September Peak News
Youth Spotlight!
Lou is a sweet and creative young man with a deep passion for music and a dope sense of style. Social-emotional Coordinator Manon explained, “Lou’s positive energy is contagious and youth and staff alike always light up when they see him – he makes people feel seen and important.”
Lou was too old to access our overnight shelter services at The Spot, but at The Mothership he was one of the first to move into The Peak, our transitional housing neighborhood!
“I LOVE being in the new neighborhood,” he shared. “It allows me to have independence again along with proper guidance and resources from my case manager and other staff. I am very blessed and thankful I stumbled across this important resource.”
Being in the neighborhood has empowered Lou to take his self-starting skills to the next level. With support from our staff, he is now working two jobs (at a coffee shop and a restaurant) AND attending college part-time to study psychology and communications. He hopes to finish his bachelor’s degree at MSU Denver next year. We know you can do it, Lou!
Peak Spotlight
This month Urban Peak hosted a BBQ for youth and staff to enjoy together. It was a lovely day for everyone to gather on the community terrace for some good food and quality time!
There were games galore, like cornhole and giant Jenga, and plenty of burgers, brats and fruit to munch on. But more than anything, the overall atmosphere was what made the day so memorable. It was really nice to come together after navigating the wonderful chaos of moving into The Mothership.
Alpine Lumber's CIO Lucus Romero (left) and CEO Hamid Taha (right) grilling for Urban Peak
We want to extend a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to our partners at Alpine Lumber. Hamid Taha, President and CEO of Alpine Lumber, is also an Urban Peak Board Member, and he brought Alpine’s whole mobile grilling rig out just to cook for all of us! 😊
Gage is apparently REALLY good at cornhole, sinking more than 80% of his shots right through the hole. Nothing but net. 😎
Partner Highlight
Urban Peak has been fortunate to work with some incredible partners through the years, including our big-hearted friends at Empower – one of our longest-standing corporate partners and a yearlong sponsor of Urban Peak.
Volunteers from Empower came to support us on Volunteer for Good Day!
Besides their financial support, the folks at Empower are always ready to lend a hand with just about anything that needs doing. From serving meals to youth, to helping get The Mothership ready for move-in and providing leadership on our Board of Directors (we’re looking at you, Bill Fox), Empower is always there for us so we can be there for others.
Thank you to Empower for making such a difference in the lives of the youth we serve!
Urban Nights was a Huge Success!
Urban Peak recently celebrated our gala, the Urban Nights Sneaker Ball, and what a great night it was! With support from this amazing Denver community, we raised over $700,000 for youth experiencing homelessness! 🎉🎉
HUGE thanks to everyone who attended as well as our Urban Legends, John Farnam & Paul Heitzenrater; committee chairs AJ Shaikh, Ale Spray and Daniel Venegas; and our generous in-kind donors who provided some amazing auction packages!
Urban Peak CEO, Christina Carlson, and youth program manager, Daniel Sparks, were stoked to be wearing some exclusive Urban Peak-style sneakers (designed by Daniel himself) at the gala, which are now available for sale to all who might want a pair! Learn more about this exciting, limited-time opportunity here. See examples below.
Want to see more fun moments from the Urban Nights gala? Check out our blog for a gallery full of memories.
Urban Peak has entered a bold new chapter with the move to The Mothership, and we need your help to ensure that youth like Lou and Gage can get the support they need. For $30/month, you can provide a hearty dinner for 70 young people. Will you commit to becoming a recurring donor and help support unhoused youth in our community?
