Trust NewsThe Denver Indian Family Resource Center is this year's recipient of The Colorado Trust's John R. Moran, Jr. Grantee Leadership Award. DIFRC staff members include, left to right: Isabelle Medchill, Program Development Manager; Sidney Stone Brown, Child and Family Therapist; Phyllis Bigpond, Executive Director; and Susan Yellow Horse, Clinical Services Supervisor.

2008 John R. Moran, Jr. Leadership Award Recipient
The Colorado Trust’s second annual John R. Moran, Jr. Grantee Leadership Award was awarded to the Denver Indian Family Resource Center (DIFRC). The $25,000 award – created in honor of The Trust’s former, long-time CEO – recognizes exemplary leadership by a current Trust grantee.

“These funds are certainly unexpected and will be very helpful to expand the work we do,” said Phyllis Bigpond, DIFRC Founding Executive Director. “While our primary focus is on child welfare, we’ve identified many other areas – particularly behavioral health – where we want to do more.”

Supported in part through The Colorado Trust’s Equality in Health initiative, the DIFRC provides culturally appropriate therapy for American Indian and Alaskan Native families – especially children and youth who show symptoms of serious emotional and behavioral disorders.

“The DIFRC has established itself as a leader in consistently helping other Equality in Health grantees and community-based nonprofits to learn more about this important, but often underserved population,” said Ginger Harrell, Program Officer, The Colorado Trust. “This award is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize and further the hard work and significant impact of the Center which has served some 513 families and 1,265 children since 2000.”

For more information, contact Ginger Harrell, Program Officer, ginger@coloradotrust.org or 303-837-1200.