In September 2023, Contemplative Caregiver was proud to apply for a grant to serve Young Adults Caregivers through Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant program. Below are the primary questions asked and our responses to them.
1. Brief Summary of Proposal:
Contemplative Caregiver is launching a seasonal, four-week fishing therapy program tailored for young caregivers (18-25) from underrepresented communities in Boulder County. Limited to two groups of six participants per season, this initiative will serve 50 caregivers, from BIPOC, low-income, LGBTQAI2S+, and disabled communities. Held at St. Vrain State Park. Stipends will be available to purchase recreational equipment and licenses and to subsidize temporary professional caregiving services.
2. Amount Requested:
Must be equal to or less than $100,000. A budget breakdown will be requested in the finance section of the form.
$ 99,593.00
3. What will this grant request support?
Fishing licenses, family passes, CPR/AED courses, Wilderness First Aid Training, seasonal marketing, communication services, caregiving stipends, fishing poles and equipment, adaptive equipment, outdoor clothing and safety equipment, clinically licensed therapists (LPCC, LPC, LCSW, LMFT), guide services, administrative assistants, clinical supervision, fringe benefits, and administrative costs.
4. What county (or counties) and city (or cities) do your participants or anticipated participants live in?
Boulder County, Colorado
5. Which traditionally-excluded communities will you primarily engage with the Outdoor Equity Grant funds?
Please provide a narrative that describes the youth and families you will be working with:
The fishing therapy program in Boulder County offers a mental health support for young caregivers (18-25) from underserved communities like BIPOC, low-income, LGBTQAI2S+, and those with disabilities. We facilitate 12 hrs of group therapy: eight at St. Vrain State Park and four at another location facilitated by a guide service. We include gear stipends and a caregiving fund to reduce financial barriers. Goals include immediate mental health aid, community building, and conservation awareness.
6. Explain how your proposal aligns to our values of increasing equitable access, reducing barriers to outdoor recreation, and instilling a sense of wonder, excitement, and responsibility for the environment in Colorado youth and families.
Our fishing therapy program aligns closely with Colorado parks and wildlife values of equitable access, reducing barriers to outdoor activities, and fostering environmental awareness among Colorado’s youth and families.
Equitable Access
We aim to include youth caregivers from diverse backgrounds, such as BIPOC, low-income, LGBTQAI2S+, and those with disabilities. To make it easier for them to participate, we’re offering stipends for recreation gear, license, equipment and temporary caregiving services.
Reducing Barriers
The program takes place at St. Vrain State Park, chosen for its accessibility. We’re partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and a culturally aware fishing guide service to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included. This helps to lower both physical and emotional barriers to enjoying the outdoors.
Environmental Awareness
While the focus is on therapeutic engagement with nature, we also incorporate elements of conservation education. Participants will learn about local ecosystems and the importance of taking care of the environment, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility that lasts beyond the program.
Community Impact
We hope that the benefits of the program will extend beyond the participants to their families and communities. As these young caregivers find some respite and learn new skills, we believe they’ll share these benefits and values with others, contributing to a broader appreciation for outdoor experiences and environmental care in Colorado.
Wonder and Excitement
The program infuses wonder by blending therapeutic care with the thrill of fishing at St. Vrain State Park. Participants connect with nature, each other, and themselves, creating an atmosphere of awe and excitement. This enriches not just their lives but also their caregiving roles, encouraging a ripple effect of positivity and environmental awareness in their communities.
6. How does your proposal achieve one or more of the following outcomes?
- Offering responsible recreation opportunities
- Offering environmental or outdoor-based educational opportunities
- Providing career pathways in the outdoor, conservation, or environmental fields
Responsible Recreation Opportunities
The seasonal fishing therapy program is designed to offer responsible recreation opportunities throughout the year. Participants engage in fishing activities under the guidance of a clinically licensed therapist and certified fishing guides who are well-versed in sustainable fishing practices. Participants will keep fishing gear provided to them as well as a CPW State Park Entry Pass and full year fishing license and these systems ensure that the recreation is not only therapeutic but also environmentally responsible and accessible beyond the four-week group. Additionally, the program adheres to all regulations set forth by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, further underlining its commitment to responsible outdoor engagement.
