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CommunityWorks was founded in 1995 with the mission of empowering people through meaningful employment opportunities.

A year ago, my name was referred to ColoradoSpringsWorks. I started as a part time program assistant. I jumped in with both feet because I believe passionately in what we do. As a retired teacher, I felt particularly skilled in bringing the joy to our Colorado Spring location. I answered phones, arranged events, and handled a small caseload. We do whatever it takes to remove barriers for historically underrepresented groups of people. People who have experienced incarceration, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, LBGTQ community members, and 55+ community members. In October, my efforts were acknowledged, and I became the first State Director of CommunityWorks! I am extremely excited to see what this position will allow me to do for the people who come to us in need of help.

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Richelle Gittens | CommunityWorks
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What role do you play in your Industry?
  • My current position allows me to make a larger impact on the clients we serve. I am instrumental in creating programming, trainings and processes for our clients. In addition, I monitor the day to day operations of our four Colorado sites. We are funded by a variety of grants, and it is my responsibility to be a good steward of the funds we receive. Another piece of my job is to continue recruiting resources that get our folks to work and then retain those same positions. I believe the work we do directly effects the crime in our communities. We meet the needs of the whole person which empowers them to get out there and do the work. We directly impact our folks getting to work with job training and industry recognized credentials. We take care of mental wellness concerns, maintain a professional attire clothing closet in all locations, help maneuver the acquisition of vital documents, provide haircuts to our participants, and do on site trainings. All of these offerings is what makes up what we call our "Special Sauce!"

What year did you start in your industry?

  • I started in the nonprofit world in December of 2020.

What Certifications, Degrees, Titles and Experience do you have in your industry?

  • Not sure about how to answer this one: Colorado College 2003 MAT of Integrated Natural Sciences University of Southern Colorado 1998 I've taken some classes, but would have to look for the titles Current position: State Director of CommunityWorks

Why & How did you get involved in your industry?

  • My life has always been one of service. I retired from D11 last year, and literally this position fell in my lap. I started out parttime. I took the position because I thought I wanted to open up my own nonprofit doing exactly what I'm doing now! I quickly inserted myself into ColoradoSpringsWorks. I have always been a helper/caretaker/redistributor of resources. CommunityWorks allows me to use all of my skills and resources to help our clients. Customer service is extremely important to me. When I hear stories from clients, I am amazed at how some humans can treat other humans in such ways. I have always championed the underdog.

What do you love most about your role in your industry?

  • I love that we are a black run nonprofit. I love that we are able to impact the lives of people of all races and backgrounds. I love that people leave our building with resources, needs met, and hope! I love that we monitor and aide our clients in a loving, yet tough love manner. I love that we set feet back on the path of success. I love that we mend souls and empower clients through job training, mock interviews, resume assistance, and placement in employment.

What is the best advice you have received about how to impact your industry?

  • Juaquin Mobley suggested I read Simon Sinek's Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. I believe my current and future success will be directly connected to my steadfast belief in our "why" at CommunityWorks.

What do you think are the top 3 things that help people excel in your industry?

  • A whatever it takes spirit/excellent customer service skills/welcoming/flexibility in thought and action A genuine desire to right a system that is designed to fail empathy and drive

What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in your industry?

  • Fit by design, not by default (Simon Sinek) This isn't a place where you can fake it. You have to come in passionate and then keep up with self care, so that you'll be able to function and be effective throughout your work.

What do you think is the most important qualities for people to have in your industry?

  • Genuine interactions and listening skills, compassion, healthy competition to acquire resources, out of the box thinking, excellent work ethic and ethics, flexible actions and thoughts, passion for making our community the best!

What obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in your industry?

  • I'm working to broaden our employment and training opportunities for our folks who have experienced incarceration. I'm also working on recruiting work spaces who are willing to do on the job training and accept our folks with backgrounds. Finally, we are burdened with limited housing options for our clients.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

  • The thing I am most proud of is my daughter, Brittany. She is an incredible daughter, mother, and wife. After my daughter, my teaching career and relationships I built along my 23 year teaching journey. My latest promotion to State Director of CommunityWorks is the one that has me spinning right now. :) Super cool to be recognized.

Who is is one person that has influenced your direction in life? Explain How.

  • I have too many people to list who have shaped me.

What advice would you give to the younger generation?

  • Find what makes your heart happy and then keep doing that. Work hard. Be kind. Laugh often.

What do you want your legacy to be?

  • I want to be remembered for how I worked hard to make people's lives and my community the best. I want to be remembered for being genuine and efficient.

What else would you like people to know about you?

  • 4 grandchildren 4 dogs 4 chickens
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