Donation funds college expansion

Two of Arvada’s key businesses came together to celebrate learning and health education in Arvada through one sizable donation.

“We believe we’ve found an investment and opportunity to invest in our home city,” said Marla Williams, president of Arvada’s Community First Foundation. “To invest in our conviction, that mental health and wellness is best addressed whole person, mind and body together … that great opportunity is to invest in Red Rocks Community College.”

On Jan. 21, Community First Foundation, a local philanthropic nonprofit, donated $ 1 million to Red Rocks Community College, to help fund the expansion of a 55,000 square foot Arvada Health Professions and Science building located at 5420 Miller St.

“This takes us so much further,” said Red Rocks President, Michele Haney. “We are about 82 percent there … so this helps us come and see it be a reality.”

The $ 22.5 million project will triple the size of the campus while adding key programs such as, Nurse’s Aide, RN Refresher, Health Professional, Medical Assisting, Office Management, Phlebotomy Technician and Physician Assistant to the college’s growing selection of health courses.

“It literally started out in a mortuary on Wadsworth Boulevard,” said Arvada Mayor Marc Williams of Red Rocks’ first classes in Arvada. “To see what Community First has come together with, and what I know our city council will put together in terms of some assistance and what I know each and every one of you will do on an individual and business basis to close that funding gap –; it’s all going to be such a tremendous asset for our community.”

Currently, Red Rocks is gathering the final funds and is expected to break ground on the project in July of this year, with classes starting in 2016.