Community Stories

Sharing our stories is what connects and brings us together. Learn more about individuals and families that make up the diverse communities throughout our state.

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Voices From Next Door: On Being Pulled Over

Voices From Next Door shares real life stories about ways race plays a part in everyday life in America.

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Jessica Spizzandre

Jessica Spizzandre talks about her breastfeeding experience while being a mother in her 30s, breaking cycles of trauma, and more.

The Learning Council: Animal Husbandry Educational Series

The Learning Council offered a series of Animal Husbandry classes.

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Marpessa Allen

Marpessa Allen is a mother of four. She discusses her blended family and what she wishes she had known before beginning to breastfeed.

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Jessica Jimmy

Learn how mom of three Jessica Jimmy has successfully breastfed three children.

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Celeste Rios

Learn how doula Celeste Rios is navigating being a mother, her background is a birth worker and advocate, and more!

daily dose 719: Criminal Justice

Southeast Colorado Springs shares how communities need opportunities in order to reduce crime and improve public safety.

TellMeCOS: Janet Brugger shares the greatest challenge for minority businesses

Janet Brugger, President of Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce shares that access is the greatest challenge for minority businesses.

The Learning Council: Arts In Society Youth Mural Project

TLC describes a mural project, led by local high school students and graduates.

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Nyia Milton

Nyia Milton discusses how becoming a mother has taught her to accept help and advocate for herself and her family.

Hunger Through My Lens in Prowers County

Hunger Through My Lens is an advocacy project that shares the stories of Coloradans who have experienced hunger firsthand in Colorado.

'Silent, Scary, and Very Lonely': Larimer County Resident Shares Her Mental Health Story

In "Derailed," Mary Maldonado explores her and her family's history with mental health struggles and the path to deeper understanding.

The Societal Impacts of Redlining Are Still Seen Today

The legacy of racist housing policies continues to impact cities, including Colorado Springs, and contributes to the wealth gap between...

Aurora Family Clinic Shares Signs for COVID-19 Vaccinations, Violates Zoning Laws

P.J. Parmar is a family care doctor in Aurora. He posted banners advertising COVID-19 vaccinations, violated local zoning laws.

You Take What You're Dealt & Make the Best of It - Family's Story Living in Mobile Home in Chafee County

A family shares their story about living in a mobile home in Chaffee County and why the county needs more affordable housing.

Advocating for the Homeless in Colorado Springs

Dennis of Colorado Springs who received support at Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.

Colorado Springs Residents Fight to Revitalize Mayoral Pavilion

Colorado Springs residents are fighting to restore a pavilion, which commemorates the city's first and only Black mayor and vice mayor.

Howard Chou: Equity and Inclusion at the Helm

Howard Chou is the only Asian American to hold an elected political party position in Colorado (Vice Chair, Colorado Democratic Party).

Behind the Numbers: Housing and Homelessness

Charlie, like many Coloradans, has had to rely on various income assistance programs to make ends meet for her and her family.

Behind the Numbers: Long COVID

Sonia details her journey with long COVID and how she navigated illness, financial strain, and missing her family.

Behind the Numbers: Climate Change and Mental Health

Amanda, a Colorado-based therapist, recounts the many effects climate change has had on her patients and their communities in Colorado

Behind the Numbers: Medicaid Eligibility

A Coloradan recounts her story of how she navigated a health crisis following the loss of her Medicaid eligibility.

Behind the Numbers: Insurance and Immigration

Luisa, a young mother, has to navigate life and wellness juggling multiple jobs without health insurance.

My Mother, My Superhero

“My Mother, My Superhero” was created by Project Worthmore.

Denver Food Rescue: Albondigas with Alexis

This story highlights one of the participants in the Healthy Choice Food Box Program and her experience in regard to housing access.

Behind the Numbers: Broadband Access

Broadband access brings important changes to isolated communities such as Silverton, Colorado.

Project Worthmore: A Mother's Hands

A mother’s hands are magic. They heal pain. They are tiny homes in this big world.

Project Worthmore: A Message for World Refugee Day

As long as there are refugees, we will remain a refuge. As long as we keep building this community, we are home.

The Serenity Project Challenges Health Inequity Across Colorado

TSP challenges the varying health equity issues this community of women experiences through a three-pillar yearlong program.

