CONTACT
Lea Devereaux
Lea.devereaux@unitedwaydenver.org
720-518-6222

New space will provide access to fresh food and community resources

DENVER – Mile High United Way’s efforts to help families meet their basic needs, including access to fresh, nutritious food, are stronger today thanks to a $1 million gift from Mary Leprino and her family.

In recognition of the gift, a new community center and food pantry at the organization’s headquarters will be named The Joan Leprino Community Corner at Mile High United Way, honoring Mary’s mother and celebrating her family’s commitment to strengthening the community.

Access to affordable, nutritious food is one of the biggest challenges families face as costs continue to rise. Last year, one in three people told Colorado Health Foundation that they felt concerned they wouldn’t always be able to afford food. In the same year, Mile High United Way’s 211 Help Center connected more than 2,300 people to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. While no single organization can solve food insecurity alone, The Joan Leprino Community Corner will help families access nutritious food and connect them to additional resources that support long-term stability.

“We know our neighbors want to provide for their families, but so often there are barriers preventing them from accessing those critical basic needs. This space represents what’s possible when we rethink how support is delivered so families can access the resources they need in one welcoming place,” said Christine Benero, Mile High United Way president and CEO.

At The Joan Leprino Community Corner, families will be able to shop for fresh food, shelf-stable dry goods or receive pre-packed bags with food essentials. Clients also will receive support from Mile High United Way’s 211 Help Center and have access to other Mile High United Way programming, such as free tax preparation services.

Funding for The Joan Leprino Community Corner came from the Mary Leprino family, as well as generous community partners. Mary Leprino and her family named the center in honor her mother, Joan. Joan Leprino was a loyal and loving mother, grandmother, wife and sister, her daughter said.

In the first year, the center will provide:

• 125,000 meals for families
• 20,000 hygiene kits so families have everyday essentials
• 1,000 tax returns prepared at no cost to low- and middle-income families

The space in Mile High United Way’s building was renovated following community conversations assessing the best way to repurpose unused space. This process included surveying local residents to better understand their needs and challenges, and what services Mile High United Way could provide to meet those needs.

The Joan Leprino Community Corner is expected to begin serving families later this summer, with a community grand opening scheduled for August 20. Additional event details, including guest registration, will be available at a later date.

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About Mile High United Way
Working side-by-side with the community, Mile High United Way takes on critical human services issues facing our seven-county footprint, including the Metro Denver, Boulder and Broomfield communities. Our united approach changes the odds for all children, families, and individuals in our community, so that all have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at unitedwaydenver.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayDenver.