Family Tree, Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, Seniors’ Resource Center and Jefferson Center hosted elected officials, legislators, candidates and Jefferson County residents at the 19th Annual Legislative BBQ at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Auditorium on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.
As the four most prominent nonprofits in Jefferson County, this event was an opportunity for legislators and legislative candidates to meet, build relationships and discuss key issues surrounding our community with clients, staff, volunteers and supporters of these community organizations.
The 2019 Legislative BBQ welcomed 250 guests and 27 legislators, legislative candidates and elected officials. The event included catering from Famous Dave’s, time for mingling before the event and drafted questions for legislators to address. The legislatures touched on topics related to the nonprofits missions and proposed ideas and strategies to support the four organizations and the community.
“The Legislative BBQ is a unique opportunity for nonprofits and legislators to come together as individuals and as the instrumental forces affecting these community issues,” said Scott Shields, Chief Executive Officer of Family Tree. “This is a remarkable exercise in the crucial step of education and communication to best serve those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and child abuse, those struggling with mental health and substance use issues, those with developmental disabilities and older adults.”
In 2000, the leadership of these Jefferson County nonprofits met to collaborate on advocacy efforts and the concept of joining forces to host an event with legislators was born. The first Legislative BBQ was held on September 19, 2000 at Maple Grove Park and attracted 400 people.
Family Tree is the only nonprofit in the Denver metro area that works to address the interconnected issues of child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. By leveraging a deeper, broader and more holistic array of life-changing services and programs, Family Tree empowers individuals and families to discover their own strengths to create lasting, positive change. Last year, Family Tree served 1,700 Jefferson County residents.