OUR MISSION We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. OUR VISION We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. 2
3 DEAR FRIENDS: At Girls on the Run of the Rockies, we believe that the Finish Line is Just the Beginning. It’s the beginning of believing in yourself, activating your limitless potential, and boldly pursuing your dreams. It’s believing that if you can run a 5K, you can do anything. You just have to put one foot in front of the other. Girls on the Run of the Rockies is dedicated to bringing our valuable afterschool program to more girls in Colorado. Through our program, girls learn to honor their voices, embrace their gifts, and celebrate their strengths. We believe that by empowering girls at a young age, we can create a generation of confident, resilient, and compassionate leaders who will shape the future. We are committed to expanding our reach and providing opportunities for more girls to participate in our program. We believe that every girl deserves access to our curriculum and the chance to develop important life skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making. At Girls on the Run, we know that the finish line is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth and learning. We are proud to be a part of so many unique journeys and are grateful for the support of our community in helping us to achieve our mission. Thank you for your ongoing support of Girls on the Run and for your commitment to creating a world where all girls can boldly pursue their dreams. LISA JOHNSON | Executive Director
JADYN Jadyn participated in Girls on the Run at Carson Elementary from 3rd–5th grade. The lessons she learned then have taken her beyond the finish line to be a leader in her senior year at East High School. “Girls on the Run helps you realize how strong you are from a young age. It’s important for young people to have these principles of self worth, inner-strength and self love.” As Jadyn grew up, she kept coming back to the lessons she learned from Girls on the Run. “Beyond the tangible running skills, Girls on the Run teaches us how to handle emotions and navigate a world that can be difficult for women. These basic principles and the understanding we gained helped me navigate middle school. It continues to help me as I grow up and encounter more challenges and setbacks.” Beyond the finish line, Jadyn is planning to change the world. “Social activism is super important to me and I aspire to study sociology and women and gender studies in college, with the hopes of working in some capacity to help solve societal issues and enact positive change.” Stories of what is beyond the finish line for Girls on the Run of the Rockies participants. THE FINISH LINE IS JUST THE BEGINNING
GRATITUDE REPORT 2022 Brynne is a self-proclaimed lifelong member of Girls on the Run of the Rockies. She participated in the program at Carson Elementary from 3rd–5th grade and later volunteered as a junior coach throughout high school. Girls on the Run was a transformative experience for Brynne. When she entered the program, she was very shy and introverted. As the seasons went on, she learned how to express herself and use her inner strength to contribute to the group. As a junior coach, she loved witnessing the sense of pride each girl felt as they crossed the finish line at the 5K. Today, Brynne shines beyond the finish line as a doctoral student studying audiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “I learned, not only, a lot of physical strength, but emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, confidence, compassion towards others, and I don’t believe that these just go away or slow down after you finish the program… I believe that you continue to build upon them and strengthen them after you leave.” 5 BRYNNE
OUR APPROACH Social & Emotional Growth We deliver innovative, inclusive lessons taught by trained coaches that focus on developing skills around caring, character, community, competence, connection, and confidence. Mind + Body We deliver programming that targets emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Participants will have a better understanding of how the mind and body work together.
Changing the Narrative We use culturally responsive communication protocol and strategies. We change the way participants see themselves and their opportunities. Showcase Event We create a place for all participants to come together and celebrate the accomplishment of completing a 5K. Participants, coaches, family members, and community members share in the understanding that the finish line is just the beginning. Need + Research More than a decade of research confirms that quality after-school programs provide rich learning experiences, help narrow existing opportunity and achievement gaps, and position students toward a bright future.