Environmental or Outdoor-Based Educational Opportunities
While the primary focus is therapeutic, the program incorporates an easily embraceable educational component. Participants will discover their relationship to local ecosystems, conservation practices, and the importance of sustainable outdoor activities. This environmental awareness is also tied into the group’s focus on diversity and access. The educational aspects are integrated into the fishing activities, making the learning experience both engaging and impactful.
Career Pathways in Outdoor, Conservation, or Environmental Fields
Though not a vocational program per se, the fishing therapy initiative exposes participants to potential career pathways in outdoor, conservation, or environmental sectors. By partnering with certified fishing guides and Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff and programs, participants gain insights into the workings of these fields. This exposure could spark interest in pursuing careers in similar domains, thereby indirectly serving as a career exploration platform. Additionally, the therapist is trained in career counseling and can provide guidance and expertise.
7. Please provide your proposed budget narrative and timeline.
Your budget narrative and timeline should clearly describe what you plan to use OEGP funds for and when.
Spring Quarter
April: Secure OEGP grant, hire HIPAA-trained administrative assistant, conduct CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid training, consult with Transformative Travel and Queer Nature. Advertising. Report on activities and finances.
May: Screen Groups 1 & 2, assess Summer needs. Disperse license, CPW Passes, caregiving stipend, recreation gear, or adaptive equipment. Financial update.
June: Launch 4-week program for Groups 1 & 2, capture media, hire guide. Program summary.
Summer Quarter
July: Follow-up and data analysis for Groups 1 & 2, Summer program review, start advertising.
August: Screen Groups 3 & 4, assess Fall needs. Disperse license, CPW Passes, caregiving stipend, recreation gear, or adaptive equipment. Financial update.
September: Launch 4-week program for Groups 3 & 4, capture media, hire guide. Program summary.
Fall Quarter
October: Follow-up and data analysis for Groups 3 & 4, Fall program review, continue advertising.
November: Screen Groups 5 & 6, assess Winter needs. Disperse license, CPW Passes, caregiving stipend, recreation gear, or adaptive equipment. Financial update.
December: Launch 4-week program for Groups 5 & 6, capture media, hire guide. Program summary.
Winter Quarter
January: Follow-up and data analysis for Groups 5 & 6, start Spring advertising. Winter program review.
February: Screen Groups 7 & 8, assess Spring needs. Disperse license, CPW Passes, caregiving stipend, recreation gear, or adaptive equipment. Financial update.
March: Launch 4-week program for Groups 7 & 8, capture media, hire guide. Program summary.
Year-End (April)
Follow-up and data analysis for Groups 7 & 8, Spring program review. Comprehensive annual review, including financials and participant feedback. JEDI report.
