Make a Difference this Summer at Denver Rescue Mission's Youth Center!

Denver Rescue Mission is dedicated to transforming lives as we help individuals and families navigate their way out of homelessness. Our transitional programs help people who are experiencing homelessness, despite having a steady income, transition into a sustainable, self-sufficient life.

One of our transitional programs, called Bridge, offers men, women and families the chance to rebuild their lives. We also have six rooms at The Crossing that have recently been dedicated to families in crisis. These families literally have nowhere else to go and may have more immediate needs.

For these families with children, we offer a Youth Center where children and teenagers can have consistency, stability and a space to be kids.

The Youth Center at The Crossing

Through homework assistance and after-school activities, the Youth Center at The Crossing helps provide children and teens with a new sense of confidence, responsibility and resiliency.

MC Crawford, children, youth and family manager, describes the Youth Center as, “a space of respite for our kids. When they come home from school, they—unlike most children—come home to a one bedroom that they share with their entire family. So not a lot of room to play, to express themselves and to develop who they want to be. So we want to make sure that they have the space to do that.”

Change Makers Make the Difference

This summer, we’re looking for enthusiastic Change Maker volunteers (age 21+) to support our exciting summer programming at The Crossing’s Youth Center. Here are the ways you can get involved:

Teen Program Volunteer: Engage with our teens during their free time or academic hour, providing guidance and support in a fun and interactive environment. (Thursdays or Fridays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.)
Children’s Program Volunteer: Volunteer with our children (ages three to 11) during brain building sessions, helping them develop reading comprehension and complete educational activities. You can also join them during free time for engaging in games and social interaction. (Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.)

You Can Make a Difference This Summer

By volunteering with Denver Rescue Mission’s Youth Center, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. You’ll help provide essential skills and positive relational connections through friendship, encouragement and a sense of hope.

MC explains your role as a volunteer and her job as staff with, “On a day-to-day basis, it looks like hugs when they walk in the door, and it looks like accepting them as they come.”

Emily, a current Youth Center volunteer, continues to consistently volunteer because, “I really wish when I was younger that I had someone close to my age telling me it is going to be okay. . . . I feel like especially in places like this, they’re rarely surrounded by people closer to their age and seeing them succeed. Like how awesome is it to be a role model to them, but also be their friend?”