Lasy Johnson

Honoring Ute Day at the Colorado Capitol: A Step Forward for Tribal Communities

We were proud to honor Ute Day 2025 at the Colorado Capitol on Thursday, April 3rd. This significant day provided an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the enduring government-to-government relationship between the State of Colorado and the sovereign Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Governor Polis recognized, in a proclamation and […]

Honoring Ute Day at the Colorado Capitol: A Step Forward for Tribal Communities Read More »

Pinwheels Foster Hope in Colorado: Kicking Off Child Abuse Prevention Month

On Tuesday, April 1st, the swirl of blue pinwheels brought a powerful message of hope to the Colorado State Capitol, as Illuminate Colorado organized this year’s “Pinwheels in the Chambers” event. This moving gathering marked the official kickoff of Child Abuse Prevention Month, uniting advocates, community members, and leaders in a shared commitment to protecting

Pinwheels Foster Hope in Colorado: Kicking Off Child Abuse Prevention Month Read More »

Ensuring Child Safety Online: First Farley-Kempe Policy Brief

We are pleased to announce the release of the first Farley-Kempe Policy Brief on Child Safety Online, focusing on the critical issue of Age Verification. Recognizing that all children possess the fundamental right to protection and safe, nurturing environments for growth and development, this brief addresses a significant gap in our modern world. Despite today’s

Ensuring Child Safety Online: First Farley-Kempe Policy Brief Read More »

Bill Expanding Youth Services Passes After Powerful Testimony

DENVER, CO – Colorado Senate Bill 25-197, aimed at expanding access to vital community-based services for youth, has passed. The bill’s success followed compelling testimony from Michel Holien on March 13th, with strong support from The Kempe Foundation. This legislation modernizes the Tony Grampsas Youth Services (TGYS) program, enabling intermediaries like FHF to broaden the

Bill Expanding Youth Services Passes After Powerful Testimony Read More »

Victory for Colorado’s Children: HB25-1188 Advances

A major step forward for child protection in Colorado! On February 25th, the Colorado House Health and Human Services Committee passed HB25-1188, “Mandatory Reporter Task Force Recommendations,” with a strong 9-4 vote. This victory marks the culmination of years of dedicated work, particularly by Ida and Kathi, who served on the Colorado Mandatory Reporter Task

Victory for Colorado’s Children: HB25-1188 Advances Read More »

Kempe’s Legislative Reception: Safeguarding Children in the Digital World

On Monday, January 27th, The Kempe Foundation hosted a legislative reception at the History Colorado Center, focusing on the increasingly complex challenge of keeping children and youth safe and healthy in our digital world. The event brought together legislators, community members, and experts to discuss the current risks of online harms and other 21st-century forms

Kempe’s Legislative Reception: Safeguarding Children in the Digital World Read More »

Broncos Alumni Charities Tackle Youth Support with $15K Grant

The Denver Broncos Alumni Charities continue to demonstrate their commitment to the Denver community, awarding a generous $15,000 grant to The Kempe Foundation. This significant grant award will directly support the vital work of Kempe’s Fostering Healthy Futures program, empowering young people to thrive. Fostering Healthy Futures provides vital support and resources to youth, helping

Broncos Alumni Charities Tackle Youth Support with $15K Grant Read More »

9 News, A ‘Word of Thanks’ from Next, Featured the KICS Clinic

In late December, 9News’ A ‘Word of Thanks’, a microgiving campaign highlighted the incredible work of Kempe’s KICS Clinic here. Watch the video on the 9News YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo_qiQQvNsg. This special program provides vital support for children in foster care settings across Colorado, offering a path of hope for these vulnerable young individuals. The

9 News, A ‘Word of Thanks’ from Next, Featured the KICS Clinic Read More »

TRIP Program Awarded $2.4M Contract to Expand School Mental Health Support

The Trauma Responsive Implementation and Practice (TRIP) Program at the Kempe Center has been awarded a four-year, $2.4 million contract from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). This funding will power the implementation of the School Mental Health Support Program (SMHSP) under House Bill (HB) 24-1406. Starting January 1, 2025,

TRIP Program Awarded $2.4M Contract to Expand School Mental Health Support Read More »