Meet Our Summer 2025 Interns - Denver Rescue Mission

We are excited to introduce this summer’s incredible group of interns at the Mission! With five interns serving at our Denver locations, three at Harvest Farm, and two in Fort Collins, each one has brought their own passion, perspective, and heart for service to our community.

From case management to communications, these interns have spent the summer building relationships, supporting our guests, and learning what it means to serve with compassion and purpose. We had the chance to speak with several of them about their experience, and their reflections are both inspiring and encouraging.

Read below to hear their stories—and be inspired by the impact one summer can make.

Malea Van Kampen

People & Culture Intern at the Admin & Education Building

Meet Malea Van Kampen, the people and culture summer intern in the Admin & Education Building. She is a rising senior at the University of Michigan studying Anthropology and Spanish on a prelaw track. While working with people and culture, she has enjoyed using her knowledge and passion for employment law as well as learning about recruitment, employee relations, benefits, safety, and professional development. She chose to intern here because she believes in the work God is doing through DRM to serve the Denver community and feels passionate about serving those in need. Additionally, her internship has allowed her to grow professionally and personally through mentorship, hands-on experience, and encouragement from the staff at DRM. She has no doubt that her experience with Human Resources will make her a better attorney in the future.

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re probably right.” -Henry Ford

Kayla Willmann

Youth & Family Intern at The Crossing

Meet Kayla Willmann, Denver Rescue Mission’s youth and family intern at The Crossing. In her role, Kayla enjoys working with children and families to build relationships and connect them to the love of Christ. During her time in this internship, she learned more about community building and trauma informed care. Her primary contributions to the Mission included cultivating relationships with students, supporting programming efforts, and connecting families to useful resources. Kayla was initially drawn to Denver Rescue Mission because of the heart of Christ that the Mission embodies; always drawing close to those who Christ draws close to. Her passion for the heart behind this work has only grown since her time at Denver Rescue Mission began.

“Always preach the gospel, use words if necessary” – CS Lewis

Mariah Vos

Case Management Intern at Fort Collins Rescue Mission

Meet Mariah Vos, a case management intern at Fort Collins Rescue Mission. She has been so thankful for the opportunity to learn from the staff at Fort Collins Rescue Mission and meet with the guests we serve. This internship has challenged her perspective, provided her with a helpful context to build various skills, and strengthened her desire to use the gifts that God has given her to serve the community for His glory. She is currently studying Biblical Theology with the hope of working for a Christian non-profit or in a ministry setting. Her internship has been an experience in which she has been able to apply, in a “boots on the ground” manner, what she is learning in the classroom. At Fort Collins Rescue Mission, she has had the opportunity to learn more about a non-profit ministry and to work with a wide variety of individuals from various backgrounds. Her time here has made her so thankful that there is a place such as Fort Collins Rescue Mission (and all of Denver Rescue Mission) so that many individuals can find support for their physical and material needs, and ultimately hear the name of Jesus, who gives eternal hope.

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages” – Charles Spurgeon

Eryn Jackson

Case Management Intern at The Crossing

Meet Eryn Jackson, Denver Rescue Mission’s case management intern at The Crossing. She assists New Life Program and Bridge program participants by assessing their needs, developing service plans, and connecting them with resources like housing, healthcare, and employment support. She conducts intake interviews, maintains case records, and collaborates with social workers and community agencies to ensure program participants receive the right care. Her role also involves following up with program participants, advocating for their needs, and helping with crisis interventions when necessary. Through this experience, she is gaining hands-on skills in care coordination, while supporting individuals in achieving their goals.

“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama

Celia Pacheco

Community Life Intern at Fort Collins Rescue Mission

Meet Celia Pacheco, the community life intern at Fort Collins Rescue Mission. In her role, she makes sure our guests are getting their basic needs met every night, ensuring a safe and positive environment. She tries to focus on cultivating a respectful and healing environment where meaningful relationships with guests can be built. She also makes sure that the community guidelines are being met, navigates guests through conflict, and encourages guests to take that next step forward. Her decision to pursue this role is rooted in her academic background in sociology as well as her personal faith in Jesus Christ. Through the lens of sociology, she’s learned that homelessness is not only an individual struggle, but also a result of complex systems.

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows” – Ralph Marston

Katie Nelson

Youth & Family Intern at The Crossing

Meet Katie Nelson, Denver Rescue Mission’s youth and family intern at The Crossing. She helps organize and leads a variety of fun and educational activities for the kids to keep them engaged during their summer break. Her responsibilities include preparing materials for activities and workshops and supporting her supervisor during Bible studies and field trips. She also works on building relationships with the kids to encourage participation, ensure their safety, and create a positive, inclusive atmosphere. This internship has given her hands-on experience in working with wonderful kids, and building her skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership, while contributing to an amazing organization and giving the kids an enjoyable summer experience. She was originally interested in Denver Rescue Mission because of the meaning behind it and the growing youth program, which is providing families and children a safe space to grow within the Lord and providing people help where it’s needed.