Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee seeks public feedbackARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO — Today, Arapahoe County will hold the first of five public meetings to present proposed commissioner district boundaries to County residents. By statute, county commissioner district boundaries must be redrawn every 10 years using data from the most recent United States Census.The Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee created four draft maps with the assistance of County mapping, census and legal professionals. The hearing will allow the public to review these maps and provide feedback to the Advisory Committee. This is not a working meeting; no decisions will be made. However, the Advisory Committee may alter draft maps based on comments received before presenting the drafts to the Board of County Commissioners.After five public hearings, the BOCC will review the Advisory Committee’s draft maps in open session and may recommend further changes. The BOCC will then vote to decide which proposed map to adopt.The Advisory Committee Chair Bill McCartin will be available to the media for interviews following the hearing.Who: Arapahoe County Citizens Redistricting Advisory CommitteeWhat: Public Engagement Hearing
When: Thursday, April 6 at 6 p.m.Online: This meeting will be livestreamed on the Arapahoe County Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ArapahoeCounty. You do not need a Facebook account to go to the page and view the livestream.
Author: I-70 Scout
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Arapahoe County hosts public hearing on proposed commissioner district boundaries
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Spotlight on Health Department Programs for National Public Health Week
During its inaugural year, the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) is centering and celebrating cultures in health to advance the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, and play in Adams County. As part of National Public Health Week (April 3-9), ACHD is spotlighting its multi-pronged and community-driven approach to increasing access to safe, affordable, and culturally relevant food for all residents.
One in eight residents and one in five children in Adams County faces food insecurity, which is a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. Persons of color and persons experiencing low-income or poverty in Adams County are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and are more likely to face structural barriers to food access. ACHD responds directly through innovative, programmatic approaches, policy work, and community-driven solutions.
ACHD, which opened its doors in January, is distinct amongst its peers in Colorado for having dedicated staff to address food security and food systems in the county. Tessa Cushman, a registered dietitian, is ACHD’s Food Security Specialist and works closely with community partners to oversee food access programming to support local agriculture, economic stability, and health equity while ending hunger in Adams County.
“When ACHD heard from community members that access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods was an ongoing need, we knew we needed resources to address this complex issue,” said Monica Buhlig, Director of ACHD’s Health Equity and Strategic Initiatives Division. “We have diverse communities, and the systems to address food access are complex. We are working to address food security holistically to meet our communities’ diverse needs.”
A prominent example of ACHD’s efforts is the Healthy Farmers Markets program. The multi-agency, coalition-led initiative exemplifies impactful, culturally relevant public health in action by providing monetary vouchers to community members to purchase Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables. In 2022 through coordination that occurred under the banner of Tri-County Health Department, over $40,000 worth of fresh produce was provided to community members at no cost while supporting local farms and producers. For 2023, the initiative is being resourced and supported through the new county health department. Intentionally hosted in areas that lack adequate access to fresh foods, the markets also convene free community resources, health services and screenings, local startup businesses, and entertainment into one hub to bolster community connections and ultimately improve health equity. ACHD intends to replicate this food access farmers market model in other areas in the county.
ACHD is also unique in its cross-programmatic approach within the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. ACHD’s WIC program provides nutrition education and food benefits to over 9,000 individuals in Adams County and the surrounding area. The program provides dual enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help individuals and families access additional resources for which they qualify. ACHD’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, which is a support program of breastfeeding moms from the community, has provided services to over 1,000 families since opening.
“Having a collaborative and coordinated approach allows us to reach more participants to connect individuals and families to multiple programs and customize support around their needs to ultimately increase families’ access and utilization of healthy foods to improve participants overall health and nutrition outcomes,” said Michelle Harris, MPH, RDN, Director of Nutrition and Family Health for ACHD.
Other food access work at ACHD includes the WIC Produce Box program, which delivers weekly boxes of fresh produce to the doorsteps of WIC-qualified families; the Healthy School Meals for All school-based program; expansion of community garden plots; and the COVID-19 Outreach and Support program, which delivers free food boxes to community members testing positive for COVID-19. Additionally, ACHD has provided formal testimony and public comment on food access policy at the state and federal levels to elevate voices of the community around food access issues experienced in Adams County.
