When Liz Zukowski started her role as policy and public affairs manager at Native Roots Cannabis Co., she had a goal to build new relationships with local nonprofit organizations like Brothers Redevelopment.
Zukowski saw the Denver metro area’s growing housing crisis and knew the topic was a focus that would resonate with Native Roots’ employees and the broader community. So three years ago, Zukowski and Native Roots locked into an agreement with Brothers to collaborate on volunteer projects and sponsorship opportunities related to the organizations’ shared goals of safe and affordable housing for low-income, elderly, and disabled Colorado residents.
Since then, Native Roots and Zukowski have volunteered for the Paint-A-Thon four times and sponsored our annual fundraiser, the Local Social. She has also even served on our Local Social committee where she has helped us plan the event for the past two years.
Zukowski’s dedication to the Paint-A-Thon and making a difference in affordable housing is inspiring and admirable. That’s why this year, Brothers is presenting the Roland Buteyn Heart of Service Award to Zukowski.
The award, named after Roland Buteyn, who helped to develop many core Brothers’ programs, is the highest honor a Paint-A-Thon volunteer can receive. Zukowski will receive the award in front of our supporters, funders, and staff at the Local Social on Sept. 8.
“Paint-A-Thon has served as a strong reminder that everyone can use a little help at different times throughout our lives. This is the first professional award I’ve received, and it is truly an honor,” said Zukowski.
Native Roots is dedicated to the Paint-A-Thon and affordable housing because its mission revolves around enhancing well-being and happiness in our communities. That starts with having a safe and secure place to live, Zukowski said.
During their Paint-A-Thon projects, Native Roots staff has shown up as their best selves, ready to work hard, share their passion, have fun, and support the community. Zukowski said the feeling she gets when she volunteers motivates her to come back and volunteer again and again. Her ultimate goal as a Paint-A-Thon volunteer is to spread awareness about the program and why it’s important, give employees an opportunity to engage outside the workplace, and to demonstrate Native Roots’ commitment to creating a positive social impact by showing up to do the work.
“Housing impacts all of us. Native Roots operates 11 different jurisdictions across the state,” Zukowski said. “Every employee, patient and customer has been affected in some sort of way by our state’s housing crisis and lack of affordable housing. Our homes are our sanctuaries — a safe place to recover and recuperate so we can show up as our best selves today, tomorrow and the next day.”