CSPC
Championing Community Empowerment Since 1980
In 1980, a passionate group of community leaders and parents led by Richard Garcia, formed the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC) to address a critical gap in educational opportunities in marginalized communities. That year, CSPC began its mission, to change the system that had left Black and Brown children behind. This commitment has not only been sustained but has grown with each passing year.
As we look towards the future, we celebrate 44 years of profound impact and prepare to deepen our fight against educational and social inequities while supporting and leading our families in creating the change they deserve. We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our donors and volunteers, whose dedication fuels our continued efforts.
Building an Inclusive Future, One Family at a Time
Founded on the principles of community driven leadership, CSPC has stood as a beacon of hope and progress for the families we serve. With your support, CSPC has been a space of learning, leading, informing, and doing. CSPC is ensuring that families and providers not only survive, but thrive.
Thanks to our community's generosity, more children are entering school ready to learn, parents are becoming skilled advocates, and childcare providers are delivering higher quality care. Together, the families, schools, and communities will ensure the educational success of our children.
With you by our side, we are breaking barriers and building futures. Here’s to making success possible and to another year of empowering families and the next generation of learners and leaders.
Letter from our CEO
Lorena Garcia
Dear CSPC Family and Community,
It is my joy and honor to bring you our 2023 annual report. The CSPC team has been hard at work ensuring that we are meeting the needs of the communities we serve. In this report, you will be able to read about our programming, our financial health, and learn about our strategic goals for 2024.
I want to publicly thank our community members who entrust us to provide them with proven and effective programming that helps them build skills to support their own children and the children they care for. Our community enters the doors of CSPC for one program and often stick around for the others. They make CSPC their home. We thank them for having the confidence and trust in CSPC and in our staff.
And a special thank you to our funders and donors for your generosity in supporting our work and the communities we have the privilege and honor to work with.
My sincerest gratitude,
Lorena Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Letter from our board
Board of Directors
Dear CSPC Participants, Supporters, and Community.
We are honored to have the opportunity to support Colorado families, providers, and children through our service on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition. We are excited to present this Annual Report highlighting all of your accomplishments. This past year has been a year of growth, challenges and opportunities, and all of this makes us better and stronger for 2024.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to continuing our partnership in 2024 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition
Board of Directors
Board & Staff
BOARD
Leadership
Jazmin Ramirez
Paula Smith
Sandra Salazar
Tiffany Caudill
CEO
Lorena Garcia
Angelica Prisciliano - Director of Systemic Change.
Jaimi Flores - Director of Marketing & Communications.
Julie Price - Director of K-12 Department.
Marisol Cruz - Director of Learning & Evaluation.
Marissa Shoback - Director of Finance.
Martha Avila - Director of Operations.
Mirla Coronado - Director of ECE Department.
Xiomara Sanchez - Director of Strategic Partnerships.
Staff
Cesiah Hernandez - PASO Program Coordinator.
Claudia Sanchez - Systemic Change Organizer.
Eva Camberos - Administrative Assistant.
Eloina Gonzalez - Connection FFN Manager.
Graciela Cabral - PASO Program Coordinator
Isabel Osornio - PASO Program Coordinator
Javiera Arriagada - PASO Program Coordinator.
Jocelyn Moran - Tutoria Coordinator.
Kelly Perez - Child Care Coordinator.
Leticia Moreno - PASO Program Manager.
Marina Cruz - Grupos de Lucha Coordinator.
Natalia Alvarez - Systemic Change Organizer.
Rocio Carillo - PASO Program Coordinator.
Patty Grado - Community Outreach Specialist.
Patricia Molina - EXITO Coordinator.
Xiomara Blanco - Grupo de Apoyo Coordinator.
Our Programs
Empowering Through Education: The Heart of CSPC
At the core of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition exist our transformative programs, designed to empower, educate, and elevate every member of the communities we serve. Each initiative is a reflection of CSPC’s commitment to responsive programming, creating lasting change by supporting families and childcare providers with the tools they need to succeed.
