Spring 2025 Newsletter
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Dear Friends of Tennyson,
We live in an uncertain time—and so do the children and families who depend on Tennyson Center. As we look ahead, the challenges are growing deeper, not just for us, but for the entire child welfare system.
Congress is debating federal budget cuts that would significantly impact programs like Medicaid. These programs are a lifeline for 1.3 million Coloradans, including nearly 40% of the state’s children. Families facing poverty, mental health challenges, trauma, and disability rely on this support to survive. Without it, far too many will fall through the cracks.
At Tennyson, we see the consequences of systemic underfunding every day. The children who walk through our doors are arriving with more complex needs than ever before. Rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma-related symptoms have surged over the last decade. Behind every diagnosis is a child who has been abused, neglected, or abandoned—and who deserves safety, stability, and hope.
We believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
To feel safe.
To know their worth.
To imagine a future filled with possibility.
But healing doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because people like you continue to step in—offering generosity and belief in what’s possible.
Each year, Tennyson must raise nearly $5 million to close the gap between what it costs to provide life-changing care and what we receive from public funding. That gap is growing, and the need is growing with it.
You can help bridge that gap.
Your support ensures a child has access to consistent therapy.
It keeps families together through counseling and in-home services.
It provides safe housing and a nurturing environment.
It allows a child to walk into a classroom and, for the first time, feel like they belong.
As we face uncertainty on a national level, one thing remains clear: we will never stop fighting for every child’s right to a brighter future. But we cannot do it alone.
Together, we can ensure that healing is not a distant hope—but a reality.
With gratitude,
Mindy Watrous
President & CEO
FORE! Our Kids Golf Classic
Don’t miss your shot to swing into action at Tennyson’s annual FORE! Our Kids Golf Classic, happening at a brand-new, more central location—The Club at Rolling Hills in Golden! This is your exclusive chance to play one of Colorado’s premier private courses—all while making a real difference for kids and families in our care.
WHEN: Monday, June 16, 2025, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
WHERE: The Club at Rolling Hills, 15707 W. 26th Ave, Golden 80401
This tournament is more than a round of golf—it’s a chance to drive change, support healing, and help children build brighter futures.
For questions, please email Cydnee Dossey or call (720) 855-3212.
LUNCHEON RECAP
We are still feeling the energy and inspiration from this year’s Paths to Healing Spring Luncheon! With 240 guests and over $115,000 raised, the event was a powerful testament to our community’s commitment to supporting the mental health and healing of children and families impacted by trauma.
It was an honor to celebrate John and Jody Alderman as our 2025 Champion of Children awardees and to recognize Christy Brown, one of our amazing classroom volunteers, with the Mayall Volunteer Award. Their dedication to Tennyson’s mission continues to make a lasting difference.A heartfelt thank you to our generous event sponsors, whose support made the afternoon possible and helped amplify the impact of every gift.
The afternoon’s most powerful moment came from Jenn and Nick, one of our Tennyson families. Their story reminded us of the resilience in every child—and the incredible impact made when we show up with care, compassion, and hope.
LOWER YOUR TAXES WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
By Kevin McCulley, Tennyson Board Member and Co-President & Chief Investment Officer at Private Capital Management
Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) are a tax-advantaged way for individuals to support charitable organizations directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). QCDs allow taxpayers age 70½ or older to gift up to $108,000 annually from their IRAs to eligible charities without including the distribution in taxable income. This inflation-indexed limit is per individual, meaning a married couple filing jointly could donate up to $216,000 if both spouses have IRAs and meet the age requirement.
To qualify, the donation must come directly from the IRA to a public charity, a 501(c)(3) organization like Tennyson Center for Children. Giving to donor-advised funds, private foundations, or supporting organizations is not allowed. (Note, employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s are not eligible for QCDs.) The transfer must be completed by the IRA custodian, ensuring no funds pass through the donor’s hands. Additionally, the donor cannot receive any goods, services, or benefits in return.
Philanthropists should consider QCDs for several reasons. Regular charitable deductions require itemizing and are subject to AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) limitations – typically 60% for cash gifts. On the other hand, QCDs are not reported as taxable income and benefit both those who itemize or use the standard deduction. Making a QCD can lower total tax, reduce additional premiums on Medicare Part B and D, and reduce the taxability of Social Security benefits. This is particularly relevant for taxpayers who must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) as QCDs satisfy RMD requirements without increasing taxable income.
Additionally, QCDs can be part of a well-designed estate plan. By reducing IRA balances during one’s lifetime, QCDs can help minimize potential income taxes for heirs inheriting retirement accounts. Finally, QCDs support causes donors care about while offering immediate tax savings.
QCD donors should keep the following tips and tricks in mind:
- Funds must leave the donor’s IRA account by December 31st to count toward that calendar year. While check writing on an IRA is convenient, donors must be certain the recipient charity will cash the check before year-end.
- Don’t wait until the end of December to process a QCD. Many investment brokers and custodians operate on a ‘best-efforts’ basis near year-end.
- Your investment broker/custodian may not differentiate between a taxable IRA distribution and a QCD on Form 1099-R. It is up to the taxpayer to notify their tax preparer if a QCD was made from an IRA account.
- Tech-enabled giving solutions may save you time. For example, the Colorado Gives Foundation allows donors to consolidate donations to a variety of nonprofits in one flexible, convenient, and secure online platform.
This is not tax advice. When considering a QCD, donors should speak with their financial and tax advisors to ensure it is suitable for their circumstances.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Our garden is blooming once again thanks to the outstanding volunteers from Gay For Good Denver! Their energy, generosity, and green thumbs bring joy, beauty, and healing to our campus each spring—and our children absolutely love it.
This ongoing partnership continues to brighten our space and our spirits. As the Gay For Good team shared, “We enjoy volunteering with Tennyson Center because it allows us to make a positive impact in the community. We believe that children deserve to experience a safe and comfortable space outside.”
We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Gay For Good, for helping create that space year after year!
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS
We had a blast celebrating Earth Day this spring!
Our students got their hands dirty (in the best way) by creating nature-inspired clay pots using magic model clay and treasures they found around campus such as leaves, flowers, twigs, and more. A little messy, a lot of fun, and a beautiful reminder that when we connect with nature, we grow.
ANNUAL REPORT
Each year, children and families turn to Tennyson to begin their journey of healing and transformation. Taking that first step is an act of immense courage and hope—and they deserve to be met with compassionate, high-quality care. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, children recovering from abuse, neglect, and trauma received that support throughout FY24 (October 2023–September 2024).
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
VOLUNTEER
Your support makes a difference and has a direct impact on the lives of those who need us most.
EVENTS
FORE! Our Kids Golf Classic: June 16
Mile High Q & Groove: September 12
1904 Society: Coming Soon!
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