NESTletter: 3Q2026
- Community Nest
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
CHEERS TO TWO YEARS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Dear Nesties,
As we move through this beautiful summer season, I’m filled with gratitude for everything our community has accomplished together. The past few months have been nothing short of extraordinary for Community NEST, and I’m honored to share several highlights that reflect the heart, generosity, and momentum of our mission.
Thrift & Thrive Fashion Show (May 4): 26 volunteer models; 100+ attendees; $9,400 raised for the Empowerment Fund
NEST Mural Reveal: Introduced as a new community staple
Website Launch: Revamped site with full program info and online donation capability, see it here.
Semi‑Annual Grant: Awarded to All Access Wellness and Pillowcases for Camp Comfort
Scholarship: Bootstraps selected Taylor Daniels for the $5,000 Community NEST Scholarship with eligibility for 3 additional years of support
Milestones: Named Non‑Profit of the Year by the Conifer Chamber of Commerce
On July 16th, Community NEST celebrates two years in business. In that time, the shop has grown into something truly special—a place where neighbors feel valued, enjoy a boutique‑style experience, and meet new friends. What started as a dream has become a community anchor, thanks to all of you.
I am not Native to Colorado, but I have called it my home for the last 25 years. I was born in Texas and spent much of my life there, with the exception of a few formative years here in Colorado. When we left to return to Texas, I remember standing outside our home and looking out at the mountains and vowing I would move back one day. Eventually, I did and about 10 years ago we found our way to Conifer.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS:
Calling all Community Champions: Applications Open for Semi-Annual Grant Cycle for Sept.
Are you part of a 285 corridor non-profit? Or perhaps you support an extracurricular school program? If this sounds like you or someone you know, we invite you to consider applying for the Community NEST’s Semi-Annual Grant Program.
This program supports efforts to strengthen our community that align with our Community NEST values: Nurture, Elevate, Serve, and Teach.
We welcome applications from nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and individuals. We prioritize projects that will benefit the communities of the 285 corridor.
We do not have a dollar limit, but all grants must be accompanied by a clear description of the program, how you will measure its success, and the line items to be funded. Grant applications must be received by September 30, 2026.
Complete information, do’s and don’ts for success, and applications can be found on our website.
Questions? Email us at communitynestgrants@gmail.com.
Don't want to miss out on any important NESTIE updates?
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Tiffany Ransel
Board Secretary and Human Resources
Growing up, family and community were important. My grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all lived near one another. We did regular Sunday dinners and weekly get togethers. My mom was part of a local service organization, and she loved how it gave her a chance to connect with other women while doing good for their community. I still have some of the community cookbooks they created and sold to earn money for the local schools.
I attended college in Texas and studied psychology and criminal justice. I wanted to understand people and realize that this choice and every choice after was focused on finding opportunities to help others. My career began in residential treatment, providing behavioral health services to dually diagnosed teens. From there, I moved into behavioral health care management, which let me extend that impact to more people at once.
Eventually, I joined a team focused on improving healthcare quality and cost for patients, working alongside primary care providers. This further extended the reach of the work I was doing, growing to support the care of hundreds of patients across the country. Care transformation has been my professional home for the last 10-plus years.
I have been married to my husband, Mike, for over 20 years, and he is also a Community NEST volunteer. We have two daughters, both in college. Syd is at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, heading into her senior year, and Maddie is here in Colorado, about to start her sophomore year at CU Boulder. Rounding out our household are three dogs, Leo, Lexa, and Louie. They certainly keep us on our toes!
In my free time, you'll find me drawing and painting, or crocheting, spending time with friends and family, or hiking with three dogs in tow (I promise you can't miss us). I also work shifts at the Community NEST Resale store.
Being part of NEST has given me a chance to find a tribe of like-minded people who care deeply about giving back to our community. I love seeing how the NEST has become a safe place for people to gather and how it is able to give back immediately to community members in need. Every time I step foot into the store, I find I meet someone new and have a chance to create a new friendship with another amazing person in our community. Every volunteer we have brings something special to the NEST.
I can't imagine missing out on all the good that comes from keeping this little resale store going. I start each day reminding myself that "Something good is going to happen today." and that "Whatever today brings, I am ready." I know this is true, because having strong family and community connections makes everything is better. Every day, I know I have the support of the NEST family.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:
About Kay Hall:
This quarter, we're proud to feature local artist Kay Hall. After a rewarding career in healthcare, Kay spent years exploring a variety of artistic mediums in search of the one that truly inspired her. She first found that spark in fused glass, creating beautiful pieces from recycled materials and embracing the magic of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. Today, Kay's creativity has found a new home in fluid acrylics, where the movement of paint and the relationships between color continue to challenge and inspire her. Her work reflects a lifelong curiosity, a willingness to evolve, and the joy of discovering beauty through the creative process.
VISIT OUR STORE TO SEE AND PURCHASE KAY'S BEAUTIFUL WORK!
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