The Legacy We’ve Built Together
For four decades, Project Self-Sufficiency has ignited transformation. We’ve witnessed single parents earn their diplomas and claim their destinies. We’ve seen children thrive in homes where opportunity replaces uncertainty, and where dreams take root and flourish.
Each life touched has sparked a chain reaction—one degree becomes a stable career, one stable career uplifts an entire family, one empowered family strengthens an entire community. At the core of this movement is Selfpower—the unstoppable force within each person that drives progress and defies limitations.
When Selfpower meets steadfast support, the results are extraordinary; families flourish, communities grow, and futures are rewritten. We’ve proven that when people are inspired, supported, and empowered, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
Our 40th anniversary honors every brave parent and child who dared to rewrite their story and celebrates the truth that real change doesn’t just transform today—it reshapes tomorrow for generations to come.
The 40th Anniversary Bring the Power Celebration
On March 12th, 2026, at Embassy Suites in Loveland, Project Self-Sufficiency celebrated our 40th anniversary of service to the Northern Colorado community. The evening included over 230 people in attendance and raised over $95,000 in support of wraparound support services for single parent families pursuing self-sufficiency and stability.
From left to right: Mary Carraher, Virigina (Ginny) Riley, and Tracy Mead
Project Self‑Sufficiency’s annual Visionmaker Award honors leaders whose dedication advances our bold vision: a future where every low‑income single parent in Northern Colorado is Self‑Powered to achieve lasting self‑sufficiency. The 2026 Visionmaker Award was presented to Mary Carraher, whose leadership helped shape the organization we are today.
Mary served as Executive Director from 1989 to 2014, guiding Project Self‑Sufficiency from a small startup into a nationally respected, comprehensive model that has transformed the lives of thousands of single‑parent families. Her proudest achievement remains the success of program graduates and their families empowered to build brighter futures.
As CEO Tracy Mead shared:
“As we celebrate 40 years of generational impact, it is only fitting that we honor the woman who built the foundation for that impact. Mary’s selflessness, passion, and boundless energy continue to inspire our work today.”
Mary’s legacy lives on through the next generation of leadership and our unwavering commitment to empowering futures. Together, we’re building what comes next, and the most powerful chapters are still to be written.
