| Neighbors Helping Neighbors

We are December’s “Non-Profit of the Month” at Rayback Collective!

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:19:00 GMT

Canyon Cares is honored to be selected as December’s “Non-Profit of the Month” at Rayback Collective ! Rayback Collective is Boulder’s only food truck park and full bar, tap house, coffee shop, event space, pup zone, backyard, and whatever else you make it.

There is something for everyone at the Rayback with their rotation of food offerings, unique community events, artwork, trivia and more!

Here’s how it works: Click the donate button when you close out your tab and donate $1, $3, $5 or an amount of your choice. See you at Rayback’s!

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Ready, Set, Snow!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:54:00 GMT

“Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation,” wrote Sinclair Lewis. No one appreciates that little pearl more than we mountain dwellers. Maintaining our homes and vehicles for winter weather is essential for safe mountain living. Is your vehicle ready for winter road conditions? How’s your firewood supply? What’s your propane level? Canyon Cares can help anyone who meets our financial aid criteria with expenses related to winter preparation.

We also assist with bills related to rent or mortgage, utilities, well-pump or boiler repair, medical bills, and other similar living expenses. If you have an urgent need, have exhausted all your financial resources and cannot cover these expenses, Canyon Cares may be able to help.

In addition to financial aid, Canyon Cares often connects clients to additional sources of support. For example, the Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors, and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Applications for the 2025-26 season begin November 1. Visit chhs.colorado.gov/leap to learn more. We also have established relationships with other non-profit organizations in the Peak-to-Peak region, where we can refer clients for further resources.

We know that the recent tragic fire in Nederland will surely create financial hardship for many of the business owners and their employees. If the Caribou Village Shopping Center fire has directly impacted you or someone you know, please know that Canyon Cares is here to offer support.

Visit CanyonCares.org for more information about how to apply for assistance.

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Canyon Cares: A short term emergency safety net

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 16:01:00 GMT

Consider this: A family’s vehicle needs repair. The family can’t afford the repair and lose their only means of transportation to work. They lose their job and income to pay for necessities like rent, food, and utilities. This is the pathway into homelessness for many people, and an example of how addressing an initial financial shortfall proactively by tapping into community resources like Canyon Cares can prevent a small financial crisis from turning into a major issue down the line. Think of Canyon Cares as a short-term, emergency safety net.

Established in 2006 by a few canyon residents, the purpose of Canyon Cares is to help folks with unexpected financial demands such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs, utility bills, mortgage or rental assistance, and more. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded by a combination of grants, individual donors and various corporate support. Our service area spans Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, Ward, Rollinsville, Black Hawk, Central City, and unincorporated Gilpin County.

A client recently described their experience with Canyon Cares after relocating to Nederland for a fresh start with their young children after fleeing an abusive domestic situation. “I went to a shelter for domestic violence survivors in southern Colorado with nothing but my two kids and a backpack. My mother has serious health issues and my father passed away, so I knew that family assistance wasn’t an option. This was all on me. After applying to several Section 8 properties, I ended up in Nederland. It can be hard to ask for help, but when it’s in the best interest for your family, there’s sometimes no other option.”

When asked what advice they would give to someone who is facing a similar financial crisis right now, they said, “First thing to do is to forgive yourself. Second is to evaluate your options, make a plan and take action. Find whatever it takes within yourself, no matter how small, to move forward with your plan every day.” With assistance from Canyon Cares to purchase safe snow tires, plus other local resources for housing and vehicle repairs, this client was able to continue their education online, complete an internship with Bouder County, and will earn an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Health from Pueblo Community College next month. “I am extremely grateful to Canyon Cares for supporting me when I needed it most. I have lots of goals for the future and now feel like I’m on stable ground to pursue them. I’m proud of myself and I want to set a good example for my kids,” said the client.

In 2024, Canyon Cares provided $142,738 in assistance, made possible in part by the generous sustained support of local businesses like United Power and Indian Peaks Ace Hardware. “United Power Round Up Foundation is pleased to partner with Canyon Cares,” stated Foundation Chair Dale McCall. “United Power’s foundation provides quarterly grants to Canyon Cares, who utilizes these funds to help members who need assistance with basic needs. Canyon Cares has been a very responsible steward of our donations, and we are proud of the impact these funds have made on the lives of individuals and families in the canyon.”