8 PROGRAM OUTCOMES We surveyed our participants and the results showed that... 98% agreed or strongly agreed with each of the statements that practices were fun, that they would tell other girls to participate, and that their coaches cared about them. 96% agreed or strongly agreed that they felt like they belonged at Girls on the Run. 97% agreed or strongly agreed that their teammates supported them. 95% agreed or strongly agreed that Girls on the Run helped them deal with strong emotions. 92% agreed or strongly agreed that because of Girls on the Run, they feel they can speak up and share their opinions. 96% agreed or strongly agreed that because of Girls on the Run, they learned things from people who are different than they are. 95% agreed or strongly agreed that because of Girls on the Run, they like to do physical activity. PARTICIPANT SURVEY RESULTS
9 4,351 Participants 244 Teams 67% of participants received scholarships IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS $448,000 in scholarships distributed 3,647 Runners in the fall 2022 race series 769 Volunteer Coaches 290 Race Day Volunteers
10 THE FINISH LINE IS JUST THE BEGINNING ALEXA-BLAKE “One of my favorite experiences from Girls on the Run was the first few days of the program. I didn’t expect much other than learning how to expand my running skills, but then I realized that this would be so much more than that.” Alexa-Blake has been a part of the Girls on the Run team at her school since spring 2022. “When we started talking about our Star Power it felt like something I could relate to. I’ve always been a person to be happy and kind, and Girls on the Run helped me continue that… and become more empathetic. I learned a lot about how to love myself and others. I would tell other girls who are interested in joining this program that they shouldn’t be scared. It’s about so much more than running. You learn to be yourself because people will love you for who you are.” STAR POWER
11 Margot and Charlotte Johnson were in the very first season of Girls on the Run of the Rockies in 2005 at The Logan School. Their mom, Liesje Johnson, heard about the program starting in Denver and wanted the program for her daughters. Margot and Charlotte participated in the program for 6 seasons. Both came back to volunteer at the 5K and coach teams after college. Margot and Charlotte gained so much from the program, they wanted to share the experience with other girls. “I learned to be confident in myself and stand up for what I believe in. Something that has really helped me in college and beyond,” Charlotte shared. Margot learned that she can do hard things—like run a 5K or climb a mountain or go to medical school. What’s beyond the finish line for the sisters? Charlotte is living in North Carolina and just completed her masters in children’s literature. Margot lives in Denver and is a resident at CU Medical School. Both continue to be involved with Girls on the Run—as does their mom. MARGOT & CHARLOTTE
12 Maria Jose first joined Girls on the Run in 2009 as a 4th grader at Vanguard Classical School West. She loved the program so much, she continued with the middle school Heart & Sole program through 7th grade and then as a junior coach for two years. Maria Jose loved the bond she made with her teammates and says that Girls on the Run helped her gain effective communication skills and build strong relationships. These are two skills she is now using well beyond the finish line as an art teacher at the very school where she was a Girls on the Run participant. “This program empowers girls not only for a season, but for the rest of their lives.” Girls on the Run is a place where girls feel welcomed and valued. Maria Jose is proud to be sharing that with her students as their teacher and Girls on the Run coach. MARIA JOSE THE FINISH LINE IS JUST THE BEGINNING
13 FINANCIAL INFO 2022 TOTAL REVENUE $948,000 2022 TOTAL EXPENSES $856,000 CURRENT ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL NET ASSETS $1,264,000 $5,833 $1,258,167 *2022 Audited Financial Statements Available Upon Request 45% Program 22% Grants 9% Other 10% Corporate 10% Individual Donors 4% Fundraising 65% Program 15% Administration 9% Professional Services 8% General Operating Expenses 3% Fundraising
OUR SUPPORTERS Girls on the Run of the Rockies strives to be a program that is accessible to all girls regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Our lessons transcend race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. Since 2005, our council has worked to bring our program to over 50,000 girls and families along the Front Range. This is only possible with the support of those in our community.
GRATITUDE REPORT 2022 15 AHS Foundation The Anschutz Foundation Bohemian Foundation Colorado Springs Health Foundation Colorado Trust Cranaleith Foundation Daniels Fund Gamma Phi Beta Foundation Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation Keep Climbing Foundation The Riverfront Foundation The Take Flight Foundation Virginia Hill Foundation The Weishoff Sisters Foundation FOUNDATIONS Denver Office of Children’s Affairs GOVERNMENT GRANTS Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP Dawn Foods Enterprise FirstBank Newmont Piranha Brands CORPORATIONS Scholes Insurance Simple Generosity RevGen Partners Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Walmart Walters and Mason Retail WE DID IT!
16 OUR SITES Abrams Elementary School Adventure Elementary School Alsup Elementary School Altitude Elementary School Antelope Ridge Elementary School Ashley Elementary School Atlas Preparatory School Aurora Academy Charter School Aurora Quest K-8 Aurora West College Preparatory Academy Barnum Elementary School Beach Court Elementary School Bear Creek K-8 Belleview Elementary School Bethke Elementary School Bill Roberts K-8 Billie Martinez Elementary School Bixby School Blessed Sacrament Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County: East Side Clubhouse Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County: Minnequa Elementary Bradley International School Bricker Elementary School Bromwell Elementary School Brown International Academy Brush Community Site Burlington Elementary School Carmel Community School Carson Elementary School Cedar Ridge Elementary School Central Elementary School Challenge to Excellence Charles M. Schenck Community School Cheesman Park Community Team Cherry Hills Village Elementary School City Park Community Team Clayton Elementary School Clear Sky Elementary School Clyde Miller K-8 College View Elementary School Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind Columbine Elementary School: Denver Columbine Elementary School: Fort Morgan Cory Elementary School Cougar Run Elementary School Cowell Elementary School Crawford Elementary School Cresson Elementary School Cripple Creek Victor DCIS Middle School Baker Denison Montessori School Denver Academy of Torah Denver Language School DSST Green Valley Ranch Middle School Dupont Elementary School Eagleview Elementary School Eaton Elementary School Edora Park Community Team Elkhart Elementary School Escuela de Guadalupe Eugene Field Elementary School Evergreen Middle School Explore Elementary School Fairmount Elementary School Federal Heights Elementary School Flagstone Elementary School Foothills Elementary School Ford Elementary School Fort Logan Northgate Fox Ridge Middle School Garden Place Elementary School Giberson Elementary School Global Village Academy: Douglas County Godsman Elementary School Governor’s Ranch Elementary School Graland Country Day School Grant Ranch Ece-8 Green Valley Elementary School Greenwood Elementary School Gudy Gaskill Elementary School Girls on the Run of the Rockies serves the entire Front Range community. We bring our programming to urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods and actively recruit sites in communities that have historically been underserved. In 2022, we hosted 244 teams in 14 different counties.
