ROCKY MOUNTAIN IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY NETWORK (RMIAN)
RMIAN is a Colorado Legal Assistance Organization, providing pro bono services to people experiencing immigration-related issues. For the past five years, SOC has partnered with RMIAN to assist almost seventy children and young people who have had to leave their home countries by themselves or with family members. Nearly all were victims of physical or sexual abuse, gang violence, human trafficking, or other traumas and each has patiently worked their way through the legal US immigration system, doing everything they possibly can to live productive and meaningful lives in the U.S.
"Thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping me with this challenging chapter of my life. The journey has certainly not been easy nor kind itself. I will forever cherish this. I appreciate the work being done. I know it has, will, and is helping more people other than me, in the same position as me. And for that I couldn’t thank you enough. Please continue to do what you’re doing. I know it will change more lives."A 13-year-old girl came to Denver from Africa by herself, abandoned by her parents. SOC paid for the mandatory medical exam for her application process. She is now a permanent U.S. resident.
A teenage mother from Honduras was working multiple jobs to help support herself, her child, and other young family members. They were forced to leave their home country because of violent persecution. After eight years in the US, they were finally eligible to apply for green cards.
A young boy and his mother fled their home country of Honduras due to violence. They both required medical exams for their Permanent Residency applications. The mother only had funds to pay her own exam fee. SOC covered what was due for the boy.
Translating for his mother: We were in a really difficult situation. Thank you for everything. Thank you so much, God bless you.
"We truly cannot thank you enough for the assistance you have provided...You came to us at just the right time...So many of our clients were reaching desperation due to their inability to afford fees and costs that determine whether they can seek lawful status and safety in the U.S." Ashley Harrington, Children’s Program Managing Attorney, RMIAN
JEFFERSON COUNTY OPEN SCHOOL (JCOS)
SOC facilitated a donation from acclaimed illustrator and painter, Hadley Hooper, of nine books featuring her distinctly creative and engaging illustrations.
The books were gifted to an Early Learning Center classroom (grades 1-3) at JCOS and are mostly non-fiction, with subjects such as the history of the Girl Scouts, why Matisse became an artist, and how women fought for the right to vote.
"The captivating storytelling and rich illustrations are sure to inspire our young writers as they embark on their own narrative journies We plan to incorporate these wonderful books into our curriculum and art lessons... Your donation has opened up new avenues for learning, sparking curiosity and imagination in our classroom. It is heartwarming to see how a simple act of kindness can have such a profound impact on the lives of these young learners."Mary and Ari, ELC advisors at JCOS
CAMP TO BELONG
Camp To Belong used contributions from Supporters of Children to provide transportation, lodging, meals, and activities at summer camp that brings together siblings, separated by foster programs, who have never met.
"We applaud your efforts on behalf of all children in the community. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts. We may be the little kids on the block, but you have shown our gigantic message is important."Lynn Price, Executive Director, Camp To Belong
THE SPOT
SOC bought $2,200 worth of computer, printer, scanner and digital camera equipment and $11,000 worth of recording equipment for The Spot, an inner city drop-in center for youth in Denver.
"The digital cameras get used for producing their own portfolios to help them get jobs or go on to college. They also document the kids who get their GEDs. The kids are able to record and master their CDs in-house, free of charge. It is literally keeping kids off the streets." Matt Bobby, Art & Computer Coordinator For The Spot
SHAKA’S PLACE
SOC purchased multimedia technology equipment for Shaka’s Place, which gave children and youth the opportunity to learn skills from basic computer to professional multi-media applications, up to producing, directing, or performing in their own projects in the production studios. The objective was to help develop positive self-esteem, encourage positive mental health, and prevent teen suicide.
PROJECT PAVE
To assist child and teen survivors of violence, Project PAVE provides innovative, evidence-based, culturally responsive mental health services, counseling and other supportive services. SOC funded transportation and therapy sessions for some of the organization’s participants.
VOICES FOR CHILDREN
Voices for Children trains volunteer advocates to work on behalf of neglected young children in Boulder County. SOC contributed to the direct costs of services for some of the children in need.
... It makes us work twice as hard when groups like Supporters of Children show their faith in us. Six abused and neglected children will receive Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) services this year because of SOC’s generosity... Marsha Caplan, Executive Director of Voices for Children
INFANTILE SCOLIOSIS OUTREACH PROGRAM (ISOP)
SOC paid for a custom walker to be made and delivered to a young girl who needed 24/7 nursing care due to complex medical conditions. She was in desperate need of additional treatment for her life threatening, progressive scoliosis. SOC facilitated getting a medical record summary from experts at Lynxcare, compelling specialists in Texas to perform a surgery that allowed the child to live a full life.
