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Cookson clan makes volunteering with Denver nonprofit a family affair

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CRI mentor Cody Cowan and student Abdoulaye Diane on a construction site
Community Resources, Inc. (CRI) mentor Cody Cowan and student Abdoulaye Diane

For nearly 50 years, local nonprofit Community Resources, Inc. (CRI) has helped supplement the education of Denver Public Schools students through a variety of programs with the assistance of thousands of volunteers. Current CRI volunteers include a unique group from a single family ― the Cooksons.

Student Alfredo Tolosa, Jr. and CRI mentor Dr. Michael Cookson
Student Alfredo Tolosa, Jr. and mentor Dr. Michael Cookson

In 2013, Michael Cookson, now a pediatric resident physician at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Vice President of the CRI board of directors, volunteered with CRI as a mentor to a fifth-grade student. Since then, he has served as a CRI mentor for five additional students who are interested in careers in medicine, including a set of triplets from Thomas Jefferson High School.

Michael’s wife, Kaitlyn, also began volunteering with CRI when she and Michael were still dating. A physician assistant, she has served as a mentor for multiple students interested in the health sciences. One of Kaitlyn’s mentees demonstrated suturing during her final presentation using a banana as the “patient.”

Kaitlyn’s brother, Cody Cowan, who works in construction management, then stepped up when he heard CRI had a mentorship student who was interested in his career area. Meanwhile Michael’s brother, Ricky, has offered his tech services to CRI, helping with graphic design as well as the implementation of the 2020 CRI Colorado Gives campaign.

Keeping it in the family, Ricky’s wife, Laura, head chef for Dream Dinners, recently became a CRI mentor and is currently working virtually with a culinary science student. As CRI Executive Director Sue Edwards puts it, “It will be fun to see what they cook up.”

“CRI cannot say THANK YOU enough to the Cookson clan for all they’ve done and continue to do,” Edwards added. “They are a true treasure!”

About Community Resources, Inc.

Established in 1972, Community Resources, Inc. (CRI) typically hosts hundreds of family nights each academic year to enhance Denver students’ experiences related to the arts, health, reading, math, science, and other areas. It sponsors special events such as science and career fairs as well and connects students with local volunteers with expertise in specific specialties and careers through its classroom speakers and academic mentors programs.

This year has been especially challenging for CRI as its programming and fundraising have had to move online. To support CRI’s continuing efforts to serve the students of Denver, please visit its donation page on ColoradoGives.org. To volunteer, contact Sue Edwards, Executive Director, at 720-424-2300 or Sue_Edwards@dpsk12.org.


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