Littleton Nonprofits and Charities

I came across The Chelsea Hutchinson Foundation shortly after receiving our 8 year old daughter’s epilepsy diagnosis in February of this year while browsing the Epilepsy Foundation website for information about seizure alert dogs. I had reached out to them inquiring for information on how to determine if our daughter was a good candidate for a dog. Within hours, I already received a response back from Julie, whose story I had read about on their foundation website. I was truly surprised, and honored, to hear back so quickly, especially considering it was late in the evening. Julie was so helpful in providing information, links, reference materials and guidance they have historically provided related to dogs and then even went above and beyond to suggest other seizure monitoring devices we could consider. Only weeks later, we had our device in our home and it has given us such a peace of mind. They have imprinted our lives and I cannot wait to get more involved with this amazing org!

I'm an Assistant Professor at Beloit College and was attending the Association of American Biological Anthropology's 2026 Annual Meeting in Denver from March 18th - March 20th. I was so delighted to be able to take a break and meet Eddy, Merle, and Finnegan! I had presented my research that morning and was tired and ready for a break when Denver Pet Partners had their session to meet and greet the dogs. Most of the breaks during conferences are still opportunities to network and talk to colleagues, so it was such a pleasure to get to take an actual break that was relaxing instead of constantly being "on" at a conference. The dogs and their owners were so lovely! Everyone was so welcoming and it was so relaxing to get to spend some quality time with them.

Compassion & Choices is incredibly transparent, fiscally responsible, and effective on so many levels. They have helpful toolkits and planning resources for anyone to use, and their progress to increase end-of-life options and improve care is helping individuals and families access the care that aligns with their values.

Dawg Nation Hockey has been helping hockey players and their families in a movement of kindness and decency that is filling a huge void. It brings together the spirit of sportsmanship with help. Many times I’ve seen them provide big checks to people in the worst of times, surrounded by people there to show that hockey players are really one big, tight group. <br>Kudos to Marty Richardson for his selfless leadership and devotion to a mission that has made a critical difference in so many lives. Their overhead is low and their aspirations to do good things, sky high.

Everyone who comes to The Right Step, Inc. is warmly welcomed and genuinely cared for by the exceptional staff and volunteers, who also give the best possible care to the therapy horses. This small nonprofit is making a big impact on the lives of the clients who eagerly participate in adaptive horsemanship program. <br> <br>EquuStyle Art and Travel magazine was proud to feature The Right Step, Inc. in the premier Winter 2023 issue and continues to support this amazing organization!

It breaks my heart to write this review. I have been scared to share my story for fear of retaliation from Zuma’s founder. Ultimately, I decided to share my experience in the hope that others will be able to make an informed decision before becoming involved with Zuma’s. <br> <br>I was involved with Zuma’s as a volunteer and riding student for over a year. I believed in Zuma’s mission and volunteered countless hours with Zuma’s. I did everything from mucking paddocks to participating in fundraising and event planning. <br> <br>Unfortunately, the cracks quickly became apparent. Zuma’s lacks the financial resources, staff, and volunteers to provide adequate care and training for 70+ horses. Zuma’s calls itself a rescue, but it would be better viewed as a forever sanctuary/hoarding situation. Rescues typically focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for animals. Zuma’s is different because they do not typically allow adoptions, meaning the horses are at Zuma’s for life. The founder allows very few adoptions per year (typically less than 5) and usually only adopts to her close friends. Many qualified staff, volunteers, and riding students expressed interest in adopting horses and were not even given an opportunity to apply. The only adoptions have been to their close friends. It is so sad to me that the quality of the horses’ care at Zuma’s has greatly declined due to lack of resources, and yet they will not allow adoptions to loving, qualified homes. The horses deserve more than being part of a hoarding situation. <br> <br>The horses do not receive enough training to be safe enough for riding students to ride and handle. In order to be safe to ride, the rescue horses need more training and attention to detail than Zuma’s is capable of providing at their current herd size. <br> <br>Zuma’s also has incredibly high staff turnover. They do not value, respect, or compensate their staff and therefore many of them leave after only a few months. They also don’t pay people on time, leaving them in a difficult position financially. It is heartbreaking to see motivated staff leave due to mistreatment. <br> <br>My final “breaking point” with Zuma’s was when I discovered that the horse I sponsored via monthly recurring donation was not receiving adequate care. I spent hundreds of dollars to sponsor the horse and he was underweight and in pain. I raised my concerns with Zuma’s staff and Jodi several times without success. It broke my heart that the horse I bonded with was not being properly fed and cared for, despite my generous monthly donation specifically for his care. <br> <br>I hope that Zuma’s will take steps to improve the quality of care that the horses and staff receive. I think about the horse I cared for often and my heart breaks that I will never get to see them again. Once you step away from Zuma’s, even on good terms, you will not be welcome to return. This has consistently been the experience of all of my friends from Zuma’s as well. It is a toxic environment due to management. <br> <br>Hopefully this review helps you better understand Zuma’s. I wish it wasn’t the case.

