Mullin takes the reins as director of philanthropy at Judi’s House in Aurora

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Kevin Mullin has a new home at Judi’s House. The former president of the Estes Park Health Foundation, Mullin joined the researched-based grief institute in Aurora, as the director of philanthropy at the end of 2024.

Founded in 2002 by former Denver Bronco quarterback and Super Bowl XXXIII winner Brian Griese and his wife, Brook Griese, a clinical psychologist, Judi’s House provides comprehensive grief care to children and families.

The affiliated JAG Institute, named for Griese’s mother Judith Ann Griese who died from breast cancer when he was 12, is recognized nationally for its research and professional training programs for professionals centered on grief and trauma care. The organization also provides education to communities and schools about childhood bereavement.

Mullin says in today’s complicated world, children face the challenges of grief through the loss of parents, siblings, friends, and caretakers due to illness, accidents, suicides, and violence. Childhood bereavement is not well understood or addressed, and it can leave lifelong wounds.

Data from the National Institutes of Health has estimated that between April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 140,000 U.S. children—or one out of every 500 children—lost a primary or secondary caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, created by the JAG Institute in cooperation with New York Life Foundation, projects that 6.3 million children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. In Colorado, one in 14 children will experience the loss of a parent by the time they are 18.

The CBEM has identified that children in low-income groups are not only more likely to experience the death of a parent or sibling by the time they reach adulthood, but they also have fewer social and financial resources to help them navigate through the difficulties of bereavement. The results can have an impact on health and well-being from childhood into adulthood.

As director of philanthropy, Mullin and his team of six are charged with development and donor relations for the non-profit organization which has more than $23 million in assets.

Judi’s House occupies a 26,470-square foot purpose-built facility that opened in August 2022. The building includes play, art and group therapy rooms, community education and workforce training space, and a backyard garden for outdoor therapy and gatherings. Since beginning more than two decades ago, the organization has provided grief-informed care to more than 14,000 children and families.

“Our services are provided at no cost to our clients, and we do not get government funding, and we do not bill insurance,” said Mullin.

One of the major annual fundraising events is the Strength in the Face of Adversity luncheon held in the spring that will typically raise $800,000 to $900,000 through sponsorships and day-of donations. Mullin’s goal for this year’s event, which will take place on May 2 in the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is to ring the bell on raising $1 million at the event. The 2025 honorary co-chairs are Colorado artist William Matthews and philanthropist Laura Barton of the Barton Institute for Community Action.

Additionally, Mullin will pursue grant funding through several generous foundations, both in Colorado and nationally. The organization also has what Mullin calls “a robust major gift fundraising program where we engage local philanthropists to support our work and to help us continue to provide our mission,” in addition to local, grassroots community fundraising. According to the organization’s 990, Judi’s House raised nearly $3.5 million in contributions and grants in 2023.

Originally from Fresno, Calif., Mullin has both a master’s degree in nonprofit management and a bachelor’s in business administration from Regis University. He is an adjunct professor of nonprofit leadership at the University of Denver and a Commissioner on the Colorado Supreme Court Nominating Commission. He also serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Nonprofit Association.