Each fall The Community Foundation presents NOVA Awards at the Community Stars luncheon. Given in the categories of Arts, Civic, Environment, Education and Health and Human Services, these awards are designed to recognize and honor some of the outstanding nonprofit organizations in our county. Each of the NOVA award winners is presented with a beautiful plaque designed by local artist John Haertling, accompanied by a $1,000 cash award.

The 2002 winners are:

• Arts: Many Mountains Moving
  This literary and arts organization has created a way for local writers to address two common problems: isolation and lack of exposure. The program has provided a venue for local writers to find companionship, connections and a chance to share their works. The group also publishes a literary journal, which has led to national exposure and career opportunities for local writers.
  
  
• Civic: Center for People with Disabilities/Adaptive Garden
  In a collaborative effort with the Boulder County Cooperative Extension and Growing Gardens of Boulder County, CPWD has built a 3/4-acre garden in its backyard that is accessible to its disabled clients. To produce this garden, the CPWD pulled together almost $100,000 in donated goods and services and 1,300 volunteer hours. The garden features raised beds, container gardens, a gazebo, a water feature, and a "drive-thru" shed.
  
  
• Education: Project YES
  Project YES (Youth Envisioning Social Change) helps young people develop their skills in leadership, critical thinking, conflict resolution, communication and problem solving, using art as a medium. Kids, ages 11-19, attend free after-school sessions and use art as a vehicle to learn about social issues and exhibit their voices for positive social change.
  
  
• Environment: Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance/Backcountry Volunteer Program
  As the Forest Service cuts back on backcountry personnel, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance is working to augment reduced services. The Wilderness Alliance selects and trains volunteers for service on backcountry trails. The volunteers assist the Forest Service employees with answering visitor questions, reminding visitors about fire bans and dog leash rules, reporting back to the Forest Service on trail and campsite conditions, water quality sampling, and invasive weeds.
  
  
• Health & Human Services: People’s Clinic/Prescription Drug Program
  In its service of offering sliding-scale fee health care to uninsured Boulder individuals and families, the People’s Clinic became aware that many patients are unable to afford the prescription medications that are an essential part of their care. The Clinic was aware that most major pharmaceutical companies donate their products to patients in need, but also knew that it was a fairly large task to complete paper work and follow up on these requests. So People’s Clinic created its Prescription Drug Program to be a liaison between patients and the major drug companies, and to facilitate the ongoing supply of important medications for its patients.