Projects for 2017
Guitars for Good
Jordan was a very talented and passionate guitar player. His start with the instrument was unplanned – Jordan was originally an avid trumpet player, but was unable to sign-up for band at his small high school in Fairplay, CO. The only music class that fit his schedule was guitar… he quickly excelled and gained an appreciation and passion for the instrument. He attributed it to changing his life and frequently expressed how thankful he was for signing up for the guitar class all those years ago. It was a rare sight to see Jordan without a guitar nearby.
In Jordan’s memory, the Foundation donated 3 guitars (2 acoustic and 1 electric) with cases to his alma mater --- South Park High School. We hope the donation will restore the guitar class and allow students to experience the joy that comes with playing this fun instrument. As one of Jordan’s favorite quotes eloquently puts it, “Music saved my soul.”
Everybody Counts
On June 25, 2017 the Jordan Miranda Memorial Foundation joined Everybody Counts Ministry at Mineral Palace Park in Pueblo, CO. On this hot summer day, the Foundation distributed ice cold bottles of water and new bandanas to Pueblo's homeless population.
The Foundation has great admiration for the work of Everybody Counts Ministry, which has fed the homeless every Sunday since October 2011. We encourage you to support their commendable efforts.
Back-to-School Backpack Donation
The Jordan Miranda Memorial Foundation helped local students in Pueblo, Colorado get ready to head back to school. The Foundation donated several backpacks with money to cover the cost of school supplies.
Friendly Harbor
The Jordan Miranda Memorial Foundation supports the mission of the Friendly Harbor Drop In Center in Pueblo. On a warm Saturday afternoon in September, Foundation members Madison Miranda and Robin Phillips joined clients and staff for a BBQ lunch and provided the pie and ice cream for dessert.
Friendly Harbor was the effort of Pueblo resident, Robin Hill. He founded the center in 1994 with the mission of "restoring hope, dignity and a sense of purpose to Pueblo citizens who happen to have a mental illness." Mr Hill envisioned a safe and supportive environment where people with mental illness could gather for support, education, assistance, companionship and always hope. Their struggles are real in a world that can be overwhelming and frightening.
The center continues to be a beacon of light and a safe harbor for those who have mental illness.
One of the core values of the Jordan Miranda Memorial Foundation is that every person has a place in this world and deserves kindness and respect no matter their circumstances. Our mission statement promotes small acts of kindness as a way of changing the world. Jordan not only volunteered at the Center a couple of times during his tenure at CU-Boulder, but he wrote a well-received paper (A) on the rights of the mentally ill and the hardships they face in a society that is not always understanding or tolerant. Jordan was always a champion of the underdog and went out of his way to value and respect others.
We applaud people like Robin Hill who make a difference. His mental illness didn't stop him- it propelled him forward with courage, insight and compassion to bless others.
The Jordan Miranda Foundation will continue to support efforts that help stop the stigma of mental illness.
Ladies Breakfast
On Saturday, December 2, Robin Phillips was the featured speaker at the ladies breakfast at Praise Assembly Church in Pueblo. Robin’s message touched hearts as she shared her grief journey after losing her cherished son, Jordan. It was a beautiful message of God’s grace and compassion for the broken-hearted.
Ronald McDonald House
On Friday, December 15, 2017, the Jordan Miranda Memorial Foundation was at the Ronald McDonald House in Aurora serving dinner. Foundation members provided and cooked a Mexican-themed dinner with a variety of freshly baked desserts.
The first Ronald McDonald House, referred to as the house that love built, was opened in 1974. Today, there are Houses in 64 countries. These Houses keep families with sick children together and near the care and resources they need.
The Aurora House opened in March of 2008. It serves families with seriously ill or injured children being treated at nearby Children’s Hospital. More than ever, children in need of emergency treatment are being brought to Denver from rural Colorado and bordering states for expert medical care.
The Ronald McDonald House couldn’t serve families in need without volunteers. It was our honor and privilege to provide dinner for these families – especially at this time of year. We believe blessing others benefits both the receiver and the giver. We wish these kids a very speedy recovery and comfort for their families. God bless.