Welcome to the Colorado State Video page.
Watch these videos and be inspired by ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Colorado begins with an interview of Kari Grady Grossman, Executive Director of Sustainable Schools International. Most people who adopt children from a foreign country don't get involved in the communities of that country. Most people would certainly not fundraise $15,000 to help build a school in that community. Of course, most people aren't Kari G. Grossman. Watch this video of an amazing woman who not only did all of those things, but when she went back and found out that the school she helped build wasn't being used because there was no money to pay teachers and children were dropping out at a rate of 80% she couldn't sit by and do nothing. Sometimes the community we need to help is a global one. Be inspired by one woman's journey to make a difference half way around the world.
Kari Grady Grossman - Stories: If you've watched the interview of Kari G. Grossman, you know all about the amazing work she's doing. Now watch this video and listen to a couple of heartwarming stories in her own words, about the people she's helping. GET INSPIRED!
In Denver, we meet Libby Birky, Co-Founder of the Same Cafe. In this first of a two part interview meet Libby who, with her husband Brad, were working as a teacher and computer consultant respectively and volunteering at soup kitchens. During their volunteering they noticed that certain populations were not using shelters and soup kitchens. Single mothers, the elderly or college students, and the food was often pass prepared and not the freshest. So, taking their entire life savings, they decided to open a safe place for people who needed some food to eat. But that's not all, they also decided to use only organic locally grown food. Yet that too, is not what makes the same cafe so unusual. Watch this video and find out why this restaurant is truly special and you'll see that it's really not the SAME at all.... So All May Eat.
Part II - Brad and Libby Birky, co-founders of the Same Cafe. In this second of a two part interview we're joined by Brad who, along with Libby share some stories and incredible wisdom about the cafe and getting started. Watch and be inspired by two people who had a great idea and have put that idea into action, creating an amazing safe haven of wholesome good organic food... So All May Eat. the SAME Cafe.
Back in Ft. Collins we find a Journey interview of a dozen women from the Junior League of Ft. Collins. The Journey has interviewed several people this year from the Junior League all over this country. We have covered their mission of Volunteerism, Developing the potential of women, and improving community. And although all the women share a common interest of caring about the community in which they live, this video will introduce you to the type of women who join the Junior League. Watch and see how women from all types of backgrounds find the training and support of the Junior League are as invaluable as the service they give to others because of it.
Next we meet Allison Hines, Deb Kahn, Susan Crowe and Trish Roker of the Career Closet. The Career Closet is one of the Signature Projects of the Junior League of Ft. Collins. It helps women who are transitioning into the workforce and cannot afford work appropriate clothing to get the clothes they need in a warm and friendly, upscale-like atmosphere. This is no mere hand-me-down clothing shop. The items donated are top of the line and very often beyond the price range of the clients. Watch this video and see how this project is giving back to the community and paying it forward for the future helping women get back on their feet in style.
Once again we interview Deanna McCrery. A long time member of the Junior League, Deanna talks about her current role as volunteer for the Junior League of Ft. Collins' Able Women's Mentoring Program, one of the Signature Programs for the Junior League this year. Watch this video and listen to someone who came to the Junior League just for a 'break' from her daily life, and who has stayed because of the incredible work the Junior League does in the community. Work that she continues to do does first hand as a volunteer mentor.
In Boulder we find Marianne Leviton. A former NASA employee, after years of using her left brain for most of her career she decided to find something to do for her creative side and so she left her job, moved to Colorado with her husband and became a filmmaker. The change in jobs and move gave her time to ponder life's 'bigger questions" and she found herself trying to find ways that she could give back to the community and the planet. When she saw a friend that she had worked with on several projects going through dialysis, she found her answer. Watch this video and see how one woman is trying to make a difference by educating people on Kidney disease and organ donation with the help of people volunteering their time and expertise to make and independent film and public service announcements. Helping her friend, her community and the country move forward.
