Sloan's Lake Citizen's Group

Save Our Youth

Save Our Youth

Many residents remember it as a neighborhood grocery store, but in May1999 the structure at 23rd and King became home to the Save Our Youth organization. Save Our Youth is a Denver, Colorado based one-on-one mentoring organization. The organization was officially started in 1994 by 32 different churches concerned about the problems of gangs and increased violent activities.

Save Our Youth provides a three part mentorship program that provides educational development, emotional development and spiritual development. The youth who participate in SOY do so on a voluntary basis and are committed to working hard, learning and spending time with an adult mentor.

1. Educational Development—Youth will stay in school and graduate. Mentors are the key links in helping youth focus on their academic careers. Mentors play a critical role in encouraging youth to remain in school by getting involved with their teachers, helping with homework, and seeking alternative schooling options.

2. Emotional Development—Youth will acquire life skills and learn new ways to deal with their problems. With the assistance of a professionally trained mentor supervisor, mentors will help youth to communicate effectively, set goals, make good decisions, solve problems and resolve conflict.
Spiritual Development—Youth will serve and connect with their communities and complete one community service project. SOY partners with local urban churches to “wrap” program youth with a network of caring individuals who can help them make healthy choices and reach success. SOY’s church partners provide youth and their families with a comprehensive array of services including marriage and family counseling, food, rent and transportation assistance, after-school programs, and community activities.

3. Mentors are carefully screened and trained, and then matched with youth considered to be the best fit. By making a one-year commitment and meeting an average of three hours per week, mentors and mentees develop a strong connection.

Interested in becoming a mentor? For more information on becoming a mentor contact: Jill Meyer, Savor Our Youth Mentor Recruiter at 303-455-1126m ext. 23 or at jill.meyer@saveouryouth.org.

Email us
www.saveouryouth.org