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History

Past

For more than 40 years, Jeffco Action Center, a human-service non-profit, has stood as a beacon of hope to the homeless, near homeless and working poor of Jefferson County. It has help thousands of families and individuals break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives and their community.

Jeffco Action Center (originally called Jeffco Support Inc.) was started by Jefferson County Human Relations Council May 20, 1968 at Applewood Valley United Methodist Church as an information and referral service. The idea was to provide basic human services to residents of Jefferson County on an immediate basis and in a non-judgmental environment. Formal partnership with Church Women United began in May 1969.

During the 70's, the Action Center was growing in leaps and bounds thanks to efforts by local churches. In 1970, more than 700 families received clothing from two clothing banks at Lakewood Church of Christ and Wheat Ridge United Church of Christ. By 1971, three food banks were giving out supplies at First Presbyterian Church of Golden, Mountain Christian Church and Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church. Also in 1971, the Action Center had its first office at First Presbyterian Church of Lakewood.

The Santa Shop distribution started in 1972 and one year later, more than 600 children received gifts. This rapid growth trend would continue and by 1976 more than 1,300 children received gifts from Santa Shop. Other areas also expanded including the Meals on Wheels program and the first Beautiful Junk sale was held in 1977 at two locations.

All of this growth meant that the Action Center facilities needed to grow into its own space. After collecting Betty Crocker coupons and negotiating with the U.S. Government, a World War II barrack from Lowry Air Force Base were given to the Action Center. The barrack was cut in half to allow easy transport and the Action Center staff negotiated with local municipalities to raise street lights to allow the barrack to be transported across town. The move faced many hurdles and delays yet the barrack was finally transported to 45th and Wadsworth to become the main headquarters for the Santa Shop. Once in place, the Action Center held an open house for its new headquarters. However, only have of the barrack was moved and the open house was really an open house with half of the barrack exposed.

By the end of the 70s, the name had changed to Jeffco Action Center (1975), Santa Shop building moved to 44th and Kipling (1977) and emergency services personnel increased to a full-time position (1979).

The 80's were a period of new ideas, plans and continued growth. A new fundraising approach was stated in 1980 with the first Annual Walk with JAC raising $5,000. Also, the first Give Your Heart to JAC dinner was held (1987) through a partnership of CWU, churches and Kiwanis. In 1981, a five-year plan was developed and in 1985 the shelter program began. By 1986, Nancy Osborn was hired as Executive Director and the Action Center was serving 14,491 Food Bank Clients and 3,811 Shelter Clients. As the 1980's ended one more new idea was born as a new medical clinic was started (1989) as a joint venture between Jeffco Action Center and First Baptist Church of Lakewood.

The 90's were a period of continued facility growth with a new building dedicated in 1991 and a new shelter built in 1997. In 1992, the Beautiful Junk sale moved to First Baptist of Lakewood. The growth of the these facilities coincided with growing community needs and by 1993 (25th Anniversary) more than 28,000 five-day supplies of food and more than 146,000 pieces of clothing were being given away annually. Also, in 1999 the Beautiful Junk Sales total had climbed to more than $12,000 and a School Supply distribution began.

After decades of growth, the Action Center continues to grow to meet the need in the community. Since 2000, client-service numbers continue to climb, the Estes Street Community Clinic began (2001) and the Beautiful Junk sale has expanded to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (2005). In 2002, the Action Center moved into a newly renovated facility and a strategic plan was unveiled. Fundraising also changed and grew with the final Give Your Heart to JAC dinner being held in 2004. That same year the first Where Action Matters breakfast raised more than $280,000 from the 405 attendees. Internal changes were also taking place with Mag Strittmatter being named as the new Executive Director (2006) and the Action Center using a new Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to better track client services.

Present

Through all the changes one thing has remained constant, as long as the need is there the Action Center will work to fill that need. Each year Jeffco Action Center gives out supplies to more than 25,000 clients, raises thousands of dollars to provide rent and utility assistance, utilizes more than 450 volunteers and shelters hundreds of clients. It serves a beacon to those in need giving them help, hope and dignity as they work to break the cycle of poverty.