Growing up in southwest Denver, Keen found himself involved with gangs from a young age. But after a near-death experience, Keen decided to change the course of his life. Through Fully Liberated Youth (FLY), he was able to find mentors and resources that supported his personal growth. Discover how Keen is now empowering others to make positive choices, leaving a lasting impact on his community.
FLY is supported by ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma), a program funded by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). This initiative aims to strengthen communities affected by trauma by supporting mental health and violence prevention services. ReCAST’s funding supports FLY to reach youth like Keen, providing resources for healing, growth, and transformation.
One of our city agency partners runs a youth empowerment program(YEP) for youth who are long-term constituents and receive considerable amounts of counseling, case management, and in some cases funding. This program often involves engaging closely with family members of the youth, including parents and guardians over long periods of time and check ins. There are many multigenerational successes that come out of this program. This program is successful in building trust and buy-in that has lasting impact. Below are a few examples of the long term impact of this program’s work:
Parent of Client J and child, Client J, first met the YEP at a Parent Teacher Conference Night back in October. At the time, Parent’s main concern was getting winter clothes for Client J before winter set in. YEP Program Manager and Youth mentor were able to provide her with resources to buy clothes for not only Client J, but also for Parent. Through this process, Youth Mentor learned that Parent was disabled, and struggled with mental health as both a person and a parent. The YEP referred both clients to a virtual mental health option, so that Parent could work on parenting skills, and Client J could work on growing into being a teenager. A later check by YEP youth mentor with Parent and Client J, revealed that both are still taking weekly sessions for mental health, and that they have been extremely happy in doing so.
Another successful family intervention with Parent and 2 children clients: YEP program manager and mentor were able to connect family with resources for food and rental assistance. With their home life in a stable condition, youths were able to improve their grades, make the basketball team, and live a happier life. Parent of children clients was inspired by children’s success and decided to go back to school to get GED. We were able to help Parent purchase a laptop and sign up for classes, and Parent is now set to graduate in a few months.
Recent Data from The Trevor Project U.S. National Survey shows “there is a significant association between anti-LGBTQ+ victimization and disproportionately high rates of suicide risk — and that far too many young people struggle to access the mental health care they need.” CampSeen, a program of YouthSeen, is a space committed to empowering youth in a safe environment that allows for them to thrive, self discover and enjoy the outdoors. From fun activities and creative workshops to deep conversations and life long friendships, we celebrate our campers and staff's unique journey.
YouthSeen is supported by ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma), a program funded by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). This initiative aims to strengthen communities affected by trauma by supporting mental health and violence prevention services. ReCAST’s funding supports YouthSeen to reach youth like Keen, providing resources for healing, growth, and transformation.