A Year of Impact Thanks to the Generosity of Denver
Denver Mill Levy Program Changes Lives with Funding from Denver Property Tax
Music therapist Laura Ganguli at the Rise School of Denver gets preschoolers to use their brains and their bodies through the power of music. The Rise School can employ Laura because of Denver mill levy funding.
Toddlers at the Rise School of Denver, an inclusive preschool for children of varying abilities, were among those in 2019 who benefited from Denver property tax dedicated to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The Rise School was able to pay a professional music therapist to support students’ developmental growth thanks to Denver mill levy funds. Board Certified Music Therapist Laura Ganguli helps children practice important skills through sing-along songs that support speech and language, shared time with her guitar to support social-emotional skills and even dance to support gross motor skills.
“Rhythm is powerful – not only does it make the brain want to move, but it can match where the kids are at,” said Laura.
Community Partnerships
In 2003, Denver voters approved a measure to dedicate a mill, which is a portion of Denver property tax revenue, to Denver residents with I/DD. Denver Human Services contracts with Rocky Mountain Human Services to administer the funding. As a part of that administration, RMHS provides mill levy funding to organizations that provide unique services and resources to Denver residents.
Music therapy at the Rise School is one of 28 projects that were supported by mill levy funding in 2019.
RMHS began funding external initiatives in 2017 and has expanded the opportunity for new projects each year since. In 2019, 11 projects received mill levy funding from RMHS for the first time. The 2019 projects are diverse and include the Honeyman Services Rideshare Training program, the opening of a brand-new Autism Community Center by The Autism Community Store and expanding access to travel opportunities for Denver residents with I/DD through the Wayfaring Band.
Together, community partners served an average of about 950 individuals per month, offering unique services and supports that may otherwise not be accessible.
The mill levy has impacted thousands of individuals and families throughout 2019 by providing supportive services and funding that fulfills unique needs. To learn more about the Denver Mill Levy program, visit www.rmhumanservices.org/ml.