A Foundation for Growth and Advocacy
From education to advocacy, our programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Colorado's families. They are built on the belief that with the right support, all families can thrive in a system that is equitable and just. By fostering skills, knowledge, and confidence, CSPC’s programs help pave a path to personal and community empowerment, and educational success for all students.
Impact by Numbers
15
Families
Participated
2
School
Districts
95%
Increased understanding of educational policies and parent rights
“Las Familias gave me the knowledge and confidence to be more involved in my children’s education. I now feel equipped to support their learning journey and ensure they receive the best education possible."
- Carlos, Father of three
Las familias
Empowering Parents to Navigate the Education System
Las Familias focuses on empowering families of school-aged children. This initiative is designed to help parents understand and effectively engage with the education system, ensuring they can advocate for their children's educational rights and responsibilities.
After a long hiatus, and with support from the Statewide Family Engagement Center Grant, Las Familias, (formerly known as Los Padres/Las Madres) successfully completed a six-session series that brought together families from two different school districts to pilot the new program. They learned about their vital roles within the educational system, as well as covered a wide range of other topics, including understanding school policies, engaging with educators, and promoting inclusivity and equity in education.
Core Objectives of Las Familias:
- Educational Advocacy: Educates parents on how to navigate the education system and advocate for their children's needs.
- Rights and Responsibilities: Informs families about their rights within the school system and how they can fulfill their roles as proactive members of their children’s educational journey.
- Community Connections: Builds networks among parents that foster support, exchange of ideas, and collective advocacy.
Éxito
Fostering Early Childhood Success
Éxito, empowers parents with the knowledge and skills they need to support their children's early development and educational success. This program is designed to bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring that children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive.
Cultivating Capable and Confident Parents
Through Éxito, parents gain crucial insights into the educational system and learn practical ways to foster an enriching home environment for academic success and social and emotional development. The monthly sessions cover topics from cognitive development to emotional support, equipping parents with strategies to enhance their child's social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
"Éxito changed our lives. The tools and knowledge I gained have helped me support my child’s learning at home, giving her a great start in life. I now see myself as an advocate for my child’s future, equipped to make informed decisions that ensure her success."
- Claudia, Éxito Participant.
Impact by Numbers
37
Parents graduated.
53
Cafecitos.
85%
Increased confidence in supporting their children’s education.
95%
Improvement in children’s readiness for school, as reported by parents.
Grupo de apoyo
Strengthening Support Networks
Grupo de Apoyo embodies the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition's dedication to providing emotional and informational support for families navigating the challenges of raising children with disabilities and additional educational needs. This program cultivates a nurturing community that offers solace, understanding, and practical assistance.
Our program is focused on three key initiatives:
- Develop families to be the strongest advocates in the education system.
- Understand the health system and the intersections with their education.
- Creating a more inclusive society.
Nurturing Resilience and Connection
Grupo de Apoyo provides a safe space for families to share experiences and resources, gain emotional support, and learn about their children's rights and educational opportunities. Through regular meetings, workshops, and informal gatherings, participants build enduring networks that offer more than support—they build community resilience.
Impact by Numbers
150
Families regularly participating
25
Workshops
96%
Participants report feeling more equipped to support their children and families
100%
Increased access to resources of participating families
"Grupo de Apoyo has been a lifeline for us. Sharing stories and solutions with other parents who understand our struggles has empowered us to become better advocates for our children. We've found not just support, but a community ready to stand by us".
-GDA Participant
Impact by Numbers
157
89
160+
Childcare providers
trained in 2023.
New PASO trained providers began caring for children in 2023.
Children directly benefited from improved care and educational readiness
48
95%
100%
Earned their Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.
PASO graduates reported a significant increase in their childcare skills.
Participants would recommend the program
to family and friends.
