Giving Back
Giving back to your community is one of the most important steps in creating a home for yourself in a new environment. Giving time to serve in your community only has positive benefits that go a long way to helping you and others within your new town. In addition to helping you plug into your new community, you will feel good about helping those that need it the most. We are not saying that you need to dedicate yourself 100% to just any cause, however, just donating a little of your time towards something you feel called to can go a long way. Society takes notice of those who are selfless with their time, and the Denver Metro Area needs more of these selfless people.
SHIFT understands the call to serve in one’s community and through this we have selected a few organizations that are worthy of mention. These causes have close places to our hearts and would be great options for you to get involved if you are new to the area or not.
St. Francis Center – A home is a special thing, and we think everybody deserves a home and be treated with dignity and respect. The St. Francis Center provides a place of transformation for people who are homeless, or “guests” as they are referred to at the center, with their specialized day services, employment center, housing and outreach programs.
Camp Wapiyapi – The effects of cancer are far reaching and devastating. Each person in our office has lost someone they loved to this horrible disease. Camp Wapiyapi is a summer camp for children facing childhood cancer and their siblings. It gives them an opportunity to just be kids again and spend time at a camp filled with laughter, adventure and fun.
Second Wind – Taking one’s own life is a serious thing that can ripple throughout a community. Colorado has the eighth highest suicide rate in the country. For young people in the state, suicide is the second leading cause of death. Nationally, it’s the third leading cause of death for youths. Second Wind offers actual treatment services to at-risk children and youth in 23 counties in Colorado.
Dumb Friends League – We understand the stresses of relocating and our furry friends are considered important members in our families. The top two reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats per a study by the National Council on Pet Population are moving and landlord not allowing a pet. The Dumb Friends League’s mission is to end pet homelessness and animal suffering. This local organization has achieved one of the highest placement rates for homeless pets in the country.
By no means are these the only opportunities to serve here. If none of the organizations above speaks to you, we can only encourage you to go out and seek something to get involved in because it truly is worth it. Your contribution, no matter the size can make a difference.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt.
Written by Colin Richardson. Photos: St. Francis Center toiletry bins, Luna a Dumb Friends League adoption and remembering Kristin and John.
