August 14, 2025

Sandy Cook wasn’t quite sure her new space in the DU neighborhood would be adequate for the 64 members and guests who RSVP’d.  Now she knows! We filled every room and spilled out onto the patio, enjoying connecting with new and “original” members. Coming out of our COVID years, “Strictly Social” began in 2022 when we were starving for personal connection. This year however had a “twist” – and that twist was bringing an update on our second $100,000 grantee, Work Options.

Julie Stone, Executive Director, was new in her position when the organization applied for the Impact100 $100,000 grant in 2016. That $100,000 grant allowed Work Options to purchase and outfit a mobile training vehicle to teach culinary skills to women residing in halfway houses.

We learned how Work Options evolved through the turbulence of the post-COVID years into a leaner, more effective organization.  Today they have produced and distributed 300,000 meals. The production of those meals provides comprehensive culinary job training to people who have challenges but also a desire to work and contribute.

During the pandemic, Work Options had the opportunity to become an anchor tenant in the revisioning of the Johnson and Wales Campus – now called the Mosaic Campus.  Just imagine Work Options providing training in what had been the culinary school of Johnson and Wales!

2024 was the first full year on the Mosaic Campus. Julie reported that their outcomes were the best ever. Of 247 students, 90% completed training. Of those, 80% became employed and 70% were still at their jobs after 12 months. Average wage was $19.32.

“Strictly Social With a Twist” will now be the new model for this gathering held annually in January and August – where we can hear updates from earlier grantees on how our grant has impacted their mission. Stay tuned for the January date. 

A big thank you to Sandy Cook for creating the space for us to enjoy each other AND learn the impact our $100,000 grant had for Work Options. Kudos to us all for granting nearly $2,000,000 to some 32 Denver area not-for-profits over the past 10 years!