Judi’s House: Door’s Open!

/in /by

judis house, judis house denver, brian griese, denver broncos, denver nonprofits, conscious real estate

A truly Colorado organization, former Broncos quarterback Brian Griese was inspired to found Judi’s House, named after his mother Judi who passed away from breast cancer when Brian was only 12 years old. Most of us remember our first loss. But most of us were a bit older the first time we experienced it. As a child, grief is incredibly more overwhelming.

Judi’s House Provides Support for Grieving Children & Their Families

When you are a child, getting older can seem like the hardest thing you’ll ever have to go through. And, for most of us, that is about the toughest challenge you’d be expected to face,  overcoming the trials of maturity, and that’s with the support and guidance of your family.

But what if the unthinkable happens and in the midst of growing up, a child loses a loved one?  How does a child overcome that loss and cope with the grieving process?

Judi’s House was founded on the principle of providing answers to those questions and to ensure that no child be left alone in their grief. And since 2002, they have supported more than 9,000 youth and their caregivers in these most difficult times. Judi’s House is the only free-standing group devoted solely for the purpose of providing research based support for children who suffered the loss of a loved one.

Judi’s House exists because the unimaginable sadness of losing a parent or sibling that affects 1 in 18 children in this country annually. However, Conscious Real Estate stands ready to help raise funds though the joy of buying or selling a home in the greater Denver area to build a community for these families.

Their Free Services Have Helped Over 9,000 Families

Judi’s House has one mission. To help grieving children and their families. And, it is provided free of charge. This is incredible and relies on the support of partners like us here at Conscious Real Estate, and of course all of their supporters in Denver and nationwide (hopefully globally too). Behavioral health specialists help through the grief process and encourage coping skills through their tremendous loss.

 

They believe that by investing in children and their families, they will assure that no child is alone in grief and that they can learn skills to heal and become happy adults despite their heartbreaking loss.

And, providing their services at a cost that supports the financial cost of loss (free services), their services are accessible to all. Though, programming is dependent on generous donations. At Conscious Real Estate, we know that large, lump sum donations go farther than small ones. So, we’ve instituted a program of regular giving into our conscious real estate agency. Read on..

Meet Judi’s House Supporters Amanda & Matt (Conscious Real Estate Clients)

Judi’s House is the only organization in Denver to support this cause and we’re happy to be supporters too, thanks to the kind recommendation of our clients who chose the organization as their nonprofit of choice for our 10% donation program. Their choice came from a very personal experience.

Amanda Vanek is the type of teacher every parent wishes their child to learn from. She is equal parts charismatic and compassionate, both the instructor of and role model for her classes.  When one of her students needed the help that only Judi’s House can provide, she learned of the vital mission provided to bereaved youth. When she and her husband Adam chose to make their home in Centennial, the purchase offered them the opportunity to utilize the Conscious Real Estate donation initiative to support an organization that had been so important to one of her students. Thank you Amanda and Adam for your kindness, generosity and support!

Ways You Can Protect Your Local Birds At Home

/in , , /by

bird conservancy of the rockies, bird conservation, environmental nonprofits, real estate agency, denver real estate agency, denver agency, conscious real estate

.

Want to make your home a little greener and support conservation? Us too! Always. One part of the world that sometimes we don’t always consider are our feathered friends, birds. They are in need of protection like so many other species and are occasionally or sometimes often threatened with survival of their kind.

Each and every one of us can do a little bit to protect them, and the rewards are a magical space full of beautiful colors of life and lightness. Birds! Here’s how you can create a space they love.

 .

We Can All Take Care Of Birds At Home, Here’s How

There are a lot of ways that we can take care of birds in our landscaping and homes, but the main thing is to make it a peaceful and plentiful space for them. By the way, there are also great ways to protect bees and butterflies such as sticking to planting native grasses and flowers in your yard and away from areas that pets can get to.

Back to the birds, here are some ways that everyone can make sure to keep birds in mind who need our protection when it comes to simple ideas for the home:

  • Add fresh, clean water to your yard in various different places
  • Keep food in quiet areas in various feeders where birds will feel safe (as they are vulnerable when eating)
  • Add shrubs, hedges or bushes to your yard (these add privacy and safety zones for birds)
  • Place birdhouses in strategic locations to allow for nesting (ps, check out this amazing collection)

 

Bird Conservation Helps the Local Ecosystem

Birds are essential to the local ecosystem and as with all species of the planet, their natural habitat is continuously diminishing and lowering in quality. Conservation is therefore essential. Have you seen this video from Google Earth showing development globally? It’s affecting the bird population everywhere. If you can implement the steps in your own home to provide a haven for them, you will actually be adding to the natural spaces they have available. If we all did it together… whoa!

