׉?ׁB!בCט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://n8QsoA4-cICnydkvm-p5dNhIj81wYWek61TQ6BdWvfs,`׉ 7cassandra://94vk5GpjtYlixt9vg7esmRblMajNpAaXOa6SMwmLkPMt`q׉ 7cassandra://-r9KIqmpgR3l1Vrk3MBfBD-XzxWkcnYFUoze9tZnHVk)`g2'ҟ7נg2'ҟ7 <Ǵ9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׈Eg2'ҟ7p׉E $ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE CITY REJECTS OLD ARVADA EARLY COLLEGE AS HOMELESS NAVIGATION CENTER FOLLOWING RESIDENT DISSENT, CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO SELL THE BUILDING PAGE 5 PRODIGY COFFEE SERVES DISENGAGED YOUTH COMMUN NITY-BASED PS NI APPRENTICESHIPS PROVIDE MORE THAN WORK EXPERIENCE EX TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES GRACEFULL HOMES HELPS INDIVIDUALS TRANSITION OUT OF HOMELESSNESS PAGE 8 CAPTURING THE INVISIBLE BLIND PHOTOGRAPHER DEVELOPS LANGUAGE TO CAPTURE IMAGES PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 MARCH 2025 | Vol.30 Issue 3 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: DESIGN BY REA BROWN ׉ 7cassandra://-r9KIqmpgR3l1Vrk3MBfBD-XzxWkcnYFUoze9tZnHVk)`g2'ҟ7qg2'ҟ7p בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://TWlL2lG3PVLevsQAw63cu8lCrgX4ldkjNuk1TBUNqrgt`׉ 7cassandra://siRhwAJpV97wSEscticsh9-hOx7QVzHFw-6Edmkgtm8g `q׉ 7cassandra://WtWzW6oQAZqDk-Ox92BHS_x2Ff1PB8sQKP0Q0oSPotM#;`g2(ҟ7ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://qZSswyhlX_L7H1fM9f2r0cPAYHbnfn3TUhm1aK253tU`׉ 7cassandra://T5xo0sFug2DPbnsKHvPrVps41BZVvMZtzELUljsjZCcgs`q׉ 7cassandra://uKhczjtluC-u9lZZG5dFmWPuPWsWd2RuYttOK6c9UIU$`g2(ҟ7נg2(ҟ7uc̏9ׁHmailto:ads@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2(ҟ7v9ׁH$http://denvervoice.org/subscriptionsׁ ׁ Јנg2(ҟ7̫9ׁHmailto:program@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2(ҟ7g9ׁHhttp://denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E0FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK IT’S BEEN A WILD RIDE AT DENVER VOICE. Since I became board president in July 2024, we’ve navigated instability with the executive director’s position, funding declines, and a full organizational shutdown. And that was just the first two months! As I write this, I can say with ROBERT DAVIS BOARD PRESIDENT confidence that Denver VOICE is back and better than ever. One of the first (and best) moves we made was to hire Giles Clasen as our development manager. Since he took over fundraising, we have raised more than $150,000, putting us in one of the strongest financial positions we have ever been in. At the same time, I helped create multiple new partnerships with organizations like the Denver Basic Income Project and Elevated Denver to help us serve more vendors and tell their stories in new ways. We also restructured our board of directors to include folks who believe in our business model and align with our mission. We are also launching two new income streams. You may have already seen the greeting cards that our vendors designed for Valentine’s Day. We plan to continue creating these cards for all occasions. Soon, you’ll see us selling t-shirts designed by our vendors as well. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Denver VOICE, and I am thankful for all of the community support we have received to date. Onwards and upwards. With love, Robert Davis Board President, Denver VOICE THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS ISABEL GUZMAN is a freelance journalist and recent graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver. She served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Metropolitan. Guzman has been published in Denverite, MSU Denver’s RED, Colorado Community Media, and The Emerald Magazine. JAMIE MILLER graduated from the University of Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and business management. She enjoys exploring the Colorado mountains, reading a good book at a local coffee shop, and doing yoga. FRANK DEANGELI is a PNW transplant who has spent six years in Colorado. He has previously spent much of his professional career working in case management at a homeless shelter. He loves movies, making music, and throwing any kind of flying disc. MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Maddie Egerton DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @OCE ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamie Miller WRITERS Lando Allen Rea Brown Frank DeAngeli Isabel Guzman Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jamie Miller Jerry Rosen WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Larmarques “Misha” Smith BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Michael Burkley Mackenzie Langley Ashni Pabley Eduardo Platon Edwin Rapp Charity Von Guinness Cabal Yarne 2 DENVER VOICE March 2025 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US ׉ 7cassandra://WtWzW6oQAZqDk-Ox92BHS_x2Ff1PB8sQKP0Q0oSPotM#;`g2'ҟ7r׉ESPRING WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: • Socks • Toiletries (individual or travel-size) • Baseball caps • Chapstick, sunscreen • Hand warmers GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: • Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) • Men’s jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) • Women’s jackets (sizes M, L, XL) • Backpacks, carrier bags • USB-C charging cables If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! VENMO YOUR VENDOR: @DenverVOICE HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. 1 4 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. March 2025 DENVER VOICE 3 ׉ 7cassandra://uKhczjtluC-u9lZZG5dFmWPuPWsWd2RuYttOK6c9UIU$`g2'ҟ7sg2'ҟ7r בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://1twzjvVe2qxPj__hoyoEBE5412kVgKBatdD5yg0cpjY%b`׉ 7cassandra://z8fO74UWK-MINn1nd3AJYKWRVbcQGYu83DTVHtCWtwUR\`q׉ 7cassandra://-q8HVxVMpeDI39TJPRJkbi9j-zVAoHlH7cbwNxn0OE8`g2(ҟ7ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://zuGbTa_RJL9m6Dxx4-_trdpzGKZlIiVIuxIAczrA-0s `׉ 7cassandra://nUxU4eJCJHvCfBYwA5OSpvSGrAXgYHvSwB7QllyXQwA͌`q׉ 7cassandra://D_lMSF6cuI1NbZ2BtrLy20aghVwRTKQE7WS2lQFmDeM+h`g2(ҟ7נg2(ҟ7W̰9ׁHhttp://careasy.org/nonprofiׁ ׁ Ј׉EASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM FELLOW VENDORS, OUR READERS, AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR REA BROWN. Q Now that we’re three months into 2025, how is the year going and why? REA BROWN A “Well,” this year has already gone to hell. Let me stop, so you can remember the plot It all started around Oct when the Office told us we might be out of a job I was on the verge of starting my art career that would be great even if it flops extra money with the VOICE was my long awaited ticket so close yet so far away my exit and I missed it The VOICE didn’t close buy my career got pushed farther in the distance now the office is only open 1 day a week its like everything is different But this year started and my future is unclear But one thing I can say I thank God I made it here. JERRY ROSEN My year is going very well, as I have been doing better in sales for the Denver VOICE, and I have accomplished a lot of things I set out to do. JASON MARTIN For me, it’s going good. It could be better. I’m still looking for work, but my apartment is paid for, so I don’t have to worry about that. LARMARQUES “MISHA” SMITH We are a quarter into 2025, and so far, I can say it’s going… My partner and I finally got housing at the end of last year, so we have been enjoying our new place and trying to get settled. Now that we have a stable place, I can find viable employment hopefully. My outlook for 2025 is sunny here in the Mile High. Hopefully, in the next update, I can tell you all I have a job. LANDO ALLEN Right now, the world’s got me nervous about work. Before I started [vending] the Denver VOICE, I was without work. There were no jobs. It was bad. Sometimes, I wish I’d have done something else, but then I think that I don’t want to run anymore. I want to get things done. DONATE YOUR CAR! Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. 4 DENVER VOICE March 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://-q8HVxVMpeDI39TJPRJkbi9j-zVAoHlH7cbwNxn0OE8`g2'ҟ7t׉EvCOMMUNITY NEWS THE CITY OF ARVADA FROM ABOVE | COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA PLANS SCRAPPED FOR OLD EARLY COLLEGE OF ARVADA TO BECOME HOMELESS NAVIGATION CENTER STORY BY ISABEL GUZMAN ON JAN. 27, THE CITY OF ARVADA unanimously voted to sell the old Early College of Arvada building, following months of resident pushback about the city’s plans to turn the building into a homeless navigation center. Located at 4905 W 60th Ave, the building was approved for purchase by Arvada in July 2024. While the initial plan for the building was not immediately determined, the city suggested it could house a navigation center or emergency shelters. “The original purchase of that building was not necessarily for a navigation center,” Kerry Wrenick, Jefferson County’s regional homeless coordinator said. “The council has not decided on solutions…they’ve [acknowledged] the issue of homelessness, but the specifics are still being discussed.” According to a report by Rylee Dunn with The Arvada Press, residents protested using the building as a navigation center during a town hall on Sept. 17. By the time the city council met on Oct 7, the number of residents opposing the proposal had increased. During that October meeting, Arlington Meadows resident Karen DeAguero expressed her frustration, stating that the council had disregarded resident input when pushing forward with plans for the homeless navigation center, calling it “swift without genuine community consultation.” DeAugero along with other Arlington Meadows residents, operates Arvada Voices, a neighborhood website with resources such as food banks and shelter phone numbers and addresses, crime statistics, and self-published news. The organization published a draft of a report, “Critical Analysis: Proposed Navigation Center at 4905 W. 60th Ave., Arvada, Adams County, CO,” which is an analysis of, “facts, timelines, and existing homelessness resources in Arvada, JeffCo, and Adams County to facilitate a more well-rounded discussion regarding the formerly-proposed homeless shelter at the former Early College of Arvada.” The analysis states that navigation centers are typically linked to an increase in crime and decreased property values. It cites Denver’s Navigation Center’s 317% increase in crime after opening, with 911 calls increasing by 2,907%, according to a CBS News Colorado report. However, Wrenick disagrees. “That’s not a fair comparison of size and scope. A shelter in Denver isn’t something that can be fairly compared to this proposed navigation center,” she said. “When you reference data, it’s easy to cherry-pick the things you want to highlight, whether that invokes fear or gets a buy-in. I think that’s the greatest concern that I’ve seen.” “When people say, ‘navigation center,’ it has been misconstrued to then turn into a shelter,” Wrenick said. “To me, a navigation center is a physical space that offers services and support to help individuals get out of their current circumstances and gain a path towards stability.” Arvada officials told the Denver VOICE, “The City had not progressed to the point that specific programming had been identified for the proposed navigation center. That said, the basic proposal was for a one-stop location designed to meet the needs of the unhoused community through lowbarrier access to a variety of services aimed at transitioning folks to stable housing.” In response to solutions to address homelessness in Arvada, the Arvada Voices report says, “Arlington Meadows residents propose an alternative vision for the ECA site, emphasizing community-focused initiatives such as educational programs, childcare services, and other resources that uplift the neighborhood… By reimagining the ECA site as a hub for community enrichment, the city can create a safer, more supportive environment that reflects the values and needs of its residents.” The analysis also stresses that Arvada City Council and Arlington Meadows residents must strive for transparency and open dialogue to make informed decisions about proposals such as the navigation center. “Engagement with stakeholders, including both housed and homeless individuals, is crucial for achieving balanced solutions. Residents must also insist on comprehensive data, such as the impacts of existing Navigation Centers in other areas, crime statistics specific to neighborhoods with similar facilities, and feedback from residents and homeless individuals about their experiences,” the analysis says. Specifics of community-focused initiatives and using the ECA as a hub for community enrichment were not detailed in the report. “Based on community feedback, it is clear that engagement was not adequate,” the City of Arvada said. “The city organization needs to partner with and collaborate with partner organizations as well as our community… We are working to develop specific engagement opportunities that could include a stakeholder advisory committee, meetings, surveys, or other methods for sharing information and listening to the community.” In addition to discussions about navigation centers, Arvada officials noted that the city developed a Housing Strategic Plan last year that identifies Arvada’s housing goals, policies, programs, and resources to address housing needs with a focus on strengthening mental health services and job training programs through partnerships with local organizations supporting people experiencing homelessness. The Denver VOICE reached out to DeAguero for comment regarding the City’s decision to sell the building and possible next steps. However, no response was received by the time this article was published. March 2025 DENVER VOICE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://D_lMSF6cuI1NbZ2BtrLy20aghVwRTKQE7WS2lQFmDeM+h`g2'ҟ7ug2'ҟ7t בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://bZ60CHKJ0olOdMvvC_IW6XKL90_HKvDbKH4wtNo-iwMa9`׉ 7cassandra://56Gabo7ckIdLKpAkzhYrWHaIIqjOlQ8vkweYnMUPAjI{`q׉ 7cassandra://uXp5sOHBqA-nSbQSH5UZcrHrsCrZLDa8KfmfAs6dlBY)`g2(ҟ7ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://iaOAuYUkWoz0R1rQPsC4REAyIUbsic6UCcxzHNx4grQ>`׉ 7cassandra://31jBz5PnicOXHyVuLmoBFe4nAY74KzJziuCDZtTMMRgkX`q׉ 7cassandra://Sq_hlhtesHgXrg5GMIuFKM9fepV8mdfI89CRxiSy1tM&`g2)ҟ7׉E FEATURE PHOTO COURTESY OF PRODIGY COFFEE PRODIGY COFFEE APPRENTICESHIPS SERVE DISENGAGED YOUTH STORY BY FRANK DEANGELI IN DENVER, coffee is never difficult to find. Most neighborhoods are host to several cafes, each with its own distinct aesthetic, menu, and product. Prodigy Coffee in Denver’s Elyria-Swansea