As West + Main Agents gathered for our Weekly Company Update we took a few minutes to share the non-profit organizations that mean the most to us. To kick off the year, we did a random drawing of the nominated organizations to kick off our year with a $500 donation from West + Main on behalf of the agent who nominated them.
We call it Feel Good Friday!
Meet this week’s Featured Non-Profit Organization, The Zara Project, nominated by West + Main agent Gabe Martin:
Keep reading to see a full list of organization nominated this week!
”The Zara Project aims to feed kids on our community when they aren’t in school. So many kids experience hunger at home, and the times when they are in school might be the only time they know where they will be getting their next meal. I’m so proud to support The Zara Project and be able to give them this donation."
The Zara Project was originally started by a young, new to the profession teacher and her social worker mom.
Twelve years ago, I was a second year teacher trying to stay afloat in my new profession. I was teaching at Johnson Elementary in Denver, CO and there was one thing I couldn’t shake each night when I left work, it was how hungry so many of my students were all of the time. This basic need for nourishment consumed them so much that it interfered with their learning. As Thanksgiving break that year neared, I noticed that contrary to my excitement for a week of freedom, many of my students did not feel the same way. I observed their anxiety levels elevate and felt this sense of dread that I could not explain nor understand. I asked what was going on and no one gave me an obvious answer until we started talking about Thanksgiving break. They weren’t excited like I was. I asked them why and some of their responses were heartbreaking... “we don’t have any money for food or anything else” or “at least we get breakfast and lunch when we are in school”. My heart sank.
A few days later, I told my mom the story while enjoying a nice dinner and some wine. In that moment tinged with irony, the seeds for The Zara Project were planted. We decided to try and help some families with food that winter break and sent out a friendly letter to friends and family asking for donations. We didn’t expect the response we got. If memory serves, I think we raised $3500 and were able to provide food for about 40 families. The next year it was 75 and the following year, we decided to turn our little project into a nonprofit. Since, we have fed thousands of families over winter break at high poverty schools in Jefferson County and Denver Public Schools and plan to feed thousands more in the years to come.
Today, I am still a teacher and the director of the Zara Project. My mom is retired and truly the glue that keeps Zara going. Her official title is secretary. New life has been injected into our efforts with the addition of two new board members, Jeremy and Chris.
Thank you all for your continued support. A little help from The Zara Project has definitely lifted some heavy burdens local kids and their families experience. We couldn’t have done all of this without you!
If you’re looking to start 2025 off with a donation, here are some other organizations our agents love!
Taysia Blue Husky Rescue
Learn more.
”They save huskies and are the best in the world!” - Maggie Fast
Make a Wish Colorado
Learn more.
“They do an amazing job to put a smile on the children face after or even during a rough patch in their life.” - Margaret Hamilton
Humane Society of Boulder
Learn more.
”I love supporting the Boulder Humane Society!” - Katie O’Connor
2 Blondes All Breed Rescue
Learn more.
”I got my dog Paisley there! She is the sweetest dog ever!” - Jennifer Jackson
Redline Arts
Learn more.
”I love their support of Colorado Art/Artists and how they open their studio to the workshop to the community for relatively low fees ($10)” - Carla Salcedo
Judi's House
Learn more.
”They use play and school based tools to assist children through grief.” - Nicole Green
Transgender Center of the Rockies
Learn more.
“They do so many things to support our community's transgender population.” - Alicia Duncan Coulter
Hope is Alive
Learn more.
”Hope Is Alive is an incredible resource for recovering addicts and their loved ones. Their unwavering support provides hope and guidance for those facing long and challenging journeys. The work they do is truly life-changing, offering strength and encouragement to so many in need.” - Nikki McCraw
Center for Health and Hope
Learn more.
”I serve on their board and have for years. They do HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ education in India and Africa to the poorest of the poor. I went to India last January and got to experience the work we do in orphanages, Clinics for women and educating 400 nursing students.” - Larry Sondgeroth
A Precious Child
Learn More.
“I had the privilege of volunteering with A Precious Child for two years, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work they do for kids and families in need. This amazing, female-led organization provides essentials like clothing, hygeine items, school supplies, household goods to help children and parents thrive.” - Lin Johnson
CFCE
Learn more.
”This is a great program for individuals with motor disorders. My daughter and Megan Bahlenhorst’s son both attend this program!” - Vicky Opipari
Sunnyside Music Festival
Learn more.
“It's a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that builds community through a free, family friendly music festival. Our annual event support local bands, business, artisans and youth organizations throughout the year. SMF also raises money for music programs for schools throughout Denver. I love it, I've been going every year since 2006 and I'm on the board.” - Tait DeBaca
Mount Saint Vincent Foster Care Program
Learn more.
”I nominate Mount Saint Vincent’s Foster Care because they are amazing with their commitment to and support of foster children, and the families who foster these kids. There are 355,000 kids that are in foster care and nearly 50,000 live in institutions and need a family. My wife and I worked with Mount Saint Vincent and fostered a child, who is now our beautiful daughter.” - Cyndi Jordan
First Descents
Learn more.
”First Descents offers free week-long outdoor adventures like surfing, kayaking, and rock climbing for young adults (ages 18-39) affected by cancer or MS. They aim to harness the healing power of these experiences to combat feelings of isolation and depression that often accompany such diagnoses. Each year, they serve over 500 participants through 40+ programs, enabling young adults to connect with peers while tackling new challenges in beautiful settings, all at no cost.” - Chris Dolan
The National Parents Organization
Learn more.
”NPO’s mission is to promote shared parenting. Thousands of families in CO are affected by Parental Alienation, including my family. For 25 years I have experienced and continue to experience alienation from my children. I am only one of many who, along with their children have been separated by the Alienating Parent who actively work to separate loving parents from their children.” - Katie Rubano
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
Learn more.
”Each year, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado hosts more than 100 volunteer events for community members to play a BIG part in caring for Colorado, from maintaining trails to restoring wildlife habitat and harvesting urban gardens. VOC's volunteers give more than 20,000 hours of love and labor to Colorado's public lands, parks and open spaces every year.” - Joy Opp
Work at West + Main