 

Plus, They Are A Stress-Reliever And Wonderful Addition to Your Home

Hummingbirds and birds of all species stopping to get a drink outside your window, or hanging out as you lounge on the patio, it’s a great feeling of peacefulness. Birds add wonder and appeal to your outdoor spaces if you have created a calm enough zen where they like to hang out. And, if they have enough supplies to make it a watering hole and snack spot, you can help provide them a safe haven.

conscious real estate, kimberly mcaleenan, ways to protect birds at home, conscious real estate, denver real estate, denver real estate agencies

Our awesome client with broker Kimberly McAleenan (left) presenting the donation

Inspired by the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (A Note From Us)

Through rigorous scientific monitoring of birds throughout the annual cycle, the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is able to help protect native bird species across the Rockies, Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. They achieve this through partnership and education. As a partner, Conscious Real Estate was able to see how impactful this organization is on the environment and bird species in our area.

As a conscious real estate agency, we donate 10% from each home purchase to a nonprofit of our clients’ choice. As a result, we get introduced to so many unique and important causes like this one. It was awesome getting to learn about bird conservation and being about to integrate some practices at home is such a great takeaway. Thank you guys! – Conscious Real Estate

Conscious Real Estate Supports Project Healing Waters

/in , /by

Project Healing Waters is a nonprofit organization that helps disabled active military personnel and disabled veterans with coping mechanisms through fly fishing. As a form of outdoor therapeutic recreation, fly fishing is the rehabilitation method. It’s been an incredible success and started with the founder Ed Nicholson’s desire to bring veterans with him on some of his fly fishing trips. The program involves providing an enhanced quality of life through fly fishing, along with a mentorship relationship that helps ease the transition back into civilian life.

Conscious Real Estate Agent Elizabeth P. Lord Presents Her Donation To Project Healing Waters

What Once Was, Has Changed

Serving in the military and witnessing traumatic incidents clearly is an issue in this modern age with our various initiatives overseas and domestically. There’s no way that a civilian can ever understand the sensory experience, grief, and physical pain that a veteran knows so well. Sometimes, talking about it isn’t the answer. That’s where fishing, the quiet, mindful and strategic outdoor sport comes in.

Returning to the rat race, noisy, congested, privileged lifestyle from witnessing human tragedy can be unbearable for veterans. They may also be dealing with returning to their old life, in a new body. Understandably, they may be trying to make sense of it all. Being in nature and seeing the natural world in a state of peace can do more therapy than years of counseling for many, especially for people who have always been physically-oriented as many people who serve in the military tend to be. Fly fishing is the perfect solitary activity, which also is great when in a group, spending time outdoors in open space, creating a safe place to focus, while simultaneously disengaging.

 

Fly Fishing…

  • Is mainly used to catch trout, grayling and salmon
  • Is a technique also used to catch pike, bass, panfish, carp, redfish, and bonefish
  • Has been called “The Contemplative Man’s Recreation,” by author Izaak Walton
  • Began in second century Rome by Claudius Aelianus
  • Uses colorful natural and artificial flies to lure the fish

Colorful Flies, Meditative and Artistic Sport

A look at fly fishing must include a collection of some of the amazing and intricate flies out there. Part of the sport is choosing or creating your fly with the hopes of luring your fish easily by looking like a small fish or bug. Many times feathers are used to imitate fins. From a search of the finest flies, here are some of the “fly”-est:

 

About Conscious Real Estate

When Conscious Real Estate was founded, we wanted to contribute to the good in humanity while providing knowledgeable and genuine real estate services. The Denver real estate market continues to fluctuate, yet our donations to the community have been continuous, the sign of a trusted relationship with our firm. We thank our clients deeply for choosing to work with us and for connecting us with some of the most incredible charitable organizations, such as Project Healing Waters.

We have a team of brokers and for this donation, our own Elizabeth “Ellie” Lord was the proud provider. Her client chose Project Healing Waters after volunteering with this organization and seeing the positive impact that it has on the people who they serve. Military personnel and veterans’ causes are important to us and are often chosen as the recipient of our donations. We are so honored to be able to give these charitable organizations the boost they need to keep doing what they’re doing. Project Healing Waters, thank you!

Know someone who is considering moving in the Denver area? Do they also love donating/volunteering/a good cause? Consider referring them to us or browsing our listings yourself. You can contact us at 303-908-9873 or send us a note here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Conscious Real Estate Supports the Denver Indian Family Resource Center

/in , /by

Denver Indian Family Resource Center, conscious real estate, allison parks, kimberly mcaleenan, real estate in denver

Native American families in Colorado are supported by what little legislation there is to protect them, and by organizations such as the Denver Indian Family Resource Center, which one of our recent clients selected to receive their donation.

