The UpDoNA Board recently approved the addition of Urban Peak to the organizations supported by UpDoNA and our UpDoNA Cares Committee. We now support three organizations, including The Delores Project, STEP Denver, and Urban Peak. These organizations all help individuals who otherwise would be living on the streets, but they have different approaches and serve different groups of clients.
Urban Peak has supported homeless youth for decades, with many daytime services and a more limited ability to house youth overnight. Their Mission Statement is – “Urban Peak ignites the potential in youth to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilled lives.” They provide meals and shelter and much more, described as a “full convergence of services”. This includes “intensive strengths-based case management, access to physical, behavioral, and mental healthcare, education and employment opportunities, 24/7 crisis support, and a place to call home”. Last month, they opened their new facility, “The Mothership”, which enhances their capacity to serve in a new bright and spacious environment. They can now provide overnight accommodations for up to 130 12-24 year-olds. They also have more space for things like music and art experience/education.
UpDoNA members have volunteered at Urban Peak, preparing and serving meals. They have ongoing needs for help with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Working with these young people at mealtimes is fun and a rewarding experience. Other volunteer positions at their new facility are currently being defined. Financial donations are always needed and appreciated. Gifts can be targeted to specific needs (like clothing or toiletries), holiday gifts, or general budget support.
On September 7th, a group of UpDoNA members attended the annual Urban Peak fundraising gala, known as the “Urban Nights Sneaker Ball”, held in the Seawell Ballroom. Our members enjoyed the theme including “fun/funky” sneaker attire . The event was great fun and very successful, raising over $700,000 for the youth served by Urban Peak.
If you are interested in being involved with UpDoNA Cares support for Urban Peak, The Delores Project, or STEP Denver, please come to a Cares Committee meeting and/or contact Ron Townsend via email ron23townsend@gmail.com.
Table photo attribution: Ron Townsend
Sneaker photo attribution: Lisa Pope