In the beginning, as a parent looking for healing for my daughter; I thought we found the solution. Instead I found that even though this is a different set up than other residential treatment centers, it was the same. They used shaming techniques, they let my daughter know she wasn’t wanted, and used isolation; just some of their “teachings”. The counselor and “mom” even did birthing therapy—you know the one that’s illegal to do cause of a death that happened. They just renamed it. I was not able to talk with my daughter privately, all communication was listened to and controlled. My daughter was constantly told, that we don’t want her and that we were happier she was gone. Oh, I did see another child, while we were at a therapy session—he was sitting in a dark room, with his head against the wall. He hadn’t done anything wrong—this was his quiet space. We needed help with our daughter, they played on that and that in and of itself is unforgivable. My daughter was highly medicated and didn’t trust us. This was not family based therapy and it did hurt the family. Since a therapist recommended this place, we thought it was good—it wasn’t. I would not send my child here. I wish I had never heard of this place. And since they keep changing their name, I would be concerned as to why.

192 points <br> just now <br>I could give them a zero, I would. If i could give a -10, I would. I have adopted from here before and it was an OK experience… Just OK. I’ve also donated my dog food, my strollers, my beds, my blankets, my wheels for a disabled dog, etc. etc. etc. I’ve been here every day for a week waiting for a dog that was going to be available at noon today. Please note that I was told over and over by several staff members volunteers/staff could not adopt a dog until it was available to the public. Policy was CRYSTAL CLEAR… Dog was not theirs until yesterday and yesterday she would have surgery. No visitation from anyone yesterday. Dog would go online as available today at 9 AM today. Please note it is now 11:14a and the dog never went available online, so I just arrived physically here early before noon opening. I was told dog not here because a staff member adopted yesterday and it went home yesterday. Whaaaaat? Asked to see a manager. “Manager” Stephanie firmly stated “no, dog is here and has not been adopted.” I was thrilled and said great I want to come in and fill out an application. She then told me it was in the process of being adopted at the moment - BEFORE opening and BEFORE it went online (told policy) and BEFORE they even opened. I was told times this week that if multiple people are interested in a dog that there is a lottery and an application process, best home chosen. Please beware - do NOT fall for a dog or listen to anything you are told…lies. Fact - staff CAN (and will) swipe them right out from underneath you whenever they choose - and management could care less. Truth. I have always adopt dogs and have completely lost faith here at this facility that I have recommended to so so so many people. I do, however, keep faith that there are so many places in town to rent dogs… So many amazing places not only private institutions, but dumb, friends, league, and others… They run their facilities, professionally & ethically. Let me repeat… Management could care less. I asked to see the “Managers” Manager, but apparently she lives on another planet and does not communicate via phone and is <br>Not available to the public or her staff. Very unfortunate situation.

10 years and counting! That's how long I've been with this NGO. We are so close you could say we're family. Working side by side with those who care about long-term needs and not just the immediate has been a Joy and a blessing. May there be many more beautiful years of the same heart-filled work!

