ACCESS’s small business classes are led by Agnes Talamantez-Carroll who educates and encourages participants to pursue business ideas.
Photo: Cristina Frésquez
By Cristina Frésquez
As many continue struggling to stay afloat in hard economic times, many families fall into situations they never imagined – being homeless. Fortunately, there are organizations out there willing to help these families achieve self-sufficiency. ACCESS Housing, a local non-profit, provides several life changing programs and services to homeless families or families who are in danger of becoming homeless, providing them the resources they need to attain long-term self-sufficiency.
Founded in 1983 by a group of Adams County residents in response to an increase in homelessness in Denver, ACCESS Housing has built a strategic and productive system of programs and services that help homeless families get back on their feet and stay on course. The organization specifically targets residents of Adams County because the county has the lowest per-capita income of all Denver counties.
“When most people think of homelessness, they think of Denver – the city, not the suburbs,” explained Thornton Councilwoman Eva Henry. “ACCESS Housing offers a service – a vital service - that we don’t have here in the suburbs.”
ACCESS Housing is holding their 4th Annual Family Futures Awards Gala today (Sept 29) at the Stonebrook Manor Event Center and Gardens in Thornton. The annual fundraiser features Family Futures Awards to outstanding community members; a silent auction; dinner; and live music featuring Calvin Standing Bear and Jason Justice. Proceeds from the Gala benefit ACCESS Housing and the programs and services they provide.
The 2011 award recipients include, Thornton City Councilwoman, Eva Henry -- Public Service Award; Julie Madrill -- Family Futures Award; John McBride -- Humanitarian Award; Don May, Adams County Housing Authority – Community Service Award; John Gallagher, Suncor Energy – Corporate Leadership Award; and Barbara Austin – Founders’ Legacy award.
“I was not expecting it at all. It feels really
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