“We have been glad to support a great organization like Canyon Cares that aligns so closely with our core values of community and service. They truly have an impact on our mountain community,” said Kalina Culver, Owner of Indian Peaks Ace Hardware.

Support for Canyon Cares strengthens the fabric of your community. You can make an individual one-time donation or set up a recurring monthly gift. Check to see if your employer has a Matching Gift program that could maximize your giving. To learn more about how you can support Canyon Cares or apply for assistance, visit www.CanyonCares.org .

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Be the Change You Wish to See

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 15:58:00 GMT

Are you often overwhelmed by current events? Are you at a loss for how you can affect positive change? Do you feel like your contribution won’t matter, so what’s the point? I promise that your contribution matters to Canyon Cares.

The purpose of Canyon Cares is to help folks who are struggling to cover living expenses due to unforeseen hardship, such as job loss or a healthcare crisis. We can assist with medical expenses, vehicle repairs, utility bills, mortgage or rental assistance, and more. Canyon Cares serves Nederland, Ward, Rollinsville, Black Hawk, Central City, and unincorporated Gilpin County residents. Established in 2006 by a few canyon residents, Canyon Cares is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization operated by a board of volunteers who review applications for emergency assistance and connect applicants to other helpful community resources as needed.

In 2024, Canyon Cares received $130,697.50 in revenue from a combination of grants, business and corporate donations, and individual gifts. Last year, half of Canyon Cares’ annual revenue came from individual contributions from generous neighbors like you.

There are lots of affordable ways to support Canyon Cares:

King Soopers Community Rewards: Earn for Canyon Cares every time you shop

Login at KingSoopers.com (If you do not have a card, just pick one up on your next visit and create your free account online to access coupons and the Community Rewards program).
From the top of the page, click on the “Save” tab and select “King Soopers Community Rewards” from the drop-down menu.
Click the “Enroll Now” button.
In the search box, type “Canyon Cares” and hit search.
To verify you found the correct organization, you should see the organization number “LF829” listed underneath the name.
Click the “Enroll” button.
You’re finished!

License Plate Frames: Show ‘em your community pride

Canyon Cares sells Coal Creek Canyon and Gilpin County license plate frames for $10. They are available for purchase at the Coal Creek Canyon Coffee Shop and the Canyon Cares booths at the CCCIA 4 ^th of July event and the Gilpin County Fair.

Planned Giving: You can’t take it with you

If you would like to add Canyon Cares to your estate plan, donate securities, or make any other donation arrangements, please email aid@canyoncares.org or leave a voicemail at 720-515-1129, and we will contact you directly.

Follow Us on Facebook: Stay in the loop

Keep an eye out for postings about special events to benefit Canyon Cares and be sure to share!

The post Be the Change You Wish to See appeared first on | Neighbors Helping Neighbors .

Chuck Berginc’s Journey from Symphony to Service

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:43:00 GMT

Meet Chuck Berginc, a distinguished former principal trumpet for the Phoenix Symphony and Chautauqua Symphony and the current treasurer at Canyon Cares, a nonprofit organization deeply rooted in the Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, and Gilpin County communities.

His venture into community service marks a significant shift following his and his wife Cindy’s retirement and relocation to Coal Creek Canyon, a deliberate choice for its closeness to friends and family and the quiet beauty of the mountains.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Berginc joined the Canyon Cares board as he recognized a chance to contribute meaningfully to the community. The treasurer plays a key role since Canyon Cares provides emergency financial support to area residents. As treasurer of Canyon Cares, he undertakes a critical function, managing the nonprofit’s finances with precision and care. This role is particularly challenging given that Canyon Cares relies solely on private donations. Berginc’s expertise in financial stewardship ensures that contributions are meticulously tracked and utilized efficiently, a trust the community and donors bestowed upon him.

His duties extend beyond the spreadsheet. He engages directly with residents in need, offering a firsthand perspective on the direct benefits of Canyon Cares’ work. This aspect brings a human element to his day-to-day responsibilities, including coordinating with fellow volunteer board members and managing intricate financial records and reporting. Despite these challenges, Berginc’s methodical approach ensures the organization can continue providing support, especially as it grapples with increased demand and the inflationary pressures affecting the economy.

Chuck’s transition into this role showcases the profound influence retired professionals can have on local communities. His commitment extends beyond his post-retirement fulfillment; it’s a testament to how individuals can leverage their skills and time to fortify community welfare. His dedication to Canyon Cares is an inspiring story of service and a call to action for others to consider how they might use their talents for the greater good in their communities.