The walker was exactly what she needed. She was able to participate in more school activities and felt more like the other kids. The walker also helped her maintain strength in her leg muscles.Mother of young girl with severe infantile scoliosis
DENVER PARTNERS
Supporters of Children funded a ski trip for at-risk youth assisted by this well-established organization that helps kids through fostering one-on-one relationships.
Thank you, Supporters of Children, for the donation for our ski trip. For many of our youth, this will be the first time they have been out of Denver city limits... Mary Ann Burdick, Executive Director Denver Partners
INDIVIDUAL DONATION
A family requested a specialized wheelchair bicycle to allow their disabled son to enjoy family time out of doors. SOC ordered the “Duet” for the little boy who, tragically, did not survive childhood. The bike was later given to a 13-year-old girl with multiple disabilities, including limited gross motor skills, whose family used it for decades.
We now enjoy bike rides with Gwenie leading the way! We have gone on many adventures that were not possible before. Gwenie’s Parents
INDIVIDUAL REQUEST
SOC purchased a keyboard and amp for a talented young high school music student.
... developing your gifts at an early age... makes a big difference in the decisions and directions you choose to take as an adult. I think the positive reinforcement and vote of confidence this gift represents will help him stay motivated and develop his potential...Mother of young music student
GATES CAMP
SOC sponsored two cabins for a week at Gates Camp, run by Boys and Girls Clubs, giving inner-city Denver kids an experience in nature.
The camp... gives these kids a chance to view the world from a completely new perspective – and learn something about themselves in the process... John Arigoni, President Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
METRO DENVER SPORTS COMMISSION
Supporters of Children purchased sports equipment and summer program scholarships for youth.
ANCHOR CENTER FOR BLIND CHILDREN
Babies and their parents at the center were able to enjoy bonded time together through the glider rocker Supporters of Children purchased and delivered.
We are thrilled with the new glider rocker and ottoman...It is the perfect model... The rocker will be enjoyed especially by families of infants... Cheryl Dutton, Director of Development & Dona Kelley, President of the Board, Anchor Center for Blind Children
PAST PARTNERS
Adams Camp: Physical therapy equipment
Anchor Center for Blind Children: Comfort furniture for families with infants at the center
Angels Unaware: Support for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS
Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Metro Denver: Summer camp tuition
Camp to Belong: Transportation, lodging and summer camp sponsorship for youth in the foster care system to reunite with their siblings
CeDAR (Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation): Video camera and wilderness equipment for experimental outdoor programs
The Challenge Foundation – Harrington Elementary School: Scholarship materials, books and supplies for at-risk and low income youth
Colorado Optometric Foundation - Vision Training Program: Eye movement tracking software and eyeglass frames
The Conflict Center: Food, toiletries, work boots, bus tokens and more
Denver Partners: Equipment rentals and lift tickets for group ski trip
Denver Sports: Sports equipment and summer athletic camp scholarships
The Denver Victims Center: Goods and services for youth suffering abuse
For Such a Time as This/Jefferson High School: Long sleeve shirts for homeless and “at risk” high school students
The Gathering Place: Holiday gifts and infant supplies
Helping Youth Help Themselves: Ski trip for at-risk youth
Inter-Faith Community Services: Warm coats and socks for inadequately housed children
Lynx Collaborative Care Network in collaboration with Family Voices of Colorado, Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program, Rocky Mountain Youth: Comprehensive Health Summaries to assist with treatments of individual youth suffering from severe scoliosis and other life-threatening conditions
Metro CareRing: Facilitate delivery of donated orange juice and milk to homeless locations in Denver Metro area
Mile High Down Syndrome Association: Baby gift bags program; information and support to new and expectant parents; social event for children with Down syndrome and their siblings; supplies for annual “Buddy Walk”
Project PAVE (Promoting Alternatives to Violence Through Education): Scholarships and video equipment for behavioral counseling; provided bus/taxi fare for youth to get to counseling and group sessions
Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth: Serving youth at risk of suicide and mental health crises; computers, sound and video equipment for Youth Technology Center
Starlight Foundation: Computer entertainment “Fun Center” on pediatric floors at Denver Health Medical Center and Hospital
The SPOT (now Urban Peak): Computer, scanner, printer and digital camera
UMC Community Foundation/Exempla Hospital Hospice: Grief support through The Dragon Fly Program; arts and crafts materials, books and journals for Treasure Box activities
Voices for Children: Services for youth in the court system