Being able to present a large, lump sum check to a local nonprofit doing so much good in the community was truly an honor. When you work with us, we donate on your behalf from our own commission. 10% of a home sale can be anywhere between $400 – $4,000 or more which helps nonprofits to pay for operations, programming, enhance their events, pay for a speaker, obtain supplies and just generally do what they do best: good!

 

About the Denver Indian Family Resource Center

The DIFRC started in 2000 as a response to a lack of culturally appropriate regulation and implementation of child welfare laws. In fact, one of the organization’s many goals is educating and helping families to understand and thereby avoid contact with the state and local welfare agencies. They also take every step possible to advocate for family reunification.

When case management is required, they support by requesting culturally sensitive steps toward bringing the family back together, which in Native American terminology can include blood relatives and family by law, but also close family friends. (Makes sense to us!) Family includes friends too and the extended relations of many Native Americans seems very natural to us, yet to government systems, this type of extended family sometimes doesn’t fit “in the box.” That’s where the Denver Indian Family Resource Center can help by advocating for their clients through their experience and understanding of the law and it’s unique points.

 

Child Welfare Advocacy and Parenting Classes

In addition to their child welfare advocacy, the central cause of the organization, they also provide free nurturing parenting classes and include childcare for attendees. Learning how to be a great parent while getting community support is a wonderful resource for Native Americans in the metropolitan area.

The parenting classes offer “culturally adapted group discussions” in their Lakewood, Colorado location. Parents and caretakers learn real life skills while making connections within the community (and potential playdates for their babies and children too). Every family is different and Native American families need a place where they culturally relate to the support format. This is the place where they can feel safe, comfortable, and “normal” – whatever that is! – to connect with fellow Native American families and further grow their community.

 

#StrongNativeFamilies

Recently, the center held a photo contest and asked members of the community to enter by using the hashtag #strongnativefamilies. What was returned was a glimpse into a modern day, urban Native American’s life. It’s amazing to see the cultural traditions and dance still being practiced and the love and strength that so many native families in Denver continue to share and practice. Here is the winner:

“I just want to tell you a bit about this photo of a single young man and how it relates to family. Jason “Bear” Cook is not only my nephew, but a son, a cousin, a brother, an uncle and, most importantly – a father.

He is a wonderful example to all Lakota men in his love of life and family. Bear is a champion Grass Dancer who dances for ancestors, tradition, thanks, blessings – but most of all – Bear dances for family.

He dances for lovely wife and his 4 beautiful sons, his mother, father…me. In the end, this beautiful photo represents not only one man, but our family – all families.”

– Paula Nelson

Community is such a strong word for Native Americans. If only that was the case also for later Americans who came afterwards. Though the consciousness of the early arrivers to North America was skewed, present-day Americans are much more conscious of community and want to contribute to the better good of it.

Our real estate firm seeks to do this in several ways. One if to always provide the best service and match you with a home that fits you. You see, we believe that it all starts with one person. When you truly live your life in a way that is authentic to you, you feel better, you act better, and everything is just, well, better! And that means that you are (hopefully!) kinder to others and act in a way that fosters community.

The next way that we hope to strengthen community is by donating a portion of our commission checks to a nonprofit of our clients’ choice. By allowing our clients to choose the organization, we hope to empower their sense of community too. Like what you’re reading? Continue below…

 

Conscious Real Estate Donates to Causes Like These

We are a local Denver real estate brokerage that actively donates 10% of every single home sale to a nonprofit of our clients’ choice. Some of our favorite (dare we say…) type of donations are ones where there is a direct impact on the geographical area around the organization. They aren’t a national nonprofit, nor do they have goals to be one. Their goal at the Denver Indian Family Resource is to be a support, advocate and guide for Denver families who identify as an Alaska Native or American Indian. It’s much needed and we are so grateful to be able to contribute to the cause.

 

For more information, visit their website or consider making a donation. Or, if you want to make an even bigger impact and you’re looking at purchasing a home or second home, consider contacting us to see how to get started.

 

Conscious Real Estate Supports Don’t Be A Monster Program

/in , /by

In one definition, bullying is when a person uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are perceived as weaker. As adults, this type of behavior would not be tolerated.

In fact, some of the things that kids these days experience can be described as assault, whether verbally, physically or in cyberspace. However, due to the age group of the parties, it’s often written off as “kids being kids.” No matter which solution you attempt, there are hardly any ways to “win” in a case of bullying. The target can tell a parent or teachers, yet they are risking ostracism and potentially increased bullying by “tattling.” They can stand up to the bully, but likely that is a situation that is intimidating beyond a remote possibility. They can ignore it, like many kids do, yet they risk severe mental disturbances, anxiety or depression by withstanding the abuse.

