$201 raised by 4 donors
2% complete
$10,000 Goal
At The Storytellers Project, we believe in the power of art, story, and human connection to heal, empower, and transform lives. Our mission is to support youth, their families, and their schools in developing culturally-congruent social and emotional skills through the arts, storytelling, and connection with nature — with a focus on healing generational cycles of trauma, violence, incarceration, and substance abuse.
Founded by Executive Director Aubrey N. Valencia, whose own journey of healing from depression, anxiety, PTSD and childhood trauma became the impetus for creating a program that reaches youth coping with similar realities, The Storytellers Project is rooted in lived experience and grounded in art-based intervention.
Our work responds to deep-rooted needs: children experiencing trauma, families impacted by incarceration, youth in underserved communities, and educators seeking better tools for healing-centered teaching. By integrating art, storytelling, cultural identity, and nature, we offer innovative pathways to resilience, connection and well-being. With your support, we can expand the reach of our programs, sustain the arts-based curricula, train more educators, and deepen healing-centered impact for families and communities.
The Storytellers Project's mission is to support youth, their families, and their schools in developing culturally congruent social- emotional skills, through the arts, storytelling, and connections with nature, to heal generational cycles of trauma, violence, incarceration, and substance abuse.
• The Storytellers Project was founded in 2017 by it's current Executive Director Aubrey Valencia.
• The Storytellers project received it's own 501(c)(3) status in May of 2024. Prior to that it operated under the HadaNou Collective as it's fiscal sponsor.
• Currently, we primarily serve the Denver metro area.
Our Story:
The Storytellers Project is my sacred purpose, it is the culmination of everything I have ever wanted to be or do, the reason for my experiences with trauma and mental illness, and the transformation that occurred in order for me to live my best life... As a child art and books provided the escape and stress relief from the poverty, emotional, physical and sexual abuse I experienced. As an adult telling my story was healing and reduced stigma and shame normally associated with these experiences. I knew I had something more to offer the children I worked with. The Storytellers Project is my way of sharing that resilience with the youth, breaking and healing the cycle of violence, and increasing the love and compassion in the world. - Aubrey Valencia
At The Storytellers Project, we harness the transformative power of art, storytelling, and community to help youth and families navigate the challenges of trauma, incarceration, substance abuse, and violence. Our approach is rooted in healing, empowerment, and community connection. We are calling on passionate, forward-thinking leaders like you to join us in expanding this vital work.
We address three critical focus areas:
• Youth Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): We empower K 12 students with trauma-informed, culturally responsive education that helps them navigate life's challenges, set healthy boundaries, and build emotional intelligence.
• Breaking Chains, Building Bonds Family Healing Program: This unique intergenerational initiative connects justice involved families, facilitating healing through ongoing holistic services for both youth and adults. Programs include an eight-week intensive healing/skill building workshop series, Family Wellness events, Peer and Family Support nights, one-on-one Youth Mentoring, and a youth Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp.
• Educator Professional Development: We train and equip educators to create trauma-responsive classrooms that prioritize both academic and social/emotional development, ensuring that every student can thrive.
Why Your Support Matters:
Generational trauma, the school-to-prison pipeline, and social inequality have created urgent needs in our communities. Your investment in The Storytellers Project will have a lasting, measurable impact. With your support, we will:
• Expand Program Reach: Allowing us to serve more youth, families, and schools.
• Enhance Curriculum Development: Ensuring our programs are as impactful and relevant as possible.
• Scale Educator Training: Supporting schools across Colorado and beyond in creating healing-centered environments.
Organization name
The Storytellers Project
other names
Breaking Chains Building Bonds
2017
Tax id (EIN)
36-5055436
Category
Education, Human Services, Youth Development
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
The Storytellers Project C/O Parkview Congregational Church 12444 E. Parkview Dr.Aurora, CO, US
Denver, CO, US