Spring 2024 Newsletter
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Dear Tennyson Community,
As we celebrate the end of another school year with the world blooming with new beginnings, we are reminded of the incredible journey we have undertaken together. Your unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve continues to build stronger and healthier children and families experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges.
We saw significant achievements in our School and Day Treatment program this academic year. Tennyson received a monitoring visit from the Colorado Department of Education, during which there were zero compliance concerns, and several strengths were identified. In March, a new self-contained classroom was added to support middle school students who benefit from a single consistent teacher rather than transitioning for subject matter. Our students also experienced the transformative power of the arts with the addition of a new art teacher. We applauded ten kids returning to their home schools and one graduation after eight years at Tennyson. It was an inspiring year, and I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the exceptional work our staff accomplished.
A HUGE win for high acuity youth in need of treatment is the recent passing of House Bill 24-1038, which addresses children and youth in need of residential care. The department of health care policy and financing (HCPA), in collaboration with the behavioral health administration (BHA) and the department of human services, will develop a system of care for children and youth who are less than 21 years of age and who have complex behavioral health needs. The bill requires the following:
- Increasing the number of beds available
- Increasing the reimbursement rates
- Reimbursing for the cost of room and board for any child eligible for Medicaid but not in the custody of a county
- Creating a pilot program within the program for non-detained, justice-involved youth
- Contracting with additional providers
- Implementation of a standardized assessment tool
- Increasing reporting requirements
This season of renewal will bring opportunities for growth, purpose, and impact, none of which can be accomplished without you, our community of supporters. We remain committed to reaching more children, expanding our programs, and continuing to foster environments where mental health and wellness are a priority.
With gratitude,
Mindy Watrous
President & CEO
FORE! Our Kids 2024 Golf Classic
Thursday, July 22, 2024 │ 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM │ Sanctuary Golf Course │ 7549 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, Colorado 80135
This annual golf tournament provides a unique opportunity to improve the lives of kids and families while playing Colorado’s most beautiful and exclusive course. Sanctuary Golf Course is played solely by invitation or through charity events. Tennyson is one of approximately 25 nonprofits selected each year to host a golf tournament for charitable purposes.
Join us for a fantastic day of golf and camaraderie! Start your morning with a lavish breakfast buffet and a shotgun start at 11:00 AM. Enjoy beverages and snacks on the course, and wrap up the day with cocktails, dinner, and awards.
To learn more about playing this tournament, please contact Cydnee Dossey.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCLAMATION
We have exciting news to share! Thanks to Nermina Mujkanovic, District Director for Congresswoman Diana DeGette, who read our winter newsletter and informed Congresswoman DeGette about our 120th anniversary, we have been honored with a proclamation on the House floor. This special recognition is now a permanent entry in the Congressional record. We have been incredibly grateful for the partnership with Congresswoman DeGette and the $1 million federal earmark grant we were awarded in 2023.
GOLD STAR SOCIETY
The need for therapeutic support and preventive services for children and families is pervasive across Colorado. This is why Tennyson Center offers community support services across the state. To maintain these programs, our generous network of supporters began hosting fundraising events in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Cheyenne in the 1970’s. Debbie and Don Metz are two such advocates who have given their time, energy, and treasure to support our kids for over 40 years. They have attended events, hosted tables, and volunteered alongside many incredible supporters from the First Christian Church of Colorado Springs. Debbie and Don continue their commitment today as members of the Gold Star Society and Heritage Society. Their monthly donations and commitment to a legacy gift offer Tennyson the stability needed to provide critical services to our community. Without the dedication from donors like the Metz’s, we would not be able to offer the consistency necessary to help our children and families on their paths to healing.
Our Gold Star Society recognizes individuals and organizations who make a multi-gift commitment to Tennyson, such as a monthly reoccurring gift or a multi-year pledge. These gifts help us build consistent, stable financial support, allowing us to plan for the future, sustain critical programming, and address the growing needs of children and families in Colorado. For more information, please contact Nick Wininger.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Frontier Fire, Colorado’s leader in fire sprinkler installation and maintenance services, has been a generous partner to Tennyson Center for many years. As a family-owned business, their contribution plays a vital role in the positive change that Tennyson is able to bring to children and families across the state.
Debi Yates, HR Director of Frontier Fire, shared “The act of donating to Tennyson fills our hearts with love, joy, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. We believe that one of life’s greatest privileges is the ability to extend a helping hand to those who are going through tough times. When we give our energy and resources to Tennyson, we are reminded of the power of empathy and compassion. We may not know the specific struggles that the families and children are facing, but we do know that our support can help them weather the storms they encounter. It is a beautiful feeling to be a part of a community that comes together to offer solace, hope, and resources to those in need. We cherish the opportunity to be a small part of the positive change that the Tennyson Center brings to countless lives.”
HOST A COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
Support Tennyson Center by organizing a fundraising event! These community-driven initiatives are a fantastic way to get involved, have fun, and make a difference. Each event helps us further our mission by reaching more children facing mental health challenges and raising awareness for Tennyson’s programs and initiatives.
HOST YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING EVENT
We would be so grateful for your support, whether you would like to host a 5K run/walk, a gala, or a birthday fundraiser. The holidays will be here soon, so let us know if we can help you create a memorable corporate holiday party or family event during the season of giving. We will work with you to promote your event and help coordinate your donations.
HERE ARE SOME FUNDRAISING IDEAS:
- Host a team building activity at work and donate the proceeds to Tennyson
- If you are a business, restaurant, or brewery – choose a day or a month and donate a percentage of revenue to Tennyson
- Ask for donations rather than gifts when celebrating a birthday or anniversary
- Celebrate a loved one and host a fundraiser in their honor or memory
UPCOMING EVENT
Rick Wulf is leading a mission trip at the Tennyson Center from July 22 to July 26. During their time on campus, Rick and his team will organize activities for our students, help in classrooms, and spend time with students after school. In addition, Rick is hosting a fundraiser by running from Cheney, Kansas to Denver, Colorado (nearly 600 miles!), starting on July 2. He aims to raise $15,000 through supporters of his run and his employer, Textron Aviation, who is generously matching all donations up to $7,500. Stay tuned to social media to learn how you can contribute!
If you would like to host a fundraiser, please contact Kristina Lodahl.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
VOLUNTEER
Your support makes a difference and has a direct impact on the lives of those who need us most.
2024 EVENTS
Save the date for our upcoming events, including 1904 Society gatherings, Q & Groove, and more!
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