Letter From James Roy II
Dear Friends, Partners, and Colleagues,
I am writing to share news about an important transition in my professional journey. After an incredible nearly eight years, I have stepped down from my role as the Founding Executive Director of Denver Metro Community Impact (DMCI). I am excited to announce that I have accepted and officially begun the position of Executive Director of Atlantis Community Housing (ACH).
I am confident that the dedicated team at DMCI will continue this essential work, utilizing the Collective Impact Framework to advance equity and generational success for systemically oppressed communities. As the year-end approaches, I encourage you to consider supporting DMCI’s vital mission. Donations made now through Colorado Gives Day on December 9th are essential for sustaining this momentum and are an incredible way to celebrate the work we built together.
A New Focus at Atlantis Community Housing
Reflecting on Denver Metro Community Impact (DMCI)
Serving as DMCI's first Executive Director since 2017 has been the honor of a lifetime. I am profoundly proud of what we accomplished together in a mission dedicated to centering the voices of residents most impacted by gentrification and displacement to build equitable and stable Denver neighborhoods.
Our work was driven by the principle of turning community insight into action and facilitating systems-level change. During my tenure, our collective achievements include:
Financial & Leadership Success:
Securing and managing $5 million to launch and sustain strategic Collective Impact work.
Community Engagement & Impact:
Authoring four Community Voice Reports that engaged over 1,000 community members to capture resident-led priorities.
Serving as the Backbone Organization for two Communities that Care Coalitions: Park Hill Strong and Steps to Success Montbello.
Providing fiscal sponsorship and strategic support for PHNEE (Park Hill Neighbors for Equity in Education).
Leading collective action efforts, including authoring Community Action Reports to guide investment and ensure accountability for the Healthy Community Development.
Strategic Partnerships:
Cultivating deep relationships with a strong network of funders and clients. We are thankful for the support from key funders such as the Colorado Health Foundation, The Denver Foundation, Rose Community Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Gates Family Foundation, and The Colorado Trust.
We proudly executed work for clients including the City & County of Denver (Community Planning & Development and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity), Denver Health, Denver Public Schools, and the University of Colorado Boulder Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence.
I am confident that the dedicated team at DMCI will continue this essential work, utilizing the Collective Impact Framework to advance equity and generational success for systemically oppressed communities.
A New Focus at Atlantis Community Housing
I am thrilled to now apply my experience and passion to the critical mission of Atlantis Community Housing (ACH), where I have started as the Executive Director.
ACH is dedicated to ensuring the availability of accessible, affordable, and integrated housing individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, carrying on a legacy rooted in the disability rights movement. I look forward to leveraging my real estate and executive background to advance this important work.
Thank you for your partnership and support during my time at DMCI. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with many of you in my new capacity to advance the development of housing that serves our entire community.
