In Longmont, 2023 was a year with the community's boundless spirit of giving and support from the humble abodes of tiny homes for veterans to the changing of leadership reins, the city danced to the tune of generosity and progress.
As we reflect on the medley of achievements marking this year’s nonprofit endeavors — where anniversaries were celebrated, creeks were cleaned and hearts were opened — let this retrospective serve as a torch lighting the way forward into 2024, inspiring a continued legacy of kindness, cheer and shared joy in Longmont.
Veterans Community Project
The veteran’s tiny home village opened its doors in 2023 and four homeless veterans have already moved in. The $5 million project aims to house individuals with construction progressing slowly but surely through donations and volunteer support. They hope to fill most, if not all, of the units in 2024.
Recovery Cafe’s director passes torch to new leadership
Lisa Searchinger, executive director of Recovery Cafe, retired due to vision struggles. Jen Jepsen stepped in bringing extensive human services experience and a passion for the cafe’s mission. The cafe’s impact report highlights significant growth in 2022, showcasing increased visits, memberships and meals served.
Horse therapy reaches new communities
Medicine Horse expands its equine therapy services to rural areas via a new Longmont location, bringing mental health support to isolated communities. The Wholeness with Horses program, aided by a Weld Trust grant, caters to breast cancer survivors, offering peer support and horse therapy at no cost.
Elevated Communities moves to Main Street
Elevated Communities joined the Longmont Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting at their new Main St. location. The thrift store, aimed at teaching job skills, promotes a communal space. Donations and customers support their mission, offering opportunities for employment and affordable clothing.
OUR Center celebrates longest volunteer
Judy Cavcey, honored by the OUR Center for over 35 years of volunteering, found purpose after relocating to Longmont. Her compassionate, consistent presence and genuine care for others left an indelible mark, celebrated at a lively recognition event.
10th anniversary of Can’d Aid
Can’d Aid, born from Boulder County’s 2013 floods, celebrated a decade of enriching communities. Their diverse programs encourage an outdoor lifestyle, ecological stewardship and artistic accessibility culminating in volunteer events throughout the year.
OUT Boulder County expands to serve Northern Colorado
OUT Boulder County broadens its LGBTQ+ support beyond Boulder County to Larimer and Weld counties. Expanding existing youth and behavioral health programs aims to serve a wider community without replacing established services in these areas.
Local grassroots grows from living room concerts to festivals
Rail Live Music Community began with house concerts, evolving into Rail on the River festival, fostering community and music bonds. Their growth led to Rail Arts, a nonprofit backing musical gatherings, culminating in a vibrant festival celebrating camaraderie and shared musical passion.
Project Angel Heart expands to Longmont
Project Angel Heart expanded, providing medically tailored meals for those battling severe illnesses. Fueled by a $1.4 million grant from Kaiser Permanente, this initiative aims to deliver quality nutrition, impacting over 75% of the Front Range corridor. Each meal, meticulously crafted, supports healing and well-being.
SunShineBlu offers community-based approach to mental health
Kayla Gilmore founded SunShineBlu in Longmont to proactively support mental health before crises. The nonprofit offers a tranquil SunShine Room, light therapy, and sells mental health-focused products for financial support, aiming to complement clinical care and provide holistic community-based mental health support.
Longmont nonprofit teaches youth about local watershed
Trout Unlimited conserves water resources nationwide. The Longmont chapter focuses on the St. Vrain Watershed, engaging kids and adults through programs. Educating youth fosters connections to nature and river stewardship, evident in programs like Trout in the Classroom.
St. Vrain Valley Storytellers and Intercambio build on community and education
St. Vrain Valley Storytellers, SVVS, found a new home with Intercambio, bolstered by a $1,000 donation. The alliance, fostered by shared missions, expanded SVVS’s reach, offering storytelling sessions in various locales while solidifying ties that enhance community engagement.
East Side Art Institute property
East Side Art Institute’s ambitious campus plans for 2025 include a public labyrinth, fostering community engagement and offering serene respites. The ADA-compliant labyrinth, a collaborative effort, symbolizes their vision for an inclusive, nature-rich artistic haven worth exploring and supporting.
Longmont nonprofit invests $12.5 million into Native communities
First Nations Development Institute, based in Longmont, invested $12.5 million in Native American communities nationwide. Through grants, emergency aid and support sessions, the nonprofit prioritizes empowerment, exemplified by its recognition and impact across various initiatives.
Former Longmont resident donates kidney to Marine
Former Marine, Pat Fallon, in dire need of a kidney, finds hope through the Melendez Foundation. Brittany McCaffety, a former Longmont resident, steps up as a perfect match, embodying her belief in daily acts of kindness. The donation promised a new lease on life for Fallon, backed by the Foundation’s efforts to support McCaffety’s recovery generously.
Longmont Community Fridges program
Longmont Community Fridges, a joint effort of Longmont Food Rescue and Uproot Colorado, expanded after a successful soft launch. These public, 24/7 fridges, filled with free, fresh food, cater to growing community needs, promoting accessibility and removing the stigma around food assistance.
A Way Forward
Alejandro Rodriguez, overcoming mental health stigma, joined A Way Forward a bilingual outreach specialist, aiming to destigmatize mental health in all communities. The Longmont-based nonprofit offers free, diverse support, prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, especially for Spanish speakers, emphasizing a judgment-free space for all seeking assistance.
What to do with nearly $1 million from the sale of the Denver Broncos
Longmont launched grant applications funded by the Denver Broncos sale, allocating nearly $1 million for youth programs. Four areas, based on community input, guide grants for mental health, life skills, sports and STEM activities for residents aged 10 to 18.