| Grant Budget: Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant 2024 | ||||
| Budget Item | Description | Quantity | Cost per item | Total Amount Requested from OEGP |
| Costs Associated with Project Planning, Coordination, Implementation, Communication, and Celebration | ||||
| Consultation | Logistics Planning With Transformative Travel LLC | 1 | 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
| Consultation | Diversity & Inclusivity Consult WIth Queer Nature | 1 | 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
| Fishing License | License + Fees + Extra Rod + Habitat Stamp | 50 | 65.06 | $ 3,253.00 |
| Family Pass | Annual Entry Hangtag / Family Pass CPW | 50 | 120.00 | $ 6,000.00 |
| CPR/AED course | First Aid and Medical CPR and AED Training For liability and lifesaving | 2 | 40.00 | $ 80.00 |
| Wilderness First Aid Training | Learn to anticipate risks and hazards, identify medical, traumatic, and environmental problems, recognize life-threatening issues, initiate basic care, and deliver a cohesive report. The curriculum forces students to think creatively, adapt to ever changing situations, and learn valuable leadership, decision making, and communication skills. | 1 | 350 | $ 350.00 |
| Seasonal Marketing | Each season will interest different groups and therefore marketing needs to adapt to seasonal language changes to get the biggest number of participants, print media advertising, flyers, etc | 12 | 25.00 | $ 300.00 |
| Communication | Including Cellphone and monthly payments | 12 | 75.00 | $ 900.00 |
| Caregiving Stipend | 8 family caregivers will receive 12 hours of in home respite care at $420 per person, one person per group | 8 | 420.00 | $ 3,360.00 |
| Physical Goods such as Gear and Equipment | ||||
| Fishing Poles & Equipment | Fishing per season, focused on species specific. 2 poles per season & tackle | 50 | 120.00 | $ 6,000.00 |
| Adaptive Equipment | Allotment for disability friendly fishing gear | 8 | 225.00 | $ 1,800.00 |
| Outdoor Clothing & Safety Equipment | Based on seasonal needs the client may include gift cards for purchase for recreational equipment such as gloves, poncho, boots, etc. First Aid, Weather & Hazard Gear, Emergency Prep | 50 | 20.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
| Staff Expenses | ||||
| Clinically Licensed Therapist, LPCC, LPC, LCSW, LMFT Therapist | Direct Client Contact hours = 150 screening clients x .5 hours; 50 client follow up x 1 hour; Group Sessions @12 hours x 8; Assessment, Referrals, and Reporting @ 50 clients x .50 hour per ~65 hours per quarter @$120 hour = 30,000 | 250 | 120.00 | $ 30,000.00 |
| Non-Clinical / Indirect Calls & Email Correspondence, Travel, Presentations, professional development, report writing, advertising Example: ~120 hours per quarter ~30 hours monthly = 500 x $30 per hour = 15,000 | 500 | 30.00 | $ 15,000.00 | |
| Guide Services | Professional Guide service for week four/ half day trip @ $1000 per group | 8 | 1,000.00 | $ 8,000.00 |
| Administrative Assistant | HIPAA & Confidentiality Trained, Administrative Assistant at 4 hours a week @$20 per hour x 12 months | 200 | 20.00 | $ 4,000.00 |
| Clinical Supervision | Four Sessions at $150 per hour for clinical supervision, code of ethics compliance, mandated reporting, and additional clinical oversight; 4 sessions per month x 12 months | 48 | 150.00 | $ 7,200.00 |
| Fringe Benefits | Workman’s Compensation Insurance, etc | 1 | 800.00 | $ 800.00 |
| General Operating Costs | ||||
| Administrative Costs | 10% of grant total to executive costs including taxes, fees, licensing, insurances, etc | 1 | 9,550.00 | $ 9,550.00 |
| TOTAL | $ 99,593.00 | |||
8. What does success look like for this project? How do you plan to measure success?
What Does Success Look Like?
Participant Engagement: 70% attendance rates and active participation in the program. Pre-screen 125 people.
Mental Health Outcomes: Demonstrable improvements in mental health metrics, such as reduced stress and increased well-being, and experience satisfaction, measured through pre- and post-program surveys.
Community and Environmental Awareness: Increased knowledge and awareness about conservation and the environment among participants, as evidenced by pre- and post-program evaluations.
Sustainability: Participants continue to engage in responsible outdoor activities post-program, utilizing the fishing gear and licenses provided.
Career Exploration: At least a small percentage of participants express interest in or take steps toward careers in outdoor, conservation, or environmental fields.
Financial Viability: The program operates within budget and secures funding for future cycles.
How to Measure Success
Attendance and Engagement: Track attendance rates and use qualitative feedback from group discussions and one-on-one sessions to gauge engagement.
Mental Health Metrics: Utilize validated psychological scales like the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) or the General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS) to measure mental health outcomes pre- and post-program.
Environmental Awareness: Use a pre- and post-program quiz to assess knowledge gains in environmental conservation.
