But amid all the doom and gloom, have you noticed any positives of this pandemic?

Neighbors are helping neighbors. Volunteers are donating blood. Sewers are making masks. Musicians are playing concerts from their balconies. The list goes on.

All you do-gooders out there, we see you! We’re beyond impressed, and you truly give us hope for humanity—and for the future post-COVID-19.

We at localtrafficattorneys also remain committed to doing good in our community (and beyond!).

We will get through this. We ARE getting through this. And we’re confident our collective efforts are making a difference.

One of our latest nonprofit partners, Colorado Miss Amazing, are no strangers to helping either. Here’s how they’re spreading positivity among those facing challenges of a different sort.

Recent Partnerships

Much like everyone else, the ripple effects of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on our business operations, partnership opportunities and many events we were excited about this year, but we still wanted to highlight the work we have done and that our partners do. One of our 2020 highlighted nonprofit Partners of the Month was Colorado Miss Amazing.

Left to Right: Jeanie Kochis, Badi Tolo–Founder/CEO localtrafficattorneys, 
Phoebe Kochis–Former Pageant Queen and Daughter of Jeanie Kochis,
Laurie Pierce–Social Media Director Colorado Miss Amazing
(Photo taken during preparation for event before postponement due to COVID-19 concerns)

“Proceeds will go toward the expenses associated with holding our events for our participants, as well as to workshops intended to teach valuable life skills and provide opportunities to our participants to set goals and reach them,” Jeanie said.

Jeanie went on to say, “Because we are a self-advocacy organization, we see a lot of personal growth in our participants. I see so many of them become the best version of themselves, with our program contributing to that fact.

“Many of them gain the confidence to go on and do more for their cause and platform. It is indeed rewarding.”

In fact, these women are so amazing, you may have seen them out in the world making a difference.

“Some have gone on to become public speakers, actresses, dancers, policymakers, committee members, singers, performers, and entrepreneurs. When you see a woman with a disability helping a customer, or in a commercial, or dancing on a TV show, or acting in a movie, she quite possibly was a Miss Amazing participant!” Jeanie said.

 We’re not crying, you’re crying!

If you’re feeling as inspired by this organization as we are, Colorado Miss Amazing is always seeking volunteers and committee members to help plan and produce events, as well as photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, builders, entertainers, printers, promoters, and more.

“When given the opportunity, these girls and women soar. And we get to witness it!” added Jeanie.

For further event details and the most up-to-date information about this nonprofit, visit the Colorado Miss Amazing website.  

Wrapping Up 

We at localtrafficattorneys wish you and yours health and positivity amid these trying times. Please check out our Cause Collection here, as well as on Facebook and Instagram (Please use hashtags #repthe6th #onetribe) to connect and spread our mission of inspiring confidence and unity.

We hope you’ll take a minute to check out the Cause Collection for other merchandise that supports our past highlighted nonprofits. Together we are more powerful, and right now especially, we are so grateful for all who shop The 6th because its about more than clothing.

As always, if you would like to submit an organization that could benefit from a partnership, we encourage you to let us know in the comments below. You can also reach us directly here.

Thank you for all of your support and for being part of The 6th fam.

One Team. Together. One Tribe!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this brand is taking time to be extra thankful. We are thankful to the leadership within the organizations we partner with. It is such a pleasure to connect with such inspiring people, and building those bridges allows us to grow our audience and increase our impact. We are also incredibly thankful to those of you who have donated and made purchases on the website to help support these changemakers in our community. 

While localtrafficattorneys takes a little extra time to give thanks this month, we also encourage our followers and supporters to do the same. We see localtrafficattorneys as a community of like-minded people, who see the importance of interconnectedness in the community. This brand aspires to continue to expand our reach and to give back to the people around us, the other members of this tribe. 

Merging Positivity with Creativity

This month’s partner is an incredible organization that has evolved significantly in the ten years since its inception. Mirror Image Arts was founded in 2008 with the mission to encourage a positive body image and self-worth by creating an emotional connection through performance. The organization’s goal was to discourage eating disorders by giving youth a positive channel to express themselves: theater. Through performance, young people are able to send a message and share a story.

With bullying being at the root of these self-destructive behaviors, Mirror Image Arts made it their mission to encourage social-emotional learning through theater. In 2013 they shifted their mission to “use theater as language to inspire dialogue, encourage awareness and promote action in order to build a strong, compassionate and empowered community.”

