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Colorado Mountain College
Elevating futures across Colorado’s high country
High in the Rocky Mountains, accessible and affordable higher education is essential for building thriving, resilient local communities. Established in 1967, Colorado Mountain College (CMC) serves the needs of community members across Colorado’s Western Slope. Designed to bridge technical career training with traditional liberal arts education, CMC offers specialized certificates, undergraduate degrees, adult basic education, and lifelong learning opportunities across its 11 mountain campuses. Whether preparing first responders, nurses, and teachers or training the next generation of outdoor industry leaders, CMC empowers students to meaningfully impact their mountain towns and beyond.
“I love getting to work alongside a group of people who all care about the exact same thing—seeing our students succeed,” said Dr. Marc Brennan, vice president and dean of the CMC Vail Valley at Edwards campus. “We do what we do because we believe in the power of education to transform lives, strengthen our workforce, and keep our mountain communities vibrant and sustainable.”
As a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution, the CMC Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the college, contributing to the strength, well-being, and long-term sustainability of both CMC and the region by ensuring postsecondary education remains within reach for every learner.
Alpine Bank helps fuel student success at CMC Vail Valley
Central to CMC’s student-centered approach is addressing essential daily needs so learners can focus on their studies. Partnering with the on-campus Little Bird Deli, the college provides free, healthy meals to qualifying students three times a week — ensuring that food insecurity never stands in the way of academic achievement. For 35 years, Alpine Bank has stood alongside Colorado Mountain College as a steadfast financial partner, actively supporting innovative student success programs like the meal plan, in addition to student scholarships and significant capital campaigns.
“The free on-campus lunch program is a vital example of how CMC supports the whole student,” said Alpine Bank Regional President Mike Brown. “When students have access to warm, nourishing meals every day, they can direct all their energy toward their education and future. For decades, Alpine Bank has been proud to invest in CMC’s mission, from funding student scholarships to backing essential campus programs that strengthen the resiliency of our entire Western Slope community.”
By pairing rigorous academic opportunities with basic-needs support like the meal plan, CMC and Alpine Bank ensure local students have the nourishment and backing required to thrive.
Learn more: To learn more about academic degree programs, community education programs, explore scholarship opportunities, or support student success initiatives at Colorado Mountain College, visit www.coloradomtn.edu.
River Bridge Regional Center
Helping children heal and thrive
For nearly two decades, River Bridge Regional Center has worked tirelessly to prevent child abuse and support young victims and their families across Garfield, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, and Eagle counties. Historically, child abuse victims had to recount their trauma repeatedly to different agencies, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety. River Bridge changed that model by bringing together a coordinated, multidisciplinary team of advocates, medical professionals, and therapists under one roof. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 3,417 children and their non-offending family members.
“Not everyone can do this work. Every day, our staff hear painful stories, yet they show up with empathy, professionalism, and unwavering care,” said Mary Cloud, River Bridge Regional Center’s development director. “It takes a special strength to sit with a child during a forensic interview and create a safe space. It takes heart to walk alongside caregivers through advocacy, and skill for therapists to help children heal from trauma.”
The center’s medical partners, including sexual assault nurse examiners, provide sensitive exams, evidence collection, and specialized treatment during deeply vulnerable moments.
“Our staff are superheroes because they have the courage and resilience to guide children from trauma toward healing,” Cloud added.
A lasting community partnership
Alpine Bank plays an active role in helping River Bridge fulfill its vital mission throughout the region. Beyond financial support, two members of the Alpine Bank team currently serve on the nonprofit’s board of directors and volunteer, while another bank employee previously served on the board.
“The team at River Bridge provides a safe haven and a crucial pathway to healing for children when they need it most,” said Alpine Bank Market President John Stelzriede. “Supporting their mission isn’t just an investment in a local nonprofit, it’s an investment in the safety, well-being, and future of the families in our community.”
“Alpine Bank has had a meaningful impact through both financial support and active partnership,” Cloud said. “As a sponsor of our annual Imagine fundraiser, Alpine Bank helps make it possible to raise critical funds that support families across our region. Their investment directly strengthens our trauma-informed services, advocacy, and healing resources.”
River Bridge also participates in Alpine Bank’s Community Showcase in Glenwood Springs. Each April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the center displays an awareness exhibit at the bank branch to build community understanding around child abuse prevention.
