Nonprofits have always been at the backbone of our community – providing support and resources to those who need it most – and this year was no different. The Denver Metro Chamber is thrilled to highlight three nonprofits who are making an impact. Get to know our 2021 Business Awards Small Nonprofit of the Year finalists: Heart & Hand Center, Project Helping and WeeCycle.
Heart & Hand Center provides support to Denver students from 2nd grade to two years post-graduation through academic support, health and wellness education, social emotional skills, family engagement and creative expression. Heart & Hand Center disrupts the cycle of poverty in northeast Denver by working to close the opportunity gap for Denver students and their families. This community-based resource provides individualized guidance and critical connections for each child and their family. Empowering young students, Heart & Hand Center provides one-on-one caregiver support, and their signature out-of-school programming that supports students throughout their educational journey.
Project Helping organizes and leads over 700 volunteer experiences per year in Denver focused on building mental wellness through accessible experiences that create purpose and community. Founder Justin Kruger identified his own relationship between mental wellness and volunteering, and founded Project Helping to share and magnify the impact volunteering can have on individuals and communities. There are four volunteer programs through KyndClub (ages 12 and under), KyndU (ages 13-19), Emily’s Light (for moms) and KyndLife (all ages). Project Helping has increased accessibility to volunteer experiences and cultivated a community of kindness and gratitude online. In a virtual volunteer world, Project Helping delivers volunteer experiences through KyndKits – volunteer projects in a box.
WeeCycle collects, “weecycles” and matches essential baby gear to families through partner organizations focused on alleviating poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and under-employment in Denver. Founded by two new moms in Denver during the 2008 recession, Weecylce has dedicated itself to helping families in an impactful and sustainable way. Weecycle distributes baby gear ranging from diapers to strollers to cribs – the company simultaneously helps Colorado families in need and reduces waste by recycling and reusing baby gear.
Each year, the Chamber recognizes organizations that are writing Denver’s next chapter in business. Join us for the virtual 2021 Business Awards presented by BOK Financial on April 14, 2021.