Sustainability: Follow-up one month after the program to assess ongoing engagement in outdoor activities.
Career Interest: Track any participants who enroll in related educational programs or secure jobs/internships in the field as a direct or indirect result of the program.
Financial Tracking: Monthly financial reports to ensure the program is operating within the budget.
Participant Feedback: End-of-program surveys to gather participant feedback on what they found most and least beneficial, which will be invaluable for future iterations of the program.
9. How does your organization engage in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion?
You can demonstrate competency through any of the following:
- Demonstrated leadership
- Hiring and staff representation of communities served
- External programming
- Organizational resources or policies
- Policies or practices
Contemplative Caregiver LLC, has operated in Colorado since 2017 and is deeply committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in all operational aspects. Our founder, Andrew Koch, MA, LPCC, has over a decade of experience as a hands-on caregiver and in caregiving education. Andrew’s approach is enriched by a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University. This expertise uniquely informs our holistic and inclusive approach.
Demonstrated Leadership
Andrew’s credentials and experiences set the groundwork for designing inclusive and effective programs. Our leadership exudes a commitment to social responsibility and clinical accountability, reflected in our daily operations and long term vision.
Hiring and Representation
We prioritize a diverse staff that mirrors the communities we engage with. Discrimination is strictly prohibited, whether based on gender, lifestyle, ethnicity, financial status, or other identifiers.
External Programming
Our seasonal fishing therapy program aims to serve marginalized caregivers, targeting groups like BIPOC, LGBTQAI2S+, and the disabled. Additionally, we offer sliding scale mental health counseling ($30-$70/hr) via Open Path Collective via telehealth or in person.
Organizational Ethics
We strictly adhere to American Psychological and American Counseling Association Standards of Ethics. As Mandated reporters in Colorado, we comply with Title 40 Mental Health Statutes.
Community Partnerships
Our affiliations with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Queer Nature, and Transformative Travel, along with a culturally competent fishing guide service, affirm our community commitment. We’re actively scouting for partnerships that align with our forward-thinking values.
Transparency and Accountability
An annual report will be released, providing an overview of our JEDI efforts, accomplishments, and growth areas, fortifying our accountability to stakeholders.
10. Has your organization worked with the youth and families that you intend to serve before? What is your experience with serving them?
If not, how are you proposing to reach out to a new community? What are your expected challenges, opportunities, and outcomes? (suggested length: 1000 characters or less)
Contemplative Caregiver LLC has prior experience serving caregivers aged 18-25, including those from BIPOC and LGBTQAI2S+ communities. The organization has co-led seminars addressing their unique challenges. We understand the complexities caregivers face, especially when financial and diversity issues are involved. Our mission is informed by hands-on experiences like therapeutic fishing trips for dementia patients and their caregivers and international travel events with up 30+ people per group.
Challenges:
Addressing mental health stigma in marginalized communities.
Overcoming logistical barriers like transportation.
Opportunities:
Leveraging existing networks to reach a targeted audience.
Utilizing nature’s therapeutic benefits for emotional support.
Expected Outcomes:
Improved mental well-being among participants.
Increased personal and community awareness about their relationship to the environment.
Alleviate caregiving stresses by offering an inclusive and accessible outdoor experience.
11. How do the opportunities you offer to access the outdoors help respect community goals and needs?
This fishing therapy program aligns closely with community goals of increasing mental well-being and providing equitable access to outdoor experiences. By targeting caregivers aged 18-25 from marginalized communities, we address a pressing need for mental health support in these groups. The program is designed to be financially accessible, offering stipends for recreation equipment and temporary caregiving services, thereby removing economic barriers that often limit outdoor engagement.
Additionally, the program incorporates elements of conservation education, aligning with community goals of environmental stewardship. Participants learn about local ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices, fostering a sense of responsibility that we hope will be shared within their communities.
By offering a unique blend of therapeutic and educational experiences in the outdoors, we aim to meet community needs for mental health support, equitable access to nature, and environmental awareness.
Contemplative Caregiver 