Advocates of Routt County earned the first-place grant at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s IMPACT100 Season 19 event, held earlier this month at STARS Ranch in Steamboat Springs, according to an Oct. 15 statement. 

IMPACT100 members selected Advocates for its ongoing work supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence across Northwest Colorado.

The collective giving program distributed a record $19,000 among its three finalists. Advocates was awarded $10,000, Routt County Search and Rescue took home $6,000 and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps won the remaining $3,000. 

Founded in 2006, IMPACT100 brings together 100 or more donors each season, with contributions pooled to fund critical nonprofit projects across the Yampa Valley.

Advocates plans to use its award to upgrade its emergency shelter, adding a children’s enrichment area, new appliances and enhanced security measures to better serve families recovering from crisis.

“We’re deeply honored by this recognition,” said Advocates of Routt County Program Director Hannah Kaufmann. “Every day, our team walks alongside survivors of domestic and sexual violence, offering safety, hope and the chance to start again. This funding will help us make our emergency shelter a true home, especially for children and families navigating incredibly difficult transitions.” 

Advocates of Routt County provides 24-hour crisis response, shelter, advocacy and transitional housing for people affected by domestic and sexual violence. The nonprofit has already fielded more than 440 crisis calls this year and supported over 150 individuals.