June 8, 2026 - Denver, CO - Today, Tennyson Center…
Tennyson Together: Fall 2026
A LETTER FROM OUR INTERIM CEO
Dear Friends of Tennyson,
It is an honor and a privilege to join you as Interim CEO of Tennyson Center for Children. For more than a century, this organization has stood beside children and families when they needed it most. I step into this role with deep respect for the work that happens here, and with real gratitude for the chance to be part of it.
Many of you may be wondering who I am. For more than twenty years, I have led nonprofit organizations across Colorado and the country, including statewide and national organizations with programs in many communities. Along the way, I have focused on the things that help mission-driven organizations thrive: strategic planning, strong board governance, developing leaders, and building systems that let great people do their best work. I also had the joy of serving on the founding board of Highline Academy Charter School, where I saw firsthand what happens when a community comes together around the belief that every child deserves a place to learn and grow.
That belief is what drew me to Tennyson, and Tennyson’s strengths are real and deep. They live in the dedication of our teachers, clinicians, and community-based teams, in the courage of the children and families we serve, and in the steady generosity and support of friends like you. My focus as Interim CEO is to build on all of it.
In the months ahead, I will be taking a thoughtful look at how we work. That means reviewing and refining our systems, listening closely and learning from our staff, strengthening what is already working well, and making sure our foundation is as solid as it can be. Our core values of being Joyful, Curious, Dependable, Authentic, and Compassionate will guide that work every step of the way.
The goal is simple. When our next permanent CEO arrives, they will step into an organization that is steady, aligned, and ready to move strongly and strategically into the future with vision. The children and families we serve deserve nothing less.
This is a season of building, and we are grateful to have you with us. I look forward to meeting many of you soon. Thank you for believing in Tennyson and for showing up for kids every day.
With gratitude,
Kim Krebs
Interim CEO
COLORADO GIVES DAY
Tuesday, December 8th is Colorado Gives Day and it is easily the best day to give!
Every gift made between November 1st and December 8th is boosted by a $1M+ Incentive Fund. That’s why Colorado Gives Day is a perfect moment to consider an additional gift, above and beyond what you’ve already so generously given this year.
Monthly giving gets an extra boost too. Colorado Gives Foundation will match the first $100 of new monthly gifts you set up during that time.
How to Get Started:
- Visit our donation page at Tennyson Center | ColoradoGives.org
- Select the “Donate” option and then choose the option for either a one-time or monthly gift.
- Your donation will be matched automatically.
With your involvement last year, 175 supporters raised over $215,000 to further our vision that everyone has the opportunity and support needed to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you for making this Colorado Gives Day the most successful yet!
OPERATION GIVING
This giving season, you, your family, or your company can make a lasting impact on Colorado’s most vulnerable children and families through our annual Operation Giving event. Beyond holiday gifts, your support helps provide critical resources for those with IDD or who have experienced trauma and abuse.
Whether donating presents, essential household items, or contributing funds to vital mental health services, your involvement creates a brighter future for these families. Join us in delivering both joy and hope this holiday season.
In 2025, volunteers from Revesco and KeyBank supported our kids and families by delivering, organizing, and wrapping gifts that brought smiles to all the families we serve. Thank you!
TRANSITION READINESS, EMPLOYMENT AND ENGAGEMENT (TREE)
Tennyson’s newest program expansion TREE fills a significant gap for young people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who also have co-occurring mental health challenges — a population that represents approximately 45% of individuals with I/DD. The program prepares participants for competitive, integrated employment (real jobs, real wages at or above minimum wage), independent living, and active community participation. This program is not limited to students who attend or previously attended Tennyson’s school and day treatment program.
What TREE Participants Build:
Life skills: self-care, nutrition, budgeting, cooking, public transportation
Employment readiness: resume development, job applications, interview skills
Employment experience: student-run on-campus beverage stand (expandingto catering and box lunches)
Community engagement through volunteering and recreation
Self-advocacy and self-determination skills
Mental and emotional support: individual, family, and group therapy throughout
“Seeing young people with IDD embracing and enjoying learning critical independent living life skills like cooking, shopping and creating and selling garden products, has been a passion project come to life,” said Djuana Osby, 36 year Tennyson staff leader.
TREE program clients have been hard at work making: pressed flower cards, tea, pesto, and pepper jam and more for their business pop-up activities. They even grew and picked vegetables that were provided to families of our Day Treatment Program at Back to School Night!
CELEBRATING OUR 2026 EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
At Tennyson Center, we are incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding team members who go above and beyond every day to support the children, youth, and families we serve. Congratulations to our 2026 Tennyson Center Parker Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year award recipients! Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on our community and help bring our mission to life.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Parker and Simon families for their generous support of this special celebration and for helping us honor these exceptional staff members.
Staff in Picture: Avrie Davisson, Ellen Ratigan, Evan Miller, Nick Wininger, Chris Lopez, and Hope Pollard were honored to receive the 2026 Tennyson Center Parker Employees and Leaders of the Year Award
DO IT YOURSELF FOR TENNYSON
Looking for a meaningful and personal way to support Tennyson? Our Do It Yourself for Tennyson Fundraising initiative makes it easy to turn your passion into impact. Whether you host a birthday fundraiser, run/walk or bike miles, hold a donation drive, or create a community event, you choose the activity and we’ll provide the tools to help you succeed. Every dollar raised helps children and families heal from trauma and build brighter futures.
Ready to get started? Click here to create your fundraiser today and make your impact.
If you have need staff assistance, please reach out to [email protected]
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are the backbone of the work we do and we could use your help with a fun Halloween opportunity: Trunk-or-Treat with our students on Wednesday, October 28th from 10:30 AM–1:30 PM
Volunteers are encouraged to get creative with their trunk decorations! Whether you go all out with a theme or keep it simple and festive, we’d love to have you join us.
Volunteers will:
- Decorate their vehicle trunk with a Halloween theme (no violent or gory decorations please!)
- Pass out treats and goodies (fidget toys, stickers, temp tattoos, candy, etc) to our 75 students
If you or someone you know would be interested in participating, please reach out to [email protected]
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
Thank you to everyone who came together to make our annual Mile High Q & Groove such a success! Through the dedication of our community, we exceeded $150,000 raised to help children and families heal from trauma and build brighter futures. From dance lessons, to the music, joining in the paddle raiser, and celebrating together, the night was filled with energy and generosity. Your partnership provides critical resources for children and families while demonstrating the extraordinary impact we can achieve when we unite around a shared vision: ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
If you are a planner or your company is making plans for their 2027 support priorities, now is great time to put us on your calendar. Below you will find more information about FORE! and Q & Groove. If want to discuss sponsorship or partnership opportunities, you can reach Kristin Gibbs at [email protected]
2027 FORE
Monday – May 24th, 2027
The Club at Rolling Hills
Golden, CO
2027 Q & Groove
Friday – August 27th, 2027
The Rose Event Center
Golden, CO
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