Dear Colorado LiftED Community,

Spring is a season of momentum, and at the Colorado LiftED Foundation, we are feeling that energy in every corner of our work.

This quarter, we witnessed the profound impact of a community moving with intention. Our Board Mentorship Program continued with powerful Fireside Chats, where students and leaders explored the "5 Cs of Community." Our LiftED Futures team celebrated a record-breaking Quarter 3, reaching our highest afterschool attendance to date and hosting 27 special programming events. Simultaneously, our LiftED Horizons clinical team delivered over 3,000 therapy sessions this year—driven by the conviction that mental health support is not a luxury; it is essential.

The young people in our programs inspire me daily. Whether it is Javeah’s joyful generosity in the classroom or Elizabeth’s leadership in our Community Kitchen, their actions are the mission made visible.

None of this happens without you—our partners, our team, and our supporters. I hope you will join us at our Threshold Gala on May 30th at the Denver Art Museum to celebrate the progress we’ve made and the path we are building together.

LiftED together,

Kaye Taavialma, President & CEO

Mission Moment

A glimpse into what we do and why we do it.

**Building Bridges: The Power of Our Board Mentorship Program**

When young people are surrounded by adults who believe in them, the ceiling disappears.
This year, Colorado LiftED Foundation officially launched our inaugural Board Mentorship Program, pairing high school seniors with CLF board members for one-on-one relationships built to last. It is not a one-time event or a resume line. It is a long-term investment, with mentorship designed to continue through college and into early careers, up to age 25.

At the heart of this work is our Fireside Chat Series, where students and board members gather for honest, meaningful conversations about leadership, community, and the future. At our second session, held at IMA Financial Group, Inc., the theme was Community Impact. Together, the group explored the 5 C's of Community: connection, communication, collaboration, contribution, and commitment.

The session closed with a question that lingered long after the room cleared: What do we hope for the next generation, and how do each of us play a role in building that future?

Our students didn't just listen. They answered.

This is what "an inch wide and a mile deep" looks like in action. It is board members who show up, students who lean in, and a community that refuses to let young people navigate their futures alone. We are proud of every connection being made and every door being opened through this program.

The next generation of leaders is already here. We are honored to walk alongside them. Meet the dedicated leaders making it possible.

Youth Spotlight

**An Inch Wide, A Mile Deep**: Javeah Lucero (3rd Grade)

Javeah is a true helping hand! Always the first to raise her hand to volunteer, she takes great pride in assisting with snacks and jumping into every activity with a smile. It has been a joy to watch her engage in our earned activities lately—she’s been a standout participant in both the kitchen and the library.
Beyond her helpfulness, Javeah brings a wonderful warmth to our program. She is incredibly kind, funny, and responsible; she never misses a chance to check in on her younger siblings before we start. Whether she’s making the instructors laugh or supporting a friend, Javeah’s positive spirit makes our program a better place for everyone.

**We Not Me**: Elizabeth Tran (12th Grade)

Generous with her time and spirit, Elizabeth fully embodies the Colorado LiftED Foundation value of **“We Not Me.”** Whether she is helping behind the scenes or leading an activity with students, Elizabeth consistently shows up with a focus on making others feel special, included, and valued.
One shining example of this was during our recent 3rd–8th Grade Community Kitchen Day. Elizabeth took the lead in creating a meaningful and joyful experience, spending the afternoon making delicious pizzas alongside the youth. What could have been just a cooking activity became a moment of connection because of Elizabeth’s intentional care; she even capped off the day with a humorous reading of *Curious George and the Pizza Party*.

Elizabeth’s impact also extended to our Mingle and More event. Facilitating a conversation between middle schoolers and high school seniors, she used honesty and empathy to navigate tough topics like peer pressure and self-care. Because of her guidance, students walked away feeling heard and more confident about their upcoming transition to high school.

Elizabeth reminds us that community impact often comes from small, intentional acts of kindness. By creating spaces where young people feel seen, she lives out the spirit of “We Not Me” in everything she does. We are incredibly grateful for the heart she brings to our community.