neighborhood has a unique way of setting itself apart: focusing on community service. Founded in 2015, the nonprofit’s mission has been centered around professional development for youths from historically underserved Denver neighborhoods. Prodigy seeks to bolster mindsets and skills to ensure sustainable long-term economic mobility and wellness for its employees, whom they refer to as apprentices. The organization’s core program is a 12- to 18-month apprenticeship for disenfranchised and disengaged 18 to 24-year-olds to learn coffee shop basics, managerial practices, and life skills. Prodigy was created by a group of career educators who noticed flaws in how traditional education and professional structures prepare adolescents for the workplace. “We hear from our employer partners that high school graduates are consistently woefully unprepared for a work environment. School doesn’t exactly mirror what you can expect for culture and norms in the workplace,” said Jeslin Shahrezaei, Prodigy’s executive director. The apprenticeship program begins with a three-day paid training, where aspiring apprentices learn coffee shop basics and familiarize themselves with Prodigy’s mission and process. After this, between four and six trainees are offered the one-year apprenticeship role, but all trainees earn one or two industry-recognized certifications, regardless. The full program offers around 1,000 hours of professional development in traditional coffee shop roles but distinguishes itself from a typical employment experience with the wrap-around services it includes for participants. These include case management, mental health counseling, financial literacy classes, art therapy, and more — all provided at no cost. Currently, around 77% of apprentices hail from Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, but Shahrezaei said that recruitment is not limited to these areas. “We really take young people from everywhere,” Shahrezaei said. “We just want to work with the young adults that are going to have the toughest time finding success in a traditional work institution, prioritizing young people who are disengaged.” The Prodigy model acts as a gentler introduction to the workforce for those who haven’t found success in careers or higher education. Nobody is ever fired — in difficult circumstances, apprenticeships are paused until an individual is ready to reengage. Recruitment has yet to be a concern for Prodigy’s apprentice program. Most recruits hear about the program from current and former participants, and in 2024, 225 youths applied for the 30 available positions. “Having young people vouch for us in the community has been a resounding recruitment effort — it really showcases the trust and commitment we get from our apprentices,” said Shahrezaei. Engaging in the program seems to lead to a number of positive outcomes for apprentices, both personal and professional. A significant percentage of participants self6 DENVER VOICE March 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://uXp5sOHBqA-nSbQSH5UZcrHrsCrZLDa8KfmfAs6dlBY)`g2'ҟ7v׉EFEATURE reported having built foundational skills, increased social capital, increased earning power, and experienced healing through the program, according to a 2021 alumni survey. Additionally, Prodigy has paid over $2 million in wages to its apprentices — money it considers to be an investment into the underserved and struggling communities where apprentices have roots. Beyond its community service efforts, Prodigy has received national recognition for its coffee. USA Today has previously included Prodigy on its list of top 10 coffee shops in the country, claiming that its product “feels as good as it tastes.” Prodigy recently announced a new line of craft syrup, scaling up production of its in-house recipes to commercial levels. Working out of CSU Spur’s commissary kitchen, apprentices are learning different aspects of mass syrup production, such as bottling, label design, and marketing. The team has recently begun marketing their wholeingredient product to some of the nearly 900 coffee shops in the Denver metro area. At the time of writing, Prodigy is gearing up for a new round of apprentices whose training began in mid-February. Largeand small-batch syrup products are currently available on its website. Shahrezaei said that the future remains bright for Prodigy and its apprentices. “We understand that this is not going to be a forever career,” she said. “But it’s a stabilizing one.” PHOTO COURTESY OF PRODIGY COFFEE PHOTO COURTESY OF PRODIGY COFFEE March 2025 DENVER VOICE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://Sq_hlhtesHgXrg5GMIuFKM9fepV8mdfI89CRxiSy1tM&`g2'ҟ7wg2'ҟ7v בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://QBUP1WildpMLOssAZQXANe9g_FkccGBTR9kfBQtDa80F`׉ 7cassandra://NH0iea7-9xG-eWKRsc8Sagt0at-6mqtu9zxSlM4fQnM_@`q׉ 7cassandra://--n_ao4yUr1i5pztrJQUR8wR8mys1StjnzhRo_SSOMk"S`g2)ҟ7ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://mJ49YuID0xdczYe7QtMMS88qIUskzSGZchcroOTwaIs`׉ 7cassandra://v6H-XgPBRPVa2qpIWvFAWEQhmTrttz2pPwIeNtRMYLẃ`q׉ 7cassandra://Z3D-wOZ6xGLzeR6Ha9LaA-73-SMNXmQk4D_VpvaZ5Wk*`g2)ҟ7נg2)ҟ78av9ׁHhttp://gracefullhome.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E 8COMMUNITY PROFILE TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES How Gracefull Home is helping individuals transition out of homelessness STORY BY JAMIE MILLER EMILYJANE ZAHREDDINE, FOUNDER OF GRACEFULL HOME, SITTING AMOUNGST THEIR FURNITURE IN THEIR WARHOUSE IN JUNE, 2024 | PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN J. BEATY/DENVERITE DENVER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS have set the ambitious goal of transitioning 2,000 homeless individuals into permanent housing this year. This is part of Mike Johnson’s All In Mile High initiative, which has moved thousands of people into shelters or housing since its conception on his election day in 2023. But the challenges don’t stop once individuals have a roof over their heads. Individuals transitioning out of homelessness often struggle with social exclusion and challenges developing a sense of belonging, according to a study done by PLOS One Research. Gracefull Home, the only Denver-metro non-profit furniture bank, is working to help individuals find community by turning empty housing into furnished homes. “At Gracefull Home, we believe that everybody deserves community. One way to have community is to have space and furniture in your home for other people to join you,” said founder EmilyJane Zahreddine. The organization partners with Denver-area socialservice providers to identify eligible individuals, who are then brought to the 17,000-square foot warehouse for a 45-minute shopping appointment where they get to pick out all the furniture items needed to fill a standard home. The experience is personalized depending on the size of the home and number of individuals living in it. Gracefull employees do same-day delivery, moving items directly into the individual’s home — all at zero cost. “I always encourage individuals to think about what they want to come home to at the end of a long day. I ask them to spread out on the couches to get a feel for them. That is usually when they get a look on their face, when they realize that they are really getting furniture and