May 2026 Newsletter
Dear Colorado LiftED Community,
The 2026 after-school year has come to a close, and I remain blown away at how incredible it has been. From our younger students growing real food and real skills at Blossom House Hydroponic Farm to our high schoolers stepping into the spotlight at the Cinema Showcase—this year reminded me, over and over again, of what our young people are capable of when they’re given space, support, and challenge.
This transition season also holds some exciting milestones. Our 11th graders are heading into a pre-collegiate week at Adams State University, and our 12th graders are launching into the Post-Secondary Success Program—not an ending, but a beginning. For our rising 3rd–11th graders, Summer Camp 2026 is free and starts on June 2nd at Ricardo Flores Magón Academy (we’re excited to return!).
Thank you for this year—for showing up, for growing, and - for those families in our readership – for trusting us with your most important people. We are already looking forward to what’s ahead.
Ever Upward,
Kaye Taavialma, President & CEO
Mission Moment
A glimpse into what we do and why we do it.
How a Colorado LiftED alum returned to inspire the next generation of leadership.
This month brought a true full-circle moment to the Colorado LiftED Foundation.
We were thrilled to welcome back program alum Ashaun Drumgo, who returned to LiftED alongside his crew from Denver Fire Department Station 20 for an engaging, interactive first responders career panel.
Our youth had the opportunity to hear firsthand what a day in the life of a firefighter looks like—from responding to high-stakes emergencies to balancing personal well-being with the demands of the job. Students asked thoughtful questions about the path to the academy, what it takes to join the department, and the profound rewards of serving the community.
The afternoon became even more memorable when the youth got to try on real firefighter turnout gear and explore the fire engine up close.
Ashaun’s return is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of the LiftED community. Once a student exploring his own pathways and possibilities, he now stands before the next generation as a living example of what they can achieve. Moments like these perfectly define what it means to go an inch wide and a mile deep—building deep relationships that endure long after graduation and opening doors for young people to see their own potential.
We are incredibly grateful to Ashaun and the Station 20 crew for investing their time, sharing their wisdom, and inspiring our youth.
#OnceADreamerAlwaysADreamer
Youth Spotlight
Whatever It Takes: Benjamin Menard (11th Grade)
Through a recent month that was physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding, Ben chose resilience. Rather than stepping back, he showed up to the program ready to take the driver’s seat. A standout moment of his leadership came when he stepped up to guide a group project, navigating his team to success with confidence and collaboration.
Ben brought high energy, a collaborative spirit, and a room-brightening smile to every single session. Even when setbacks arose, he remained positive and focused on the path ahead. His strength in moments where many would struggle has been nothing short of remarkable. We are incredibly proud to recognize Ben as our Dreamer of the Month—his growth, determination, and spirit continue to inspire us all.
We Not Me: Malachi Vargas (4th Grade Grade)
Malachi consistently demonstrates leadership, kindness, and deep determination. His communication skills are exceptional—he not only advocates for himself but also confidently speaks up for his peers. Recently, Malachi represented our program at a community tabling event, showing remarkable bravery as he engaged with strangers and shared his experience. He proved to be a natural spokesperson!
Malachi’s strong sense of responsibility shows up every day; he can often be found working diligently with our volunteer, Pablo, to ensure his homework is perfectly complete before jumping into activities. Even on challenging days, Malachi arrives with a smile and a positive attitude that lifts the entire room. We are incredibly proud of his growth, commitment, and heart.
Updates
LiftED Futures Spotlight
April marks the final full month of our Afterschool Program, with May 19th serving as our last day before we resume in September. As we enter these final weeks, our focus shifts to celebrating our students and closing out the year with energy and pride.
Here is a look at what our cohorts are wrapping up:
3rd–8th Grade: Our youth are finishing their hands-on internships at the Blossom House Hydroponic Farm.
9th–11th Grade: Students are putting the finishing touches on their end-of-semester podcasting and short-form video projects. Come see their work at the Cinema Showcase on Thursday, May 14th at Blossom House!
11th Grade: Our pre-collegiate cohort is preparing for an exciting one-week summer residential experience at Adams State University.
12th Grade: Seniors are transitioning into our newly reimagined Post-Secondary Success Program. Led by our Director of Post-Secondary Success, Erin Fernandez, this program is dedicated to guiding our graduates as they confidently navigate their next chapters.
