The Denver Inner City Parish is Growing with Recent Wave of Support
Denver Inner City Parish Ready to Fulfill Community Commitment DICP.org ~
DENVER – For the more than half-century-old nonprofit, the Denver Inner City Parish (The Parish) has carried a tradition of providing a variety of basic human services to West Denver resident’s with dignity and respect. On Friday October 12, 2018 the organization elected a new Board of Directors. The new leadership includes;
- Chairperson Dave Kleinkopf
- Andrea Barela, Executive Director of NEWSED Community Development
- Corporation Lisa Flores, former “Parish” Executive Director and Denver Public
- School Board Member Joy Stewart, former Volunteer
- Tony Garcia, Su Teatro Executive Artistic Director
Prior to the Board’s election the Parish had recently been the recipient of immense generosity of individuals and a tremendous outpouring of community support. Now it is approaching the future with optimism and commitment. Supporters have stepped forward to the human services provider, and several measures are being taken to ensure its longevity.
The new board has recommitted the organization to the principles that made the “Parish” an iconic example of community based social support. The board also resolved to provide the financial leadership and organizational support that will enable the Parish to continue and grow the work of this important and dynamic organization. The Parish‘s outgoing board in their last order of business, appointed Larry Martinez to lead the organization as Executive Director. Martinez is a well-respected community leader, native to the Parish’s La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood and has been with the organization for 25 years (10 of them as Associate Director).
By returning to the organization’s original programming – a food pantry, Seniors program, holiday events, and one-on-one client support navigating public benefits like Medicaid – The Parish will centralize its operation to a single location at 1212 Mariposa Street, while continuing essential services as the organization continues to provide food to over 1000 individuals every month.
Martinez offered, “We are getting back to our roots, and our community and donors are showing us that they support our work. This remains one of the highest-need areas in Denver, and we’re here to make sure that everyone – from babies to our community elders – don’t go without. We want all our supporters and community to know that we are here, we are here to stay, and that we will continue to be here into the future where we will serve as a resource that our community can lean on. The Denver Inner City Parish shines as a powerful example of what a community with adequate support can achieve. “
Recently, this past September, the Parish hosted a large-scale food and essentials distribution event. More than 800 families were able to pick up non-perishable food products, hygiene necessities, and household items – each family took home three boxes filled with more than 70 pounds of goods. The excitement in the community was powerful.
“My family has lived in this neighborhood for three generations. When we heard The Parish was closing we were devastated,” said long-time Parish Client, continuing, “When money’s tight, we go to their food pantry. We get diapers and soap and toys for our kids for Christmas. My mom eats lunch with her friends at their Seniors Program several days each week. ”
The Parish will continue to gather input from community members and prospective donors and plans to host an all-day visioning session to continue to ascertain the needs of the community and the organization moving into the future. The Parish will continue to rise, for it is our community which will elevate us. Through continued community support we can achieve our heights as one of Denver’s oldest and most trusted human service delivery organizations.