To learn more about Canyon Cares, visit www.canyoncares.org

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A Warm Embrace Through LEAP

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 21:38:00 GMT

In the face of Colorado’s chilling winters, financial constraints can turn the joy of snowfall into a battle against the cold. However, the state-sponsored Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) provides a crucial lifeline.

LEAP, a federally funded initiative, extends financial aid to eligible Colorado families, seniors, and individuals, covering a portion of their winter home heating costs.

This program operates from November through April, aiding in heating cost payment, equipment repair, and replacement of inoperable heating tools. Canyon Cares does its best to amplify this program so that every household we serve can enjoy warmth and comfort despite their financial hurdles.

Eligibility for LEAP is primarily income-based, with the threshold set at 60% of the state median income. The exact benefit amount varies depending on several factors, including the primary heating fuel costs and income. Applicants must also provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S., with specific identification requirements detailed on the LEAP website. Find out more here – https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap

Applying for LEAP is a streamlined process, with applications accepted between November and April. Prospective applicants can apply online, download an application form, or request a paper application. In case of a heating emergency, a phone call to 1-866-HEAT-HELP initiates the application process. The website offers a comprehensive checklist ensuring applicants submit all necessary documentation, expediting the approval process.

Canyon Cares plays a role in connecting eligible individuals with LEAP, providing information. This collaboration mirrors a broader ethos of community care, ensuring everyone has a warm and safe winter.

While we have no official partnership with the program, we feel that spreading the word this time of year embodies a community standing together against the grasp of financial hardship. With every approved application, the warmth spreads, symbolizing hope and shared resilience in the face of adversity.

For those seeking to secure assistance through LEAP, visit the Colorado Department of Human Services website or contact Canyon Cares for guidance. Together, we can ensure that no Coloradoan is left out in the cold.

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Emergency Preparedness: What to Do When Financial Crisis Strikes

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 20:13:00 GMT

At best, life is an unpredictable journey. Financial emergencies present themselves as sudden and unwelcome setbacks for sure. Whether it’s unexpected medical costs, job loss, or a natural disaster, these financial crises can throw our lives off balance.

The key to facing these challenges lies in preparedness. At Canyon Cares, we do our best to equip our community with the knowledge and resources necessary to weather these financial storms.

Understanding Financial Emergencies

Financial emergencies are unexpected events that demand immediate financial attention. They could be anything from sudden health issues to abrupt home repairs or unanticipated job loss.

Mountain living presents a special set of circumstances as these emergencies can be even more profound, complicated by factors such as limited access to resources, seasonal employment, and the impacts of a changing climate.

Being prepared for these emergencies does more than offer financial protection; it offers peace of mind and the ability to rebound more quickly when life throws its curveballs.

The Importance of Financial Preparedness

Financial preparedness is a form of self-empowerment. It requires a certain level of financial literacy, including understanding how to save, budget, and manage debt effectively. These skills offer the ability to navigate life’s ups and downs with increased security and less stress.

The Colorado Department of Education offers a host of training resources related to financial planning – more here

Steps to Prepare for Financial Emergencies

Building an Emergency Fund

At the heart of financial preparedness is an emergency fund. This is a separate savings account to cover living expenses for at least three to six months in the event of a crisis. It might seem daunting, but start small – even saving a little from each paycheck can add up over time.

Creating a Financial Contingency Plan

A financial contingency plan is your financial roadmap when crisis strikes. This includes a clear list of all your resources, monthly obligations, and non-essential expenses that could be reduced or eliminated.

Investing in Insurance

Insurance, while sometimes overlooked, is a critical tool in managing financial risk. Homeowner’s, health, and car insurance can protect against substantial financial loss, ensuring you’re covered when unexpected events occur. (In many cases these basic forms of insurance are required.)

Diversifying Income Sources

Depending solely on one source of income can be risky. Diversifying your income, whether it’s through part-time jobs, freelance work, or even a home business, provides an additional financial cushion when needed.

Practicing Mindful Spending and Saving

Knowing where your money goes can help you identify areas where you could save. Prioritize your spending on needs over wants, and remember that small savings can accumulate into a significant amount over time.

