Unleashing Student Potential: A Transformative Odyssey
Amidst the bustling streets of Denver, a beacon of hope shines for students in need of guidance, support. Greater Denver CARES, an affiliate of The National CARES Mentoring Movement, is leaving an indelible mark on young minds and fostering a brighter future.
From the academic year 2022 to the present school year, this organization has witnessed an extraordinary surge, increasing the number of students reached through its before, during, and after-school programming from 115 to an astonishing 979 (YTD). Executive Director Codie Egart's words resonate with a profound truth: 'Students are leaning in to peer and school supports, coming away from their experiences in our programming with enthusiasm, excitement, and a sense of pride in who they are as individuals.'
This impact aligns seamlessly with Greater Denver CARES' mission and vision – to provide culturally relevant and intentional supports to students in Denver Public Schools while fostering the development and strengthening of social-emotional tools that will sustain them throughout their lives. Programs that Greater Denver CARES provides in schools include flagship program The Rising, which utilizes wellness circles (WCs) for middle and high school students and The Baldwin Project, which aims to provide age appropriate, culturally relevant, social emotional learning (SEL) through the use of bibliotherapy, creative writing, and positive affirmation workshops like Loving Your Big Little Self. The Baldwin Project also provides author events for students, provides families with literacy resources for their specific needs at no cost. The remarkable increase in students served reinforces the vital need for student support not only in the Denver Metro area but nationwide.