Paso Institute
Providers Advancing Student Outcomes
At the heart of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition's educational initiatives is the PASO Institute program (Providers Advancing Student Outcomes), designed to uplift informal childcare providers by equipping them with the skills needed to not only keep a child safe, but to also help prepare them to enter school ready. This pivotal program transforms everyday caregivers into qualified educators who play a critical role in preparing children for academic success and closing the educational opportunity gap for our students of color.
Elevating Early Education
In 2023, PASO empowered 157 childcare providers through a 120+ hour, intensive curriculum focused on early childhood education, safety protocols, and child development best practices. This training ensures that children receive care in environments that are not only safe but also conducive to learning and emotional development.
“PASO transformed my approach to childcare, equipping me with the skills to provide high-quality care. I've gone from feeling overwhelmed to being a confident educator, shaping young minds for a better future.”
- Maria, PASO Program Participant
La Academia
Specializing in Support for Children with Disabilities
La Academia is a focused extension of the PASO Institute specifically designed to support childcare providers who care for children with disabilities. This specialized training equips PASO graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the unique needs of these children, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care and education.
La Academia offers a comprehensive curriculum
- Disability Awareness
- Inclusive Practices
- Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals
By participating in La Academia, child care providers gain not only the practical tools but also the confidence to transform their caregiving approaches. This program advocates for an inclusive model where every child, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and develop to their full potential.
“I have learned a lot and now I feel capable of supporting parents in taking care of their children.”
- La Academia Participant.
Impact by Numbers
12
2
Focus groups
Pilot courses
18
Got their
certification
90%
Found this course very beneficial for their work
VOZ
Amplifying Voices for Change
VOZ, is an integral part of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition's commitment to fostering social change and community empowerment. This program educates and mobilizes families to become effective advocates for their rights and the well-being of their communities.
Empowering Advocates
VOZ equips participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate and influence public policy, ensuring their voices are heard on issues that impact their daily lives.
Through workshops, community informational meetings, and advocacy, participants are transformed into proactive leaders within their communities. VOZ advocates have played a pivotal role in policy reforms and have ensured that the needs of underserved populations are considered in local governance.
Our Approach for Effective Advocacy
- Advocacy Training and Campaigns
- School System Navigation
- Leadership Development
What bills did CSPC advocated for in 2023?
SB 23-1003: School Mental Health Assessment.
SB 23-004: Employment Of School Mental Health Professionals.
HB23-1263: Translating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
SB 23-099: Special Education Funding.
HB 23-1067: Family Intervener Program Deafblind Children.
HB 23-1100: Restrict Government Involvement In Immigration Detention.
HB 23-1237: Inclusive Language Emergency Situations.
“At this point in my life I learned that as an immigrant in this country my voice existed, my voice counted, that I could speak and express myself and be heard. I saw that several of the bills had to do with my experiences with my life stories. I went to the Capitol to speak to support bills, and all thanks to CSCP, they were the first to listen to me and valued my voice”
Milagros Chavez – VOZ Leader
Impact by Numbers
70
Community members attended Advocacy Day
200+
Families educated on their rights and local resources
35
Advocacy events held in 2023
10
Significant policy changes influenced by VOZ advocates
20+
Attendees at bi-weekly meetings discussing policy and community issues
90%
Participants report increased confidence in their advocacy skills
Grupos de lucha
Championing Rights and Opportunities
Grupos de Lucha, is a pivotal initiative of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition that mobilizes community members to advocate for their rights and foster systemic change. This program plays a critical role in educating and empowering immigrant families, helping them to understand and assert their rights within various systems including education and workforce development.
Key Features of the Program:
- Education and Awareness
- Community Mobilization
In 2023 Grupos de Lucha trained and reached our community about new legislation in Colorado that impacts the childcare and immigrant workforce and entrepreneurs, SB21-199.
Grupos de Lucha accomplished this by
- Hosting coffee info sessions
- Virtual community meetings
- Tabling at community events and conferences
- Presentations in conferences, community gatherings, and small group house meetings.
