WE BELIEVE

2024-2025 Community Report

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“Thank you for believing in us – in each other, and for believing in a future where we all have the opportunity to thrive. ”

Christine Benero
President & CEO of Mile High United Way

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

$ 0 M

invested in the community

lives impacted

volunteer hours facilitated

corporate partners

What We Do

Since 1887, Mile High United Way has brought people together to solve our region’s most pressing issues. From early childhood education and homelessness to food security and economic mobility — we have united people, ideas and resources to advance the common good. Hover over the icons to learn more.

Use the yellow arrows below to scroll through stories of growth.
This work is only possible because of you.

From Medical Challenges to Milestones with HIPPY

When Nora and Elias walked across the graduation stage for our kindergarten-readiness program this spring, the moment represented more than an academic achievement. A few years ago, doctors told Nora that Elias might experience significant speech and motor function delays due to three strokes he experienced before his third birthday.
Now Elias is almost six years old and ready for kindergarten after completing Mile High United Way’s Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. HIPPY helped Elias develop the speech and fine motor skills he’ll need for success in school – and the confidence to succeed in life.
"HIPPY is a godsend for us. All of you opened your hearts to us and became our family." – Nora, HIPPY Parent
Growing Toward Dreams and Possibilities

Antoinette left the Colorado foster care system without a home. She entered our Bridging the Gap program where she received a housing voucher and obtained her GED diploma. She’s now enrolled in school to become a dental hygienist, and recently graduated from Bridging the Gap with $30,000 in savings.
"Mile High United Way’s Bridging the Gap program completely changed my entire life. When I first got my apartment, I couldn’t pay any of my bills. Now I work full-time and pay for everything myself."
Last year, 141 young adults, like Antoinette, were enrolled in Bridging the Gap.
Helping Families Thrive

Our Tax Help Colorado program helps families access the credits and refunds they’re owed by providing free, high-quality tax preparation services to households earning $65,000 or less. For many families, their tax refund is the largest check they will receive all year.
“Tax credits are the second largest anti-poverty tool we have in this country.” said Kristin Hubbard, Tax Help Colorado director.
Last year, Our Tax Help Colorado program staff and volunteers filed 9,707 tax returns, putting $19 million back in the hands of Colorado families.
Harvesting Resources to Support a Thriving Community

After injuring his back at work and losing his job, a Metro Denver man faced eviction and mounting medical bills. That’s when he reached out to our 211 Help Center. We used an emergency assistance fund made possible through generous donors to help him catch up on his bills, and we connected him to shelter, food resources and a P.O. box to use as he pursued a worker’s compensation claim.
“I highly recommend 211 to anyone who is in need, especially those who are losing their hope.” — 211 Caller
Last year, 278,378 referrals were provided to 211 callers looking for help meeting their basic needs.
Finding Opportunity During Times of Uncertainty

Through the creation of her business, Efe Isiaku learned how adversity can create new growth and opportunity. She launched Gifted Hand, a balloon décor company, as a hobby. It was an unexpected layoff that opened the door for her to pursue the business full-time. Efe enrolled in Mile High United Way’s Small Business Accelerator and Website Build Initiative where she received a new website and insights into how to structure Gifted Hand for long-term growth.
"Mile High United Way did not just train me, but helped me become a better businesswoman.”
Last year, 2,000 local businesses were supported through our United for Business program.
Planting Seeds For a Young Child’s Future

As a toddler, Levi was shy and rarely spoke. His mother, Dulce, worried she’d done something wrong. Three years later, Levi is thriving in school, in part thanks to our Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. Once a week, our staff member Nancy provided Dulce with resources and support to prepare Levi for a lifetime of learning and success.
“Levi is more open and friendlier now. Before, he never wanted to talk, but now, he’ll raise his hand saying, ‘I know the answer! ... His change is a miracle to me.” — Dulce
Last year, 84 children, like Levi, were served in our HIPPY program.
Growing Opportunity for Everyone

MyFriendBen is a tool that empowers individuals and organizations to quickly understand and access government benefits, tax credits and nonprofit programs. 211 began using the tool in fall 2023 to assist clients and is now MyFriendBen’s top referral source. Last year, $345 million in benefits for individuals and families were identified through MyFriendBen.
My Friend Ben is one example of how 211 continues to innovate. Last year, we worked with U.S. Rep. Jason Crow to secure $500,000 in federal funding to support technology updates for the 211 Colorado Collaborative. This will enable us to access real-time data to better understand our region’s needs.

WE BELIEVE in community

This year, 372,700 basic needs resources were provided by Mile High United Way's 211 Help Center and 1,046 neighbors received services in-person.

In May, 1,100 attendees joined our Women United Luncheon, raising over 490,000 for women and girls.

Tax Help Colorado had it's biggest tax season ever in 2025, returning $22.5 million to families through tax credits and refunds.

In March, volunteers spent 60 hours preparing The Huddle, for participants in the Bridging the Gap program.

In November, 10,200 runners joined the 51st Annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot, helping us raise $641,000.

Volunteers and donors provided essential baby supplies to 155 families at our Women United Village.

Our United for Business program supported 228 businesses with 21 businesses gaining access to new capital.

100% of children in child care supported by Mile High United Way demonstrated academic and developmental growth

Audited financial statements and tax form 990 for Mile High United Way, Inc., for the period ending June 30, 2024, are available.

A message from our President & CEO

At Mile High United Way, we believe.

We believe every child deserves a strong start in life.

We believe in the power of diverse and inclusive voices.

We believe every person who calls Colorado home deserves the opportunity to thrive.

This past year reminded us that our beliefs matter most in times of uncertainty. The world around us is changing rapidly, and these changes are not always easy. Yet, in the face of challenges, we have stood for all that is good about our community for 138 years.

Together, we helped children access high-quality, affordable early child care and education. We supported young people as they built pathways to success, and we helped families find economic stability. We continued to put a stake in the ground to advocate for opportunities for all, and we volunteered alongside you to make our community better.

Thank you for believing in us – in each other, and for believing in a future where we all have the opportunity to thrive.

We are stronger when we LIVE UNITED.

Warmly,

Christine Benero
President & CEO
Mile High United Way

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WE BELIEVE

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

What We Do

From Medical Challenges to Milestones with HIPPY

Growing Toward Dreams and Possibilities

Helping Families Thrive

Harvesting Resources to Support a Thriving Community

Finding Opportunity During Times of Uncertainty

Planting Seeds For a Young Child’s Future

Growing Opportunity for Everyone

WE BELIEVE in community

A message from our President & CEO

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