With Gratitude, to My ELK Family
ELK has been a transformative force in my life, providing unwavering support for my personal and career development over the last eight years. The impact of their support is profound, shaping my journey and opening doors I never thought possible.
Thanks to the organization’s programming and education, I could firmly decide to attend college despite my medical and family’s socioeconomic circumstances. ELK not only provided me with the necessary resources and support to navigate these challenges, but they also empowered me to aspire to a different life with a secure income doing what I love.
ELK has exposed me to various environmental and outdoor activities that have awakened my passion for nature and sustainability.
This organization has taken me to the Colorado mountains to enjoy the vast wilderness, including Buena Vista’s Silver Cliff Ranch for an entire week, Staunton State Park to ice fish, Lake Lehow, and the Great Sand Dunes. Also, it has allowed me to do volunteer projects, increasing my dopamine and oxytocin levels as I contribute to cleaner parks. They also provided meals and snacks during each activity so I could come happily to the ELK Education Center from school, knowing I wouldn’t go hungry.
ELK has also helped me secure internships across the City and County of Denver for two summers, where I gained invaluable experience in customer and public service. This experience significantly increased my resume. Over the last eight years, ELK has supported my career path as I have received mentorship and college application help, tutoring, and mock interview practice; ELK staff has written letters of recommendation for my college applications to renowned universities, and more.
Truly, ELK has provided me with a group of people that I consider my family and a secure place to hang out and stay away from the wrong crowd.
I have lived in the Montbello/GVR area since I was born, and my life would have been different if not for the investment ELK made in me. I am deeply grateful to this marvelous organization and its loving and caring staff, who have impacted my life in ways I can’t fully express.
They have not only helped me secure a place at the #1 Colorado 4-year University studying in Environmental Engineering, but they have also given me a sense of belonging and a family I can always count on.
I am shedding tears of gratitude for ELK and all they have done for me.”
-ELK student and current college freshman
About Environmental Learning for Kids: Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a local nonprofit that creates a sense of belonging, self-discovery, and adventure in the outdoors for underrepresented young people of color and their families, transforming youth into environmental stewards and trailblazers that promote equitable outdoor access, sustainable practices, and community uplift. Learn more at elkkkids.org.
About the Author: *Anonymous submission