17 Harmony Ridge P-8 Haskin Elementary School Havern School Henderson Elementary School Heritage Elementary School: Cherry Creek High Point Academy Highline Academy Southeast Holly Hills Elementary School Homestead Elementary School Hudson Elementary School Hunters Glen Elementary School Isabella Bird Community School John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy Johnson Elementary School: Denver Kendallvue Elementary School KIPP Northeast Elementary KIPP Sunshine Peak Elementary Kullerstrand Elementary School Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy Laredo Elementary School Leroy Drive Elementary School Lewis-Palmer Middle School Lincoln Elementary School Lotus School For Excellence Lowry Elementary School Manitou Springs Elementary School Marshdale Elementary School McElwain Elementary School McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School McMeen Elementary School Meiklejohn Elementary School Milliken Elementary School Monterey Elementary School Montessori School of Denver Mountain Vista Community School Mountain Vista Elementary School New Freedom Park Team Newlon Elementary School O’Dea Core Knowledge Elementary School Omar D Blair Charter School Orchard Park Academy Padilla Elementary School Park Hill Elementary School Peak to Peak Charter School Pinello Elementary School Pioneer Elementary School: Fort Morgan Prairie Winds Elementary Ralston Elementary School Red Hawk Ridge Elementary School Riverview PK-8 Rocky Mountain Elementary School: Adams Rocky Mountain Prep: Creekside Rose Stein International Elementary School Sabin World School Saddle Ranch Elementary School Sage Canyon Elementary School Salida Del Sol Academy Samuels Elementary School Sand Creek International Elementary School Skyview Elementary School Slater Elementary School Slavens K-8 Smith Elementary School Soaring Eagles Elementary School St. Mary’s Academy: Englewood Stedman Elementary School Steele Elementary School Stellar Elementary School Swansea Elementary School Swanson Elementary School Tarver Elementary School Teller Elementary School The International School At Thornton Middle Three Creeks K-8 Tollgate Elementary School Trevista At Horace Mann University Park Elementary School University Prep Steele Street Van Arsdale Elementary School Vanguard Classical School: East Vanguard Classical School: West Vaughn Elementary School Venetucci Elementary School Vista Peak Exploratory Warren Village Welby Community School Welchester Elementary School West Elementary School West Jefferson Elementary School West Jefferson Middle School West Middle School: Cherry Creek Westerly Creek Elementary School Westgate Elementary School Whittier K-8 Willow Creek Elementary School Wilmot Elementary School Wyatt Academy York International
18 2023 BOARD Judith Ackerman Since 2023 Elizabeth Cole Since 2023 Stacie Cowell Since 2021 Carli Franks Since 2021 Shelby Fyles Since 2023 Kathleen Greenburg Since 2019 Stacey Hawes Since 2020 Shelby Howard | Secretary Since 2022 Margaret Lau Since 2023 Dave Licko | Treasurer Since 2019 Tom Loftus Since 2022 Jackie Marquis | Chair Since 2022 Ron Martinez Since 2023 Fiorella Moscoso Since 2023 Alison Moy | Vice Chair Since 2021 Heather Schichtel Since 2023 Jenny Scholes Since 2021 Emily Steele Since 2023 Amy Stettner Since 2021 Esperanza Wardroup Since 2021 Jamie Winkler Since 2023 A very special thank you to Barb Mica and Renee Morris who completed their Board of Directors service in 2022. 2023 ASSOCIATE BOARD Samantha Albert Since 2022 Crystal Carey Fundraising Chair Since 2022 Madeline Cole Since 2023 Emily Golding Since 2023 Teresa Grammatke Since 2022 Jessica Grazulis Since 2023 Ale Hanley Since 2017 Nikki Heider Engagement Chair Since 2022 Alanna Jagielski Since 2021 Lindsay LaForce Since 2022 Rose Leaven Since 2023 Hannah Lee Since 2022 Rachel Mengwasser Since 2023 Kristen Molsness Since 2023 Kaley Nelson Since 2023 Stephanie Peralta Chair Elect Since 2022 Kimberly Sands Since 2023 Liz Shaw Since 2018 Carolyn Stevens-Wood Since 2023 Casey Trier Since 2023 Kiersten Turner Since 2023 Emily Wilhelmi Since 2023 Morgan Woodhouse Chair Since 2022 A very special thank you to Sarah Covey and Tess Gosda who completed their Associate Board service in 2022.
GRATITUDE REPORT 2022 STAFF 19 Lisa Johnson Executive Director Katie Redfield Operations & Program Director Lauren Pietrek Development & Marketing Director Katy Deditz Program Manager Amy Grimm Community Outreach & Events Manager Tomás Romano Program Manager Natasha Sherrod Program Coordinator
GIRLS ON THE RUN OF THE ROCKIES 7000 E Belleview Ave Ste 130 Greenwood Village CO 80111 (720) 879-2354 www.girlsontherunrockies.org [email protected]