In the near future, ACHD would like to expand the reach of state programming, like Double Up Food Bucks and the Summer Food Service Program, and is looking to form and facilitate an Adams County food policy coalition. The coalition would shape the future of ACHD’s food access efforts by bringing together community members and food systems stakeholders to align work and shared goals.
“This work requires the collaboration from the contributors of all parts of the food system – from production to consumption – and should be driven and owned by community,” says Cushman.
As the end of the federal Public Health Emergency nears, ACHD and Adams County Human Services are preparing for the downstream impacts on food access and public health, such as the significant reductions in monthly SNAP dollars for recipients that went into effect in March. In response, the Healthy Farmers Markets will increase the voucher dollar amount and expand voucher eligibility criteria to increase access to fresh produce. Adams County Human Services provides a free, monthly food and resource drive-through in Thornton, as well as regular outreach sites across the county to increase access to enrollment in federal benefits.
This work would not be possible without the collective efforts of community partners such as the American Heart Association, Anythink Libraries, Bondadosa, East Denver Food Hub, and Nourish Colorado. Other salient partners include Adams County Human Services, the City of Thornton, the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Nutrition Department, St. Anthony’s North Family Medicine Program, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
For more assistance or to donate or volunteer time, find a local food bank or pantry.
Questions on the above information can be directed to , and the programs can be contacted at the following:
Adams County Health Department
- WIC
Bennett: 303.439.5990
Brighton: 303.659.2335Commerce City: 303.439.5990
North Broadway: 303.426.5232
Westminster: 303.255.6254- COVID-19 Outreach and Support Food Box Delivery
720.200.1445
- Healthy Farmers Markets and other Food Access Programming
720.769.7582
- Adams County Human Services SNAP/Food Assistance
720.523.2700
adcogov.org/snapfood-assistance
800.816.4451 or Colorado.gov/PEAK for real-time information about benefits and case status
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April 3rd Rally at State Capitol Launches Child Abuse Prevention Month
Attendees will be wearing blue to bring awareness to the role we all play in strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect
DENVER (March. 31, 2023) — The Colorado Department of Human Serivces, Office of Children Youth and Families, along with their partners, is marking the start of National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) with a rally at the Colorado State Capitol. The event will feature speakers who reflect the continuum of child abuse prevention – from families who have accessed support to community-based organizations that connect families to the resources they need, to the prevention work and resources provided by caseworkers and the child welfare system.
Event attendees will join thousands of people around the country in wearing blue to show support for promoting positive childhood experiences to inspire Colorado to grow a better tomorrow for all children. The event is also the start of a month-long campaign by partners across the state to promote #PreventionInPartnership and #BuildingTogether during the month of April to raise awareness of the many ways Coloradans can help to strengthen families in their community to ensure all children have the opportunity to thrive.
WHO:
Event speakers and interview subjects include:- Minna Castillo Cohen – Director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families at the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS)
- Mary Alice Cohen – Deputy Director, Colorado Department of Early Childhood
- Lupita Cardoza – Lafayette mother
- Mekialaya White, Event emcee – News Anchor, KCNC/CBS Denver
- Timiya Jackson – Executive Director, Heart and Hand Center of Denver
- Stacey Tracy – Prevention Caseworker, Denver Human Services
- Jade Woodard – Executive Director, Illuminate Colorado
Approximately 100 community partners, county leaders and child advocates are expected to attend the annual event.
WHEN:
Monday, April 3, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
WHERE:
Colorado State Capitol
West Steps (or West Foyer if weather requires)
200 E. Colfax Avenue
HISTORY/Background:
In 2015, the Colorado Department of Human Services, in partnership with more than 150 community partners throughout the state, launched the ongoing CO4Kids Child Abuse and Neglect Public Awareness Campaign to engage all Coloradans in the prevention of child abuse and promote the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437). -
Maintaining Good Credit History
Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans require applicants to have a satisfactory credit history. A credit report is requested for all FSA direct farm loan applicants. These reports are reviewed to verify outstanding debts, see if bills are paid timely and to determine the impact on cash flow.
Information on your credit report is strictly confidential and is used only as an aid in conducting FSA business.
