AAR members give back to the community in 2005
The New Year has just begun, a time to reflect on the past 365 days even as we look toward the future in 2006.
With New Year’s resolutions in mind for days ahead, it’s a good time to recognize how AAR’s members have contributed to those in need over the past year.
A season of giving
As they do every year, AAR members joined one other to celebrate the holidays and contribute to those less fortunate at the annual Holiday Luncheon. Attendees piled up sweet, soft teddy bears to contribute to the Aurora Police Department Victims Services Unit. Members were also very generous with cash donations.
Aurora police officers carry trunks full of teddy bears for children who have witnessed or been involved in a violent crime. These bears provide comfort and security, helping the children to stay calm through tough times. AAR donated more than 130 bears along with $775 to be used in other areas of victim assistance in Aurora.
Cooking for a cause
AAR’s Affiliate members used their annual fundraising event not only to raise money for their group, but to reach out to Aurora’s Excelsior Youth Center, which houses girls ages 11-18 who have endured emotional and other difficulties in their lives.
The Affiliates asked girls at the Youth Center to participate in an art contest to decorate Affiliate Cookbooks, which are for sale in the REALTOR® Store. Proceeds from the sales go both to the Affiliate Committee, for the charitable work they do each year, and to Excelsior.
Excelsior offers a safe home for up to 180 girls on a 33-acre campus. It’s a place where some of them find true safety for the first time in their lives. Excelsior is committed to the treatment and education of young females to enhance their successful reintegration into their families and their communities.
To date, the Affiliate Committee has given to the Excelsior Center.
CARHOF grants
Through the donations of REALTOR® members across the state, AAR provided significant financial assistance to four organizations that help needy families in the Aurora area.
The grants, which AAR distributed in late August, came from the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation (CARHOF). Money for CARHOF comes from financial contributions by REALTORS® and those in real estate-related industries. In its 15-year history, CARHOF donations have exceeded $4 million.
AAR asked CARHOF for funds to assist four local entities that offer a variety of services to needy families and individuals in our community.
City of Aurora Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP)
Award: $3,252
Established in 1985, HOAP is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency providing down payment and closing cost assistance. The program helps qualified buyers with the minimum down payment and all of the allowable closing costs up to $10,000 on their first home purchase, making the dream of homeownership a reality for many in Aurora who otherwise would not be able to afford a home.
The Aurora Interchurch Task Force, Inc.
Award: $2,168
AITF is a volunteer agency whose sole aim is to provide substantive emergency assistance to those in need. In 2004, AITF helped 14,791 Aurora residents, offering emergency housing and rental assistance, help with utility bills, and transportation assistance. It also helped many Aurorans to pay for their prescription drugs.
Gateway Battered Women’s Services
Award: $2,168
This organization assists women and children fleeing from domestic violence. HUD considers most domestic violence victims as low- to moderate-income individuals because many women who escape violent homes find themselves with diminished access to financial resources. AAR's CARHOF grant to the Gateway Battered Women's Shelter will help insure that an estimated 300 households will benefit from the assistance this organization provides.
Catholic Charities Aurora Central/ Aurora Emergency Assistance Center
Award: $2,168
Catholic Charities Aurora Central provides assistance to prevent homelessness, utility shut offs and hunger. Through the services offered by Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Centers, clients are given the opportunity to solve their immediate needs in the short term and to work to regain their self-sustainability for the long term. The Aurora Emergency Assistance Center provides medical and personal care needs and at least 30 days of immediate assistance aimed at preventing individuals and families from losing their homes.
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