- Community events canvassing
“Being part of Grupos de Lucha has empowered me to stand up for my community's rights. We’ve learned how to navigate the legal system and advocate for policies that truly benefit us, transforming how we engage with our community and the broader society.”
– GDL Leader
Impact by Numbers
10
Active groups across the state
30
Leaders
1000+
Community members educated annually on their rights and resources
Connection FFN
Enhancing Childcare Quality and Community Ties
Connection FFN is a new program supported by the City and County of Denver. It serves as a transformative initiative aimed at empowering and connecting informal childcare providers family, friends, and neighbors (FFN) to each other, who play a critical role in early childhood development.
Core Components of Connection FFN:
- Professional Development: Offers training and resources to FFN providers to elevate the standard of care and educational they provide.
- Resource Sharing: Facilitates access to educational materials and community resources that enhance the caregiving environment.
- Networking Opportunities: Builds a supportive community among FFN providers through workshops and group discussions, fostering shared learning and mutual support.
2023 served as a planning year to make sure that the voices and experiences of FFN providers led the design and launch of Connection FFN.
Impact by Numbers
3
Focus groups
17
Participants
1
Hub for FFN providers to be launched in 2024
Impact by Numbers
40+
Students tutored in 2023
90%
Improvement in academic performance among participants
25+
Tutors engaged
300+
Hours of Tutoring
Tutoría has transformed my approach to learning. I used to struggle with math, but my tutor helped me see it in a new light. Now, I'm not only passing my math tests—I'm helping my classmates too!"
Sofia, High school student
tutoría
Empowering Students One Session at a Time
Tutoría, launched in response to the academic and social and emotional needs that arose during the pandemic, is dedicated to boosting the academic performance and confidence of students through personalized, community-driven support. This program connects students with trained volunteers from the local community, focusing on enhancing their educational outcomes and fostering a love for learning.
Cultivating Confidence and Capability
Through regular tutoring sessions, students gain not only academic skills but also the confidence to pursue their educational goals. Tutoría's supportive environment encourages students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop a proactive approach to their education.
The Heart of Tutoría
At the core of Tutoría's success are the dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to foster academic excellence among students. These committed individuals come from diverse backgrounds, including local educators, college students, and professionals, all united by a common goal—
to empower the next generation through education.
– Sofia, High School Studentr
Impact by Numbers
150+
Spanish speaking
Families
48
Workshops
32%
From rural Colorado
CSPC Events
La Cúspide’23 - Juntos Avanzamos
La Cúspide, the pinnacle of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition's yearly event, is not just a two day, free conference for Latino families —it's a celebration of community, advocacy, and collective action. This annual gathering brings together families, and childcare providers from across Colorado to share knowledge, strategies, and successes.
A Platform for Empowerment and Education
Each year, La Cúspide focuses on equipping participants with the latest tools and information to enhance their roles as parent and providers. With a diverse lineup of workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions, the conference addresses pressing issues such as educational equity, childcare quality, special needs and community leadership.
Highlights from La Cúspide 2023
- 150+ Spanish speaking families. Attendees represented various regions across Colorado, there were a total of 68% of participants from the Denver metro area, while the rest came from outside of the Denver metro. Specialized workshops and sessions on topics ranging from mental health in education to navigating new legislation affecting families and providers.
- Onsite childcare services, ensuring that parents could fully engage while their children enjoyed educational activities tailored to their age groups.
As we plan for the next La Cúspide, we are inspired to make it even more impactful. Join us as we continue to build a foundation for a more equitable future, one conference at a time.
Institutionalizing evaluation
In 2023 we celebrated the first full year of our Evaluation and Learning department at CSPC. During this year, we continued to build on our strong foundation for evaluative practice – developing our organization-wide theory of change, revamping our tools, and implementing a new database. The results of these foundational achievements are found all throughout our annual report.
