Durango, Colo. — (May 15, 2020) — The Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance (SWCODA), the La Plata County Economic Recovery Task Force (LPCERTF) and the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado announce Rise & Recover Together, a campaign designed to create unity and support the recovery of our communities in response to COVID-19. 

“Rise & Recover Together, is rooted in community spirit,” says Briggen Wrinkle, Executive Director of the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado. “It is a community movement to lift each other up in light of the hardships faced during the COVID-19 crisis. The campaign is centered around a locally-designed logo to represent the community’s strength and resilience during challenging times and to remind everyone we are stronger, together.” 

Beginning with t-shirts and stickers provided by local printing company Basin Printing, the local design is community-owned and available to be reprinted on other local products to increase awareness. Proceeds of all sales will go directly to the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), a fund set up to support local organizations during times of crisis. Community stakeholders, including representatives from public health, local governments, school districts, businesses and nonprofits, will prioritize CERF funds to meet economic impact needs in the region.

The La Plata County Economic Recovery Task Force (LPCERTF) is a group of more than 30 leaders from business, nonprofit and civic organizations from the region who have been meeting since the outbreak of COVID-19. The logo development and selection was vetted by the LPCERTF.  The theme Rise & Recover Together, Durango encapsulated the many initiatives including economic stabilization, recovery initiatives, supporting positive actions by citizens to aid in recovery, and supporting the business and nonprofit sectors.

“As we all come together as business owners, civic leaders and members of our community, it is vital to work together to rebuild, meet basic human needs and help people flourish,” says Scott Shine, City of Durango. “This inspirational campaign is grounded in our love for the community, which we believe has abundant assets and is well-positioned to rebound from this crisis if we all work together to make it happen." 

LPCERTF and the Community Foundation will work together to provide local businesses and organizations banners, stickers and information on how to get involved, as well as how to advocate the community-wide effort to their customers.  

To learn more please visit: https://www.swcoda.org/rise-recover

About SWCODA: The mission of SWCODA is to share resources and raise awareness during times of crisis and emergency situations and help residents and businesses based in Southwest Colorado - La Plata, San Juan, Archuleta, Montezuma and Dolores counties. SWCODA is a community effort of the  Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). Please visit www.swcoda.org to get involved and learn more. 

About La Plata County Economic Recovery Task Force: Motivated by the vitality of La Plata County’s local economy, the group is comprised of leaders from business, nonprofit and civic organizations from the region working in collaboration during the COVID-19 outbreak with immediate response, assistance and future recovery resources. The Task Force is represented and supported by a wide range of public, private, and non-profit organizations who are united in their work to contribute to the betterment of Southwest Colorado. The Task Force is organized into sub-committees focused on specific sectors of the regional economy: Tourism, Service Industry, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Education, Health, Nonprofit, Development and Entrepreneur. Please visit www.swcoda.org/la-plata-county-economic-recovery-task-force to learn more.

About the Community Foundation serving SW Colorado: We envision a generous, vibrant and inclusive SW Colorado, with opportunities for all to thrive. The Foundation manages more than $6 million in investments for philanthropists in our community, offering invaluable resources to ensure that donors can be impactful with their giving, making a difference in the lives of others.