Pandas International is such a great organization. Having the opportunity to see pandas first hand in China, has given me a deep appreciation into such wonderful animals. Pandas International, in particular, is part of their success. They do such a wonderful job with community outreach and keeping individuals informed on the progress that has been made into helping these pandas survive and thrive for generations to come. It is organziations like Pandas International that I am happy to be apart of and are fortunate that they exist.

This wonderful rescue will always hold a special place in my heart! They matched my family with our PERFECT furry family members not once but twice! Volunteers at all levels here are amazing, kind, compassionate, and intuitive. Michelle is one of the best there is anywhere. Adopt from here if you can, you won’t regret it!

Prior to my first trip to Haiti with CWO founder Dean Yoder, my wife was worried about the trip. It was just before Christmas in 1981 and she was concerned it would change me and ruin our Christmas. And she was right, but only about the first part. I was 20 years old and God changed my perspective about life on that trip. Praise God for the work he has done through CWO these past 40+ years! Through the leadership of Dean and Ellen and now Greg, it has grown to encompass so many things that, yes, include programs, but change one life at a time through relationships. The blending of compassion and Gospel is the true example of how Jesus lived his life and has commanded us to do. CWO exemplifies this in every person’s life they touch. Having made many more trips after that first one, I look forward to helping in the work yet undone. I so enjoy reading the newsletters of individuals in CWO countries whose lives have been touched by training, medical care, job finding, food donations and the love of Jesus through the staff and many volunteers. Making a difference one life at a time. Indeed.

I am a retired teacher and I love volunteering with Denver Audubon! It is so rewarding to teach children about birds, healthy habitats and taking care of our planet. The kids love it, both in the classroom, and especially at our Nature Center. Denver Audubon provides valuable and fun hands on learning opportunities!

This is a story about two people who, when faced with a very dire prognosis, realized how little information and how few treatments were available for people experiencing a serious fetal syndrome. Since that time, the Fetal Health Foundation has been providing information and hope when people really need it most. Can't say enough good things about this organization.

I have been a volunteer for Wild Wings for about 3 years. It is the most wonderful organization. I can't say enough about how well the birds are treated. This is a great group of people and we have a lot of fun together and always feel appreciated.

Fantastic Organization: My Bottle School Experience: <br> <br>My family has helped fund and build 7 schools in Guatemala. I have been to Guatemala three times to help build schools. My twenty-three year old daughter has been twice, and my husband has also been twice. We have our next two Bottle School trips already scheduled. <br> <br>Why do we go? <br> <br>The children in Guatemala and their families deserve to get an education just like we expect to get in the United States. In reality, most get up to 5 hours of education a day, five days a week, for only about 6 or 8 years. These children want to learn, but the conditions are tough and rustic. However, they persevere. <br> <br>These children and their families have hopes and dreams just like we do! Even though their school may have dirt floors or a thatched roof, they still want to be doctors, teachers, business owners, engineers, pilots, and maybe the Guatemalan President. And, why not? Certainly it should not be for the lack of an education. <br> <br>What is it like there? <br> <br>Hug It Forward provides an extremely enriching experience, regardless of your volunteer background. The trip is exactly the same as when I first went in January 2012. But, the experience is different each time due to the incredible people on the team, the different communities we visit, and the loving children we get to know. <br> <br>We work. We play. We love on the children. We meet their parents. We cry. We sightsee. We challenge each other and ourselves. We grow! We have fun! We experience unbelievable bonding with other people on the trip. And, we accomplish life-changing work. <br> <br>We encourage the children to dream and to continue their education. We show them the importance of education. We let them know they are important to us –- to the world. <br> <br>What do we get out of it? <br> <br>In the end, the Guatemalans bless us much more than they will ever understand. This is the “trip of a lifetime” that you can do over and over again, if you choose. This is the best way I know to change generations of children’s lives, and us at the same time. <br> <br>I have been truly blessed to have gone to Guatemala to build schools through Hug It Forward. I have been blessed even more by being able to bring 35 or so people to Guatemala who had never before helped to build a bottle school. Everyone who has gone with me has had a fabulous, heart-warming experience. I look forward to those people bringing many more people, so we can change the world one country at a time. <br>