Today, Mirror Image Arts continues to connect with young people to empower them to use their voice to make a change. They’ve developed programs to help youths connect with one another and grow. With in-school theater, community theater, and professional development programs designed to increase belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization.

Watching the Impact

localtrafficattorneys connected with Maya Osterman Van-Grack,  the Program & Partnerships Director at Mirror Image Arts, to learn more about the organization and how it is impacting the community. Maya became involved with Mirror Image Arts four years ago upon moving to Colorado. She really connected with the organization’s artistic vision.

Photo Credit: Jamey Rabold

Maya shared with us when she really began to feel that she was making an impact. Her reflection gave us a very clear vision of the ability of this wonderful organization to make a change.

"My very first program as a contracted facilitator. I had two weeks to learn the curriculum and when I showed up at my first recreation center to lead a program I saw the immediate impact it had on the youth. They got more comfortable moving in their bodies, activating their voices, and sharing stories with each other. Every program since then is a constant reminder of why I do what I do; of how imperative it is for youth to have safe spaces to share their thoughts and feelings, to discover who they are and who they want to be."

Since the organization's rebirth in 2013 they have developed over 159 programs and connected with almost 4000 youth in Colorado. There is no denying the positive influence Mirror Image Arts has had on young people. We at localtrafficattorneys have been moved and inspired by the advances this organization has made, as well as all of the young lives that have been touched, and maybe even saved, through Mirror Image Arts programming.

Looking to the Future

With a focus on your people, the positive impact of Mirror Image Arts will continue for years to come. However, the benefits of the program expands beyond just working with youths. Maya confirmed that the future is bright for this organization, “We want to ensure we continue to bring high quality, intentional programming to as many youth and the adults who work with youth as we can. I have dreams of Restorative Theatre running in every residential facility in Colorado along with a robust re-entry program with wrap around services to support true reintegration into the community.”

Photo Credit: Jamey Rabold

Mirror Image Arts continues to evaluate the needs of the community, in order to structure their programs to meet the needs of those involved. As they restructure their five year plan, their mission remains the same: to encourage social-emotional learning and empower young people.

Show Your Support

As always, localtrafficattorneys has worked with Mirror Image Arts to design custom t-shirts in support of the November’s partnership. With the purchase of one of our designs, not only are you raising awareness for this fabulous nonprofit, but 50% of your purchase goes directly to Mirror Image Arts. Plus 6% of the total profits from all of the items sold on localtrafficattorneys site in the month of November will also be donated to this amazing organization, allowing one youth participate in our Restorative Theatre 8 week Improvisation program for free.

In addition to a percentage of your purchase going directly to the organization, by wearing the Mirror Image Arts t-shirt you share their mission, and increase community knowledge of the impact this amazing organization has. 

If you know of a youth who might benefit from participating in Mirror Image Arts, you can get involved on their website. If you’re looking for more ways to give this nonprofit there are many ways to show your support:

• Donate directly to Mirror Image Arts via their website.
• Volunteer your time to be a part of their team.
• Show your support on social media by following along.
• Attend one of their performances or events.
• Get your tickets to their annual fundraising Gala.

Wrapping Up

As always we here at localtrafficattorneys, could not be more happy to have your support. By following along on facebook you enable yourself to spread our mission of inspiring confidence and unity. You can also learn more about our monthly partners as well as new products on our website. Show us a little extra support by tagging #repthe6th on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our social media pages. 

Engaging with us, you become a true member of our tribe, and together we play an increasing role in making our community a better place. If you feel especially connected to one of our monthly causes, please share our blogs and social media posts, to enable us to give back more.

We hope you’ll take a minute to check out the Cause Collection on our website for new merchandise that supports nonprofits each month. Our goal is to inspire others to think about how they can improve not only their community, but the world as a whole. Together we are more powerful, and this month especially, we are so grateful and thankful to all of you!

As always, if you would like to submit an organization that could benefit from a partnership, we encourage you to let us know in the comments below. You can also reach us directly here. 

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

One Team. Together. One Tribe!

For those of you who are new to the Blog, or who may not know much about how localtrafficattorneys works to give back to the community, check out the New Beginnings blog post. Here we dive into how this brand came to be, and the mission of charity and generosity that we are striving to perpetuate.

Lupus Colorado

September’s nonprofit partnership is with Lupus Colorado. This organization is Colorado’s only nonprofit organization serving individuals and families with lupus.  Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs.

