My wife Robin and I have 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren. We built our home in Solterra in 2012. My daughter and her husband, Walter and Averee Heidenreich also live in Solterra only a couple blocks away from us. Walter and Averee have their own businesses, owning Insurance and Financial Planning Agencies, Red Rocks Financial, and Columbine LTD. Our son, Aaron, and his wife Betsy live in Westminster. Aaron works for a digital marketing company, serving nonprofits and political entities and his wife Betsy is a schoolteacher.

After 25 years in the Financial Planning and Insurance Industry, I sold my business 21/2 years ago. I was a regular advertiser and contributor in Stroll during many of those years. I was recently asked by Christ’s Body Ministries ( CBM) to use my years of experience in Financial Planning and come on board as Director of Development. My wife Robin, and I, have financially supported this organization for over 8 years. We have volunteered and headed up several clothing drives for them in our neighborhood over the past few years. I also helped in an initiative during COVID to take the food to the homeless encampments using food trucks. They still serve over 2,000 meals per week using this outreach. So we already had a connection to Christ’s Body Ministries. Coming alongside them to help with Donor Development and Planned Giving Strategies has been a 24 August 2024 natural fit. You might say l came out of “retirement” to build legacy.

Christ’s Body Ministries is a nonprofit that has served the homeless and disenfranchised communities in Denver and surrounding communities for over 30 years. We feed, clothe, offer shower and laundry services, and provide pastoral care. We offer a one-year residential discipleship community for men coming out of homelessness. We also offer transitional housing for men released from The Department of Corrections while they secure housing and employment. All of the financial, clothing, and services are provided through private and business donations and volunteers.

Our most recent fundraiser was our Expanding Generosity Luncheon on July 19. We are in need of additional donors and additional funds. The goal is 20 in ’24, Increase the number of donor partners by 20%, and increase the number of dollars donated by 20% all before the end of 2024. This is why l am here, to spread the news that generosity can make a big difference.

I am proud that CBM has faithfully served the homeless community for over 30 years. They believe in a “hand up” and not just a “hand out” philosophy to make a difference in the lives of those that society has written off for the most part. I am proud we are helping these individuals with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and offering hope to those looking for a way out.

HOW CAN OUR COMMUNITY HELP THE MISSION?

The organization can obviously use funds, one-time gifts, or monthly sustaining gifts. We can use clothing, especially men’s clothing, belts, socks, and underwear. If anyone has special services, like haircutting, or basic grooming services, we can use those skills. We can use “gifts in kind” things like vehicles, appreciated stocks and securities, etc. We also have Planned Giving services for those who wish to discuss any future estate and tax considerations for future giving.

One other thing that we are running short of is volunteers. Nearly every day, there are opportunities to serve food, sort clothing and provide services. Whether you bring a group once a month, once a quarter, or want to serve every week, there is a need for volunteers.

I know there are many charities asking for donations. I know the integrity that Christ’s Body Ministries has in the management of the funds. The need is very large and growing. We can use all the help we can get. If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating please reach out to me at jimsmith@ christsbody.org / 303-669-9701