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What is happening…
A lot is happening. I want to give you an update on Jeffco CTC and how the events of the past few weeks, including the executive orders issued by the Trump administration, have impacted and continue to impact us and our work.
As you may know, the new administration has issued many executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, some which specifically address organizations that receive federal funding.
Jeffco CTC is currently in year eight of a ten-year Drug-Free Communities (DFC) federal grant. Through this grant, we receive $125,000 per year, which equates to a little over a quarter of our budget.
We received communication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the entity that administers the DFC grant, on January 29, 2025 informing us that we must immediately terminate, “all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts promoting ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion.’”
On January 31, 2025, we received communication from the CDC informing us of a temporary restraining order, issued by the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, went into effect stating, “Federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB Memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.”
So…what does this mean?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of the work we do at Jeffco CTC. We are NOT going to waver from our mission, vision, values, and commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We anticipate we will lose our DFC funding for year nine and ten of our grant, and it is unclear how long we will continue to have access to the current year’s funding.
We are in the process of developing a fundraising plan as we are and will be facing significant budget shortfalls due to the loss of our federal funding.
How you can help…
Donate! Did you know Jeffco CTC, as a project of Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, is a nonprofit and can accept donations? Please consider if you are able to contribute financially to the coalition – whether it is $5 per month, a one-time donation, or something else, every dollar will help make an impact.
Get involved! Join a workgroup (or two!). Reach out to info@JeffcoCTC.care to learn more.
Spread the word! Share this letter and ask folks to get involved and/or donate to Jeffco CTC.
I recognize communication during this time is vital. We will send additional information as well as ways in which you can continue to help in the days and weeks ahead.
Onward.
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