A Dream, a Woman, and a Community

This is a story product from CEC Awardee: Project Protect Food Systems Workers.

Asian Girls Ignite Mother-Daughter Series: Janelle & Janice

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a video project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite: Building Spaces of Belonging and Community

A word from AGI on the necessity of spaces of belonging and community.

Health Inequities — Xavier Saenz

Xavier discusses some of the medical issues trans individuals have been experiencing in Mesa County and how the SDOH impact these issues.

Indigenous Food and Health in Southwest Colorado

This is a story product from CEC Awardee: Southwestern Colorado Area Health Education Center (SWCAHEC).

KGNU Community Radio: Lafayette's MLK March for Peace 2022

The Lafayette Youth Advisory Commission held Lafayette’s 17th annual Martin Luther King Day event on January 19th, 2022.

KGNU Community Radio: Teen Pregnancy Mini Podcast

A student shows how sex education is essential for reducing teen pregnancy.

KGNU Community Radio: Abortion Mini Podcast

This bilingual youth radio production features three teenage Latinas, who discuss and share their opinions about abortion.

KGNU Community Radio: LYAC on Mental Health and Police Teen Relations

LYAC representatives and KGNU youth radio producers Andrea Montiell and Isaiah Williams interview Enihs Medrano and JD Mangat.

Kids on Bikes: Daily Activity

Kids on Bikes: Income

Access to a bicycle decreases dramatically as household income does.

Kids on Bikes: Program Outcome

Within Kids on Bikes’ earn-a-bike program, PE initiatives, and fee-based activities, participants reported that they rode more frequently.

Kids on Bikes: Screen Time

Kids (18 and under) average 7 hours and 38 minutes of 'screen time' each day and just 7 minutes in active play outdoors.

Kids on Bikes: Health and Safety

Only 13% of Colorado kids walk or bike to school today.

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Ronnette's Story

Ronnette, a mother of four, shares her journey of breastfeeding as she continues to nurse her five-year-old, Karsyn.

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Geneva's Story

Neva, a mother of six, discusses her breastfeeding journey starting as a teenager birthing newborn intensive care unit (NICU) infants.

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Melody's Story

Melody, a mother of five, recalls the various differences and cultural norms she navigated during her breastfeeding journey.

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Alex's Story

Alex, a mother of one reflects on the ups and downs and the emotional trauma faced during her breastfeeding journey.

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Evany's Story

Evany, a mother of three, reflects on her breastfeeding journey and the challenges she faced leading to early breastfeeding cessation.

Increasing Health and Opportunity Through Education

This story is a glimpse of a personal education journey.

The Learning Council: Uplifting Diversity & Inclusion

It is part of The Learning Council’s mission to uplift diversity and inclusion and create safe spaces for youth.

The Learning Council: Arbol Farmers Market

The Arbol Farmers Market was started by The Learning Council in 2020 and operates from March through October.

Focus Points: By the Numbers: A Look at the GES Community

Many factors and conditions create barriers for the community members, including availability in housing and transportation.

Focus Points: Supporting Community Members in Learning English

Jose, who lives in the area and grew up in a Spanish-speaking home, was not comfortable with his English-language skills.

Focus Points: Huerta Urbana Farmers Market Offers Pay-What-You-Can Options

Huerta Urbana Farmers Market is a pay-what-you-can market dedicated to increasing food access.

Focus Points: Fatherhood Fest Brings Families Together

The Fall Fatherhood Festival is a car show, ‘trunk’-or-treat, and farmers market.

Focus Points: The pandemic has hit the restaurant business hard. That's creating an opportunity for some immigrant women in Denver.

Comal is a heritage food incubator with a mission to serve as a platform for economic development.

Storytelling as Medicine

Sunny Dooley is a well-known Diné storyteller who believes that stories relay important cultural knowledge.

Culture As Prevention

A story about Indigenous Peer Recovery work on health equity and access to substance abuse recovery programs.

Innovations in Aging Collaborative: Launching a Technology Equity Pilot Program

Friday, April 29th, ISP’s Blue team conducted a prototype session.

