynne Marsala Basche The Douglas County Libraries (DCL) system has always played a vital part in its communities and has been fortunate to have strong leaders with innovative ideas that have allowed DCL to thrive and become a nationally recognized district.  As districts look to secure funding, creating…

Fallen Officer Fund

By CPC | December 1, 2016

By Lynne Marsala Basche In 1999 Deputy Ronald King was killed by a drunk driver when he and his partner were returning from an assignment.  At that time, Douglas County had no benevolence organization that could step in and help his family with expenses.  With the notion that we are one incident away from becoming…

Smile for a Lifetime

By CPC | November 1, 2016

Smiles change lives By Lynne Marsala Basche Can a smile open doors, inspire self-confidence and create a ripple effect of goodwill in a community?  The 501(c)(3) Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) of Greater Denver seeks to achieve all that and more.  Drs. Kevin Theroux and Brooks Barefoot of Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree are dedicated…

Douglas County Educational Foundation

By CPC | October 1, 2016

Building a basis for excellence  By Lynne Marsala Basche Readers may not be aware of the DCEF, but chances are high they have taken advantage of their services.  For the past 25 years, the DCEF has been a partner with all Douglas County schools to prepare students to become career, college and citizenship-ready and not…

Youth Education & Safety in Schools – Y.E.S.S.

By CPC | September 1, 2016

Here to help and serve  By Lynne Marsala Basche Alcohol, social media, bullying, drugs, sexting – these are just some of the challenges that students face today.  It can be overwhelming especially when these pressures shift and new ones surface faster than they ever have.  Douglas County, however, is fortunate to have the Y.E.S.S. program…

Hide in Plain Sight

By CPC | August 1, 2016

Hope thrives here By Lynne Marsala Basche The numbers are startling.  Despite being one of the wealthiest counties in the country, 100 percent of all Douglas County high schools and middle schools have homeless students, and elementary schools are not far behind with 82 percent.  In fact, in the last five years, the homeless student…

Chelsea Hutchison Foundation

By CPC | July 1, 2016

Granting comfort and hope  By Lynne Marsala Basche Knowledge is power.  Three words that CHF founders Doug and Julie Hutchison want everyone touched by epilepsy to know.  With a mission to raise awareness about the Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), CHF exists to grant comfort, hope and positivity to individuals and families living with…

Douglas Land Conservancy

By CPC | June 1, 2016

Protecting open space – By Lynne Marsala Basche Some people are part of the morning canine and coffee bunch scene at the Glendale Farm Open Space dog park.  Others prefer high tea at Cherokee Ranch and Castle.  There are those who participate in the ultramarathon as part of the Greenland Open Space trail run.  Residents…

Connect Us –

By CPC | May 1, 2016

Making a difference in the lives of kids By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Connect Us Imagine a world where all children embrace diversity, and social stigmas do not exist.  Connect Us strives to create that type of reality.  Connect Us knows that despite differences and abilities, children can thrive and learn from one…

Neighbor Network –

By CPC | April 1, 2016

Helping seniors stay in their homes By Lynne Marsala Basche Douglas County’s older adult population is one of the fastest growing in the country.  By 2030, the State Demography Office estimates that one in four Douglas County residents will be over 60 years old.  With a mission to help older adults stay independent, Neighbor Network…

Healing Arts –

By CPC | March 1, 2016

Creating a healing journey through art  By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Sue Fraley The belief that nonprofit organizations strengthen our community, combined with faith in our readership and humanity in general that we all have talents to share, The Castle Pines Connection is committed to featuring a different local nonprofit each month.  This…

Douglas County Community Foundation

By CPC | February 1, 2016

Promoting a culture of giving By Lynne Marsala Basche   A community foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit, publicly supported philanthropic organization with a long-term goal of building permanent, named funds for the benefit of the residents in a specific geographic area.  In very broad terms, a community foundation is a way to connect people who…

Angels Among Us –

By CPC | January 1, 2016

Featuring the organizations that give year-round By Lynne Marsala Basche The holidays have drawn to a close, and the toy drives, donation boxes, and bell ringers have packed up again until next year.  While the focus of giving seems to be more directed during the holiday months, the need for assistance in Douglas County continues…