2023 Impact Report - Spark the Change Colorado

IIMPACTREPORT MPACTREPORT 22023 023

At Spark the Change Colorado, we are innovators, idea generators, listeners and connectors. We believe in the power of bringing individuals, nonprofits, and corporations together to become changemakers. Not out of duty, but out of a shared passion to unite under a mutual compassion for community. We are a registered, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, formerly Metro Volunteers, d.b.a. Spark the Change Colorado.

Wesparkchangeand inspireamovementof goodthroughthepower ofvolunteerism,service, andcivic engagement.

Aworldwithstronger, more resilient,equitable, andconnected communitiesthroughthe powerofvolunteerism.

MentalWellnessProgram MentalWellnessProgram

Spark’s Mental Wellness Program provides free, short term counseling & other services to individuals, couples, and families who encounter barriers to accessing treatment. Barriers may include being uninsured, unable to find a clinician through other avenues (lengthy waitlist times, etc.), unable to afford treatment, or unable to afford co-pays or deductibles.

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STATEWIDENONPROFIT&CORPORATEIMPACT

Newly formed at the end of 2023, our Community & Corporate Engagement Department is where the spirit of collaboration and service thrives. Committed to fostering meaningful connections between nonprofits and corporations, our dedicated team plays a pivotal role in building bridges that bring about positive change in our community. In addition to forging partnerships, our department actively seeks out opportunities for community engagement, educating and training, and capacity-building.

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SERVICEIMPACTAREAS:

$$119,423 119,423

1182 82

EEMPOWERINGAGING MPOWERINGAGING

Spark powers two programs that engage individuals over the age of 55 as volunteers: The Senior Companion Program and Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). These National Service programs promote connection and the independence of older adults aging in their home as they continue to be vibrant, contributing members of our communities.

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2276 76

OOver100000 ver100000

889 9

EMPOWERING AGING PROGRAMS POWERED BY:

SStoriesof toriesof SSuccess uccess

TRAINING & EDUCATION

“I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this class [VETP]! For me, being one of the new ones within this profession, it was beyond helpful! I had no idea my life was about to change in such a fun way with my career.”

-Volunteer Manager, Springs Rescue Mission

MENTAL WELLNESS

“It was daunting to think someone could help resolve the trauma of not seeking professional counseling sooner. Spark the Change Colorado brought some light and hope into my world after sixty-five years of unresolved issues. ”

-Mental Wellness Program Client

EMPOWERING AGING

83% of our Senior Companion Volunteers strongly agree that they feel more connected and are able to do more of the things they need to do thanks to their volunteer service.

-Annual Senior Companion Volunteer Survey

CCEO’S EO’S MESSAGE MESSAGE

One of the greatest opportunities every person has is the chance to build community and connection through service. Civic engagement has many faces, from volunteering, to voting, advocating for a cause that motivates you, or donating. 2023 was a brilliant year for Spark the Change Colorado, where we set out to spark joy, health, community, and connection through the power of volunteerism. To do this, we proudly moved our office into the Park Hill community in Denver, Colorado. We are thrilled to be co-located at the Vickers Boys and Girls Club, surrounded by a public recreation center, public library, Center for African American Health, and public parks.

We used this year to reflect on our future and go back to the heart of our mission, to inspire movements of good with every individual we encounter, and to do so with a focus on mental health and wellness, equity, access, and connection. We focused on growing partnerships with public schools and rural community organizations to offer more free therapy and services to those who experience the highest barriers to care. We focused on co-generational volunteering and addressing social isolation of our older adult neighbors. We focused on activating in the face of community need, leading volunteers for the Denver Mayor’s House1000 Initiative. I remain inspired by these points of connection, and we hope you will be too!

At Spark the Change, we love to celebrate the diversity and depth of commitment that our volunteers give to society every day. Our volunteers’ hours of service represent over $1.75 million dollars invested into social impact in our state, and this is only the beginning. Join us in growing the impact of service in 2024. #BetheSpark

Patrice Hawkins, MSW, CEO

INCREASE NONPROFITS SUPPORTED

Grow the number of nonprofits Spark supports to 200, with a focus on equity and access for organizations who identify as rural, BIPOC/female led, and new nonprofits.

ACTIVATE DAYS OF SERVICE

Mobilize and maintain 3 annual Spark-led Days of Service, including: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Juneteenth, and Season of Giving Service.

INVEST IN WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

Increase commitment to Women’s Leadership Opportunities and Development including: Nonprofit Board training & connection, femaleled nonprofit support, and professional resource and capacity building.

At the heart of Spark’s mission is the promotion of volunteerism and service as powerful tools for social impact. We believe in the strength of unified efforts, where individuals, nonprofits and companies join hands to address community challenges and create lasting solutions. We are here to be your partner and serve as a catalyst for building community connections and impact across all sectors.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of service, we remain dedicated to creating a positive ripple effect of change that extends beyond the boundaries of individual efforts. Join us in building a stronger, more resilient, equitable, and connected community, where the spirit of service and collaboration propels us toward a brighter future.

www.sparkthechangecolorado.org info@sparkthechangecolorado.org 3399