In Lighter News…

So far, the bullying situation looks grim in what we’ve discussed. But then, how can the community come together and offer some solution to the problem? In our minds, it comes from leaders such as the Don’t Be a Monster program, kids who stand up to it, and each and every one of us challenging ourselves to kindness even when it’s hard and we’re on our last fuse. One way to do this? A grateful jar! Each day or week, write down something you’re thankful for and at the end of the year you can literally count your blessings. Back to the bullying issues and how we help…

When leaders show what should be the norm of how we treat each other, it creates a positive influence on everyone.

don't be a a monster, conscious real estate. dbam, 13th floor haunted house, 13th floor entertainment company, Kimberly McAleenan, conscious real estate, the conscious group, allison parks, denver conscious real estate, denver real estate

The Don’t Be a Monster program features a “different” looking, but shy and kind “monster” who seeks understanding despite his outward appearance. Through role play and a sequenced presentation, the audience gets to learn how to include others and practice kindness. The program is help in September through October to coincide with the Halloween season, which is also National Bullying Prevention Month. Supported by the Haunted House Association and staffed by 13th Floor Entertainment which runs the notorious 13th Floor Haunted House each year, the program is a spooky way to address bullying and at a perfect time, near the start of the school year.

A Local Colorado Student Stands Up to Bullying

In recent news, one Denver student is taking the bullying problem to the next level of awareness (you freakin’ go, girl!). 16-year-old, Sabrina Inman, found her school to be not taking bullying seriously enough. So, the Highlands Ranch teen has been duct taping her mouth closed and holding a sign in silent protest of bullying at her school and in general.

“You would see kids crying in the bathroom and eating alone in the hallway, for half of the year last year, I was one of those people who sat alone,” she said. “I was being called names like rat and w—e and I still get called them [sic] today. I just thought enough is enough and that something needs to change,” said Inman.

Acts like this, while her school won’t release an official statement, bring awareness to the issues at hand and in a personal way. This girl is so strong! We support nonviolent acts like these because other ways, like this dad who forced his son to fight the school bully or these parents who sued the school bully just are not creating the type of karmic energy needed to fight anger with kindness. They are rather pouring heat on the fire and creating antagonistic behavior, as well as setting not the best example to their children. We like Sabrina’s approach! And, our approach at Conscious Real Estate… read more below.

Conscious Real Estate Supports Anti-Bullying

You might guess that we are not for bullying! We want to spread kindness and we know that one of the best ways to do this is to financially support the nonprofits and movements that work on these issues every single day. They are the ones who are reading the latest research, following the news, making positive connections with leaders in the community, and touching students’ hearts on a day to day basis.

In order to run their programming, they need financing. Many in-house nonprofit volunteers and staff spend their time soliciting donations, but there is another way that we can support the cause and that is working with us when you buy or sell a home.

We are a conscious company. To be able to call ourselves this, we donate 10% of every sale to a nonprofit of our clients’ choice.

Recently, broker Kimberly McAleenan was honored to be able to make, not one, but FOUR donations to the Don’t Be a Monster program to support anti-bullying! When you donate this way, you are able to make a much larger donation which allows nonprofits to make a large, necessary purchase and get the extra push they need to run operations. On average, our donations can generate more money than a small event, and are always about 10 times larger than typical one-time donations. Plus… it’s OUR money. Our donations are always from our personal commission made on your behalf.

In this video, Kimberly McAleenan presents her donation to Don’t Be a Monster. Learn more about their programming and exactly how the money will be used for school assemblies.

 

 

And…. Kimberly had the opportunity to donate FOUR times this year with a total of over $4K!!

 

don't be a a monster, conscious real estate. dbam, 13th floor haunted house, 13th floor entertainment company, Kimberly McAleenan, conscious real estate, the conscious group, allison parks, denver conscious real estate, denver real estate

SOLD!!! Kimberly McAleenan snaps this shot of a happy family moving into their new home, while supporting anti-bullying campaigns!

 

Don’t Be a Monster Program receives donation thanks to Conscious Real Estate Broken Kimberly McAleenan’s (center) help in matching home buyers with homes and causes with donations. Kimberly is making a huge impact in the community by donating FOUR times to Don’t Be a Monster this year alone.

 

If you are looking for a house and want to make a difference too, start browsing and daydreaming with us!

Conscious Real Estate Donates to Colorado Mountain Club

/in , , /by

Adventure!