These data points illustrate our impact in a far more detailed and comprehensive way that was not possible when we relied on external evaluation support. We continue to strive to improve our processes, ensuring that we hold community at the center of our work. With exciting partnerships to come in the year ahead, we are looking forward to our continued learning and the opportunity to contribute to the field. We are so proud to be working alongside our community to measure the impact that our programs have on the lives of our participants.
Impact by Numbers
74
We surveyed participants who participated in CSPC programming in 2023 and earlier
35%
Had participated in at least two different CSPC programs
22%
Had participated in at least three different CSPC programs.
Grants
66%
$2,122,651.81
Contracts
27%
$874,227.81
Programs
4%
$130,468.79
Events
1%
$28,077.92
Miscellaneous
0%
$5,369.41
In Kind
0%
$5,105.00
Individual Contributions
1%
$27,219.17
Program Expenses
Administrative Expenses
Fundraising Expenses
83%
$2,646,406.92
14%
$463,452.23
3%
$96,084.25
Goals
CSPC continues our ambitious goals in 2024 to ensure more families benefit from our community driven programming.
Early Childhood Programs
Greater access to high quality early childhood training for FFN providers.
Expand the PASO Academy to more PASO graduates who want to provide the best care for the children with disabilities they care for.
Éxito aims to expand its curriculum and reach more families across Colorado, fostering a community where education begins at home and every child has the opportunity to excel. By empowering parents today, we are paving the way for tomorrow’s leaders.
K-12 Programs
1. Revise the highly customizable Parent Leadership Team program designed to support parents and families, schools and districts create and support family engagement.
We plan to extend the reach of Las Familias by partnering with more schools and incorporating bilingual resources to accommodate a broader spectrum of families. Our commitment is steadfast: to empower every parent to be a pillar of support in their child's educational success.
Impact by Numbers
3,564
Individual adults served
2,743
Families served
Children directly benefited from improved care and educational readiness
Internal Capacity
CSPC is committed to ensuring that every dollar invested in our work results in positive, exponential impact in our communities.
We are investing more in our evaluation department to be able to be more responsive to the feedback and needs of our communities. By expanding our ability to track and measure growth, and impact in our individual programs and as an organization as a whole, it allows us to be more strategic in our program investments.
Our donors and funders trust us to use their generous donations wisely and this investment will ensure we are able to serve our communities effectively while being a responsible organization to our funders.
CSPC has transformed my approach to learning. I used to struggle with math, but my tutor helped me see it in a new light. Now, I'm not only passing my math tests—I'm helping my classmates too!"
An average investment of $900 per individual served by CSPC.
Our Supporters
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Donors
Foundations/
Gov’t Contracts
Adams County
Alliance for Early Success - Growing Our Future
Buell Foundation
Daniels Fund
Denver Dept. of Public Health and Environment
Denver Foundation
Denver Office of Children's Affairs
Boulder County Public Health
Caring for Colorado
CIRCLE Grant
City of Boulder
Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Colorado Gives Foundation
Colorado Health Foundation
Community Foundation of Boulder County
Impact Charitable
Home Grown - Voices From Home
Kenneth King Foundation
Longmont Community Foundation
Mile High United Way
National Center for Families Learning - Statewide Family Engagement Center
Raising Child Care Fund
Red Rocks Community College
Rose Community Foundation
Sponsorships
Boulder Valley School District
CHFA
City of Wheat Ridge
Colorado Children’s Campaign
Denver Health
Developmental Pathways
Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance
First Bank
Home Grown
Jefferson County Public Health
Oh My Empanada
PASCO
Policy Matters
Powermap Lmtd.
