July Peak News
Starting July 16th, everyone in the United States can dial 9-8-8 to be connected to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) since 2005, "the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S.”
When folks call or text 988, they will be directly connected to trained counselors who will provide compassionate, accessible care and support to anyone experiencing a mental health, emotional or substance use crisis. Counselors will also be able to connect people with appropriate resources for their situation.
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even now that 988 has launched nationally.
Urban Nights' Runway for a Reason
Urban Nights is back, September 23rd at the Fillmore Auditorium! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our biggest fundraiser of the year, featuring live musical guest Too Many Zooz, a live auction and the Runway for a Reason fashion show.
This year’s Runway for a Reason will showcase a range of fabulous outfits designed by five local Denver designers, including Vincent and Saul Jimenez, Gino Velardi, Mona Lucero, Rachel Marie Hurst and Deedee Vicory.
We’re thrilled to be able to partner with this incredible group of diverse designers for a fun evening in support of Urban Peak’s mission to ignite the potential in youth to exit homelessness and lead self-determined, fulfilled lives. Many of them have supported Urban Peak for years!
Check out more of their work on their websites and stay tuned for further Urban Nights updates as we get closer to the event. Visit our website to register now.
Peak Spotlight
Urban Peak's Impact Report serves as our annual report, highlighting the impact of our work during the last fiscal year (October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021). We hope the facts, figures and stories, a glimpse of which is shared below, serve as a testament to the amazing support we received and the remarkable year it was.
When Leo first came to the Shelter in the summer of 2021, he was determined to keep his job in the far northeast corner of Denver, which meant a two-hour bus ride each way between the Shelter and his work. But after several months of a brutal commute, it wasn’t the time on the bus that made him look for another job. Instead, it was an awareness of racial discrimination and a lack of opportunity. Other people were quickly getting raises, while he was stuck earning minimum wage. And when he worked to learn new skills, several of his co-workers would be disrespectful.
At the end of October, Leo asked his Urban Peak case manager to help him find a new job. He put in several applications and was quickly hired at Sexy Pizza, now a WIOA worksite partner of Urban Peak’s.
Over time, and with support from Sexy Pizza’s staff, his hours have increased and he is getting more responsibility. He is making enough now to start saving for when he moves into Urban Peak Housing.
Read more of Leo’s story in the full impact report on our website, or request a physical copy by emailing donate@urbanpeak.org!
Partner Highlight
Sexy Pizza has been an incredible partner of Urban Peak’s since connecting earlier this year. In addition to being a strong supporter of our mission, Sexy Pizza is also a WIOA worksite, where our youth can apply to work and be hired for a pre-determined length of time while also being paid through the federal government. Some other WIOA partners include Tattered Cover Book Store, Copper Door Coffee Roasters, SAME Café and Lucky Bikes.
Sexy Pizza co-founder Kayvan Khalatbari previously experienced homelessness and it is ingrained in their culture to work with employees as whole people and accommodate everyone’s unique life situations.
Specifically, Sexy Pizza supports Urban Peak youth by prioritizing flexibility in their scheduling and recognizing how it affects mental and physical health. This creates an environment of acceptance and openness where our youth feel respected and free to bring their whole selves to work.
One of Sexy Pizza's Denver sites is conveniently located near our overnight Shelter, making it super accessible for our youth. With their close proximity, Sexy Pizza has provided Shelter residents with opportunities to enter the workforce and get great hands-on experience in the food service industry.
We’re grateful for their support and appreciate their willingness to meet youth where they’re at. Everyone has different needs, whether it’s help with scheduling, transportation, training or something else. Our youth are no different, so we’re glad to partner with organizations that not only recognize and respect these varying life experiences, but actively strive to support their employees in whatever way they can.
Youth Spotlight
Giselle is likely to brighten your day whenever you see them! They have recently entered Urban Peak's housing community and have begun working towards being the best version of themselves.
Giselle was quick to decorate their new apartment by putting up pictures and affirmations that keep them inspired. They are a frequent attendee of "Bread Buddies" and "Anime Club," two regular groups held onsite that encourage life skills development and social support.
Giselle is determined to become better as they enter this new stage of life! We believe in you, Giselle, you’ve got this!
Urban Peak has spent much of the past few years responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has impacted our youth and every member of our team.
I often wish we could stop having meetings based on the ever-changing landscape created by this virus. I know that, as a community, we all crave normalcy. I know that economic pressure, lack of affordable housing and rising costs due to inflation are impacting us all. There is no place that this is more obvious than on our streets.
However, by showing compassion, building relationships and committing to innovative solutions, I know that we can change the trajectory for people experiencing homelessness and our community. This belief can seem unrealistic to many – but at Urban Peak I see its potential every day!
Our programs are full of laughter and energy. Whether youth are going on outings to Lakeside, moving into their first apartment, finding respite at our Drop-In Center or Shelter or starting their first job, I know that breaking the cycle of homelessness is possible. What we do at Urban Peak works. It is powerful to witness and I hope for all of you that it is meaningful to support.
As always, all of us at Urban Peak are grateful for your support, engagement and compassion as we work to end youth homelessness!
Gratefully,
Christina Carlson,
Urban Peak CEO
