In September 2021, Suzy Stutzman, a Board Member of Golden Optimists, reached out to the IRC in Denver with an offer to set the wheels of change in motion for a seemingly “golden” opportunity.

Golden Optimists, a non-profit organization located in Golden, Colorado, embodies the true spirit of community and dedication. Operated entirely by volunteers who share a passion for cycling, the organization collects and refurbishes used bicycles. These bicycles are then transformed into sustainable modes of transportation and sources of outdoor recreation, adventure, and joy for individuals in need.

The organization’s story began thirty-five years ago when a group of bike enthusiasts who loved tinkering with bikes started a passion project. This project has since grown into Golden Optimists, an organization actively supporting their surrounding communities. In the early days, the founders noticed that newly-arrived international students at the Colorado School of Mines, along with others facing challenging circumstances, could greatly benefit from having a bike for transportation or recreation. With plenty of bike donations available, they seized the opportunity to make a positive impact by putting these bikes to good use. Since then, Golden Optimists has continuously sought ways to benefit Golden and the surrounding communities.

When the pandemic hit, Golden Optimists needed to pivot and shift their focus. As Stutzman explained in 2021:

 “Almost annually, we would prepare about 30 bikes for the Navajo and Hopi reservations. However, due to COVID, we’d been unable to make the trip for a year and a half. In response, our board of directors decided to prioritize repairing bikes for incoming refugees and their families.”

Jennifer Perry, the IRC in Denver’s Volunteer and Intern Coordinator, explained how the timing of this couldn’t have been better: 

“Suzy and Golden Optimists immediately started preparing bikes and personally delivering them to our clients, many of whom were arriving from Afghanistan post-evacuation, as well as clients from other countries who needed bikes for work, appointments, and grocery shopping. They even found children’s bikes for getting to school, exercising, and having fun.”

Managing the logistics of such an operation comes with its challenges Stutzman recently shared.

 “Coordinating bike deliveries between our volunteers and the IRC clients can sometimes be tricky,”

she explained, noting that finding volunteers to deliver bikes great distances is often difficult and an area where they actively need the most help.

“But we all learn something with each delivery, and we are always warmly welcomed; people are so appreciative. It’s educational for us and makes us think about where people have come from, their situations, and what it’s like to start over."

Golden Optimists’ approach to their partnership is a testament to their thoughtful nature. The organization carefully considers the unique needs of each recipient, ensuring that every bike delivery is tailored to provide the utmost comfort and safety. When delivering bikes to women who wear traditional, longer clothing, Stutzman explained, they select bikes with step-through (drop-bar) frames, making it easier and more comfortable for them to ride. When younger children receive bikes, Golden Optimists ensures they have smaller helmets, prioritizing their safety as they embark on their new adventures. 

The team at Golden Optimists repair over 500 bikes annually, donating over 100 bikes to the IRC in Denver this past fiscal year. This averages out to 8-10 bikes per month and a value of over $3,300! In addition to bike donations and personal bike deliveries, Golden Optimists obtained grant money to further expand their contributions to include bike helmets, locks, pumps, and essential maintenance kits. This increases the financial impact of their donations and has the potential for a ripple effect, boosting Matching Grant donations and general contributions at the IRC. It is a powerful reminder of how targeted assistance and genuine partnership can elevate the well-being of entire communities.

"It has been an excellent partnership for us, providing so many clients over these past three years with bikes, helmets, and locks, and saving IRC staff time by making the deliveries and instructing clients on their use and rules of the road," 

shared Jennifer Perry. 

"At the Back to School Drive in July, children and their parents were eager to see and try out the bikes that had been donated for them."

The partnership between the IRC in Denver and Golden Optimists is more than just a collaboration; it is a story of resilience and the profound impact of coming together for a common cause. While many see a bike as just a means of recreation, for others, it represents a beacon of hope.

The IRC in Denver is in need of volunteers to help support and continue the partnership with Golden Optimists. Please contact [email protected] to learn more about how you can contribute to this special program!

Written by the IRC in Denver's Development Intern Mariam Naibi.

Edited by the IRC in Denver's Development Manager Hanna Simmons.