The Learning Council: Pride Flags in Paonia

2023 marks the first year that Pride Flags are hanging in the town of Paonia in celebration of Pride Month.

Denver Food Rescue: Omelets with Shaniq

Shaniq, one of the participants of the Healthy Choice Food Box Program, tells her unique story and experience through social context.

Lorena — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

A Denver resident shares a story of how living in a high-pollution neighborhood has affected her health.

Luna and Chris — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

Luna and Chris shed some light on the inequities in health care faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Ruby — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

Ruby sheds a light on the inequities and shortcoming of the mental health system for transgender people.

"Natasha" — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

"Natasha" sheds a light on the importance of reproductive rights for people that can become pregnant.

Introduction to Denver Food Rescue and East Denver Food Hub

Kathryn Ardoin shares with us the story of East Denver Food Hub.

"Lopika" — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

This is the story of a non-binary Nepali-American and their lifelong struggle to overcome barriers to health and happiness.

Denver Food Rescue: Araceli Chicken and Salad Article

Economic stability affects how individuals can provide for themselves and their families, impacts choice, and impacts health.

Denver Food Rescue: Victorie Burrito Article

Here is a look at how transportation barriers, one of the social determinants of health, impacts Victorie.

Convivir Colorado: Immigrant Impact Virtual Art Show

This video highlights some of the art made by our students as we discussed their experiences with migration and its effect on their lives.

Southeast Stories: Solid Rock CDC's Farmer's Markets and Southeast Harvest Festival

Solid Rock CDC's Farmer's Markets in Southeast Colorado Springs offer residents access to food.

Southeast Stories: Solid Rock CDC’s CommUNITY Food Bank

Solid Rock CDC's CommUNITY Food Bank serves Southeast Colorado Springs.

Health Inequities — Dr. Glen Madrid

Dr. Glen Madrid speaks about the changes in medical issues and care in Mesa County throughout the course of his professional career.

Giving Birth in Custody – Rory Couch’s Story

This narrative describes the author's experience of giving birth while in custody.

Elephant Circle - Clifton v. Eubank

Pamela Clifton sued the Colorado DOC for her experiences being pregnant and giving birth while experiencing incarceration.

Asian Girls Ignite Mother-Daughter Series: Melody & Joanne

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a video project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Elephant Circle - Kristina Fedran Testimony

This story describes the author's experience of being wrongfully arrested and separated from her children.

Healing From the Effects of Sexual Trauma Through Cycling

Sacred Cycle has created a series of infographics and a video to outline the devastating effects that sexual assault and abuse can have.

Asian Girls Ignite Mother-Daughter Series: Abby & Filipina

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a video project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Mother-Daughter Series: Emmy, Saige, & Amber

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a video project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Mother-Daughter Series: Kayla & Julia

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a video project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Mother-Daughter Series: Katie & Jennifer

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a video project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Student Spotlight Series: Saige J.

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a blog project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Student Spotlight Series: Elise Y.

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a blog project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Student Spotlight Series: Katie B.

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a blog project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Student Spotlight Blog Series: Sienna G.

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a blog project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Asian Girls Ignite Student Spotlight Series: Janelle A.

AGI has invited mothers and their daughters to participate in a blog project to showcase the diversity of AAPI girls and their mothers.

Birth Justice for Incarcerated Individuals – Tania Ruiz’s Story

She describes her experience with pregnancy, birth, and incarceration.

Health Inequities — Denise Rodriguez

Denise Rodriguez is the advocacy director for the Freedom Institute and she is a caregiver.

An Interview With a Cattle Worker in Colorado

The worker explains how his commitment to supporting his family is central to his life and work.

An Agricultural Worker Gets the Day Off to Get His Vaccine

He explained that the experience was surprisingly positive for him.

How Project Protect Promotores Help Agricultural Workers

This is a story product from CEC Awardee: Project Protect Food Systems Workers.

Convivir Colorado: DACA in Limbo, Again

Art and personal narratives are woven together with facts about DACA.

Convivir Colorado: Marlene's First Generation Dreams

Marlene’s story exemplifies how her parents' hopes and dreams have also been planted in her.

Convivir Colorado: My Mixed Immigration Status Reflections

This story highlights the struggles that American citizens face when they belong to a mixed status family.