Summer Program 2026: Registration is Open!
We are thrilled to offer free summer programming for rising 3rd–11th graders. Spots are filling fast—secure your student's place today!
For Rising 3rd–8th Grade
Location: Ricardo Flores Magón Academy (RFMA)
Dates: June 2 – July 16 (Monday–Thursday)
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
For Rising 9th–11th Grade
Location: Blossom House
Dates: June 3 – July 16 (Monday–Thursday)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
LiftED Horizons Spotlight
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While we believe mental health deserves our attention every single day of the year, this month gives us a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to the work.
Here in Colorado, the need is real. Our state consistently ranks among those with the highest rates of youth mental health challenges and the lowest in access to care. For young people navigating trauma, instability, and the ordinary-yet-extraordinary challenges of growing up today, the gap between need and access can feel insurmountable.
That is exactly why we do what we do.
Nearly 200 people in Denver have trusted LiftED Horizons this year to walk alongside them on their mental health journey—an honor we do not take lightly. For many, choosing to seek support was itself an act of extraordinary courage. We are grateful every day to be the place they chose.
☀️ A Note for the Summer: As the school year winds down, we want our community to know that LiftED Horizons remains open all summer. If you or someone you know needs support, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Celebrating Our Graduating Clinical Interns
This spring marks a bittersweet and celebratory milestone. We are wrapping up our time with five extraordinary interns who have given between 12 and 15 months of dedication, heart, and clinical excellence to our community:
Henry Schuler: Master of Mental Health Counseling Candidate, University of Denver
Kady Mohammad: Master of Mental Health Counseling Candidate, University of Denver
Kate Crowley: Master of Social Work Candidate, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Rysa Bryan: Master of International Disaster Psychology Candidate, University of Denver
Will Murphy: Master of Mental Health Counseling Candidate, Regis University
To our graduating interns: thank you. The clinical hours you logged, the relationships you built, and the care you brought to every session will stay with our youth and families long after your time here. We are so proud of the clinicians you have become and cannot wait to see where your careers take you next.
From Interns to Colleagues!
We are absolutely thrilled to share that Henry and Rysa will be staying on with us full-time as Associate Behavioral Health Therapists, and Kate will be stepping into the role of Associate Case Manager in our Restoring Futures program!
The transition from intern to colleague is one of our favorite milestones because it means the investment goes both ways.
Team Spotlight
Kyara Supreme (She/her)
Site Leader, LiftED Futures
As Site Leader, Kyara oversees daily programming and ensures our spaces are safe and consistent for families. She holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice (focused on rehabilitation and counseling) and Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Trained in crisis response and Youth Mental Health First Aid, Kyara uses a culturally responsive lens shaped by her own childhood adversity—driving her to build the support system she once needed. Outside of work, she enjoys art, traveling, reading Harry Potter, and watching The Great Gatsby with her family.
Lissette Uribe (She/Her)
Associate Behavioral Health Therapist
Lissette first joined us in April 2022 as an Engagement Specialist, later serving as a Systems Advocacy Intern, and has now transitioned into her role as an Associate Behavioral Health Therapist. Originally from Los Angeles, she holds a BA in Psychology from CU Boulder and a Master of Social Work from MSU Denver. Lissette is passionate about walking alongside youth to help them see their full potential and build a more inclusive future. In her free time, she loves to cook, hang out with friends, and create charcoal drawings.
Community Partner Spotlight
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Colorado continues to face a critical youth mental health crisis. In response, Colorado LiftED Foundation launched LiftED Horizons in 2021 to expand access to free, trauma-informed mental health support for youth and families.
Thanks to the incredible support of the Denver Broncos Foundation, LiftED Horizons is successfully providing:
Healing Spaces: Individual and group therapy tailored for local youth.
Family Support: Comprehensive care coordination and behavioral health resources.
Community Wellness: Wrap-around wellness support services.
Workforce Pipeline: Career pathway opportunities for emerging clinicians through our therapist internship program.
Since 2021, LiftED Horizons has provided more than 20,000 free therapy sessions to support the wellness, resilience, and future success of Denver youth!
We are deeply grateful to the Denver Broncos Foundation for investing in youth mental health and helping us expand vital access to care across our community.