Just One Day is a great opportunity for disabled veterans to take their mind off of their disabilities and other life problems. DJ Williams (owner) is a disabled veteran who is giving back to other disabled veterans. Just One Day provides everything that a disabled veteran requires to spend the day on the lake fishing. First timers are welcomed and given assistance in their first fishing experiences by experienced fishermen on Just One Day's staff. I enjoyed my experience as both a volunteer and disabled veteran.

This is a great run. You can choose from lots of charities to donate to and also run to your own fitness level with choices of 5k, 10k, half and full marathon.

Charity that helps the needy on a case by case basis. All volunteer staff with no salaries paid and 100% of donations go to help people mostly in Colorado, but helps with medical equipment all over the US. Items of help include glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, van lifts, ramps, some types of dental work, clothing for children, and many other types of items.

I received the horrible news, "I'm sorry but your baby is incompatible with life" during my pregnancy in 2013. I was carrying twins. <br>I contacted NILMDTS prior to delivery to get on their "radar" and explain my situation on the advice of a labor and delivery nurse. <br>We called Mark Sweeney, the photographer while I was in labor as we knew that there would only be a very short window to capture my babies both alive and together since they would be born premature. <br>Mark came to the hospital and waited patiently for delivery and captured some incredibly beautiful pictures. Pictures that truly captured the moment. I only had 10 minutes to enjoy both of my babies. Time I will never have again. <br>I will never again be able to hold both of my babies together. I look at these pictures everyday. Along with a few trinkets, they are all I have to remember my precious baby. These pictures have provided me more comfort than any therapist ever could! <br>I live in Vermont, where there are only 2 NILMDTS photographers to cover our entire state. I'm a nurse at the hospital which I delivered and I have seen Mark here several times since to help other familes cope with their loss. Such a caring person to offer his talent during such a difficult time! An amazing heart! <br>To anyone who would benefit from NILMDTS, please, ask! You will not regret it! And to potential donors, please, please, donate!

Craig Hill is a great teacher with tremendous insights into issues that concern the heart and family. Among some of those is restoring honor and blessing to individuals who have struggled with their identity, imparting blessing to children/teens, and finances. His approach is unique and scripture based. <br>As pastors, we brought his seminars to the people so they could gain tools to walk in the freedom Christ purchased on the cross. <br> <br>We have known Craig and Jan since the early 1980's, consider them dear friends, and know them to be people of high integrity. They are the real deal.

My daughter attend the STARS National Conference and it revolutionized her life. The speakers and workshops not only gave her mentor training, she gained confidence, leadership and life skills, peer support and acceptance. Because of her experiences with the Friends First STARS National Conference she is now pursuing employment working with inner city kids so that she can make a difference in someone else's life!

As a TWCFOC volunteer and a local small business owner, I recommend this nonprofit on two levels. Domestic violence impacts the local workforce, so business owners like me appreciate TWCFOC for the in-client and out-client services that it provides to victimized employees -- and for the educational outreach that it makes to employers. As a TWCFOC volunteer, I see first-hand the remarkable difference that its DV and family conflict services make in individual lives and in families. TWCFOC does so in an inclusive way, offering its services regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, creed, etc. Bravo!

Wonderful organization. The people involved are so knowledgeable about greyhounds, and work hard to make sure that every dog and potential owner finds just the right fit. When I adopted my dog, someone from the org came to my house to see where and how I live. They found me a wonderful 6-year old girl who is quiet (important since I lived in an apartment at the time) and very gentle with my cat. I am still close to my adoption counselor, who is a wonderful source of information and advice. I might leave CO someday, but will continue to donate to this wonderful group. The money donated goes to help dogs get the vet care they need to find the right homes.

Solid training at their past two conferences (Interdiction training and instructor skills improvement). No fluff- just down to earth training.