Our farm loan staff will discuss options with you if you have an unfavorable credit report and will provide a copy of your report. If you dispute the accuracy of the information on the credit report, it is up to you to contact the issuing credit report company to resolve any errors or inaccuracies.
There are multiple ways to remedy an unfavorable credit score:
- Make sure to pay bills on time
- Setting up automatic payments or automated reminders can be an effective way to remember payment due dates.
- Pay down existing debt
- Keep your credit card balances low
- Avoid suddenly opening or closing existing credit accounts
FSA’s farm loan staff will guide you through the process, which may require you to reapply for a loan after improving or correcting your credit report.
For more information on FSA farm loan programs, contact the Adams County USDA Service Center at 303-659-0525, extension 2, or visit fsa.usda.gov
- Make sure to pay bills on time
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Social Security Goes Furthest in These Colorado Counties – Study
To determine the places where Social Security lasts longest, SmartAsset compared Social Security income in each county against the local cost of living. Counties where the average Social Security funds greatest exceeded living expenses were the places which ranked highest in the study.
For a look at the top counties in Colorado, check out the table below:Rank County, State Cost of Living Annual Social Security Social Security Taxed? Social Security Goes Further – Index 1 Custer, CO $19,211 $24,317 Yes 92.95 2 Grand, CO $21,123 $22,833 Yes 79.22 3 Rio Blanco, CO $20,574 $22,170 Yes 78.87 4 Ouray, CO $21,870 $23,283 Yes 77.91 5 Sedgwick, CO $18,836 $19,618 Yes 76.00 6 Gilpin, CO $24,028 $24,817 Yes 75.05 7 Chaffee, CO $19,722 $20,102 Yes 74.25 8 Huerfano, CO $19,962 $20,098 Yes 73.24 9 Pitkin, CO $26,418 $26,619 Yes 72.28 10 Phillips, CO $19,647 $19,477 Yes 72.09 The full study results, methodology and interactive map can be found here: [LINK]
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Cherry Hills Village is among the top Safest Cities in Colorado for 2023 – SafeWise study
According to a new report from Safewise, Coloradoans worry less about their safety than the average American. But in what Colorado cities can state residents feel the most safe?
After analyzing the latest violent and property crime data from the FBI, SafeWise just released its 9th annual “Colorado’s 20 Safest Cities of 2023” report .
We found that Cherry Hills Village ranked #6 for safest cities in Colorado this year.
Here are the cities that made the top 5 safest cities in Colorado:
- Severance
- Milliken
- Frederick
- Windsor
- Eaton
To see what cities rounded out the rest of the rankings, click here: https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-colorado/
Key stats about Colorado:
- This year’s safest city in Colorado—Severance—was in fourth place last year.
- Severance, Milliken, and Cherry Hills Village reported zero violent crimes for the 2023 reporting year.
- With the exception of Lamar, which reported 2, each of Colorado’s safest cities reported zero murders.
- Of the cities that were repeats from last year’s rankings, only 7 experienced a decline in both violent crime and property crime rates: Milliken, Eaton, Cherry Hills Village, Erie, Firestone, Castle Rock, and Avon.
- 7 cities reported 50 or fewer property crimes: Severance, Milliken, Frederick, Eaton, Gypsum, Estes Park, and Carbondale.
- Frederick also ties for thirteenth place in our latest report on the 100 Safest Small Towns in America and landed in forty-fourth place in our list of the 100 Safest Cities in America.
Use these resources to help your coverage on web and on air :
- A media kit with infographics available upon request.
- SafeWise security and safety expert Rebecca Edwards will be available for interviews and to provide quotes
- Any other information or resources you need!
Read a full breakdown of our methodology here .
Who is SafeWise? SafeWise is the leading online resource for all things safety and security. We are real people seeking the best products to help you live your safest, smartest life. We believe simplifying home security and safety helps bring peace of mind to you and your family.
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Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust- Eastern Plains of Colorado and San Luis Valley
Issued for the eastern plains of Colorado and the San Luis Valley Issued at 10:00 AM MDT, Thursday, March 30, 2023
Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Affected Area: Alamosa, Lincoln, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Prowers, Otero, Baca, Bent, Huerfano, Crowley, Las Animas, eastern Pueblo and southern Elbert Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Alamosa, Lamar, Limon, Cheyenne Wells, Burlington, Hugo, Springfield, La Junta, Eads, La Veta Pass, Trinidad, Boone, and Las Animas.