it is at no cost to them,” Zahreddine said. “It is really special.” Furniture is sourced from donations from surrounding Denver areas, based on a tax-deductable cost model where donors pay $500 for pickup of 7.5 cubic yards-worth of items, or $350 for Saturday drop-offs. “I believe that one part of our community has enough resources to support the part of our community that does not have enough,” she said. Zahreddine, now self proclaimed “couch matchmaker” has always been a civil servant through her career as an Emergency Preparedness professional for Arlington 8 DENVER VOICE March 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://--n_ao4yUr1i5pztrJQUR8wR8mys1StjnzhRo_SSOMk"S`g2'ҟ7x׉EYCOMMUNITY PROFILE County and FEMA, and the journey to founding Gracefull Home started when she noticed the number of displaced individuals on the street during her commutes to and from work in Denver. She began by conducting field research, engaging roughly 50 community leaders and social/case workers to help her identify the largest gap in services for individuals transitioning to affordable housing. The gap: furniture. Zahreddine is proud to operate an organization that prioritizes fair pay for employees and recycling and responsible resourcing for all donated items, even if they are not able to use them. They recently received a collection of trophies that they are working to repurpose. “It’s a great time to be able to live your values,” she said. Gracefull Home plans to ramp up the number of employees in preparation for the summer busy season. Last summer, the organization had 12 employees and was receiving almost 500 phone calls a week. They also plan to open up volunteer opportunities to those wanting to help support the cause. If you are interested in volunteering or are seeking employment, see more information on their website: gracefullhome.org. FURNITURE SELECTION AT THE GRACEFULL HOME WARHOUSE | PHOTO BY JAMIE MILLER EMILYJANE ZAHREDDINE, FOUNDER OF GRACEFULL HOME | PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILYJANE ZAHREDDINE March 2025 DENVER VOICE 9 ׉ 7cassandra://Z3D-wOZ6xGLzeR6Ha9LaA-73-SMNXmQk4D_VpvaZ5Wk*`g2'ҟ7yg2'ҟ7x בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://0r-v3yHIkscx_UEFcDBO0BkgFfgQD6ca5eUZXPmHZZE>`׉ 7cassandra://3j3QcYxic0oCQTCh8CeEohkKfEh8ZMl1sglWKYccHfwe`q׉ 7cassandra://uZIMTkq3qUsNYWyXNwGYWuFCjQsXo9rCcCMeQEWqosc$`g2)ҟ7ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://XXGIhik51Jmr_j2FXR3v2dAa_IKfjxJ0GiYobcvnhxox`׉ 7cassandra://Novp_rG4vz6r6_GYIpGntL8xdcJyImwYiWHdDUZnkpEi`q׉ 7cassandra://I6gWxwnuw7Qa3UgHn_DpDwYJKXXYVp7p_eim0Y04YMI!{`g2)ҟ7נg2*ҟ7 +89ׁHhttp://INSP.ngׁ ׁ Јנg2*ҟ76#9ׁHhttp://INSP.NGׁ ׁ Ј׉E INTERNATIONAL FEATURE BLIND PHOTOGRAPHER ALESSANDRO BERSANI ON CAPTURING THE INVISIBLE STORY BY GIULIA GHIRARDI THERE IS A SECRET to scrutinizing life: often, what is essential is invisible to the eye. It was in New York in 1943 that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry published The Little Prince, a work that entrusts a fox with the complicated task of reflecting on the importance of making the invisible visible. Eighty years have passed since then and the story has been translated into almost 500 languages, making it the secondmost translated work after the Bible. The question remains, then: after all these years, what has become of the little fox’s teachings? Perhaps the answer can be found hidden in many small slivers scattered across time and the world. One began in 1960 in Piacenza with a cat. “My mother had a cat from which she contracted toxoplasmosis during her pregnancy,” explains Bersani. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the infection of a parasite that can be transmitted to humans from other animals, and especially from cats. Infection is usually asymptomatic in adults but can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy due to the risks that the parasite can have on fetuses, including miscarriages or developmental problems. “In my case, it caused blindness. It affected the maculae of the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision and the perception of details in which images are formed,” Bersani said. “Mine is total blindness, though I am able to process some visual information. The macula works like a digital zoom, so from very close-up, what I see is a pretty accurate image, because I can utilize the little resolution I have. From a distance, everything gets worse because it is as if I took a very high-resolution image, cropped it, and enlarged it, the result being that all the details are lost.” Then there is the question of colors. “I can’t see them. Without maculae, there aren’t colors. I know them, I can manage them and from a certain point of view master them, because I studied them. But I can’t see the color. My vision is only in shades of grey,” he said, “as you sighted people understand it; for me, grey doesn’t exist, as I have never actually seen it.” This condition accompanied Bersani throughout his youth, in his studies, work, and relationships. “In accountancy school, I always sat in the front row but couldn’t see what was written on the board; I could only listen. COURTESY OF SCARP DE’ TENIS / INSP.NGO 10 DENVER VOICE March 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://uZIMTkq3qUsNYWyXNwGYWuFCjQsXo9rCcCMeQEWqosc$`g2'ҟ7z׉E INTERNATIONAL FEATURE COURTESY OF SCARP DE’ TENIS / INSP.NGO “It was only when I started to attend a computer course that for the first time that I had control of the situation and entered a world that until then had been closed off to me, and this was only because no one had ever truly understood, in all those years, what my potential was and what my problems were. Because in the end, it’s always a question of looks.” Now, Bersani has been a professional photographer for over 35 years. His passion for photography began at the age of seven when his father bought him a rangefinder camera. “At first, it was bad because I could never focus. The turning point came with the advent of autofocus. That was how, at around age 30, I started to feel that photography was pushing to come out of me.” Bersani decided to enroll in a photojournalism course with Franco Lefèvre, editor-in-chief and art director of Venerdì dì Repubblica, who, shortly afterward, began to buy his first reports. “It was hard at first, but I stubbornly persisted until I was able to develop my own language,” Bersani said. “Today, I do four types of photography: studio portraiture, 2D and 3D artwork reproduction, jewelry still life, and exterior and interior architecture. Additionally, there is what I call intuitive photography: reportage that was born from a paradigm inversion. I am not the one looking for the photo; instead, it calls to me while I am walking down the street. It is photography that conveys emotion.” A few years ago, however, Bersani’s condition deteriorated. “A new pathology appeared: glaucoma,” he said. “It is an increase in eye pressure that has further broken through my retinas.” Despite this, he continues to work. “I will never stop, because it is the only way I have to show others how I see the world” – to give color to his monochrome perception and thus bring to the surface the invisible in which, as the little fox knew, it is possible to peer into the essential. 