Sentinel Lakewood
Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 90, Issue 16
TAKING ACTION
November 28, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlakewoodnews.com
Starting the college talks early College fair reaches out to homeless, at-risk students By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
Action Center executive director Mag Strittmatter talks with supporters after a meeting Nov. 19. The Action Center is moving forward on a capital campaign to expand its effectiveness and reach. Photos by Clarke Reader
Center targets funds
Students from around Jeffco stopped by Brady Exploration High School on Nov. 20 to hear about college and after high school resources and job opportunities. What made this college fair different from others is that it was created especially by Jeffco Drop-out Prevention and Community and Family Connections for at-risk and homeless students, who may have never considered going to college. “Jeffco is the highest reporting school district for homeless students,” Jessica Hansen, community and family connections coordinator said. “With this event we wanted to make sure we reached out to homeless students, and students who are not living with the parents or legal guardians.” Students were bused in from schools like Lakewood High School, Arvada and Bear Creek. Red Rocks and Arapahoe Community Colleges, University of Northern Colorado, Western State Colorado
Funding sought to purchase office College continues on Page 17
By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com The Action Center’s capital campaign to expand its services and space is more than halfway through its first phase. During a meeting on Nov. 19, Joe Haines, Action Center director of development announced phase one of the center’s capital campaign raised $2,414,456 — 57.5 percent of its $4.2 million goal. The $4.2 million will go to the purchase of the Cottonwood office complex, which is next to the center’s current location, and renovation of the new space. “The planning for the capital campaign began in 2007, and we’ve been discussing how to help people more effectively and help them on the way to selfsufficiency,” Shermita West, a member of the capital campaign committee said. “In July of 2011 we purchased the Cottonwood property, and that’s when the campaign really began.” Phase one, which West said aims to provide more effective services for clients, involves the costs of renovating the new space and paying back the loans necessary to purchase the property. The aim is to get the final design work done for the new space in the new several months, and start construction in late winter-early spring of 2014. “We want to have it built and ready for the next peak season, which is October through December,” Roger Mattson, a past Action Center board president said. Jefferson County commissioner Don Rosier was on hand at the meeting, and spoke about how many people in the community the Action Center benefits. “We have seen the needs for this increase in Jeffco, and I want to thank you very much for the work you do,” he said. “It’s heartening to see so many people working on this.” Ward 4 councilman Adam Paul spoke about how excited he and the city of Lakewood was that this project is going to help residents not only of Lakewood, but all over the county. “The people who are benefitting from this working two, three, four jobs, and they’re the kids in our schools,” he said. “It’s wonderful that the Action Center can provide this service to people, and do it with dignity.” Mag Strittmatter, the center’s executive director, closed out the evening speaking about how excited she was that the eight year process was moving forward. “We had to be brave and we had to be bold to get this going,” she said. “This process is not about the
Christmas concert to help Boys and Girls Club Key figures in organization’s implementation to be honored By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
Lakewood Ward 4 councilman Adam Paul speaks to supporters about the status of the Action Center’s capital campaign.
Action Center executive director Mag Strittmatter outlines progress the center is making on its capital campaign. buildings — it’s about doing things better, and getting at these core issues. It shows what we can accomplish together.” For more information on the campaign, visit www. theactioncenterco.org/capital-campaign.
The Lakewood Symphony Orchestra, Rocky Mountain Ringers and Lakewood Stake Choir are teaming up for a Christmas concert to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County. The “Sing, Choirs of Angels” concert will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 6465 W. Jewell Ave. on WHAT: Sing, Choirs of Angels - A Christmas Thursday, Dec. 5, Celebration and Friday, Dec. WHERE: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 6, at 7:30 p.m. 6465 W. Jewell Ave., Lakewood There will be a WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 5, and Friday, Dec. 6 reception at 6:30 6:30 p.m. reception p.m. 7:30 p.m. concert The show is COST: Donations accepted for Boys and Girls Club first come, first of Jefferson County serve. INFORMATION: LakewoodStakePublicAffairs@ “This is our gmail.com second show like this. Last year we did one that benefitted the Action Center,” Anne Jefferies, public affairs representative for the Lakewood Stake said. “We’re taking donations of gifts, toys and financial aid for the Boys and Girls Club.” The evening is honoring the work of those who made it possible for the group to set up its first Lakewood location at O’Connell Middle School. Jeffco District Attorney
IF YOU GO
Club continues on Page 17
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