How Canyon Cares Helps During Financial Emergencies

At Canyon Cares, we understand that financial emergencies can still be overwhelming even with preparation. That’s why we’re here to provide a safety net for our community. We offer emergency financial support to our residents during tough times, ensuring they have the means to afford necessities such as housing, medical care, and food.

Through our assistance, provided through local donations, we’ve seen firsthand how a bit of financial help can make a big difference. For instance, we’ve helped many local families keep their homes warm during harsh winter months, helped get cars repaired so their owners could stay employed, and provided essential medical aid to elderly and parents in need. Our door is always open to anyone facing a financial crisis.

Navigating a financial emergency can be challenging, but being prepared can make all the difference. Start with small, manageable steps – whether it’s setting aside a few dollars into an emergency fund, cutting down on non-essential expenses, or exploring secondary income streams. Remember, resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about preparing and empowering yourself to face adversity head-on.

At Canyon Cares, we are committed to walking this journey with you. In times of financial turmoil, remember that you’re not alone – your community is here, ready to lend a hand when you need it the most.

We encourage you to share this information with others in the spirit of togetherness. Financial preparedness isn’t just a personal task; it’s a community endeavor. And as always, if you’re able to donate to Canyon Cares , your contributions will go a long way in strengthening our community’s capacity to weather any financial storm.

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Someone is in Crisis. You Want to Help Learn How!

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:48:00 GMT

Did you know that Colorado has the sixth-highest suicide rate in the U.S.? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition. Many of us feel ill-prepared to talk to someone about their mental health challenges because we’re afraid we’ll say the wrong thing and only make matters worse. The truth is that the more we know about the realities of mental illness and local resources, the more likely we are to offer assistance to someone in crisis and connect them to helpful support. Help that could possibly save someone’s life.

In recognition of September as National Suicide Prevention Month, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training will be provided on September 7, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Coal Creek Canyon Community Hall, 31528 CO-72, Golden, CO 80403.

Think of MHFA as CPR for mental health concerns. Just as CPR teaches lay people how to respond to someone experiencing a cardiac event, MHFA teaches you how to provide basic assistance to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Participants will learn to recognize signs of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal ideation, use the MHFA 5-step action plan, and connect with various local and national resources to support mental wellness and recovery.

Everyone can benefit from MHFA training. Its curriculum is designed to provide helpful tools to people who are not mental health professionals so they are better equipped to support someone experiencing a mental health challenge. “I was so fortunate to take the Mental Health First Aid class a few years ago. It provided me with the extra strategies and tools to use for my mental health journey and the population I was working closely with. The knowledge and insight I gained has really paid off for me,” said Linda Martin, former director of Wee Creekers in Coal Creek Canyon.

This course is provided free of charge, however, registration is required. Drop-ins are not permitted. Visit MHFACO.org, click on Find A Class to locate the September 7 class in Coal Creek Canyon, or go directly to https://www.mhfaco.org/find-a-class/attend/1655.

Lindy Lewis is a board member of Canyon Cares Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor

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Enrich Your Legacy and Empower Canyon Cares through Thoughtful Estate Planning”

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 21:35:00 GMT

The magic of giving lies not just in the act itself but also in how it’s done. Canyon Cares, a lifeline of financial hope for area residents, functions on various financial donations, with planned giving rising as a powerful support instrument.

Let’s delve into what planned giving entails to make the art of giving clearer. Often woven into a donor’s estate planning fabric, these gifts can be stocks, real estate, personal property, life insurance, retirement benefits, or even cold hard cash. Delivered during your lifetime or posthumously, these donations can create lasting ripples of change.

Recent planned gifts allowed Canyon Cares to widen its reach and expand the areas we serve. Now, we stand ready to accept contributions of stocks, personal property, and proceeds from life insurance or retirement plans.

Planned gifts allow us to better meet the growing demand for our service and act as pathway for those eager to donate stocks, bonds, and the like, offering tax benefits to donors. There are many reasons to target the fourth quarter for a gift, but now is the perfect time to start discussing this with your financial advisors as there can be some documentation to consider.

You might ask, but why include a planned gift in your estate plan? The answers are plentiful.