12 March 2024 saw the release of Vedo, Bersani’s first full work. “In this book, I have encapsulated 35 years of life as a blind photographer,” he said. “It was not an easy process; the disease has worsened over the years. Fortunately, I was helped by technological innovation. “With the move away from analog to working on a graphics station, I gained better control of color through certain tools and techniques. I still can’t see it, but I can evaluate it by examining its distribution on the red, blue, and green channels. In this way, I can more or less understand which color one part of the image may compared to another. “Then there’s the prejudice. Even today, there is this idea that disabled people shouldn’t be allowed in certain areas, such as work or art. Having chosen to follow my passion in spite of everything, in my own small way, I try to make a difference so that things can change.” The reviews that the book has received are proof that something is working. “Many people have written to me to tell me that my words have helped them,” Bersani said. “I would like the message of these pages to be one of understanding. I would like everyone to try to understand a certain condition before helping, because only in this way, by listening and understanding, can the impact of such a difficulty be reduced. In addition, I will never stop saying: fight, otherwise there’s no hope.” Translated from Italian by Grace Reid Courtesy of Scarp de’ tenis / INSP.ngo March 2025 DENVER VOICE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://I6gWxwnuw7Qa3UgHn_DpDwYJKXXYVp7p_eim0Y04YMI!{`g2'ҟ7{g2'ҟ7z בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://93w6k82wefQAeB42UWrKsOWGSXSA2tqzQgBb2GMpdNoM`׉ 7cassandra://2iKW6gHX_EObxVIZwjU_wbL_V-aPpv8f-HH2AaKTfb8͋`q׉ 7cassandra://h0QW8OjojYqguEDNdxg_vESC6cduHkeTAj8UhB4Asmc- `g2*ҟ7ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://VoOeMtmLCaz4C3v7vNPftIk5GOQrO_I639QPrRQs4us\`׉ 7cassandra://YSsvpgE-WVIOzSf0wu5oEmM4RFeAFqDhHGpTxhcxOv4v`q׉ 7cassandra://K-SGivUhHpjKKHt2dyZLN48DCLKx_9dU5uZTvI_Vnw8&D`g2*ҟ7נg2*ҟ7l&99ׁHhttp://emmabalder.com/heardׁ ׁ Јנg2*ҟ7lȁ̞9ׁHhttp://denvermarchpowwow.comׁ ׁ Јנg2*ҟ7l9ׁH$http://denverstpatricksdayparade.comׁ ׁ Јנg2*ҟ7l̤ 9ׁHhttp://denverrestaurantweek.comׁ ׁ Јנg2*ҟ7lo9ׁHhttp://heydaydenver.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EIN YOUR OWN WORDS I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW FAST THINGS HAPPEN! BY RAELENE JOHNSON ON THE 22ND OF MARCH, I will have been one-year cancer-free! Last February, I was in a car wreck, so from February 2024 to now, my body has recovered from a lot. But the best thing ever is that I get to celebrate surviving cancer and being free of it! Having to believe in yourself no matter how difficult the times get can sometimes be hard to do, but you have to let the light in and let it heal you because if you’re in darkness from negativity, or you don’t think you deserve this or that good thing, you won’t be able to see a way out of something that’s full of negativity! You don’t want to give the enemy the power over you by what-ifs and things of that nature run in your head like a treadmill. That will only make your anxiety level go up. Only calmness and stillness can help you to heal! Having cancer, I learned how to stay even more positive than I usually am! To be able to do that, you have to love yourself enough to say, “We can beat this! It’s only a short time that you’ll have no energy. It’s only a short time you won’t feel hungry... .” No matter what it is that you’re dealing with, to get through challenges like cancer and treatment for it, you have to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I thank God for the strength, courage, and the ability to love myself that he gave me so that I can truly stay positive about everything! My prayer for this month is that anyone going through cancer or any other severe illness keeps a positive attitude. I pray that regardless of what illness you may be experiencing, you receive the right treatment and you pray to the Lord for him to keep you safe and see you through it! I would like to give a shoutout to my cancer doctors, my friends, my family, and the Denver VOICE community, including the loyal readers of mine, who have kept in touch with me. Thank you all for your kindness and support! May everybody have a very blessed month! RAELENE JOHNSON, DENVER VOICE VENDOR. | PHOTO BY KAREN BEEMAN INSP DELIVERS WORLD’S LARGEST ARCHIVE OF STREET PAPERS TO GLASGOW CALEDONIAN BY INSP THE INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF STREET PAPERS (INSP) has gifted around 8,000 newspapers and magazines sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty to Glasgow Caledonian University. The Glasgow, Scotland-based charity, founded in 1994, represents 92 street papers in 35 countries. Many of the papers contain stories written by vendors and revolve around personal experiences of homelessness and poverty around the world, providing a rich cultural and social history. “We’re very excited as the collection contains 30 years of social history, not just in the UK but internationally,” said Kirsty Menzies, Assistant Archivist at Glasgow Caledonian University “These publications have given [people experiencing homelessness] a voice, not just on poverty, but a range of social issues, which makes the collection a fantastic resource for our students, researchers, and the public. “The Big Issue has always had a strong Glasgow connection [the street paper’s headquarters are based in the city], but the archive will help raise awareness that street papers exist in other countries and shows what can be achieved through international cooperation and collaboration. “As the University for the Common Good, the collection fits so well with Glasgow Caledonian’s themes of social justice and social innovation.” “It is great that our rich archive of street papers is going to a suitable home,” said Mike Findlay-Agnew, Chief Executive of INSP. “Glasgow Caledonian University is strongly committed to social justice and therefore seems the perfect fit for our archives of street papers. “I am hoping this will lead to more partnership working between INSP and Glasgow Caledonian in the future.” The Big Issue, founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in 1991, supports thousands of people across the UK to earn a legitimate income by selling the magazine. In England’s North West, Yorkshire, and Humberside, vendors are also supported by Big Issue North. Sales generated a collective income of around £4 million last year. COURTESY OF INSP.NGO 12 DENVER VOICE March 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://h0QW8OjojYqguEDNdxg_vESC6cduHkeTAj8UhB4Asmc- `g2'ҟ7|׉EEVENTS CITYCAST DENVER PRESENTS HEYDAY City Cast Denver proudly presents HEYDAY, a family-friendly indoor fair, offering a curated urban twist on the classic state fair experience. Expect a celebration of all things Denver, with a delightful variety of food, arts, entertainment, and more. WHEN: March 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. COST: Ages 13+ -$17.69 Kids 12 and under - $12.54 WHERE: 1075 Park Ave W. Denver INFO: heydaydenver.com DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK Serving up a much-anticipated experience for locals and visitors alike to celebrate the city’s thriving culinary scene. You’ll find plenty of fine dining options at chef-owned eateries, along with cuisine from around the globe. WHEN: March 7 - 16 COST: For the fi rst time, Denver Restaurant Week will include four price points: $25, $35, $45, and $55 for a multi-course meal WHERE: Participating restaurants throughout Denver INFO: denverrestaurantweek.com DENVER ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the country, and it’s a great place to toast your favorite saint WHEN: March 15. