Annual Award Recognizes Organizations Serving Women and Girls across Metro Denver

DENVER – Together with Women United, Mile High United Way is pleased to announce that the Welcome Village at the Colorado Village Collaborative is the recipient of the 2024 Women United Innovation Award. This annual award, totaling $20,000 this year, recognizes innovative community projects that empower women and girls in our community.

The Welcome Village provides a safe place for women to live as they transition to more permanent housing. Currently, the village can serve up to 22 women and their families. In addition to secure temporary housing, Colorado Village Collaborative staff provide supportive services including case management, peer support and connections to permanent, affordable housing.

“Colorado Village Collaborative’s partnership with Mile High United Way enables us to respond to the urgent need for safe and supportive alternative shelter for particular communities who are most vulnerable and underserved: women, transgender, and queer individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Dede de Percin, CEO of the Colorado Village Collaborative. “The impact of Mile High United Way’s investment in CVC’s Welcome Village will be transformative, providing the support and empowerment our community members need to transition to stable housing.”

The Innovation Award is one of many ways Women United helps create opportunities for women and girls. The Women United Initiative centers its work around  four focus areas:

• The Innovation Award provides community partners with a one-time grant.
• The Emerging Need Fund addresses critical needs in our community.
• The Kindness Project partners to support Mile High United Way’s signature events like the Children’s Holiday Party and the Women United Village.
• The Tamara M. Sparks Early Learning Center at Mile High United Way provides care and education for our youngest learners and their families.

“The Innovation Fund inspires us to dream of new ways to serve our community and empower women and girls. I am deeply grateful to the members of Women United for their constant support and commitment to making Denver a place where all women and girls can thrive,” said Christine Benero, Mile High United Way president and CEO.

Women United members raise funds throughout the year to support projects that improve the lives of women and girls across Metro Denver. Then, select nonprofits are invited to apply for the Innovation Fund. Women United members review candidates and vote for the winner each year.

Past Innovation Award winners include:

• 2023: Safehouse Progressive Alliance Network (SPAN) for the Domestic Violence Acute Response Team
• 2021: Mile High Early Learning for Women Returning to Work program
• 2020: A Precious Child for the Precious Perk workforce development program
• 2019: ECDC African Community Center for the Women’s Driving Opportunity Program
• 2018: Girls Inc. of Metro Denver for their Bold Beans coffee truck

Learn more about Mile High United Way’s Women United and our commitment to creating lasting change for women and girls.

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.