Next is an interview of Paula DePre' Pesmen, Executive Director of There With Care. While working in film on the Harry Potter movies, an accidentally routed phone call turned the course of Paula's life around. She found herself in a position to grand some Make a Wish Foundation wishes for terminally ill children but found that as fulfilling as that was, there was a greater need for the children and their families. There With Care, was born from that need. Watch this video of a woman who thought she "had it all", a great job, working on fun films with great people until she found that helping families and children, making a difference in their lives in whatever way they needed was where the real joy of life comes from. Be inspired by someone who left one 'magical' world, and found an even better one
In Arvada we find Kara Richards, Michelle Halvorson, Christopher Davis, Alexandria Graham and LeAnn Larson of The Many Faces of Autism. With two children of her own who are autistic, Kara knows first hand the frustrations and challenges that parents and families go through trying to get help for their children. She soon realized that although children with autism are lumped together by most of society, in fact each child is unique and has difference needs. It was this realization that has spurred her on to write a book in the hopes of helping parents, families, and especially the children with autism. Watch this video and be inspired by someone who simply saw a need and began her own journey to solve that need.
Moving down to Highlands Ranch we meet Jerry Herships. Watch this video of a former bartender/entertainer turned Reverend and see how his unusual Church is doing some pretty spectacular things. Be inspired by one man who five years ago was sitting in a pew wondering if there was another way and now has found it. Although his Church may be less than ordinary, what they're doing to help the homeless in Colorado is nothing short of extraordinary even though it may be extraordinarily simple.
In Englewood we met Molly Wolff. Words, it is often said, have powerful meaning. For Molly Wolff, it was a book, given to her by her neighbor which has so greatly impacted her life. Watch this story of one woman who after reading a book on 'Human Trafficking" was so affected by it that she could not sleep. And so she decided to do something about it. In Molly's case, doing something about it has meant helping to raise awareness about the issue not only globally, but here at home at well. Be inspired by what you can do to help those who fall victim to this 'modern day slavery' where 80% are women and 50% are children.
Finally in Denver is Kimberly Nolan, a lawyer who has decided to follow her passion and started her own company of natural organic skin care products; but her real passion lies in philanthropy. Rather than waiting until her company grew in size to become large enough to make large donations, she decided to find some way to give back and make what little her startup company could afford go the furthest possible. Watch this video and be inspired by one woman taking what she has and making a difference in the lives of many.
In Denver is an interview of Carrie A. Olson. In this PART 1 of a two part interview watch this incredibly teacher as she breaks the stereotype of children of poverty. Through life-changing trips to Washington and Europe, teaching them about genocide and the Holocaust, Carrie is not only expanding the lives of children who would otherwise never have an opportunity to travel outside of their community much less their state, but her impact reaches beyond the children to their families as well. Be inspired by this incredible teacher who is giving so much more to her students than just an education. She is changing the world, one child, one family, one community at a time. (You do NOT want to miss the rest of this amazing story, be sure to watch Part 2 after you see this video)
Colorado concludes with a second interview of Carrie A. Olson. In this PART 2 of a two part interview, the amazing work of this incredible teacher continues. Watch PART 1 to really see what this teacher is doing for the children of poverty she teaches and be inspired by these amazing children and how they can change your perception of the traditional stereotype. You do not want to miss the rest of this story. Watch Part 1 and then watch this part 2.
Below is a form for you to tell us what we might have missed while we were in Colorado.
LET'S RALLY!
Welcome to your Pep Rally page.
This is your spot to tell America everything that rocks about where you live, watch the videos of the people who have inspired us and tell us your ideas for solving your own community problems.
This Journey is about you and about your community. I hope you have enjoyed my visit to your state and that you will be as inspired as I was!
Tell us about your State: Colorado
Why you love where you live?
What is the best kept secret about your State?
What is your favorite attraction or location?
Ideas for solutions in your community?
Who did we miss? Problem solvers and idea generators?
Your Name
Your Email
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IMAGES
STATE VIDEOS
Kari Grady Grossman
Kari Grady Grossman - Stories
The Same Cafe - Part 1
The Same Cafe - Part 2
Junior League of Ft. Collins
Junior League of Ft. Collins - Career Closet
Junior League of Ft. Collins - Mentor Program
Marianne Leviton
Paula DePre' Pesmen
The Many Faces Of Autism
Jerry Herships
Molly Wolff
Kimberly Nolan
Carrie A. Olson - Part 1
Carrie A. Olson - Part 2
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