Convivir Colorado: Juntos, Vamos a... Collective Poem

Students created a shared poem representative of their reflections and highlighting the power of collective storytelling.

Innovations in Aging Collaborative: Beginning a Technology Equity Pilot

IIAC surveyed 21 residents about their interests when it came to learning about technology.

Innovations in Aging Collaborative: Peak Education & Myron Stratton

Peak Education & Myron Stratton

Ujyalo Foundation: Weaving Identities

The Foundation is a Denver-based nonprofit organization.

Innovations in Aging Collaborative: Aging in the Pikes Peak Region

Innovations in Aging Collaborative, along with Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, launched the Age Friendly initiative in 2016.

Innovations in Aging Collaborative: COVID-19 and Age Friendly

In 2021, IIAC partnered with Dr. Judith Scott, Ph.D., RN, to study the effects of older adults at home during the pandemic.

Amigos de México: Collaborative Work in Data Learning

Amigos de México focused on analyzing the social factors that impact the health of the Latino community.

Ashes to Blossoms: Building an Inclusive and Just Colorado Springs

Ashes to Blossoms focused on analyzing the demographics and health indicators of El Paso County and an El Paso neighborhood.

Cloud City Conservation Center: Reading Proficiency

Cloud City Concervation Center examined data about reading proficiency in Lake County.

CACEN: Bridging Gaps Infographic

CACEN analyzed income, housing, and transportation issues for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander populations...

Cuenta Conmigo Coop: Family, Friends and Neighbors (FFN)'s Mental Health

Cuenta Conmigo focused on researching the needs of informal child care providers, often known as Family, Friends, and Neighbors...

Rocky Mountain Equality - Data Equity

RMEQ explored the availability of data about LGBTQ+ people and their health in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties.

United Way of Morgan County: Housing

United Way explored housing issues in their community, including the need for more affordable housing and renters’ protections.

Ithaka Housing - Low Income Senior Housing in Colorado Springs

Ithaka Housing focused on researching the need and availability for low-income senior housing in Colorado Springs.

Health Inequities — Elvia Chavez

Chavez discusses her child who has down syndrome and the hardships she has had in receiving appropriate treatment and understanding.

Health Inequities — Cathy Ebel

Cathy Ebel is the director of social and emotional learning and behavior support for School District 51.

Frankiana's Story: My Journey to Peer Recovery

This story describes Frankiana Tsosie's personal journey to Peer Recovery.

How Ute Tribes in Colorado Resisted U.S. Boarding Schools

How the Ute Tribes in Colorado resisted U.S. boarding schools, protecting Native culture and identity.

Colorado Has Made It Easier for Native Communities to Vote, but Barriers Remain

Native Coloradans still face obstacles at the ballot box, as reforms meet systemic barriers to voting.

Amy Ruth: Navigating Challenges, Building Community — Exploring the Immigrant Experience in Colorado

Amy Ruth’s journey from Thailand and the struggles and successes of immigrants in Colorado.

Navigating the Rich Tapestry of Colorado’s South Asian Communities for Authentic Engagement

The importance of outreach tailored to the history and culture of specific ethnic or regional communities.

Health Disparities Among Pacific Islanders in Colorado

Health care access, a critical aspect of well-being, poses significant challenges for Pacific Islanders in the Denver metro area.

Putting Denver’s Forgotten Chinatown and the History of Colorado’s AANHPI People in the Spotlight

The important history of Denver’s Chinatown.

After 40+ years, Asian Pacific Development Center continues to provide critical services to immigrants and refugees

The APDC continues to provide integral mental health and other health and social services to the Denver area’s Asian community.

Historical Trauma Against Indigenous People Isn’t Just Historical

Historical trauma continues to impact Indigenous people and communities.

How the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Survived the COVID-19 Pandemic

Colorado’s Dragon Boat Festival survived the pandemic, a celebration of Asian American community and culture.

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Among Indigenous Communities Seen as a Model for Others

Indigenous-led vaccine rollouts in Colorado: a model of sovereignty, trust, and community care during COVID-19.

On the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, a New School Aims to Preserve Culture, Language and Sense of Community

On the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, a new school works to preserve language, culture, and strengthen community ties.

For Indigenous Rights Activists in Colorado, Pandemic Brought Momentum and Pushback

The pandemic fueled Indigenous rights activism in Colorado bringing both momentum and pushback.

Colorado Health Institute Collects Statewide Health Data as National Statistics Are Censored

The Colorado Health Institute surveys over 10,000 households biennially to provide reliable state-level health data amid national data gaps.

Work Options Trains Students at Mosaic Community Campus for Culinary Careers

Work Options trains students in culinary skills at Denver's Mosaic Community Campus, preparing them for food industry careers.

Qualistar ‘Paved the Way’ for Child Care Rating System in Colorado

Qualistar Early Learning shaped the quality and improvement of Colorado's statewide child care rating system.

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Voices From Next Door: On Being Pulled Over

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Jessica Spizzandre

The Learning Council: Animal Husbandry Educational Series

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Marpessa Allen

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Jessica Jimmy

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Celeste Rios

daily dose 719: Criminal Justice

TellMeCOS: Janet Brugger shares the greatest challenge for minority businesses

The Learning Council: Arts In Society Youth Mural Project

Soul 2 Soul Sisters: Nyia Milton

Hunger Through My Lens in Prowers County

'Silent, Scary, and Very Lonely': Larimer County Resident Shares Her Mental Health Story

The Societal Impacts of Redlining Are Still Seen Today

Aurora Family Clinic Shares Signs for COVID-19 Vaccinations, Violates Zoning Laws

You Take What You're Dealt & Make the Best of It - Family's Story Living in Mobile Home in Chafee County

Advocating for the Homeless in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Residents Fight to Revitalize Mayoral Pavilion

Howard Chou: Equity and Inclusion at the Helm

Behind the Numbers: Housing and Homelessness

Behind the Numbers: Long COVID

Behind the Numbers: Climate Change and Mental Health

Behind the Numbers: Medicaid Eligibility

Behind the Numbers: Insurance and Immigration

My Mother, My Superhero

Denver Food Rescue: Albondigas with Alexis

Behind the Numbers: Broadband Access

Project Worthmore: A Mother's Hands

Project Worthmore: A Message for World Refugee Day

The Serenity Project Challenges Health Inequity Across Colorado

A Dream, a Woman, and a Community

Asian Girls Ignite Mother-Daughter Series: Janelle & Janice

Asian Girls Ignite: Building Spaces of Belonging and Community

Health Inequities — Xavier Saenz

Indigenous Food and Health in Southwest Colorado

KGNU Community Radio: Lafayette's MLK March for Peace 2022

KGNU Community Radio: Teen Pregnancy Mini Podcast

KGNU Community Radio: Abortion Mini Podcast

KGNU Community Radio: LYAC on Mental Health and Police Teen Relations

Kids on Bikes: Daily Activity

Kids on Bikes: Income

Kids on Bikes: Program Outcome

Kids on Bikes: Screen Time

Kids on Bikes: Health and Safety

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Ronnette's Story

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Geneva's Story

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Melody's Story

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Alex's Story

The Milk That Built America Reflective Journey - Evany's Story

Increasing Health and Opportunity Through Education

The Learning Council: Uplifting Diversity & Inclusion

The Learning Council: Arbol Farmers Market

Focus Points: By the Numbers: A Look at the GES Community

Focus Points: Supporting Community Members in Learning English

Focus Points: Huerta Urbana Farmers Market Offers Pay-What-You-Can Options

Focus Points: Fatherhood Fest Brings Families Together

Focus Points: The pandemic has hit the restaurant business hard. That's creating an opportunity for some immigrant women in Denver.

Storytelling as Medicine

Culture As Prevention

Innovations in Aging Collaborative: Launching a Technology Equity Pilot Program

The Learning Council: Pride Flags in Paonia

Denver Food Rescue: Omelets with Shaniq

Lorena — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

Luna and Chris — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

Ruby — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

"Natasha" — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

Introduction to Denver Food Rescue and East Denver Food Hub

"Lopika" — Queer Stories: Health Inequities in Colorado

Denver Food Rescue: Araceli Chicken and Salad Article

Denver Food Rescue: Victorie Burrito Article

Convivir Colorado: Immigrant Impact Virtual Art Show