That’s what I often hear when people are asked why they moved to Colorado. There is so much of it, but truly

one of the greatest adventures is exploring the mountains. It’s long been a thought of Coloradoans and in 1912, the Colorado Mountain Club officially began as an organization dedicated to service and protection of the wilderness and love of hiking the wild outdoors.

Flashback… Hiking in 1912

Let’s just say that these hikers were nothing short of… well, bad-ass (can we say that?). Yes, they sure were. Women and men alike got their hike on with spikes, poles and wool gear. Big change from our moisture wick and poly for arctic hikes and sturdy, yet light summer gear now. Early Colorado Mountain Club leisure adventurers could be imagined in either of these early hiking pictures.

 

Early hikers broadened the outdoor activity and brought awareness and education to the botany and fauna of the land. As a group activity, it was one that encouraged teamwork and also seemed to ignore the fact that so many physical activities were limited to one or the other of the sexes. Many hiking groups were blind except to ability and the sense of adventure.

Since Then…

The Colorado Mountain Club started with 25 service-minded, outdoor oriented people gathered in Denver. James Grafton Rogers was the first President of the club and their very first outing was to Denver’s Cheesman Park, which was was a bit more natural and a lot less urban at the time. Can you just imagine? Their first official “mountain” trip was a hike to the top of South Boulder Peak.

 

The Club grew rapidly and many of its members became the first to climb all of Colorado’s known 14,000-foot peaks. Thus, starting the trend to climb alllllllll the 14-er’s as we call them for short now.

 

And, the Colorado Mountain Club has expanded outside of the U.S. to offer adventure trips. The next ones? Switzerland! Slovenia! Portugal! Nepal! Mexico! New Zealand! Yes. It’s incredible how many amazing hiking trips you can go on through the club. You can also stay semi-local by checking out their “ancient ruins” Utah trip and Bryce Canyon adventures. Today, the club runs over 3,000 activities and trips a year. That’s a lot of smiles, a lot of comradery and lot of nature-lovin’ which we are SO into. Huge thanks to this organization.

 

Passionate About Hiking and the Environment (In the News)

So as we’ve mentioned, we’re totally all about adventure, nature, Colorado and exploring the world. AND, we are huge into protecting the environment. It’s another reason why we love this organization so much.

The Club and it’s volunteers have influenced environmental issues since 1921 when the club spoke out against a proposal that threatened National Parks. They also helped work with area leaders in establishing the Rocky Mountain National Park.

In later years, they worked towards advocating against new dam construction, timber sales and water diversions. Further, in the 40’s and 50’s, they went on a tree planting mission. Today, they continue their conservation efforts through policy advocacy, trail maintenance, their backcountry snowsports initiative, snow preservation, and keeping public land public!

 

Why Donations Are Greatly Needed & How Conscious Real Estate Helps

There couldn’t be a greater need than now to protect the Earth and public lands designated as natural areas. At Conscious Real Estate, we donate 10% of our own commission from every home sale to a nonprofit of our clients’ choice.

Allison Parks, Founding Broker of Conscious Real Estate presents her donation to Colorado Mountain Club

We couldn’t have been more proud to have been able to donate to the Colorado Mountain Club. Here’s Conscious Real Estate founder, Allison Parks, proudly delivering the check to the club. Interested in working with us? Or, are you a Denver-area professional that wants to connect? Click here to send us a note. We look forward to hearing from you!

Conscious Real Estate Donates to Denver Dumb Friends League

/in , /by

As part of our core company values, each of our agents donates 10% of their own personal commission to a nonprofit of their client’s choosing. Conscious Real Estate broker Kimberly McAleenan recently had the pleasure of delivering a check to the Denver Dumb Friends League.

As one of the oldest and most widely recognized nonprofits serving animals (and animal lovers), one can expect a top-notch organization focused on reducing animal homelessness, placing adoptable animals in furr-ever homes (see what we did there?), and working with local vets to provide vaccinations and medical services.

So, in this post, we’re sharing some of the unique things you may have not known about this long-standing nonprofit.    

Some things you may not know? Well, cats and dogs are not the only adoptable animals. In fact, the Denver Dumb Friends League has an entire equine department including adoptions, camps, classes, horse rehabilitation facilities and more. Their programs for youths are empowering and teach empathy and responsibility. And, their adoption and rehabilitation programs help horses find “greener pastures” after their youth in the workplace or racetrack.

The DDFL also has an entirely robust small mammal adoption program. Here, individuals and families can browse through pages of pet rats (with and without hair), bunnies of all breeds, mice and guinea pigs. And, while “typical” kitties and pups are also available, the organization even separates “working cats” for cats who are more inclined to the outdoors, specifically as “mousers.”

Another important part of the Denver Dumb Friends League’s mission is to investigate abuse claims.

