Street Fraternity: Keeping Kids Safe From Violence

Next's Word of Thanks microgiving campaign is supporting Street Fraternity, a non-profit that works to keep young people safe from violence along East Colfax in Denver and Aurora.

On March 22, two East High staff members were shot at the school on East Colfax in Denver. Police say a student being searched for a weapon opened fire.

On February 13, 16-year-old East High student Luis Garcia was shot while sitting in a car outside the school. Garcia later died of his injuries.

Days after Garcia's shooting, another East High student was found with a weapon at school.

East High students walked out of class and marched to the State Capitol on March 3, demanding action on gun violence.

The non-profit Street Fraternity works to intervene in young lives before violence happens.

Street Fraternity offers refuge to the young men living in the East Colfax corridor in Denver and Aurora. Our organization is located 2 blocks from the most violent intersection in Colorado. Many of our young men have already endured the hardships of being refugees from Africa and Asia. For this reason, Street Fraternity provides food, a gym, library, meditation room, recording studio, dining area, computer lab, and ping pong room as alternatives to the surrounding streets. Our programs teach young men about brotherhood, help create friendships and keep them out of harm's way.

The COVID pandemic caused Street Fraternity to expand its warm meal program beyond the young men who participate in our programs. We began distributing food and emergency supplies to the broader community on East Colfax. Our participants helped spread the word and we quickly began handing out hundreds of warm meals and emergency packets per week. We have grown a lot as an organization since COVID and since we first opened our doors nearly 10 years ago.

Mission

A place of brotherhood and personal growth for urban young men.

Background Statement

For a year we looked for a place to rent along East Colfax. Finally the Disabled American Veterans took a chance on us and we have become wonderful partners and tenants. We are located in their basement located on the border of Aurora/Denver. Street Fraternity was opened in April 2013 as a place for young men who were identified as violent. Over the last three years, the organization has shifted to serving those young men living in the East Colfax neighborhood. Violence is a major issue in the neighborhood and our guys' lives, but not necessarily the most important issue. We welcome all young men who agreed to abide by our Street Fraternity Character and Values.