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"Denver CARES helped me empower myself, learn things about myself, and learn things about my peers and community.
It helped me learn to manage my emotional stress and just stress in general"- Jala (Senior, Rising Program)
Greater Denver CARES is dedicated to addressing the significant literacy and mental health disparities faced by BIPOC youth in Denver. With only 5% of Black third-grade students reading at grade level and a decline in early literacy rates, urgent action is needed to bridge these gaps. By providing culturally relevant literacy resources and wellness programs, we aim to empower students to navigate trauma, build emotional resilience, and develop a strong foundation for academic success. Our programs focus on fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and empowerment among BIPOC youth, ultimately improving their mental health outcomes and educational achievements.
Greater Denver CARES transforms the lives of youth through culturally anchored mental wellness and academic excellence. We turn systemic challenges into stepping stones for success.
What We Do
Through The Rising and The Baldwin Project, we provide the representation, resources, and resilience-building support that Denver's youth need to thrive academically and emotionally.
How We Work
We partner strategically with local schools and community organizations to deliver programs where our youth are—in schools and communities—ensuring maximum impact and accessibility.
Our Promise
We don't just close gaps; we unlock potential. Every program, every partnership, every interaction is designed to help youth in Denver see themselves as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.
Uplifting Youth Through Mentorship and Literacy
Greater Denver CARES is a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth through programs that build leadership, life skills, and a love for learning. We surround young people with consistent, caring adults and empowering opportunities that help them grow into confident, capable leaders.
Our core initiatives include:
The Rising — a mentorship and life skills program focused on leadership, emotional intelligence, and goal-setting.
The Baldwin Project — a literacy-based program that uses powerful literature, guided discussion, and writing to help youth strengthen their reading and communication skills while exploring identity, purpose, and voice.
In 2024, we served over 450 youth across the Denver metro area. Our programs include small-group mentoring, community-building workshops, and culturally relevant curricula designed to engage youth both academically and emotionally.
Through The Baldwin Project, we saw measurable growth in reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking. Youth read and reflect on works by authors like James Baldwin and Maya Angelou, then express their ideas through group dialogue and personal writing. For many, it’s the first time they've seen their own experiences reflected on the page—and that recognition is powerful.
Your support helps us:
-Train mentors and facilitators
-Provide books, journals, and literacy materials
-Host workshops focused on writing, public speaking, and academic confidence
-Expand access to more schools and community sites
When you give, you’re not just donating—you’re investing in a young person’s voice, story, and future.
Together, we’re building a more literate, confident, and connected generation—right here in Denver.
Organization name
Greater Denver CARES Circle of the National CARES
other names
Greater Denver CARES
2020
Tax id (EIN)
85-2927944
Category
Education, Youth Development
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
4800 Dahlia StreetDenver, CO, US
