Archway Housing and Services Celebrates 20 Years

Celebrating an emerald anniversary in the midst of a gems-and-minerals exhibit, you might say this year’s Archway Housing and Services annual gala was a jewel, a sparkling success. On Friday, Sept. 18, supporters gathered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for a festive evening of food, friends and fundraising to help the organization build healthier, more sustainable communities, while simultaneously increasing the self-sufficiency and upward mobility of struggling families who live in those homes.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Archway’s executive director Joyce Alms Ransford and former Bronco and event emcee Reggie Rivers

The evening began with music by Bob’s Atrium Band during the cocktail hour and silent auction. Guests then adjourned to a sit-down dinner and program emceed by former Denver Bronco and media personality Reggie Rivers. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock was on hand to give the keynote speech and introduce award honorees David Nestor and Robinson Lapp, Archway co-founders. Also recognized on stage for service: Mrs. Monson, director of administration, and Yvette Craddock, board vice president and president of the Archway Investment Corporation board of directors.

During the program, Somer Lundborg, manager of family services, talked about the numerous, comprehensive programs for residents: from community gardens to career development for adults, and life skills classes, homework assistance and field trips for youngsters. Youth leaders took the stage to talk about their experiences, while executive director Joyce Alms Ransford and board president Mary Anderies also spoke during the program. Following a live auction run by lively auctioneer Rivers, guests had the opportunity to see the museum’s current Gems & Minerals Exhibition.

Another high bid at the live auction

Archway Housing and Services is a faith-based Colorado nonprofit with roots in the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ. Its mission: to change lives by providing housing and supportive services that engender a safe environment. The organization is dedicated to building healthier communities and providing teaching skills for families with very low to moderate incomes. Those additional family services, sometimes uncompensated, are currently available to 360 families, and there are plans underway for 60 additional apartments set aside for formerly homeless veterans. Archway Investment Corp., Inc., is the newest addition to the corporate structure, initiated in late 2014 to act as the developer of all future housing developments. For more information, please visit: http://www.archwayhousingandservices.org.