In very recent Colorado news, the Denver Dumb Friends League has participated in several investigations. In one such Denver case, a dog was shot during a burglary. Polo, the assaulted 12-year-old Labrador Retriever, received injuries costing the family over $13,000.

While the authorities were relieved the family was safe, organizations like the DDFL point out that: “studies show that people who intentionally harm animals may be more likely to commit violent crimes towards people. By taking the time to report what you observe, you’ll not only be helping the animal involved, you’ll be helping prevent future crimes and promoting respect for all life.”

In response to the crime, DDFL has partnered with the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers to offer a $7,000 for information leading to an arrest in the crime.

In another case out of Fremont, Colorado, an investigation by the DDFL, the Colorado Humane Society and local authorities led to the seizure of 63 horses. In reports, the authorities first noticed a lack of food and water. Anna Blake, a board member of the Colorado Horse Rescue said, “We’re very concerned about those horses. It didn’t happen fast, it’s a consistent lack of care over a period of time.”

“One of the phrases that was used in the court was ‘walking dead,’ and this is not thin, this is near death,” Blake said.

And for dearly loved “dumb” friends, they offer end of life support and guardianship.

During your pet’s lifetime, the Denver Dumb Friends League offers behavioral assistance and training referrals (in addition to basic medical services like neuter/spay). And when it gets closer to rainbow bridge time, they offer end of life services such as euthanasia, cremation and interment at the Sheilagh R. Malo Pet Memorial Garde. No one likes to think about this part, but it’s important to know that when you have a friend at Denver Dumb Friends League when the time comes. And, their end of life services are affordable, at $70.

For the unfortunate times that an owner precedes their pet in passing, the DDFL also offers guardianship where they become the legal guardian of the animal. Pets in this program are placed not in a shelter, but in a loving foster family home while the DDFL works diligently for a forever home.

The Denver Dumb Friends League makes life better.

Everyone knows life is better with a dog/cat/bird/lizard/bunny… right??? Well, we sure think so at least, and so do our clients. We love donating to this fantastic organization because they do amazing things like end pet homelessness and human loneliness. We also get excited when we hear stories like the recent acquisition of 79 dogs from Texas into the Denver Dumb Friends League program. Ready for a paw-fect pal? Check out adoptions or attend an event.

Wanting to make a difference and donate a large sum (without doing a thing)? Then, send us a referral for a friend or colleague who might be looking for a home in the Denver area, or contact us here if that person is you! We look forward to hearing from you and even more to the day we get to present the check to your favorite charity. (!!!!)

Conscious Real Estate Broker Kimberly McAleenan (left) presents donation to Denver Dumb Friends League

 

The Conscious Group Donates to the ACLU of Colorado

/in , , /by

A champion for the people, the American Civil Liberties Union was born in the years following World War I. During those tumultuous times, many people feared the “spread of Communism” thereby rounding up “radicals” for deportation. To make matters worse, those arrested were treated inhumanely. The situation called for an advocate and the ACLU stepped up to the plate to defend their civil rights.

The ACLU also partnered with Clarence Darrow during the “evolution education” Scopes Trial of 1925, promoting the importance of academic freedom. The ACLU also backed Japanese Americans interred in “war relocation camps.” Later, the organization would challenge segregation in its many forms.

“The ACLU of Colorado is the state’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. We’re a private institution funded exclusively by the generous donations of our supporters. Our mission is to protect, defend and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado through litigation, education and advocacy.” – ACLU of Colorado

Fast forward to today and people are still being deported on shaky grounds, racism still exists, women and men are still on unequal grounds and civil rights are still being violated. Yet, the ACLU is working harder than ever to promote freedom and educate the public on their rights. While they are only able to take a few select cases a year and rely on volunteers to continue their cause, they have a lot of crucial guides on their website such as:

  • Protest/Demonstrations Rights
  • Encountering a Police Officer (with video tutorial)
  • Photographer’s Rights
  • LGBT Discrimination at Businesses
  • Students’ Rights at Public Schools
  • Rights of Nursing Mothers at Work
  • Disability Rights

The ACLU wants you to be informed, which is the best way to avoid your civil liberties being infringed upon. (They even have printable wallet cards on their site.) And, if something has happened to violate your rights, contact the ACLU to state your case and find out the next steps.

In our state of Colorado, immigration and criminal justice reform are top concerns. On immigration, many Colorado residents worry about the new administration and how the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will handle their cases now. In fact, ICE reports that immigration-related arrests are up by 40% in 2017.

And, in April of this year, 26 people in Colorado and Wyoming were arrested on immigration charges. Some of the recent arrests are clouded in suspicion over how the arrested were treated. In one claim, a Gunnison man says he was detained for multiple days without being told why.

