Whittier Neighborhood

Strengthening Neighborhood Grants of 2003

Denver Foundation's Neighborhood Program Partners with Residents

In its sixth year of partnership, The Denver Foundation's Strengthening Neighborhoods Program continues to work with eight North Denver neighborhhoods and Commerce City to support projects that are created and implemented by neighbrohood residents. So far in 2003, Strengthening Neighborhoods has given small grants totaling more than $100,000 for projects that include community organizing, beautification, the arts/ drama, and leadership training. The following grants were made to Whittier residents groups:

Christ for Life Drama Ministry – 2003 Spring Musical – Whittier, $5,000 - This community theater group gathers residents (adults and children) from various northeast Denver neighborhoods to take part in several dramatic plays throughout the year. The group requests funds to defray the costs for their spring 2003 production, the group’s first musical, including rental of performance venue, costumes, technicians for lighting and sound, rehearsal hall rental, and various equipment.

Whittier Drum Project – Whittier, $5,000 - Whittier residents and organizations have completed a series of meetings to discuss the development and implementation of a drumming project that will connect youth and adults to build community and leadership. Four eight-week sessions will teach basic drumming techniques, intro to African and Latin rhythms, and drum circle etiquette. Expenses include stipends for instructors, drums, Spanish translator fees, and food.

Northeast Neighbors for Dual Language Montessori – Whittier, $1,325 – Through a series of public meetings, Whittier neighborhood parents will explore the need for and possibility of creating a public dual language Montessori School in their neighborhood. Expenses include materials, office supplies, and food for the meetings.

Metro Organizations for People - 2003 Mayoral Candidate Forum - Multi, $3,000 – MOP leaders from throughout the Denver metro area created a temporary organizing committee to organize and host the first combined, or federated, action in MOP’s history: a candidates’ forum for all seven of the contestants in the Denver mayoral race. The event was held on April 29, and was attended by over 700 residents from Strengthening Neighborhoods partner communities. Funds were used to pay for rental of simultaneous translation equipment for the 300+ participants who were monolingual Spanish and Vietnamese speakers, and for rental of buses to bring residents to the meeting, which was held in Northeast Park Hill.

For more information on these grantees or their projects please contact LaDawn Sullivan @ (303) 300-1790 ext. 118 or lsullivan@denverfoundation.org.

Please visit the The Denver Foundation website - www.denverfoundation.org