Updates

LiftED Futures Spotlight

Quarter 3 wrapped up with standout momentum across our youth programs. Average daily attendance reached 62% of enrollment, marking our strongest sustained participation since moving afterschool programming to Blossom House. It was an exceptionally rich quarter, featuring 27 community events, partner-led activities, and career exposure opportunities—our largest slate of special programming to date. Highlights included Apprenticeship Night with CareerWise, Game Together with the Denver Public Library, and college tours at Colorado College, CU Boulder, and CSU.

Looking ahead, Spring is shaping up to be just as impactful. We are thrilled to launch our youth internship at the Blossom House Hydroponic Farm, while the Denver Public Library’s Lena Archuleta branch continues to host our popular Game Together and Library Days. We are also excited to host a First Responders Career Night featuring alumni Ashaun Drumgo and Juan Castaneda—a unique opportunity for youth to explore the field and connect with role models from their own community.

☀️ Summer Camp Registration is Open!

Summer Camp planning is well underway! We aim to share the full field trip and partnership calendar with caregivers by the end of this month.

Dates: June 2 – July 16 (Monday–Thursday)
Times: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Who: Rising 3rd–8th graders
Cost: Free!

Thanks to strong family engagement, we’ve already reached 25 registrations, far surpassing early expectations. Secure your spot today! (High school summer schedule coming soon—keep an eye out!)

LiftED Horizons Spotlight

This spring, we are proud to officially launch our clinical sub-brand, LiftED Horizons. This name embodies our commitment to accessible, relationship-centered mental health care for our youth and the wider community.

Quarter 3 Impact by the Numbers:

1,200+ Therapy sessions delivered this quarter.
3,026 Total sessions provided so far this year.

Each session is more than just a number; it represents a lifeline of support for youth and caregivers. Even during the "spring scramble" of state testing and calendar shifts, our clinicians have worked tirelessly with school partners and families to ensure that care remains uninterrupted.

As we look toward the future, LiftED Horizons stands for our dedication to showing up with intention. We are honored to walk alongside our community members as they continue to grow and thrive.

Team Spotlight

**Kate Crowley (She/her)**

***Clinical Intern, LiftED Horizons***
As a Clinical Intern, Kate supports youth and families through life’s big transitions and mental health challenges. Currently completing her Master of Social Work at MSU Denver, Kate brings valuable experience from her previous work in adolescent residential care. She uses a "person-in-environment" approach, treating every family as the expert on their own lives while focusing on their unique strengths. Her favorite part of the job? Building safe, genuine relationships where every individual feels truly heard and understood.

Kaye Taavialma *(She/Her)*

***Chief Executive Office***
As CEO, Kaye drives our organization’s vision and strategy, building equitable systems rooted in authentic relationships. A veteran of the Denver education community, she holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and is dedicated to expanding opportunities for all families. Beyond her work in education, Kaye is a talented filmmaker with credits at the Sundance and Oaxaca Film Festivals! She loves rafting with her wife and their “circus” of dogs, planning family adventures, or cheering on her two college-aged children.

Community Partner Spotlight

We are proud to recognize Alvarado Restaurant Nation as a longstanding partner and champion of our youth, families, and staff. Their commitment to community is rooted in a powerful story—beginning as a minority-owned family business with a single Taco Bell in downtown Denver in 1984, and growing into one of the largest Hispanic-owned franchise organizations in the country, now operating more than 200 restaurants across five states.

Alvarado Restaurant Nation remains grounded in its family values, now led by the next generation and continuing a legacy of investing in the youth and families of Colorado LiftED Foundation.

We are especially grateful for their leadership as the Presenting Sponsor of our annual Gala on May 30th at the Denver Art Museum. Through their partnership, more young people are gaining access to opportunities, support, and pathways that help them succeed in school and beyond.

April 2026 Newsletter

Mission Moment

Youth Spotlight