February 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
This month, our kitchen told the story of Colorado LiftED Foundation better than any strategy document ever could.
We watched our seniors guide younger students through making crepes and pizza from scratch — patiently coaching, encouraging, and celebrating small wins. It was leadership in its purest form. Not loud. Not performative. Just steady belief in someone else’s potential.
That is what it means to be LiftED.
We see it in Alexa, a fourth grader already imagining her future as a chef. We see it in Omar, a senior mentoring younger students with integrity and inclusion. We see it in our clinical team, who delivered more than 500 therapy sessions in January alone — ensuring that healing extends beyond the therapy room and into homes, schools, and communities.
This is who we are: Built on Relationships. Measured in Futures.
When one student rises, the whole community rises.
Thank you for being part of a community that chooses to lift — with intention, with care, and sometimes with flour-covered hands.
Onward & Upward,
Kaye Taavialma, President & CEO
Mission Moment
A glimpse into what we do and why we do it.
This month, our kitchen became a hub of leadership and learning, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Colorado LiftED Foundation. Our high school seniors stepped into the role of "Head Chefs," guiding our afterschool youth program through the art of making French crepes and from-scratch pizza.
There is a unique magic in watching a senior patiently show a younger student how to whisk the perfect crepe batter or spread sauce to the very edge of a pizza crust. These moments go beyond recipes; they are about lifting the confidence of our younger students and allowing our seniors to practice the leadership skills they’ve developed here.
Watching our oldest students lead with such care reminds us that our program is truly about helping every student reach new heights. At LiftED, we know that when we support one another, the whole community rises—and sometimes, it tastes like a fresh-baked pizza.
Youth Spotlight
Whatever it Takes: Alexa Castellano-Gutierrez (4th Grade)
Although Alexa joined us this semester, she has already become an active and positive part of the group. She is consistently respectful and kind to instructors and her peers. Alexa quickly earned her spot on our Baking Day field trip, where older program youth guide younger participants as they bake together. Crepes were on the menu this time, and Alexa jumped right in.
At our first family night of the year, Alexa shared her vision board and talked about her dream of becoming a chef. She is also always ready to support others. During a math game, she worked as a true team player and helped another youth solve a problem so their team could keep moving forward. Alexa is a thoughtful leader and a great friend.
An Inch Wide, Mile Deep: Omar Ibarra (12th Grade)
When he is not working with youth and community at his local library, Omar jumps into every opportunity Colorado LiftED Foundation offers. A high school senior, Omar is part of our Colorado LiftED internship experience and serves as a mentor to our 3rd–8th grade youth. The internship also includes personal and professional development in social-emotional learning, and Omar consistently adds thoughtful insight to group discussions. He leads with vulnerability and integrity, and he shows a real commitment to inclusion. Omar pays attention to the needs and feelings of others so people feel seen, heard, and welcomed. Those strengths show up every day in his mentorship. He has a gift for connecting with youth and creating a fun, safe space where they can be themselves.
Updates
Youth Program Spotlight
Baking Day was a big hit for our youth in grades 3–8. The event launched in January and is designed and led by Cain Cox, our Lead Instructor for the grades 3–8 program. This twice-monthly recurring event features youth-selected recipes and invites older high school students to mentor younger participants in the Blossom House Community Kitchen. Last month, seniors helped the group whip up delicious crepes, and more sweet creations are on the way.
For our sophomores and juniors, they closed out the month with a lively game night at the NABI space at Blossom House, welcoming high school youth from across the community, including a special invitation to Mile High 360. With nearly 30 young people in attendance and everything from video games to cards and table games in the mix, the evening was a clear success. More social gatherings like this are on the horizon.
This month, these same students participated in an apprenticeship information session led by CareerWise, which sparked new curiosity and understanding about potential career pathways. Juniors will also begin weekly SAT prep courses facilitated by Denver Test Prep starting Thursday, February 19. Reach out for more information.
Meanwhile, our seniors hit the road for a private guided tour of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where they explored the block schedule, residential life, study-abroad opportunities, and academic programs. Their next campus visit to CU Boulder is scheduled for March. January also marked the launch of our Fireside Chats, a new series hosted by our board members to highlight careers and foster meaningful connections. The first chat, held at the State Capitol, focused on themes of power and responsibility. The next conversation will take place at Vectra Bank and will explore professional pathways and possibilities.
Finally, summer camp registration at Ricardo Flores Magón Academy (RFMA) is now open. Our free full-day program runs June 2 through July 16, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and is available to youth entering 3rd through 8th grade. We’re grateful to RFMA for hosting us again this year.
Clinical Program Spotlight
Our clinical program continues to grow and deepen across Denver. As we closed out January, our therapy team was actively supporting 189 clients across six sites, reflecting both expanded reach and stronger partnerships throughout our service network.
In January alone, clinicians provided more than 500 therapy sessions, totaling over 2,300 hours of individual and small-group care. The team also delivered nearly 150 hours of clinical consultation with caregivers and partner providers. These consultations are a core part of our model. They help the progress made in therapy carry into school, home, work, and community settings, supporting lasting change and long-term healing.
Our Therapist in Community program is growing, and we’re excited to partner with Sun Valley Youth Center in the coming months to bring mental health support to even more Denver neighborhoods.
Our commitment to accessible mental health care has remained steady since the therapy program launched in 2021, and demand continues to rise. For the first time, we are experiencing full caseloads across all clinicians, along with a growing waitlist. Right now, many youth waiting for services are facing estimated timelines of three to six months. While this highlights the level of need in our community, it also strengthens our commitment to expand capacity in a responsible and sustainable way.
We also want to recognize our current cohort of five therapy interns, who are approaching the completion of their 12–18 month internships. Their growth, dedication, and clinical development have been impressive, and we’re grateful they chose to train within our program. As this cohort prepares to graduate, we are already underway in selecting our next group of emerging clinicians, who will begin in early summer. Interest has been exceptionally strong, with more than 30 applicants and counting for five available positions. We’re grateful to our college and university partners who continue encouraging students to build their skills within our community-based model.
Thank you to our clinicians, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. The need is real, and the impact is too.
Team Spotlight
Henry Schuler (He/Him)
Clinical Intern
Henry supports youth and families through therapy, helping them identify life patterns and embrace growth. Currently pursuing his M.S. at the University of Denver, he works from a place of deep respect for every client's journey. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find him soccer coaching, skiing, or enjoying a mango.
Jennifer Stucklen (She/Her)
Operations & Communications Manager
Jennifer manages the "behind-the-scenes" magic—overseeing site logistics, systems, and clear communications for our community. A CSU alum with a background in early childhood leadership, she brings two decades of expertise to our team. When she’s not optimizing our operations, you’ll find her on the slopes or hiking through the Colorado wilderness.
Community Partner Spotlight
We are deeply grateful to the DaVita Giving Foundation for their continued partnership and generous support, including a newly awarded grant for 2026. Over the years, DaVita has invested in our youth through program funding, event sponsorship, and career exploration opportunities that introduce young people to pathways in health care. Their commitment goes beyond dollars, it reflects a shared belief in expanding access, opportunity, and long-term success for the youth and families we serve.