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m., but some people arrive as early as 6 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: Downtown Denver (The parade will start at 19th and Wynkoop, turn left on 17th, then turn north on Blake St, eventually ending at 27th St.) INFO: denverstpatricksdayparade.com DENVER MARCH POWWOW The Powwow features more than 1,600 dancers from close to 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian provinces. The three-day event in the Denver Coliseum is packed with singing, dancing, storytelling, food, art, and more, ensuring a wonderful experience for everyone. WHEN: March 21 - 23 COST: Ages 6 & under – Free, Ages 60+ $3/per day ($9 for 3-day pass) General Admission $7 per day ($29 – 3-day pass) WHERE: Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St., Denver INFO: denvermarchpowwow.com HEARD TO BE SEEN, SEEN TO BE HEARD - ART EXHIBITION Heard to be Seen, Seen to be Heard (HSSH) is an exhibition and collaboration art project between Artist Emma Balder and Saint Francis Apartments (SFA) residents who are transitioning out of homelessness. During three collaborative sessions in September 2024, 18 residents gathered for regenerative artmaking and group dialogue. The work culminates in an exhibition at Understudy, featuring a large-scale collaborative sculpture, media content, and residents’ process-based drawings and writings completed during the sessions. WHEN: March 27 - April 27 (Opening Reception: March 27, 4-7 p.m., Participant Talk: March 27 at 5:30 p.m.) COST: Free WHERE: Understudy, 890 C 14th St., Denver INFO: emmabalder.com/heard-to-be-seen-arts-in-society PUZZLES 1 14 17 20 24 26 30 34 41 44 48 52 57 61 64 ACROSS 1. Like a committee formed for a specifi c purpose 6. Genesis twin 10. Titles for attys. 14. Disinclined (to) 15. Type of diagram with overlapping circles 16. Seed-spitter’s sound 17. When repeated, the luxury of certain record grooves? 19. Persia, now 20. “Raiders of the Lost ___” 21. “___ my Annabel Lee...” (Poe line) 22. Pass the use-by date 24. When repeated, camping equipment being given right this very moment? 26. Brain or ear area 29. One star, two stars, etc. 30. High-level HS math class 33. Pie perch 34. Sound systems 36. Bloodsucking types 41. Sandwich preceder or dinner follower 43. It comes before E 44. Pull a ___ (trick) 47. Tiny, informally 48. When repeated, what it’s only reasonable to expect to smell? 52. Back at sea 53. “Not to mention...” 54. “Hold on a ___!” 57. Partner of alt and del 58. When repeated, give Fall Out Boy bassist Pete a small weekly stipend? 61. Udder tip 62. Moist 63. Singer Turner’s autobiography 64. Bothers 65. Relieve 66. Turkic language (not to be confused with a type of seafood sauce or tooth deposit) 58 62 65 DOWN 1. Hawkeye player on “M*A*S*H” 2. Active sort 3. Mediocre writer 4. Non-Rx 5. Head of a committee 6. Balances (out) 7. Users of stamps 8. Member of a colony 9. Perturbed 10. Emergency treatment for an allergic reaction 11. Inexpensive cat toy 12. Milk units 13. Trigonometry functions 18. “Lost” actor Daniel ___ Kim 23. Scrabble 8-pointers 24. Orchard item 25. Hammer’s target 26. ___ Vegas 27. Make a choice 28. Inits. at the end of a date in ancient history 31. Reader at Mass 32. Row of pillars (anagram of CONDO LEAN) 35. Phoenix basketball team 37. Fraternity letters 38. Pointy part of a witch costume 39. Hosp. triage sites 40. James Bond, for one 42. Quiets down 44. Street in Southeast Portland that runs diagonally 45. Passenger train company 46. Refi nes, as ore 48. Th ey’re succulent 49. Run off to the chapel 50. Australian state: Abbr. 51. Namely 54. Huff y state 55. Lab equipment named aft er a certain Sicilian rumbler 56. Industry big shot 59. When doubled, a Teletubby 60. Capt.’s in-fl ight prediction 59 63 66 53 60 45 46 49 50 51 54 55 56 27 28 31 32 35 42 29 33 36 43 47 37 38 39 40 21 25 18 22 23 2 3 4 5 6 15 7 8 COURTESY OF STREETROOTS 9 10 16 19 11 12 13 2 7 4 2 5 6 9 2 3 3 6 2 1 9 5 1 7 3 5 March 2025 DENVER VOICE 13 7 4 5 9 3 4 2 7 1 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR ׉ 7cassandra://K-SGivUhHpjKKHt2dyZLN48DCLKx_9dU5uZTvI_Vnw8&D`g2'ҟ7}g2'ҟ7| בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://1CIrepPgcQbCwC4NkzJWz_wZnLHDBrSzIfYt0TVpFtc>`׉ 7cassandra://mVtSRqOfGE4Id8qMwDpfDETfAHVqU0RAvx1MSh7acAcb`q׉ 7cassandra://c9eLiRjK85xZ0wp_nMCtMJmKBZ4AXORwf8Oszz-9NRw ,`g2*ҟ7ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://ufdwm8JKZbiJVf2i14rWZ7LIAUXNXZY-ltbWcNIwmv04`׉ 7cassandra://QDt9Uez3IhC9BQaeZRVksN5BsHDVs7OIa27CNiYYki0rh`q׉ 7cassandra://FbHoMyHsklQraEDr9jSMex-_0nuXJFKoyMsy1Enbgu4 `g2+ҟ74נg2+ҟ7Q 9ׁHhttp://urbanpeak.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7m̪ 9ׁH#http://sunshinebehavioralhealth.comׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7mlw 9ׁH(http://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programsׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ70 9ׁH https://www.veteransguide.org/vaׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7̭ 9ׁHhttps://www.veteransguide.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7nw( 9ׁH3https://www.va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5ׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7mQ̐ 9ׁH http://seniorsupportservices.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7 /̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.trׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7߁nŞ 9ׁHhttp://lgbthotline.org/youthׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ށ .,̸ 9ׁH https://www.thetrevorproject.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7݁mށh 9ׁHhttp://voacolorado.org/gethelpׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7܁ ̞ 9ׁHhttps://www.soallmayeat.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ہk̑ 9ׁHhttps://www.sfcdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ځ|̫ 9ׁHhttps://www.stׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7فDV 9ׁHhttps://www.odmdenver.org/homeׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7؁ ̺ 9ׁHhttps://www.holyghostchurch.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ׁ!̲ 9ׁHhttps://www.krishnadenver.comׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ց| 9ׁHhttp://www.havenofhope.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ՁZ̋ 9ׁHhttp://denverrescuemission.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ԁ%̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.mealsforpoor.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7Ӂ6̖ 9ׁHhttps://www.citysquare.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ҁɁ̭ 9ׁHhttps://www.christinthecity.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7сt 9ׁHhttp://www.christsbody.