Advisory in Effect: 10:00 AM MDT, Thursday, March 30, 2023 to 8:00 PM MDT, Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Public Health Recommendations: If significant blowing dust is present and reducing visibility to less than 10 miles across a wide area, People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children in the affected area should reduce prolonged or heavy indoor and outdoor exertion.
Outlook: Strong and gusty winds will produce areas of blowing dust on Thursday. The threat for blowing dust will gradually diminish by Thursday evening.
For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit:
http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx
Social Media:
http://www.facebook.com/cdphe.apcd http://twitter.com/cdpheapcd
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Colorado had 6th highest rate of increased credit card usage to cope with inflation
Recent data suggests that efforts to tame inflation are starting to have an effect. After nearly a year of steady interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve, year-over-year growth in the Consumer Price Index slowed to 6.0% in February 2023. This figure was the lowest since September 2021.
While inflation might have finally reached its peak, many Americans continue to struggle with high prices. Nominal wages have grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic amid the Great Resignation and ongoing labor market tightness, but this rate of growth has trailed the rate of price increases for most workers. This cuts into household budgets and makes it more difficult for consumers to maintain their standard of living.
One of the factors that has made the recent run of inflation especially challenging is the fact that the spending categories with the greatest price increases are necessities. Inflation has taken place throughout the economy, but over the last three years, the biggest spikes have occurred in the categories of transportation (+23.8%), food and beverages (+21.5%), and housing (+16.4%). These categories are difficult for households to cut back on, and the rate of inflation for each has exceeded the average 16% price increase across all items.
Faced with these circumstances, U.S. households are feeling the pressure of inflation. More than 90% of adults in every age group express that they feel stressed about recent price increases. The most stressed age group is people aged 18 to 24, who are early in their careers and may not have savings, investments, or credit to fall back on. Inflation-related stress is also a widespread concern across income levels. In every income bracket below $75,000, more than 95% of people report feeling stressed about inflation. Even among the highest earners making above $200,000, more than 80% feel stress about recent price increases.
Consumers are adopting a variety of strategies to cope with the effects of inflation. Most commonly, shoppers look to cut costs: more than two-thirds of adults say they look for lower prices or discounts when making a purchase, more than half are eating out less and delaying major purchases, and nearly half are switching from name brand to generic products.
Inflation has also pushed 21% of adults to use credit cards, loans, or pawnshops to help pay their increased costs. Reliance on credit can be a quick way to help make ends meet in the short term, but doing so can be a risky move financially. People who carry balances on their credit cards or pay off loans slowly will ultimately pay more in interest—a risk exacerbated by the fact that interest rates have risen dramatically.
U.S. households are not turning to credit cards in equal measure, however, as there are geographic differences in where adults have started using cards more frequently. States in the Midwest, like Wisconsin and South Dakota, and in the South, like Georgia and Mississippi, have the fewest adults reporting an increased reliance on credit cards to cope with inflation. In contrast, Western states like Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California have all seen nearly one in four adults using their cards more often. But one New England state—Maine—sits at the top of the list, with 24.6% of adults reporting an increased reliance on credit cards due to rising prices.
To find the states where inflation is driving increased reliance on credit cards, researchers at Upgraded Points analyzed data collected in early January 2023 from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Census Household Pulse Survey. Researchers ranked states according to each state’s share of adults that increased their use of credit cards, loans, or pawn shops to cope with price increases.
