Denver Youth Program

Background Statement

The history of Denver Youth Program begins with Metro Denver Partners, which was was founded in 1968 in response to a growing rate of juvenile delinquency in Denver. A small group of business leaders and community volunteers set about to provide in-trouble youth with the guidance, maturity and direction to prevent further involvement with the law and to become stable and productive members of the community.

Since our founding, over 16,000 youth and community volunteers have participated in Metro Denver Partners. The program has received several awards and has been recognized as a national model for volunteerism and youth advocacy. In June 2008, both Governor Bill Ritter and Mayor John Hicklenlooper granted proclamations congratulating us on our 40 yeas of service to at-risk youth. Additionally, Partners' programs in Colorado received the 1992 Lt. Governor's Award for Outstanding Substance Abuse Prevention Programs. In honor of Internatinal Conflict Resolution Day, two GRASP staff member, Francisco Gallardo and Johnnie Williams were recognized by the University of Denver for their significant contributions to promoting peace in our inner city neighborhoods.

At the heart of Metro Denver Partners is volunteerism. A total of 250 community volunteers contributed 13,747 hours of service in 2008. Their activities range from serving as mentors and tutors to special event assistants, Board and Advisory Board members, committee members and consultants. 100% of Directors contributed financially during 2008, including Metro Denver Partners Board and Douglas County Advisory Board. The organization also benefits substantially from inkind services such as sporting event tickets, consultation, discounts, etc.