“You don’t look like you were born in Montrose,” one of the agents told him, according to one of the suits. The man is a U.S. citizen and was born in the States.

He also says he was searched without a warrant. It took several days, several facilities, and the showing of his birth certificate from an immigration rights advocate to get him released – without letting him call his family, and with a dead cell phone and only $5 dollars in his pocket. These are the types of issues that the ACLU picks up on and hopes to eliminate when it comes to erroneous immigration enforcement.

On criminal justice, there are a lot of ways that Colorado can improve through the assistance of the ACLU. In one recent example, the Department of Youth Corrections was charged with using straitjackets, solitary confinement and physical force to subdue the inmates.  

“Youths locked up in Colorado’s juvenile corrections system are isolated for hours in tiny, barren rooms, wrapped in full-body straight jackets, and subdued with “knee strikes” and other pain-compliance techniques that have ended with rug burns, according to a detailed investigation released Thursday.” – Daily Record Colorado

And, in another case, an adult male prisoner was forced into solitary confinement for over 15 years. Sam Mendez, shown below in this video courtesy of the ACLU, now suffers from mental illness. You can watch his story below.

The ACLU is an important nonprofit that we value dearly. Their commitment to some of the most important facets of our society is admirable. They are here for humankind by supporting:

  • Criminal Justice Rights
  • Freedom of Expression and Religion
  • Government Transparency
  • Immigrants’ Rights
  • LGBT Equality
  • Privacy & Technology
  • Racial Justice
  • Reproductive Freedom
  • Student & Youth Rights
  • Voting Rights
  • Women’s Rights

At Conscious Real Estate, we donate 10% of every home sale to a nonprofit of our clients’ choice. This pic is of agent Kimberly McAleenan and founder Allison Parks presenting their check for donation to the ACLU of Colorado to Jill Higham, Philanthropy Director and Nathan Woodliff-Stanley, Executive Director.

socially conscious real estate, the conscious group, allison parks, real estate denver

Kimberly McAleenan (center, left) and founder Allison Parks (center, right) presenting their check for donation to the ACLU of Colorado to Jill Higham (left), Philanthropy Director and Nathan Woodliff-Stanley, Executive Director (far right).

—

For more information on the ACLU of Colorado, click here.

And, to connect with one of our socially conscious realtors, click here.

 

Conscious Real Estate Donates to PawsCo

/in , /by

PawsCo is an organization native to Colorado that seeks to reduce the unwanted pet population by placing them in foster homes, facilitating adoptions, partnering to provide neuters and spays and collaborating with the Food Bank of the Rockies to provide pet food to local food banks.

Tiana Nelson is the President of PawsCo. Check us out in this pic! We are proud to have donated over $2,500 to PawsCo in the past year. Our company, Conscious Real Estate, donates 10% from our personal commission to a nonprofit of our clients’ choice. PawsCo has been a popular choice in recent years and we definitely know why. With over 300 volunteers, the organization is on deck to help place pups and kitties in forever homes, and that’s something we’re all about. Just ask Conscious Real Estate founder Allison Parks about her pack!

Allison Parks (Conscious Real Estate Founder, left) with Tiana Nelson (President and Chief Operating Officer, PawsCo)

 

PawsCo Includes Three Divisions:

  • PawsCo Spay + Neuter
  • PawsCo Pet Food Drive
  • PawsCo Adoptions.

 

Spay + Neuter Services

PawsCo works with area vets and associations to help city efforts (spay/neuter and release programs) as well as provide the important services to individual pet owners. Check out the list of veterinary partners here.

By now, most everyone knows the importance of getting your pet spayed or neutered. Not only will it help them lead more peaceful lives by eliminating pesky hormones, but there is just no need for your pet to remain unfixed, especially if it interacts with other animals or is an outside kitty. Why contribute more to the problem? Be the solution! PawsCo can point you in the right direction for free and low-cost spays and neuters.

 

Pet Food Drive

One of the most innovative programs of PawsCo is their partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies to provide pet food in their area food banks. Dogs and cats are people too! Wait… no they’re not, but pretty close in our opinion! We’re glad that PawsCo is providing pet food to local food banks (awesome!!).

When life gets tough and using a food bank becomes necessary, it’s hard enough just feeding your human family. What about your fur family? What then? Instead of families being pushed to place their dogs in shelters (the problem that PawsCo seeks to circumvent), the nonprofit helps keep families together (human and fur) by supplying food banks with pet food. We thank you.