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7Ё@̤ 9ׁHhttps://www.deׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ρ̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.mealsforpoor.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7΁ 9ׁH*https://www.capitolheightspresbyterian.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7́Q 9ׁHhttp://urbanpeak.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7́$K 9ׁH)https://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programsׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ˁl̒ 9ׁHhttps://www.soxplace.comׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ʁ̐ 9ׁH http://seniorsupportservices.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7Ɂvi 9ׁHhttp://www.sfcdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ȁ2̜ 9ׁHhttps://www.odmdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ǁq 9ׁH-https://www.homelessassistance.us/li/lawrenceׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7Ɓ`'9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCEׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7Ł=̮ 9ׁH$http://harmreductionactioncenter.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ā̔ 9ׁHhttps://www.tgpdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7ÁO^e 9ׁHhttps://www.thׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7CS 9ׁHhttp://denvergov.org/ׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ72ˁe 9ׁHhttp://denverlibrary.org/ׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7̖ 9ׁHhttps://www.thehotline.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7<j 9ׁH+http://www.detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7=D 9ׁH,https://www.coloradocoalition.org/healthcareׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7 9ׁH$https://www.saludclinic.org/commerceׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7<S 9ׁHhttp://www.rainn.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7<Á~ 9ׁHhttp://www.1800runaway.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7<o 9ׁHhttp://www.988lifeline.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7^̢ 9ׁHhttps://www.viventhealth.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7<^W 9ׁHhttp://connection.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7 9ׁH(http://www.harmreductionactioncenter.orgׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7 9ׁH,http://www.drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/ׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7j̗ 9ׁHhttp://www.detoxlocal.comׁ ׁ Јנg2+ҟ7<5^ 9ׁHhttp://denverhealth.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EDONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $10,000+ Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Anonymous Individual Donor Matt and Nikki Seashore Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Cisco Francis Trainer and Trainer Family J. 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Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner KO Law Firm Graham Davis Peter Iannuzzi $500-$999 Margaret Ramp Megan Sullivan John Gibson Sheryl Parker Ruth Henderson James and Cyndi Lesslie Fire on the Mountain Strawberry Mountain Craig Solomon Watermark Properties Seth Beltzley Jennifer Thornton-Kolbe Raymond and Brenda French Laura Saunders Jeff & Peg Davis Michael Brewer Drew Conneen Jerry Conover Robert E and Anne T Sneed Family Foundation Barbara and Robert Ells Carol and Louis Irwin Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Stephen Saul WalMart Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois Mr B’s Liquor Wines For Humanity KL&A Engineers and Builders Paula Cushing SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper 14 DENVER VOICE March 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://c9eLiRjK85xZ0wp_nMCtMJmKBZ4AXORwf8Oszz-9NRw ,`g2'ҟ7~׉E)RESOURCE LIST MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY LIFT: 5045 W. 1st Ave., Denver; https://rentassistance. org DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: 777 Bannock St.; https://www. denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL: Features information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community; http://www.detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA: Addiction hotline - 888-479-0446; Organizations that take Medicaid: http://www.drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/ medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 112 E. 8th Ave.; 303-572-7800; HIV/ Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on proper disposal of dirty syringes; M-F – 9am-12pm: http://www.harmreductionactioncenter.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER: 3800 York St.; Emergency walk-ins - 303296-1767; Dental – 303-296-4873; M-F - 8am-2pm LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION: 1325 S. Colorado Blvd.; Suite B302; Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered; 800-522-4372, 800-359-9272; info@hepcconnection.org; https://www.viventhealth.org NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE: 800-342-AIDS/800-344-7432 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Text or call 988; https:// www.988lifeline.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE: 800-RUNAWAY/800-786-2929; https:// www.1800runaway.org RAPE ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK: 800-656-HOPE; https:// www.rainn.org SALUD CLINIC: 6255 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City; 303-697-2583, 970-484-0999; https://www.saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC: 2130 Stout St.; 303-293-2220; Clinic hours for new and established patients - M, T, Th, F - 7am-4pm, W - 9am-6pm; https://www.coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB GUIDE: HELPLINE – 888-493-4670; https:// www.detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ U.S. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233 (English and Spanish); 800-243-7889 (TDD); https://www.thehotline.org EMERGENCY SHELTER INDIVIDUALS IN NEED OF SHELTER ARE ENCOURAGED TO GO TO “FRONT DOOR” SHELTER ACCESS POINTS: • For individual men – Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center, 2222 Lawrence St. • For individual women – Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St. • For youth ages 15-20 – Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St. • Families in need of shelter should call the Connection Center at 303-295-3366. ADDITIONALLY, DENVER PARKS AND RECREATION WILL OPEN ALL CURRENTLY OPERATING RECREATION CENTERS AS DAYTIME WARMING CENTERS DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ON FRIDAY, NOV. 8 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 9, FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED A PLACE TO WARM UP. Denver Public Library locations are also available during regular business hours. Double-check library hours: denverlibrary.org/ locations. For more information about shelter access, visit denvergov.org/ findshelter or text INDOORS to 67283 for updates. DROP-IN DAYTIME CENTERS HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch, etc; https://www.thoh. org THE GATHERING PLACE: 1535 High St.; 303-321-4198; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm; Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals; Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, etc; https://www.tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am12pm; 303-572-7800; Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes; https://www. harmreductionactioncenter.org FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-2940157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services https://www.homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-communitycenter OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center; bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI https://www.odmdenver.org T. FRANCIS CENTER: 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hoursMon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm https:// www.sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 60+. