For over 28 years, Brent’s Place has been a lifeline for families facing the unthinkable. Their medically safe housing is more than just a place to stay – it’s a sanctuary where hope, stability, and community come together during life’s most challenging moments. Here’s what they provide:
Safe, fully furnished apartments thoughtfully designed for immunocompromised patients and their families to ensure a secure and welcoming environment.
Personalized care and support, from nourishing meals and joyful family activities to meaningful holiday and birthday celebrations.
A compassionate community where families discover connection, comfort, and moments of respite when they need it most.
The Sunrise Club has been happy to cook many breakfasts for the (temporary) residents of Brent's Place.
****
Noon Club meets Happy Crew
You Matter! You Belong!
Happy Crew (above) responding to the “Say Cheese” request.
For over thirty years, Amy Mays (back row, center) has
worked alongside teens, helping them navigate life's challenges. As a youth director and counselor, she learned something crucial:teens need places where they feel they truly belong, where getting support doesn't feel like a big deal.
That's why she started Happy Crew in 2007. It began with weekly meetings where teens could be themselves, find their voice, and know they matter. What started with just a few students grew steadily. In the 2024-2025 school year, Happy Crew will host a total of 23 weekly meetings that bring together an average of 75 students each time. Already, 183 different teens have found community through Happy Crew this year alone—and we're on track to connect with over 200 students before summer.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24. Colorado ranks 41st in the nation for youth mental health support access. Behind these statistics are real teens who often feel alone, unsure where to turn. We can't solve this through traditional programs alone—we need to make support part of our community's everyday life.
Happy Crew Coffee House is a nonprofit coffee shop in Lone Tree, transforming your daily coffee into support for Happy Crew’s mission to show every teen they matter and belong.
9044 Forrstrom Drive, Lone Tree
Notes from RYLA and Young RYLA
(from Jan Keyton)
Deneth said he had a wonderful time at RYLA. He described it as feeling like “an extended family” and shared that the program was very well organized and engaging. He and the other kids enjoyed the experience so much that they would love to attend again.
The friendships they built have continued even after the event, which is wonderful to see. RYLA gave them a safe and supportive place to express themselves, spend time with others their age, and form strong friendships in such a short time.
Minoli shares her experience from Young RYLA:
"YRYLA was truly life-changing. Coming into it, I was as scared as I could be, but by the end, my group felt closer to me than some people I've known my entire life.
One of my favorite memories was during Wednesday's Twilight Time, when we went behind the cabin and played an incredibly intense game of baseball using a pine cone and a huge stick. Another favorite memory was playing cards nonstop with my roommates whenever we had the chance. Slapjack, War, Go Fish. You name it, we probably played it! Playing volleyball and staining my pants green was a highlight of the week.
District Governor Cindy Rold (above left) presenting our President Terre Cone the award for our club's 12% growth this past year…best in our entire district! Hooray for all of your efforts!
A BIG thank you from Help & Hope for our club's volunteers! Elizabeth Scofield (far right) has been coordinating this effort!
Down to the wire! Order now or forever miss your peach!
Below is the link to see and hear the message from our new Rotary International President, Olayinka Babalola (pictured above).
Kudos to John Kennett (below) for creating a beautiful distribution piece (above) that explains the mission of the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch. Please see John for copies to hand out to friends who might be interested in joining this amazing club.
John (forever in the back row) Kennett
Thank you Beth Clarke for proofreading and Kari Brown for tech support. Thanks to you dear reader for being a Rotarian!
Please submit photos and stories to the philipbclarke@gmail.com and put Wheel Spinner in the subject line.
“…and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
