The newly-established Carbondale Education Foundation (CEF), a nonprofit dedicated to education, aims to raise $40,000 to construct a new health clinic at Roaring Fork High School (RFHS). The upgraded facility, run by Mountain Family Health Centers, will provide children and adolescents year-round access to medical, dental and mental health services.
CEF funds will support Carbondale’s public schools, which include RFHS, Crystal River Elementary, Carbondale Middle, Carbondale Community and Ross Montessori schools.
According to their website, CEF’s mission is “to raise funds in support of Carbondale’s public education system for the betterment of our community.”
Inspired by nonprofit education foundations in Basalt and Glenwood Springs, CEF board president Jamie Nims believes that community support for Carbondale schools warrants the creation of a similar foundation. In late November, he and a few others met to discuss the concept.
“Parents from all our schools have been interested in finding a way to help education in Carbondale through an outlet that works with their schedules. Most everyone on the crew right now has day jobs, making it harder to be involved in day-to-day school stuff and volunteering,” he said.
As the head of school at Two Rivers Community School in Glenwood Springs, Nims, who has two daughters who attend Carbondale schools, faces challenges in being involved due to his work schedule. However, through CEF, he can support their schools in a way that accommodates his work schedule.
In February, during Carbondale’s First Friday, CEF held an event at the Painted Pig restaurant to announce its formation, share its mission with the community and discuss planned projects for 2024.
“We had a really good turnout, and it was a good chance for us to chat with people and for them to learn a bit about what we’re doing,” Nims said.
You’ll find CEF supporters at a booth during First Friday in May. “We aim to engage with community members and gather input from visitors to the booth,” Nims explained. “Having a presence there will help spread awareness about our foundation.”
RFHS clinic
CEF’s first initiative is to raise funds for a new school-based health center (SBHC) run by Mountain Family Health Centers, at RFHS. The existing health center at RFHS is limited in capacity compared to centers in Basalt and Glenwood Springs.
“As far as a unifying goal, it seemed like a good fit for us,” Nims explained. “We already have a target that’s needed right here — the clinic — and all we have to do is jump in and get support to make it happen.”
He continued, “We are seeking to raise $40,000 and have a match campaign that is running live right now.” Two anonymous donors have offered dollar-for-dollar matches on donations, up to $25,000, received through June 1.
Nims believes that having conversations about public education is beneficial because it encourages community engagement and dialogue. He foresees opportunities to partner with the Glenwood Springs and Basalt foundations. “Together, we can brainstorm events or initiatives that showcase community support for the entire school district,” he said.
“We hope to have as much impact on projects as possible. As we get further down the road, we’ll have more opportunities to see where we can be helpful and learn more about what our schools really need.”
CEF is currently offering corporate sponsorships, beginning at $500, to anyone interested in having their logo featured on their website and marketing materials. Presently, the board convenes biweekly on Tuesday evenings in Carbondale. If you want to attend a board meeting or volunteer, contact nimsjam@gmail.com
For more information about CEF, visit www.carbondaleeducationfoundation.org