About US

Our Mission, Programs, Story and Staff

Mission

Building Hope Summit County is a community-wide initiative designed to create a more coordinated, effective and responsive mental health system that promotes emotional health, reduces stigma and improves access to care and support for everyone in Summit County.

Our Programs

Connectedness Events

Mental Health Training

Mental Health Navigation

Support Groups

Mental Health Scholarships

An Important message from the Building Hope Executive Director, Kellyn Ender

Our Story

Building Hope was launched in 2016, after a rash of local suicides in Summit County. Among those was Patti Casey, a long-time and beloved Breckenridge resident with deep roots in the community. To honor her, Patti’s family created the Patti Casey Memorial Fund to provide the initial support for the Building Hope Initiative to honor Patti’s incredible spirit and kindness, and work to prevent the loss of others. Initially spearheaded by a group of local stakeholders, well over 20 different communit leaders and organizations were involved in this grassroots initiative. Building Hope would not be the organization it is today without the support of The Summit Foundation and the FIRC (Family and Intercultural Resource Center).

Building Hope has grown tremendously over the last several years and now includes support from the Strong Future Initiative, County and Town municipalities, many local partner agencies and thousands of local residents.

How We work

With the support of the initial memorial fund through the Casey Family, The Summit Foundation, FIRC’s organizational structure and support, and numerous community leaders, Building Hope was launched with partners, community members, and filling the gaps in mind. Almost seven years later, the effort now includes support from over 25 local agencies, foundations, city and county governments, and hundreds of local residents.

VIEW OUR FUNDING

How We work

With the support of the initial memorial fund through the Casey Family, The Summit Foundation, FIRC’s organizational structure and support, and numerous community leaders, Building Hope was launched with partners, community members, and filling the gaps in mind. Almost seven years later, the effort now includes support from over 25 local agencies, foundations, city and county governments, and hundreds of local residents.

VIEW OUR FUNDING

Building Hope annual Reports

2021 Building Hope Mental Health Matters

2017-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

2023 Building Hope Mental Health Matters

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Leer Informe

2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Our Staff and Board

Building Hope is a team of passionate individuals with huge hearts for our community in Summit County. It is a joint effort of Board Members, Staff, and support from our incredible community.

Building Hope began with only one staff member and has grown to 7 full-time staff and 5 contractors in 2026. We are honored to serve the community, reduce stigma, and prevent suicides in Summit County.

Meet Staff and Board

Our Partners

Our partners include local businesses, government organizations, non-profits, local and national organizations, towns, and other individuals. We are grateful for each of them and could not pursue our mission without their continued support.

Click the logo to visit their website to learn more about these organizations and businesses.