 

Adoptions

As we mentioned before, PawsCo is a network of over 300 volunteers. And, as opposed to a traditional method of using a shelter to hold pets waiting to be adopted, PawsCo uses a foster care system. Imagine the logistics!! PawsCo has it down, making sure that they facilitate supportive relationships with underserved area shelters and local advocates. Every day, they are placing pets with their fur-ever families.  Who rescued who?

Overpopulation of dogs and cats is a problem. When domesticated animals live a life on the streets, they live a dangerous, hungry, inconsistent existence. And, they are often sick and potentially even carrying diseases. PawsCo helps this public health issue by placing as many pets as they can in the best possible homes. Want to learn more about the adoption process? Meow! Click here.

 

Do what you can, when you can. Spay/neuter, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate and save lives. – PawsCo

About Conscious Real Estate

Our company started as a way to do our part to give to the community, while helping others find their perfect home in it. We donate 10% of every home purchase to a charity of our clients’ choice. So far, we have donated tens of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits and have had our hearts touched by each and every one.

Are we singing your song here? If so, we look forward to working with you. Click to start browsing or call us at 303.908.9873 to set up an interview.

 

Conscious Real Estate Donates to Steve’s Club

/in , , /by

 

Steve’s Club is a nonprofit that started off completely grassroots in one of the most dangerous public housing units in urban Camden, New Jersey. The city is in better shape than it was when this news report: 36 Hours in Camden was filmed, but it is still considered one of the most challenging places to live and especially to grow up.

Crime is high, single parent households are common, buildings are crumbling and abandoned, there are hardly any restaurants or supermarkets and many of the residents have lost a family member or friend to violence.

 

Steve’s Club Founder Steve Liberati started the organization in May 2017, donating CrossFit inspired fitness programming to low-income youths in the Centennial Village Apartments public housing complex. Since, then Steve’s Club has grown nationwide, making an impact for at-risk kids everywhere there’s a club in America.

“Our mission at Steve’s Club and its participating members, is to provide a national network of programs through which at-risk or underserved youth of any socioeconomic background can join in the CrossFit Community at a reduced, low or no cost structure.”

 

“We Everywhere”

Imagining Steve’s Club founders saying that to themselves now that the nonprofit has spread from the East to West coasts and everywhere in between. Local communities can start their own Steve’s Club and the CrossFit connection has been extremely supportive.

When kids experience quality leadership, it impacts their lives. Seeing a strong, consistent and health adult regularly in their lives, which, living in Camden, couldn’t have been all too common, must have been an incredible blessing to the community. In our local community, Steve-Club Denver works with at-risk youths here in our community. Using CrossFit and team building, the program gives kids strength both inside and outside.

 

Steve’s Club Denver

Once Steve’s Club took off (pretty much instantly), the need for something nationwide became very clear. Here in Denver, even Five Points and Colfax Street are gritty neighborhoods that can never compare to Camden, NJ, however, the need is here for at-risk kids to have an outlet to get through to adulthood. Steve’s Club is one option for them, and one that we’re extremely proud to have recently donated to.  

The mentors and coaches “foster resilience to stress and aim to improve the lives of all involved.” We love how they explain their mission:

 

“We care just as much about outcomes related to mood stability, decision-making, and social functioning, as we do about more easily measurable variables such as benchmark times, lifted pounds, or total rounds. Our group is passionate about fitness and every factor that is needed to sustain a life with regular exercise. In case there were any concern, we are also fully capable of having a boatload of fun along the way.” – Steve’s Club Denver

 

At-Risk Youth & Health

It’s obvious that without access to healthy food or a place to do healthy recreational activities…any human, teen, or child would feel antsy, perhaps choosing activities that are an outlet of a type, but without the results of a program like Steve’s Club/CrossFit. Simply wearing yourself out helps you sleep, regulates your blood flow, gets oxygen to your brain and allows for incredible stress relief.  Steve’s Club also started as a way to bring healthier food to urban teens in poverty. Whether you’re into Paleo or not, Steve is and we can definitely agree it’s a lot healthier than Hot Cheetos and Takis. He also started Paleo Kits that have also helped improve inner city nutrition. 

 

About Conscious Real Estate

There are lots of real estate brokers in Colorado, we know. But how many donate 10% to charity with every single sale? Not many we’ve found! Our agent, Kimberly McAleenan had the pleasure of delivering the Steve’s Club Denver donation and we are stoked she introduced us to this awesome organization that’s all about strength and empowerment. Giving to good causes is what we’re ’bout.

So, do you have a favorite nonprofit?

Thinking about upgrading, downgrading, moving closer to the mountains, getting more land, or moving into the city? Consider working with Conscious Real Estate and think about that gold star you’ll get when they get their check and another cause gets to continue – because of you!!! (And you’re celebrating in your new home.) Sound blissful? It is! Contact us to set up an interview today.