Regis University
Risas Dental
SEIU
Upstream
University of Colorado at Boulder
Westminster Public Schools
*Highlighted in yellow is the specific program or coalition funded
Our Supporters
Individual
Helen Alivillar
Daniel Aizenman
Jennifer Anton
Ella Armstrong
Karen Ashmore
Martha Avila
Chris Barge
Candice Bataille
Ivana Bejaran
Mary Margaret and Brian Bishop
Ana Botero Preciado
Dennis Berry
Julia Brink
Aaron Brocket
Deborah Brown
William Browning
Patricia Bulthaup
America Carbajal
Mina Castillo
John Claus
Johua Comden
Maria G. Contreras
Isabel Cruz
Jose Cruz
Luis Cruz
Marisol Cruz
Martha Cruz
Nicolette Cusick
Dee Daniels Scriven
Jessie Danielson
Peter M. Dawson
Nathan Davis
Dale Decesare
Chris deGruy Kennedy
Kyra deGruy Kennedy
Travis deLagerheim
Astrid Delgado
Ashley Denault
Jerry DiTullio
Polly Donald
Kristy Douglas
Martha Echeverry
Vicki & Will Edginton
Elisabeth Epps
Paulina Erices
Maria Escalera
Lisa Escarcega
Nelson Escobar
Karla Esser
Luis Fish
Alison Friedman Phillips
Linda Flores
Cindy Flores
Itza Flores
Jaimi Flores
Angelica Fox
Eva Frickle
Liliana Mazzeo
Joel Greenberg
Laura Garcia
Lisa Garcia
Lorena Garcia
Monica Garcia
Richard and Teresa Garcia
Patty Grado
Tiffany Grimm
Felipe Guerra
Laura Harney
Josephine Heath
Cesiah Hernandez
Olivia Hernandez
Taylor Hickerson
Lorena Ibarra
Katherine Jarvis
Arturo Jimenez
Taylor Johnson
Elise Jones
Adam Kogeman
Zarah Levy
Karen Licona
Miguel Lovato
Katt Lovejoy
Mirla Low
Roger Low
Javier Mabrey
Greta Maloney
Our Supporters
Individual
Finangi Maganez
Tanya Mares Kelly Bowry
Ashley Martin
Christine Martinez
Cynthia Martinez
Laura Martinez
Julie McCluskie
Beth Melton
Olivia Mendoza
Dafna Michaelson Jenet
Gina Millan
Esmerald Molina
Jacinta Montoya Price
Chris Montville
John Mulstay
Christian Nagy
Roweena Naidoo
Sarah Nelson
Alexic Newton
Robert and Kathleen Norris
Beatriz Ogaz
Bertha Ortega de Flores
Angelica Priscilliano
April Palma
Salomon Palma
Alexis Palomino
Sarah Parady
Jennifer Parenti
Julie Pecaut
Issamar Pichardo
Kathy Plomer
Anita Polner
Megan Quigley
Jasmin Ramirez
Laura Reeves
Azucena Rendon
Angela Rennick
Julie Ressalam
Heather Retzko
Mateo Rocha
Driana Rodriguez
Jorge Rodriguez
Olga Rodriguez
Ray Rodriguez
Andres Salazar
Sandra Salazar
Todd Saliman
Ximena Sanchez
Maria Elena Sanchez Ortiz
Alison Scheck
Ken Seeley
Said Sharbini
Michael Shoback
Tracy Sluzalis
Rhonda Solis
Cheryl Spraetz
Krista Spurgin
Maria Stepanyan
Rebekah Stewart
Emilie Still
Daniel Tafoya
Kai Tafoya
Monica Tarango
Grace Thorvilson
Vanessa Torchia
Heather Tritten
Mikhail Vafeades
Alvina Vasquez
Christina Walker
Sandie Weathers
Jenny Willford
Abbey Winter
Rick Winter
Steven Woodrow
Audrey Yanos
Deborah Young
Janice Zelazo
CSPC
Annual report 2023
Partners in Education
Contact
PO Box 11849
Denver, CO 80211
720-890-0123
info@coparentcoalition.org
Donate
Please consider supporting our programs with a donation. Your generosity enables us to continue making a positive impact in our community.