The Family Tree

Congratulations Ariana Badran - well deserved for all your great work leading the team at Marshall Street Landing!

Today's Future 20 honoree is Ariana Badran, Marshall St. Landing Program Director at Family Tree!

For nearly 10 years Ariana Badran has built her career around working in the areas of housing and homelessness supporting some of the most vulnerable community members around the Denver Metro Area. We have had the opportunity to see first hand the impact Ariana has had both on the people she serves and the team she leads, which is why we believe she is an outstanding candidate for the Arvada Future 20 List.

See all of our Future 20 Under 40 honorees, or nominate someone at arvadachamber.org/future20

**Monday Motivation**

You can’t always change where your story began, but you can choose where it goes next.

Every new beginning starts somewhere. Sometimes, it starts with a single step toward safety, support, healing, or a brighter future.

At Family Tree, we believe that the past does not have to define what comes next. Every person deserves the chance to write a new chapter.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities.

From September 15 through October 15, we recognize the many stories and experiences that have shaped our communities and honor the heritage that continues to be celebrated and passed down through generations.

At Family Tree, we are grateful to serve a diverse community and proud to celebrate Hispanic heritage this month and throughout the year!

Family Tree was proud to co-host the Legislative BBQ alongside our partners from The Action Center, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, DDRC and Seniors Resource Center. The evening brought together nonprofit leaders and elected officials, including Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr, U.S. Rep Brittany Pettersen, and others, to discuss legislative priorities, advocacy efforts, and how we can collectively support the communities we serve. Our CEO Paolo Diaz did a great job as the emcee, and special thanks to political advisor Adam Burg for keeping us up to date on what’s important in this election year!

Applications are still open for Family Tree's 2026–2027 NextGen Cohort, but not for too much longer! 🌱

NextGen is a unique opportunity to connect with other passionate community members while learning about nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and the impact of Family Tree's work. Over nine months, cohort members participate in monthly learning sessions, volunteer projects, social gatherings, and hands-on opportunities to support our mission.

Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, all experience levels are encouraged to apply. If you're ready to grow as a leader and make a difference for families in our community, we'd love to hear from you.

📅 Applications close September 18, 2026.

For more information and to apply, click here: http://bit.ly/4w7h6hL

Today is International Day of Charity!

Established by the United Nations in 2012, International Day of Charity is observed each year on September 5 to recognize the important role that charitable organizations and acts of generosity play in helping communities and people around the world.

At Family Tree, we know that giving back can take many forms. Donations, volunteer hours, community partnerships, sharing resources, and simply showing up for someone in need can all make a meaningful difference.

Today, we’re celebrating the generosity of our community and saying thank you to everyone who supports Family Tree and the individuals and families we serve. Together, we can make our community a safer, stronger, and more supportive place!

If you'd like to donate you can do so here: https://www.thefamilytree.org/donate

What happens when a community comes together?

People find a path home. 💚

The City of Arvada Government has reached their goal of helping 65 people experiencing homelessness in Olde Town move into housing in 2026.

Family Tree is proud to be part of this collaborative effort alongside the City of Arvada, Mission Arvada Day Shelter and Housing Navigation Center, SafeSide Recovery, and community members working together to connect people with housing and support.

65 people housed is a milestone worth celebrating and a reminder of what is possible when we work together. The work continues.

Read more about this community effort from the City of Arvada: https://www.arvadaco.gov/1594/17440/City-of-Arvada-reaches-goal-of-housing-6

Family Tree continues our efforts to expand the Board of Directors with amazing leaders in our community and we are proud to welcome Matt Rivera to the Family Tree Board of Directors. Matt is a husband and father of two, the Owner of K&E SOLutions, LLC, and the Director of Community Safety and Well-Being for Adams County, Colorado. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience in local government, he specializes in organizational transformation, correctional systems, criminal justice reform, human resources, leadership development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is passionate about building strong organizations by aligning people, strategy, and culture to create lasting community impact.

Matt serves as President-Elect of the Local Government Hispanic Network, the nation's largest professional association dedicated to advancing Hispanic and Latino leadership in local government, and serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Colorado City and County Management Association (CCCMA). He has also served as Professional Faculty at the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

In 2023, Matt received the CCCMA Trailblazer Award for advancing diversity and inclusion in local government. He is also the Co-Founder and Principal Fund Advisor for Team Tío, a charitable fund that has helped remove financial barriers to youth sports participation for underserved children for more than 15 years.

To view Family Tree’s Board of Directors, please visit www.thefamilytree.org/board-directors

Join us for the Legislative BBQ on Thursday, September 10!

Connect with Jefferson County Commissioners, local officials, community leaders, and fellow advocates for an evening of conversation about the policies and priorities shaping our community.

The evening will feature Adam Burg, Senior Policy Advisor, Lobbyist, and Political Commentator, along with representatives from community organizations including Developmental Disability Resource Center, Family Tree, Jefferson Center, Seniors Resource Center, and The Action Center.

📅 Thursday, September 10
🕓 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
📍 Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada

Come share your perspective, hear from local leaders, and enjoy some BBQ while connecting with your community!

Register today and join the conversation: https://bit.ly/4dbMAfC

September is National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another that su***de prevention is a community effort.

For people experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, or other difficult circumstances, connection and support can make a meaningful difference. At Family Tree, we believe everyone deserves to know they are not alone and have access to resources that can help them move toward safety and stability.

Each of us can play a role in su***de prevention by checking in with the people around us, listening without judgment, and knowing where to turn when someone needs additional support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988.

This month, let’s make space for compassion, connection, and conversations that remind people they do not have to face difficult moments alone.

***dePreventionAwarenessMonth