GVCO October 2025 Newsletter

🍂 Hey friends of Gratitude Village!

As the air turns crisp and the trees blaze with fall colors, I’m reminded how much change and growth often come quietly—layer by layer, season by season. That’s exactly what’s happening with Gratitude Village Colorado right now. Each conversation, each meeting, each person who raises their hand to get involved brings us one step closer to turning this vision of a connected, sustainable, and inclusive community into something real and lasting.

This month, we’re moving forward on a promising land opportunity, welcoming a new Founder, taking our next big development step with the GIB Workshop, and celebrating the progress made together at our first official Founders meeting. It’s an exciting, hopeful season for our growing village, and I’m so glad you’re here to be part of it.

~ Suzie

Land Update: A promising Westminster site

Our site committee meets with Westminster city officials Monday, October 27 to discuss a parcel west of Federal between 96th & 104th. It checks a lot of our boxes:

• City-owned (potentially easing carrying costs)

• City vision aligns: medium-density housing desired

• $1M less than similarly sized properties we’ve considered

• $1.2M in infrastructure (utilities, fire, capital improvements) completed in 2024

• Transit-friendly: on an express bus line; <5 miles to RTD Westminster Station

• Great access: ~35 min to DIA, 3 miles to downtown Westminster, 12 miles to DCPA

We’re also actively researching additional properties in Jeffco, Lakewood, Arvada, and west Denver, with outreach to planning/development teams and individual landowners.
→ Read the full Land Update

Welcome, Newest Founder: Pam Homer 🎉

Please join us in welcoming Pam Homer—an Explorer since May—who has stepped up as a Founding Member! Pam is already assisting with grant writing and is excited to engage more deeply with our Founders & Explorers.
→ Meet Pam

Get It Built Workshop (GIB): Our next big step

Guided by Charles Durrett, this workshop demystifies the development journey—financing, governance, design process, and realistic timelines. Required for Founders and Explorers continuing with the project (and valuable even if your path later changes). Also great for those strongly interested in joining GVCO—or starting a community of their own.
→ Learn about GIB & RSVP (agenda, dates, requirements)

Founders Meeting Recap: Clarity, momentum, and inclusion

At our initial Founders Business Meeting on Sat, Oct 25 (Lakewood Library), 6 of 8 Founders attended. We clarified costs/benefits and participation levels for Inquirers, Explorers, and Founders; discussed rental units to align with affordability and diversity values; and opened a path for up to two future long-term renters to participate at the Founder level (one spot already claimed). Expect no more than ~20% of total homes designated as long-term rentals (final % to be refined during design/development).
→ Read the full recap

Upcoming Events

Sat, Nov 15, 2025 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. MT
In-Person General Info Session & Social
Lakewood Library – 10200 W. 20th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215
→ Please register so we have enough snacks for everyone! Save your seat

Tue, Nov 18, 2025 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. MT
Zoom Info Session
→ Register for Zoom Meeting

We’re recruiting 1–2 additional Board Members

GVCO’s nonprofit board is interviewing a wonderful slate of candidates and preparing inductions at our Dec 12 annual meeting. We’re especially seeking expertise in grant writing, finance, or funding. Interested—or know someone who’d be a great fit for a 2-year term starting Dec 12?
Email suzie@gratitudevillageco.com with a short note about interest and background and to get our Board service overview (time commitment, responsibilities)

Thank you for being part of this evolving story. Every RSVP, every question at an info session, every volunteer hour—these are the building blocks of Gratitude Village. Together, we’re creating a place where belonging, eco-living, accessibility, and affordability aren’t just ideals—they’re everyday life. 💛

If something here sparks your interest, reply and tell us which step you’d like to take next—visit a session, join as an Explorer, help on a committee, or meet with our team. We can’t wait to connect.