Craft your legacy: Planned giving opens doors to creating a lasting testament for you and your family. More than just a donation, it’s a tribute to your values and a means to immortalize your impact on causes that matter to you.
Amplify your impact: While annual donations and grants are the lifeblood of any non-profit organization, planned gifts can act as a catapult, launching an organization’s mission to unprecedented heights. With your lifetime of appreciated assets, we could empower those in need for years to come.
Harvest tax benefits: Aside from the inherent good, planned giving vehicles such as Charitable Remainder Trusts and Qualified Charitable Distributions come with significant tax perks. Not to be mistaken for a tax expert, I do recommend discussing these potential benefits with a seasoned estate professional.
Tailor your contribution: A planned gift is a contractual agreement. This means you can dictate how your donation is used, allowing you to champion specific aspects of our mission that you hold dear.
Pay it forward: Finally, planned giving allows you to reciprocate an organization’s support. If you or a loved one has been a recipient of aid, a planned gift can be a way to say ‘thank you’ and pass on the blessings.

As a proud 501(c)3, Canyon Cares invites you to explore how your planned gifts could enrich our mountain community and power our mission. Let’s weave a legacy of care and support together.

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Addressing the Long-Term Financial Needs of Small Mountain Communities

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:43:00 GMT

The small mountain communities in Colorado, such as Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, Rollinsville, and Ward, are some of the state’s most beautiful and unique places. However, they also face various challenges, including limited job opportunities, a lack of affordable housing, and the impacts of climate change.

While emergency financial support such as that provided by Canyon Cares can provide critical assistance in times of crisis, it is not a long-term solution to these complex issues. To truly address the long-term financial needs of small mountain communities, a range of strategies is needed.

One of the biggest challenges facing small mountain communities is a lack of economic diversity. Many small mountain towns rely heavily on winter and summer tourism, which is unpredictable and seasonal. Many residents struggle to find stable employment and rely on low-paying service jobs.

One of the most potent strategies for promoting economic diversity is to support the development of small businesses. This can include providing access to funding and resources for entrepreneurs and promoting local businesses through tourism and marketing efforts. Small mountain communities can create more stable employment opportunities and strengthen their local economies by supporting the development of a diverse range of businesses.

Another strategy for promoting economic diversity is to invest in job training programs. Many small mountain communities have limited access to education and training opportunities, making it difficult for residents to acquire the skills needed for high-paying jobs. By providing job training programs, such as those currently provided by the Colorado Workforce Centers (cdle.colorado.gov/wfc) that focus on in-demand industries such as healthcare or technology, small mountain communities can help residents gain the skills needed to access higher-paying jobs and build more stable careers.

An often-unintended consequence of relying on tourism is that affordable housing becomes an even greater issue. Many residents struggle to find housing that is both affordable and close to their workplaces. This leads to long commutes and a range of other challenges. As a side note, automobile repair and rent payments are the two largest categories of financial support provided by Canyon Cares.

One potential strategy for promoting affordable housing is to provide funding for affordable housing developments. This can include supporting the development of new affordable housing projects and rehabilitating existing housing stock to make it more affordable. By investing in affordable housing, small mountain communities can ensure that all residents can access safe and affordable housing options.

Boulder County has several programs that address this issue. (bouldercounty.gov/families/housing/affordable-rentals/)

Another strategy for promoting affordable housing is to support the development of alternative housing options, such as tiny homes or co-housing communities. These alternative housing options can provide affordable and sustainable housing options for residents who may not be able to afford traditional housing options. By promoting alternative housing options, small mountain communities can provide a range of housing options that meet the needs of all residents.

Nyland is a cohousing community of 42 private homes in a rural setting outside Boulder, Colorado. (www.cohousing.org/directory/nyland-cohousing)

Finally, the impacts of climate change can’t be understated here. Our communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including wildfires, droughts, and floods. Investing in sustainable infrastructure and practices is important to address these issues.

One potential strategy for promoting sustainable infrastructure is to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. By investing in renewable energy, small mountain communities can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future.

Another strategy for promoting sustainable practices is to invest in sustainable transportation options, such as bike or pedestrian infrastructure. By promoting sustainable transportation options, small mountain communities can reduce their carbon footprint and promote healthier and more active lifestyles.

Since 2010, United Power has invested heavily in solar and other renewable energy options. (Find more here – www.unitedpower.com/innovating-energy)

Addressing the long-term financial needs of our mountain communities requires a range of strategies. This article does not attempt to suggest that any of the above strategies are not known or being considered; however, as a board member of Canyon Cares, we see first-hand the struggles that many of these issues present for area residents.

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