“Alpine Bank is more than a community bank, they are a true champion of community building,” Cloud said. “Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating a safer, more compassionate community for children and families.”
How to help
To learn more about child abuse prevention, explore volunteer opportunities, or make a donation, visit www.riverbridgerc.org.
Ronald McDonald House Greater Denver
Providing comfort, care and hope for families
For nearly 50 years, Ronald McDonald House Greater Denver has provided essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the organization provides more than 35,000 nights of free lodging annually, offering warm meals, hot showers, soft beds, and dedicated play spaces for families navigating serious pediatric medical care.
Supported by 40 staff members and nearly 3,700 volunteers, the nonprofit surrounds more than 100 families each night with compassion during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“I love beginning my day with a cup of coffee in one of our family kitchens alongside moms, dads, and caregivers as they prepare for what may be a challenging day ahead,” said Laura Cordes, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Greater Denver. “In those simple morning moments, I have the privilege of offering a kind word, listening to what is weighing on their hearts, and hearing their gratitude for the care they find here. Those connections are a daily reminder of why this work matters.”
A shared commitment to families
Families traveling long distances for a child’s medical care often face challenges that extend far beyond treatment itself. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Denver, with houses in Denver and Aurora, helps ease that burden by providing lodging, meals and support at no cost.
Community support, including sponsorship of the organization’s signature Storybook Ball, plays an important role in keeping these services available to families throughout the region.
“When a child is facing medical treatment, families should only have to worry about being there for their child — not where they will sleep or find their next meal,” said Jackie Devine, Alpine Bank vice president of community & business development. “Ronald McDonald House Greater Denver creates a true home away from home, providing comfort and support when families need it most. We’re grateful to help support that work.”
The partnership reflects a mutual goal: ensuring that when families return home, they feel more resilient and know their community cares.
“What families feel most is the grace and warmth of our staff and volunteers, who create a seamless, family-centered experience when they need it most,” Cordes said. “We couldn’t do it all without the support of the local community, including partners like Alpine Bank.”
How to Help
To learn more about supporting families during pediatric medical treatment or to get involved, visit ronaldmcdonaldhousegd.org.
TreeTop Child Advocacy Center
Creating a safe haven for local children to speak and heal
Across Colorado’s 5th Judicial District — encompassing Summit, Eagle, Lake, and Clear Creek counties — TreeTop Child Advocacy Center provides a critical, child-centered sanctuary for young victims of abuse. Historically, children in crisis had to navigate a fragmented legal and medical system, telling painful details of their trauma repeatedly to different agencies. TreeTop transformed that process by bringing law enforcement, medical providers, child protective services, and therapists together under one roof, ensuring a child only must share their story once in a calm, supportive environment.
“Knowing that our organization provides children and their families with a safe space to share their story and connect with the resources they need reminds me that we are doing meaningful work in our community for those who need it most,” said Maria Niedenfuer, development and fundraising manager at TreeTop Child Advocacy Center. “Most people don’t realize that forensic interviews are audio and visually recorded, so a child only has to share their story once.”
In addition to forensic interviews, TreeTop delivers dedicated family advocacy and behavioral health support, guiding non-offending caregivers through legal processes and connecting families with long-term resources.
“TreeTop provides a calm, coordinated space where a child’s story is told once and supported with compassion,” Niedenfuer added. “Our coordinated team works together to ensure children are heard, supported, and connected to the care they need.”
A Strong financial and community partner
Beyond relying on Alpine Bank as its primary financial institution, TreeTop partners with the bank to raise essential funds for its regional operations. Recently, Alpine Bank selected TreeTop as a beneficiary for its local Community Shred Day, directing proceeds straight into trauma-informed care and advocacy services for mountain town families.
“The critical support TreeTop provides across our high-country communities is essential for protecting vulnerable children,” said Jamie Dicks, Alpine Bank banking officer, community & business development. “By bringing law enforcement, advocates, and care providers into a unified, compassionate framework, TreeTop ensures children receive the care and dignity they deserve. Alpine Bank is deeply honored to stand alongside them in this work.”
Through community fundraisers like Shred Day and ongoing financial collaboration, Alpine Bank helps TreeTop keep its vital intervention, advocacy, and healing resources accessible to every family in need.
How to Help
To learn more about TreeTop Child Advocacy Center, access family resources, or make a contribution, visit www.treetopcenter.org.
