CASA of the 7th Judicial District received the Rural Excellence Award from the El Pomar Foundation on Oct. 23 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
The court advocacy organization was one of three nonprofits to be honored at the Night of Excellence ceremony.
Created to advocate for children’s best interests in court as they navigate legal issues due to abuse or neglect, staff and volunteers work to support and amplify the needs of these children.
CASA of the 7th District recognized that although the advocacy services they provide are valuable, there were needs in the community that weren’t being met, so they established programs such as Supervised Exchange & Parenting Time and Youth Services programs.
They were also recognized for the recent completion of the new housing project, Village of the San Juans.
The Village at San Juan. (Caden Kay | Montrose Business Time)
The village aims at providing affordable housing for youth who have aged out of the foster care system, as well as senior citizens.
Carlton Mason, CEO of CASA of the 7th Judicial District, expressed pride in his staff and the recognition they received.
“It meant a lot,” he said. “They do an incredible job, and for them to be recognized as leaders — it was good to see.”
CASA was nominated by the El Pomar regional council. After nomination, the El Pomar Trustees chose the honorees.
Mason also spoke briefly to the MBT about the work the advocacy organization does.
“We recognize the value and potential of every young person, and work hard to make sure there are opportunities for them,” he said.
Other award winners included Food Bank of the Rockies, which was recognized with the Metro Award for Excellence.
Founded in 1984, Food Bank of the Rockies works to address hunger across portions of Colorado and Wyoming through their Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope program. In 2023, Food Bank of the Rockies sourced and distributed nearly 66 million meals, ensuring over 367,000 individuals across the two states were fed daily. Through the power of food, they have given hope for a brighter future to many rural communities. Looking forward, Food Bank of the Rockies is hopeful that one day everyone will have the food and resources needed to nourish themselves and their communities.
Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center received the Spotlight Award for Excellence.
It serves as a gathering space for meetings and community building in Trinidad.
Kathleen Merritt, who serves as executive director for Bright Futures in the San Juan region, was awarded the Russell T. Tutt Leadership and Service Award. Merritt was awarded $10,000, which she directed to Bright Futures.
Paul Major, founder of the Telluride Foundation, received the Ben S. Wendelken Trustee Award.
He served as CEO for 22 years, and under his leadership, the foundation was able to offer generous support to charitable organizations in the community. During his final year as CEO, the Telluride Foundation distributed over $3 million in awards and grants. Major directed his $10,000 to Paradox Community Trust.
Lucille A. Echohawk, a citizen of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma and a resident of Colorado, received the Julie Penrose Award for her work in advocacy for child welfare of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Echohawk directed her $10,000 award to Denver Indian Resource Center.
Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.
