Year-End Report 2024

Dear Members of the Colorado Ethiopian Community,

As 2024 draws to a close, I am honored to share highlights of our accomplishments and plans for the future. This year has been one of growth and collaboration, thanks to your unwavering support and the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and leaders.

We celebrated Adwa Victory Day, hosted Ethiopian Dinner Night with 200 attendees at the DoubleTree Hotel, and participated in Global Fest, promoting Ethiopian culture on a large platform.

Additionally, the screening of "The Spirit of Adwa" at the Community College of Aurora was a major success, featuring a cultural exhibition, panel discussion, and traditional music. Though we couldn’t hold Ethiopian Day this year due to constraints, our community programs strengthened our connections.

The CEC-Edir continued to provide vital support, assisting 11 families with death benefits and organizing a Family Day event to foster stronger relationships among members and leaders.

Volunteers are essential to our continued success. Your time and expertise can help us achieve even more in the coming year.

We made significant progress through the support of several grants:

• Colorado Health Foundation: Funded a two-year Community Wellness Initiative for mental health and youth programming. $75,000.00 Awarded (each year2024/2025)

• Denver Foundation (BRIC): Supported ongoing capacity-building efforts. $7,500.00

• CDPHE and DDPHE: Enabled our Mental Health Ambassador Program, reducing stigma and educating the community through workshops and learning sessions. $157,674.60 Awarded (2023).

• Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Funded six paid internships for Ethiopian students in health and mental health fields. $75,000.00

• Trailhead Institute: Enabled community health navigation and outreach.$66,065.00

CEC Services:

Our services included referral assistance, culturally-appropriate food aid for 360 families, and support for 12 Ethiopian businesses. We launched the Ethiopian Business Owners Association, providing technical assistance, mentoring, and networking. Additionally, we offered educational navigation services to high school and college students.

Volunteers are essential to our continued success. Your time and expertise can help us achieve even more in the coming year.

Empowering the Colorado Ethiopian Community:

Looking ahead to 2025, we plan to revive Ethiopian Day, expand cultural programs, grow the Business Owners Association, organize a Youth Leadership Summit, and offer increased services at our larger office space.

Challenges Faced by the Community:

Volunteers are essential to our continued success. Your time and expertise can help us achieve even more in the coming year. Join us as we strive to strengthen our community and create opportunities for all. Thank you for your trust and support. Let’s make 2025 an even greater year! With gratitude, Samuel Gebremichael Chairman, Colorado Ethiopian Community.

We celebrated Adwa Victory Day, hosted Ethiopian Dinner Night with 200 attendees at the DoubleTree Hotel, and participated in Global Fest, promoting Ethiopian culture on a large platform.