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 IN MEMORY OF PHYLLIS BIGPOND
It is with deep sadness that we note the passing of Phyllis Bigpond, founding executive director of the Denver Indian Family Resource Center (DIFRC). Following a courageous battle fighting lymphoma of the brain, Phyllis passed away on September 26, 2009 – just shy of her 70th birthday.
“Phyllis saw the need for culturally appropriate therapy for American Indian and Alaskan Native families, especially children and youth who show symptoms of serious emotional and behavioral disorders,” said Ginger Harrell, Program Officer of The Colorado Trust. “Her vision and graceful spirit helped serve more than 500 families and 1,200 children since 2000. Her impact on the Denver community is immeasurable.”
The Colorado Trust named the DIFRC as the recipient of its 2008 John R. Moran, Jr. Grantee Leadership Award. The annual award of $25,000 is made in recognition of exemplary leadership by a current Trust grantee, and is being used by the DIFRC to expand its child welfare services and promote behavioral health.
Additionally, Phyllis – who was a member of Oklahoma’s Yuchi Tribe – was honored by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper who proclaimed July 30, 2009 to be Phyllis Bigpond day for her 40 years of work in human service programs in Native American communities. Earlier this year, Phyllis was recognized at the 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Social Responsibility Awards for her commitment to the values of the civil rights leader.
Phyllis received numerous other awards throughout her career, including being named Outstanding Native American Leader by the Association of American Indian Social Work and earning the Distinguished Alumni Award from Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work.
Phyllis will be dearly missed by her friends at The Colorado Trust.
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