Denver Youth Program

Background Statement

Denver Youth Program has supported Denver-area youth since 1968, beginning as Metro Denver Partners. The organization was created by local business leaders and volunteers who wanted to support youth through one-to-one mentorship, support, stability, positive opportunities to keep them on a healthy path and away from the justice system.

Over the years, more than 50,000 youth and volunteers have taken part in our programs. We’ve been recognized locally and nationally for our work in mentoring, violence prevention, and youth advocacy. Our history includes statewide awards, city and state proclamations, and recognition for promoting peace and community safety.

As community needs have grown, so have we. Today, Denver Youth Program offers a strong network of prevention, intervention, mentoring, and healing programs, including:

GRASP (Gang Rescue and Support Project): Violence and gang-prevention support with a trauma-informed approach.

Partners Adolescent Mentoring: A year-long mentoring program linking youth with supportive adult partners.

AIM (At-Risk Intervention and Mentoring): Hospital-based support for individuals recovering from violence-related injuries.

My Outdoor Colorado (MOC): Outdoor and nature experiences that build connection and confidence.

Hummingbird Initiative (HBI): Health-care career exposure for youth of color.

Support Team Assisted Response (STAR): Mental-health-focused, non-police crisis response.

GRASP Enterprises (GE): Job training, soft-skills development, and employment support.

The REACH Clinic: Wraparound services for individuals healing from community violence.

Community members serve as mentors, tutors, event helpers, board members, clinicians, and supporters—donating thousands of hours and valuable resources that keep our programs strong.

All of our programs believe that Cultura Cura, or Culture Cures. This approach guides the work of DYP. Thank you for supporting our work so that we can continue to provide opportunities for advocacy, mentorship, opportunity, and safe spaces for our youth to reduce exposure to and to heal from experiences of violence and become leaders for positive change.