Philanthro-Picks 2020

This year has been one for the history books, bringing unique challenges to our employees and community. The impact of COVID has been devastating; making it more important than ever that we give back to organizations which help our communities.

At RevGen, we believe in fostering a strong relationship within our community through active engagement with organizations where our employees reside. RevGenerosity, our employee-run philanthropy team, coordinates in-kind and financial support to non-profits delivering services that empower people within our communities so that we may all aspire to be more. Our Giving Cycle focuses on organizations that support underprivileged or at-risk families or youth.

This year the following five organizations were selected as our Philanthro-Picks for their ability to empower people in our communities to aspire to be more.

Environmental Learning for Kids was established by two wildlife biologists who saw a growing need to educate Colorado’s urban youth about science, math, leadership and careers. Today, ELK serves more than 7,000 underserved, urban youth each year through intensive programs and in and after school programs in Denver, Adams, and Arapahoe Counties. Students attend day-long field activities that provide them with an opportunity to grow as individuals and to enjoy the natural world in an educational, adventurous manner. RevGen awarded $5,000 to help fund ELK’s Urban Rangers program, which includes year-round activities, program coordination, educational materials, and transportation.

Colorado Name Change Project is an entirely volunteer run and donation based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of transgender and non-binary Coloradans by assisting with their gender marker and legal name change. RevGen awarded $3,000 to fund microgrants covering legal costs for 10 transgender and non-binary individuals.

STEM Generation provides opportunities for elementary school students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), namely girls and students of color from low-income families, to enter the STEM-workforce pipeline. RevGen awarded $1,500 to facilitate a 3-Project Kit program with a virtual science and engineering fair for up to 250 elementary school students at 5 high-needs Denver Metro public schools. The program includes teacher professional development videos and STEM project kits.

Relief Nursery prevents the cycle of abuse and neglect through early intervention that focuses on building successful and resilient children, strengthening parents, and preserving families. For over 40 years, Relief Nursery has provided comprehensive and individualized support to low-income families with young children. RevGen awarded $1,500 towards their Parents for Recovery program that provides a positive peer group environment that support parents in their substance use recovery through activities and outings that model ways to enjoy time together without substances.

Mercy Housing creates stable communities by developing, financing, and operating affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors, and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities. Services are offered around self-sufficiency, healthcare navigation, mental health, and youth academic support programs to help residents stabilize their lives and build stronger communities. RevGen awarded $1,000 to provide plexiglass dividers and personal protective equipment (PPE) for Mercy Housing’s Out-of-School Time program, allowing youth to come in and access the internet, use devices, and receive tutoring and support during remote learning.