The analysis found that 40.8% of adults in Colorado relied on credit cards to meet their spending needs, and 23.4% have increased their credit card usage due to recent price increases. Out of all states, Colorado experienced the 6th highest rate of increased credit card reliance due to inflation. Here is a summary of the data for Colorado:
- Share of adults that increased their use of credit cards due to prices: 23.4%
- Share of adults that relied on credit cards to meet spending needs: 40.8%
- Share of adults stressed about recent price increases: 93.3%
- Share of adults concerned about future price increases: 94.9%
For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:
- Share of adults that increased their use of credit cards due to prices: 20.9%
- Share of adults that relied on credit cards to meet spending needs: 37.3%
- Share of adults stressed about recent price increases: 94.4%
- Share of adults concerned about future price increases: 95.8%
For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Upgraded Points’s website: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/inflation-related-credit-card-use-by-state/
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CPW continues human-bear conflict reduction grant program; offers $1 million in grants to reduce conflicts in local communities
Photo courtesy of DJ Hannigan
CPW will be offering up to $1 million that it will distribute through a competitive grant process this spring to be used on projects that reduce conflicts with bears in local communities. This grant program strives to foster innovative solutions to human-bear conflict that can be replicated in other parts of the state and bolster those efforts in all communities in Colorado.
Last year, funding for the program was made available through House Bill 21-1326, which passed the General Assembly and was signed by Governor Polis in 2021. This program was so successful that CPW decided to continue the program and fund it themselves.
Local governments, NGOs, HOAs, community groups, businesses, tribes, universities and individuals are all eligible to receive funding. Applicants can apply for grants between $50,000 and $500,000.
“Human-bear conflict measures cannot be successful without collaboration between local communities, wildlife managers and individuals,” said CPW Grant Manager Travis Long. “Fortunately, CPW saw success with this grant program last year with many communities taking advantage of the opportunities this funding provided and implementing projects to help reduce conflicts with bears.”
Eligible Projects
The goal of the Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program is to reduce conflicts between local communities and black bears. Characteristics of projects that help meet this goal include:- Reducing the availability of attractants to black bears in communities experiencing human-bear conflict or disincentivizing black bears from entering areas of high conflict (i.e. hazing).
- Have local community support or detailed plans to build local support.
- Are cost-effective investments that have the potential to last beyond the funding time frame.
- Utilize proven techniques for preventing conflict or explore an innovation with promise to prevent conflict.
How to Apply
Applications are available on CPW’s website and are due by May 5, 2023 at 5 p.m. For questions or application assistance, please contact CPW Grant Manager Travis Long at . Successful grant recipients will be announced in June, 2023.
Click here to view the 2022 grant recipients to see what types of projects were selected during the competitive grant process.
Bears activity in Colorado
Wildlife managers estimate that Colorado has between 17,000 – 20,000 bears and the population is stable and growing.
“Bear behavior is consistent and predictable,” said Area Wildlife Manager Tim Kroening. “They spend all day looking for food and most conflicts with humans can be traced back to a human provided food source like trash and bird seed. That is why humans are the focal point for wildlife managers when trying to reduce conflicts with bears.”
From 2019-22, CPW received over 18,000 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears. Nearly one-third of those reports involved trash cans and dumpsters as an attractant, which will be a target area CPW looks to address when awarding grants.
Other constant sources of conflict include birdfeeders, livestock, bears accessing open garages and other human originated items that are left unsecured.
Increasing human-bear conflicts can lead to property damage and increased demands on time and effort to respond to the conflicts by CPW and local government personnel. Expanding existing conflict reduction efforts or developing new approaches will help reduce impacts on bear populations and community resources, and improve public safety.
Learn more about CPW’s other grant programs on our website: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/GrantPrograms.aspx -
Sharing the Outdoors: The Cycle Effect, a Story of Empowerment from an Outdoor Equity Grant
The Cycle Effect heads out on a ‘fat biking’ session. A ‘fat bike’ is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires that are capable of traversing snow, sand, mud, pavement and traditional mountain biking trails.
Sharing the Outdoors: The Cycle Effect, a Story of Empowerment from an Outdoor Equity Grant
By Ryan Jones, CPW visual content specialist
DENVER, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grants are investing in Colorado community organizations. By investing in programs that offer outdoor opportunities for underserved communities, CPW’s Outdoor Equity Grants help create more equal access to the benefits of spending time outside.
The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program was created for outdoor organizations focused on creating opportunities for youth and their families from communities who have been historically excluded, so that they have equitable opportunities to get involved in recreational activities and experiencing Colorado’s open spaces, state parks, public lands and other outdoor areas. The program is funded through a redistribution of lottery money that is allocated to CPW’s general fund.