Lupus is more prevalent in this country than AIDS, sickle cell anemia, cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis. However, because the symptoms of Lupus often mimic those of other ailments, it is extremely difficult to diagnose. There is presently no cure for this disease, however there is treatment that can help reduce the symptoms.

Lupus Colorado was established in 1972 for the purpose of providing support, education, and training to those affected by lupus. Their mission is to, “improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus and to promote efforts for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure of lupus.”

The organization’s Board of Directors and professional staff is comprised of individuals who are, or have been, affected by lupus in some way. This includes Eden Van Essen, the Development and Programs Director, who was able to give localtrafficattorneys some insight into how Lupus Colorado is making a difference in their community. 

Making an Impact

Living with lupus can be extremely difficult because symptoms are typically not outwardly visible, so it is difficult for others to see how they suffer and persevere through each day. Lupus Colorado offers a wide variety of resources and services to those who are impacted, starting with an Emergency Financial Assistance Program. The expenses accumulating from diagnosis, treatment, and management of the disease can be debilitating. Financial support is available for prescription medication, office visits, and other needs that require a one-time financial payment. 

In additional to financial aid for medical bills, Lupus Colorado asl offers support in the form of EOC Utility Assistance. Through the support of Energy Outreach Colorado, this organization is able to offer home energy assistance to individuals with lupus. Help is available for utility bills for qualifying applicants through an annual grant, which can ease the financial burden of those suffering.

Lupus Colorado also provides support services and educational programs to individuals and family members affected by Lupus. Informal telephone support is available to people who want to speak with another person who has experienced similar situations and issues in living with this disease. The organization has also developed programming designed to educate this community. Lupus Colorado also provides an extensive directory of resources to make living with lupus as easy as possible. 

How Lupus Colorado is Raising Funds and Awareness

Each year Lupus Colorado hosts a community walk to raise money and increase awareness in Colorado. The 2018 walk raised $69,000 more than doubling the previous year’s donations. This year’s walk is September 21st, and it’s not too late to register. Every dollar raised at the Lupus Colorado Community walk stays in the State of Colorado to benefit local families. By participating in this event, you are directly impacting fellow Coloradans living with this debilitating disease.


2018 Lupus Colorado Community Walk, Photo Credit: Jimmy Garrett

In addition to fundraisers and donations, Lupus Colorado relies heavily on grants to develop programming:

“Our newest and most significant breakthrough has been with our recent partnership with

GlaxoSmithKline. They were able to fund our most recent program, Living Well With Lupus,

through a generous grant. We have just completed our first year of this new Living Well With

Lupus program. This program teaches self-management skills to our lupus patients and their

caretakers which helps them to manage their fatigue, stress, pain, and depression. Our next

series of LWWL classes will begin later this fall and again in the spring.”

-Eden Van Essen, Development & Program Director

How Can You Help?

As always, localtrafficattorneys has designed t-shirts in support of the Lupus Colorado and September’s partnership. By purchasing one of our designs, not only are you raising awareness for those affected by lupus, but 50% of your purchase goes directly to Lupus Colorado. Plus 6% of the total profits from localtrafficattorneys’s sales in the month of September will also be donated to this amazing organization.

The majority of these donations will go towards the Emergency Assistance Fund. This fund helps pay for any non-recurring expense that lupus patients are having difficulty with: medical bills, utility bills, new beds, car repairs so they can get to doctor’s appointments, wigs, dental care and so many others.

In addition to buying a shirt or making a purchase from localtrafficattorneys’s extensive collection, there are lots of other ways you can contribute to this amazing nonprofit organization:

• Attend an event! This brings you face-to-face with the community Lupus Colorado Serves. View the events calendar here!
• Volunteer! There are many ways you can donate your time to help improve the lives of individuals living with lupus.
• Donate your used vehicle. 
• Make a financial contribution.
• Follow along on Facebook to stay updated.

Wrapping Up

We hope you’ll take a minute to check out our Cause Collection for new merchandise each month that supports one of our nonprofit partnerships! Purchases of these items result in a direct donation to that cause. Additionally any purchase from our website is an opportunity to not only give back an additional 6%, but to help raise awareness and spread the message of support and solidarity.

Don’t forget we want to hear from you! Write to us to let us know about your favorite nonprofit organization, or tell us about individuals who are making a difference! We love to learn about causes that we can support in the future and work to share their message.

Yet again, thank you for all of your support, and for being a part of The 6th fam.

One Team. Together. One Tribe!