Business Details
26 Years
experience
Strengthening American Indian Families in Denver
Denver Indian Family Resource Center (DIFRC) has been dedicated to strengthening American Indian and Alaska Native families in the Denver metro area since 2000. Founded in response to the overrepresentation of AI/AN families in the child welfare system, our organization provides culturally-responsive services that prioritize family reunification and community support. Through partnerships like our initiatory collaboration with Casey Family Programs, we deliver direct services and advocate for systemic change. Our mission focuses on vulnerable children and families who self-identify as AI/AN, offering specialized Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) advocacy and community-based programs. We define family broadly to include relatives and close friends, reflecting the realities of Indian family structures.With a proven track record and revered reputation, we serve as a single point of entry for critical resources. Our board of directors and staff bring deep expertise in tribal affairs, legal services, and community health. We actively engage in public education about historical child removal practices while providing practical support through programs like our Nurturing Parenting Program. For over two decades, we've maintained transparency in operations and commitment to client-centered care. By combining cultural competence with professional expertise, we address both immediate needs and long-term systemic challenges facing AI/AN communities.
Services
Family Services
Community Resources
ICWA Advocacy
Nurturing Parenting Program
Systems Change Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We specialize in culturally-responsive services for American Indian families since 2000
- Our team includes ICWA-certified advocates and tribal legal experts
- We offer comprehensive family support programs tailored to Denver's AI/AN community
- Our board includes tribal leaders and professionals with deep community ties
- We maintain partnerships with local and national Native-serving organizations
Services
Family Services
Our family services provide comprehensive support for American Indian and Alaska Native families in the Denver area. We offer case management, parenting education, and crisis intervention tailored to cultural needs. These services help prevent child welfare system involvement while supporting family reunification when necessary.
ICWA Advocacy
Specialized Indian Child Welfare Act advocacy helps families navigate child welfare proceedings. Our certified advocates ensure compliance with ICWA requirements and work to preserve Native family connections. This service focuses on legal support and cultural preservation in child custody cases.
Nurturing Parenting Program
This 10-week parenting program meets weekly for 2.5-hour sessions. The curriculum focuses on building positive parenting skills and preventing child abuse. Participants learn through interactive workshops that emphasize cultural values and family strengths.
Community Resources
We connect families with essential community resources including food assistance, housing support, and educational programs. Our resource center maintains partnerships with local service providers to address diverse family needs through a single access point.
Systems Change Initiatives
Our systems change efforts focus on improving child welfare practices for Native families. We work with agencies to implement culturally competent policies and provide training on tribal sovereignty issues. This advocacy addresses systemic challenges facing American Indian communities.
People
Taylor Kingsbery
Board Chair
Chickasaw Nation member with extensive experience in tribal business development. Leads strategic initiatives as Sr. Director at American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Brings deep understanding of tribal community needs to DIFRC's governance.
Adrianne Maddux
Board Vice Chair
Executive Director at Denver Indian Health and Family Services with decades of experience in Native health and social services. Provides leadership in developing culturally appropriate programs for urban Indian communities.
Brendan Morrison
Board Treasurer
Tsimshian Tribe member and financial expert serving as Chief Principal at Blue Sky Wealth Group. Offers strategic financial guidance to ensure DIFRC's long-term sustainability and responsible resource management.
Isabel Dufford
Board Secretary
Choctaw Nation attorney with Colorado Legal Services Corporation. Provides legal expertise on tribal rights and family law matters. Advocates for policy changes that benefit Native families in the child welfare system.
Rick Waters
Board Member
Kiowa/Cherokee Nation representative and co-executive director at Denver Indian Center. Combines cultural knowledge with administrative experience to support DIFRC's mission of family preservation and cultural continuity.
Questions
What services does DIFRC offer for Native families?
We provide family support services, ICWA advocacy, parenting programs, community resources, and systems change initiatives specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native families in the Denver area.
What is ICWA advocacy?
Our ICWA-certified advocates help families navigate child welfare cases while ensuring compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, which protects Native children's rights to maintain tribal connections.
How can I support DIFRC's mission?
Support options include monthly giving through ColoradoGives.org, car donations, in-kind gifts, tribute donations, or including DIFRC in estate plans. Visit our website for specific donation instructions.
Is DIFRC affiliated with Denver Indian Center?
While we collaborate with Denver Indian Center, we are separate organizations with distinct missions. DIFRC focuses specifically on family services and child welfare advocacy.
What areas does DIFRC serve?
We primarily serve the Denver metropolitan area, providing services to American Indian and Alaska Native families who reside in the local region.
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