ABOUT US:  MISSION AND IMPACT

Mission:  To promote a safe and growth-oriented environment in which at-risk youth can develop and flourish through: friendship and commitment, mentoring and role modeling, education and guidance and family support.

Impact:  Metro Denver Partners provides health and human services to at-risk youth, ages 8-17, primarily through matching them with adult volunteers in mentoring relationships.  Youth reside in Denver, Adams and Douglas Counties and are deemed at-risk by the youth service agencies that refer them to Metro Denver Partners.   We also serve Denver youth in GRASP (Gang Rescue and Support Project), primarily through weekly support groups, and info sessions and community presentations, in order to educate about gang intervention and prevention.

Our partnerships (mentor and mentee matches) spend an average of 3 hours per week together for at least a year.  Mentoring at Metro Denver Partners is community-based and one-on-one.  Services provided to these youth and volunteers include: ongoing case management; educational/recreational activities; training for youth, parents and volunteers; tutoring; gang intervention/prevention services; community service projects; and “Children of Substance Abusers” support groups.

Significant changes occur in youth after a one year of mentoring with Metro Denver Partners including: an increased academic success, a decrease in self-reported delinquency, an increased bonding with an adult other than a family member and an increased self-esteem and self efficacy.