Programs or projects given grants help solve some of the challenges that Colorado youth face while trying to explore the outdoors, whether youth are from an urban, inner-city environment or a rural community. The goal of CPW’s grants are designed to reduce barriers for all Coloradans and make valuable strategic investments that improve the lives and well-being of our local youth and their families.
In 2022, The Cycle Effect received $25,000 from CPW which was used to help bolster their junior coach positions, expand their coaching staff, cover equipment expenses and provide scholarship opportunities. The Cycle Effect’s mission is to provide young women equal opportunity and access to the sport of mountain biking, and they aim to foster 70 percent of participants who identify as Latinx and/or Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) while working to remove financial barriers and supporting their social-emotional well-being.
Most would never guess it from my given name, but I’m half Vietnamese. Growing up and finding a place of acceptance in the world’s eyes, let alone my own as a young person, was a challenge that I’m only now learning to truly process. It’s a challenge that I know so many others — particularly young people of color — are facing day to day.
In February, a coworker and I were able to witness the positive impacts of the Outdoor Equity Grant funding firsthand. After coordinating and comparing schedules since early January with CPW’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program Manager Andrea Kurth, the two of us set out for an afternoon of fat biking in Frisco, a session put together by staff from The Cycle Effect. We joined The Cycle Effect’s Summit County Manager, Isidra “Isi” Luna, and four other participants for a ride around Rainbow Lake.
While it had been some years since riding any type of bike, this was my first time on a fat bike and, having grown up mostly in the Florida panhandle, certainly my first time riding anything in the snow. Although a couple of more practice sessions wouldn’t hurt, I’m glad to say muscle memory kicked in and I was able to avoid any major accidents — only having to lay the bike down once in a pile of snow before a conveniently placed pine tree at one of the trail’s sharper downhill corners.
While in attendance that afternoon, we asked staff and participants to share some of their stories and experiences with us.
Isidra Luna / Summit County Manager, The Cycle Effect“I find myself getting lost in the abundance that surrounds me, knowing that everything around me is alive. Whether I am on my bike or just taking a walk, being outdoors brings me gratitude for being alive. As I explore, I like to be mindful of how much nature nurtures my mind, spirit, and wellbeing.
Improving access to the Colorado outdoors for young women of color is important for them to truly familiarize themselves with the place they call home. Changing the narrative for them to believe that they belong in these beautiful spaces and empowering them to take up the space. There is nothing more valuable than the gift of experience. Creating accessibility to normalize people of color outdoors is something that will take time but worth all the effort.”
“My name is June. I’m 15 years old and live in Frisco, Colorado. I’ve been a member of The Cycle Effect for almost a year after joining in May of 2022.
My parents found out about TCE when they saw the bike van in the middle school parking lot. The program appealed to me because it was a good way to get better at mountain biking and to meet other girls with similar interests.
The program is meaningful to me because it’s taught me not only to be a better mountain biker, but has also made me a better person in other aspects of life. I’ve faced fears on my bike, and because of the support and kindness of my coaches, I’ve found confidence and happiness in other activities when I’m off my bike.
One of my favorite memories with the group was going on a ride at Keystone Ranch in a light rain. We had climbed a massive hill and I remember going down this mountain with mud beads sticking to my skin and thinking it was so amazing that I got to ride in the rain while biking with my friends. My favorite memory of a person was when I talked to Coach Kristen about music when we went snowshoeing and her giving me advice on pursuing my passion. It was so cool to talk to a fellow music lover and to gain some insight and advice.”After spending the afternoon with The Cycle Effect’s crew and hearing the passion and motivation behind the work they’re doing, it was impossible to get back on the road home to Denver and not feel uplifted. There’s something special happening at The Cycle Effect. They’re making room for people. They’re making room for change. They’re making room for the future.
The management of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grant program falls under the direction of the Outdoor Equity Grant Board, composed of 11 members who are tasked with overseeing the program. The board is authorized to allocate funding to eligible applicants with the objective of reducing barriers to Colorado outdoors and promoting engagement among eligible youth and their families. The next Outdoor Equity Grant Cycle will open in August 2023. Organizations interested in applying for the 2023 Outdoor Equity Grant should review the grant guide for instructions on how to apply. 
TCE Co-founder Brett Donelson (left photo) and TCE coach Melissa Baumann (right photo)