We Are Honored
Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Community Investment of the Year Award
JULY 2024
Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC honors ‘community pillars.’ Two entities were honored as “great community pillars” at the 2024 Business Awards, part of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC’s annual gala on July 27, 2024. We Fortify won the Community Investment of the Year Award.
Proposition 123 Land Banking Award
JANUARY 2024
We Fortify was thrilled to receive the Prop 123 Land Banking award in early 2024, a $470,000 grant from Governor Polis’ office and the Land Banking Fund. This funding fueled the purchase of land for our second Elevate Village, expanding our impact in providing affordable housing, holistic support, and leveraging trauma-informed therapy and life skills curriculums. Among 113 applicants, only 16 were selected. This award signifies more than just a roof over someone’s head; it’s a beacon of hope for our community’s youth.
Urban Land Institute Chairs’ Award
OCTOBER 2023
We Fortify’s inaugural development, Working Fusion Village, received the esteemed Urban Land Institute Chairs’ Award in November 2023. This award, derived from ULI Colorado’s Impact Awards, recognizes land use projects and highlights business and economic models. The honor underscores our dedication and excellence, celebrating the collective efforts of our team, board, and volunteers. We Fortify is deeply appreciative and humbled by this recognition, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward changing the cycle of poverty.
Jefferson Award
SEPTEMBER 2021
For over 50 years, the Jefferson Awards have been the highest and most prestigious honor recognizing public service in the United States. At a national level, past recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Former President Jimmy Carter, and Shaquille O’Neal. In our Jefferson Awards, we’re recognizing Shelley Jensen of Colorado Springs, receiving the honor for her dedication to helping young adults in El Paso County who are homeless or about to lose their homes and she’s doing so by developing a tiny home village that keeps these vulnerable individuals safe while providing life skills education, trauma-informed therapy and training for and placement in a living-wage career position.