Women’s Outdoors
Transforming outdoor access into genuine belonging
In the heart of the Boulder and Denver Front Range, outdoor adventure is more than just recreation, it is a transformative pathway to self-discovery, confidence, and personal empowerment.
Founded in 1998, Women’s Wilderness has spent nearly three decades creating welcoming, gender-informed spaces where girls, women, and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds can find their place, their voice, and their power in nature. Focusing primarily on women and youth ages 8 to 18, the Boulder-based nonprofit designs year-round backcountry adventures, climbing clinics, and school-based programs that break down financial and social barriers to the outdoors.
“Our superpower is turning outdoor access into belonging,” said Kriste Peoples, executive director of Women’s Wilderness. “A lot of organizations can get people outside. Women’s Wilderness does something deeper; we create the conditions for people to feel safe enough to be seen, brave enough to try, and supported enough to grow.”
From after-school wellness initiatives for newcomer youth to multi-day backcountry retreats, Women’s Wilderness fosters shared leadership, technical skills, and emotional growth. By providing gear, instruction, transportation, financial assistance, and more, the organization ensures that every participant can experience the healing and unifying benefits of the natural world. Additionally, the organization replaces any negative self-talk with powerful messages: “You belong here. You are stronger than you think. Your story matters. Your leadership already lives inside you.”
A lasting Front Range partnership
Over the past six years, Alpine Bank has served as a valued and steadfast partner of Women’s Wilderness, helping strengthen everything from community gatherings and multi-day retreats to school-based programming for girls and non-binary youth.
“Building strong communities means ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to explore, build confidence, and feel supported in the outdoors,” said Chris Maughan, Alpine Bank market president. “Women’s Wilderness does extraordinary work creating inclusive, transformative experiences across the Front Range. Supporting their mission isn’t just about outdoor access, it’s about fostering leadership, resilience, and a true sense of belonging.”
Beyond financial sponsorship, the relationship is built on mutual trust, shared values, and ongoing collaboration.
“Alpine Bank’s knowledgeable staff have built a genuine relationship with our team,” Peoples said. “They know us by name, understand our mission, and consistently serve as supportive thought partners as we grow. Their guidance helps ensure that Women’s Wilderness remains financially sound and well-positioned to expand our impact in the years ahead.”
How to Help
To learn more about outdoor courses, explore upcoming retreats, or support financial aid for youth participants, visit womenswilderness.org.
Goodwill of Colorado
Creating pathways to economic and personal independence
Empowering individuals to overcome significant life barriers requires more than short-term assistance, it demands sustainable pathways to personal and financial independence.
Since 1918, Goodwill of Colorado, based in Colorado Springs, has helped individuals across the state achieve self-sufficiency through targeted education, skills training, and direct job placement. Beyond its familiar retail centers, the nonprofit provides free, comprehensive education and career development programs that equip Coloradans facing complex obstacles, including justice involvement, disability, or long-term unemployment.
In 2024, Goodwill of Colorado opened The Excel Center, our state’s first tuition-free, in-person high school for adults. Located in Aurora, The Excel Center provides its adult learners with support services such as free drop-in childcare, transportation vouchers, career coaching and access to micro-credential certifications designed to help jumpstart their careers.
“Many people don’t realize that Goodwill of Colorado offers free job training, education programs, and direct employment opportunities right here in our local communities to help individuals prepare for a new path forward,” said James Sanchez, director of education and training at Goodwill of Colorado. “Our programs provide participants with the tools, confidence, and practical support needed to rebuild their lives and contribute to Colorado’s workforce.”
By offering tuition-free vocational training, credentialing, and personalized mentorship, Goodwill ensures every participant has a dedicated advocate guiding their journey toward long-term stability.
A shared vision for community growth
Through its sponsorship of Goodwill’s Annual Dinner, Alpine Bank invests in workforce development programs that help individuals overcome challenges to employment and connect with meaningful career opportunities at Goodwill or local community employers.
“Goodwill of Colorado performs transformative work by helping people turn significant personal challenges into new opportunities for growth and self-reliance,” said Matthew Hanson, Alpine Bank market president. “Empowering individuals through job readiness and career placement strengthens not only the participants and their families, but our entire local economy.”
Together, Alpine Bank and Goodwill are working to expand economic opportunities and create pathways to self-sufficiency for individuals and families across the region.
How to Help
To learn more about The Excel Center, free job training programs, career development services, or ways to support, visit goodwillcolorado.org.