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. https://www. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES): 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. https://www.soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. YOUTH AGED 15-20 IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE OVERNIGHT SHELTER SERVICES: 303-974-2928 https://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-andservices/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 https://www. urbanpeak.org FREE MEALS CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am; https://www.capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: https://www.mealsforpoor.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am; https://www.denvercathedral. org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES: 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm; https:// www.christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY: Home-cooked meal, weekly; Lunch in the Park is on Wednesdays from 12-1 at Benedict Fountain Park (Tremont and 22nd); https://www.christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm; https://www.citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church); Hot meals served M, T, Th., F - 11:4512:15; https://www.mealsforpoor.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION: 1130 Park Avenue West; 303-294-0157; 3 meals 7 days/week, 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm; https://www. denverrescuemission.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends; Breakfast is at 8am, lunch is served at 11am; https:// www.havenofhope.org HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE: 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm; https://www.krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 910 Kalamath St.; Community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, Men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the month, 8-10am, Women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am; https://www.hislovefellowship. org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Sandwiches, M-Sat., 10-10:30am; https://www.holyghostchurch.org OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; 303-830-2201; Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm); meal served at 6pm; https://www.odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S: Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria Campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; Food, coffee; https://www.stelizabethdenver. org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month); https://www.sfcdenver.org SAME CAFÉ: 2023 E. Colfax Ave; 720-530-6853;Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen; Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays; https://www.soallmayeat.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA: 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. March 2025 DENVER VOICE 15 Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs.; https://www. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission LGBTQ+ SUPPORT THE TREVOR PROJECT: 866-488-7386: https://www.thetrevorproject.org LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 800-246-7743: https://www. lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline PRIDE INSTITUTE: 800-547-7433 TRUE COLORS UNITED: 212-461-4401, https://www.truecolorsunited. org VETERANS & SENIORS DENVER INNER CITY PARISH: 1212 Mariposa St.; 303-322-5733; VOA Dining Center for Seniors, aged 60 and older, W-Sat. 9am-12pm; Food Bank, W-F; Tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm; dicp. org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave.; For those aged 60 or older; TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, 3 meals, M-F -7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm; https://www. seniorsupportservices.org VA MEDICAL CENTER: 1700 N Wheeling St.; Aurora 303-399-8020: https://www.va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5 VETERANS GUIDE: https://www.veteransguide.org; Veterans Disability Calculator https://www.veteransguide.org/va-disability-calculator YOUTH SERVICES SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES): 2017 Larimer St.; 303-296-3412Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30; Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. T-F - 12-4pm & Sat. 11am-2pm. Instagram: @Soxplace THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442; Youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, 303-974-2928; Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am https:// www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES): 833-931-2484; Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions; https://www. sunshinebehavioralhealth.com URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 730 21st St., Denver; 303-974-2900; Ages14-24; Serving Denver & Colo Springs; Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skill/straining, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing; https://www. urbanpeak.org 7 1 2 6 8 3 9 5 4 5 9 6 7 4 1 3 8 2 8 3 4 2 5 9 6 7 1 6 8 5 9 1 2 7 4 3 9 7 1 8 3 4 2 6 5 4 2 3 5 7 6 8 1 9 3 6 8 4 9 5 1 2 7 2 5 9 1 6 7 4 3 8 1 4 7 3 2 8 5 9 6 A D H O C E S A U E S Q S L O A T H V E N N P T U I D E C C A D E N T S A R K L O B E I A N D E X P I R E P R E S E N T T E N T S R A T I N G S A P C A L C S I L L S T E R E O S F A S T O N E L E E C H E S C L U B D S H A R P I T S Y C O M M O N S C E N T S A S T E R N A L S O S E C C T R L T E A T D A M P I R K S E A S E A L L O W W E N T Z I T I N A T A T A R I R A N ׉ 7cassandra://FbHoMyHsklQraEDr9jSMex-_0nuXJFKoyMsy1Enbgu4 `g2'ҟ7g2'ҟ7~ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://SDqweinX3KbXczUhz-fYiNDM1ejRtk815P2sFrvXPDkwq`׉ 7cassandra://NPVuqYQ9EWphW4oxNBB6wz4bKiPWwRSaowiolY40Onos`q׉ 7cassandra://86jxGKtCJRtXPVaJL6qibGTp5Oo_uw85AesIpufV57c)`g2+ҟ7׉EINTRODUCING DENVER VOICE GREETING CARDS DESIGNED BY OUR TALENTED VENDOR ARTISTS! We’re excited to offer a new way to support the Denver VOICE community: Greeting Cards designed by Denver VOICE vendors. These beautiful cards not only showcase our vendors’ artistic talent but also give them a chance to earn more money. Here’s how it works: Starting February 5, vendors purchase each card for just 50 cents from the VOICE and sell them for $7 each, keeping everything they earn beyond the 50 cents. We will introduce our spring-themed designs by mid-March. Buy your cards directly from your favorite vendor, spread joy, and make a difference! ׉ 7cassandra://86jxGKtCJRtXPVaJL6qibGTp5Oo_uw85AesIpufV57c)`g2'ҟ7׈Eg2'ҟ7g2'ҟ7 ,03-2025g1jˁD؅-