׉?ׁB!בCט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://ViArnjdhnuPxBShBKAfCUW2owFN1xvkTqw6QMOssIno`׉ 7cassandra://kgy2m_amBzZeG5TDM-Csi4ud4v4SmOlXdP_wOBR0DAsu`q׉ 7cassandra://y09xKUvVovKekZ5CpQrzVE-H9i0xpxmbuL9wte3UYHQ)i`gdg{!mנgdg{!m <Ǵ9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׈Egdg{!m|׉E$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE HONORING A LOST SON: GUNS TO GARDENS FORGES A MOTHER’S GRIEF INTO ADVOCACY VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: CONGRATULATIONS, VOICE VENDOR WAYNE EASTERLING! PAGE 3 ASK A VENDOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS SHARE THEIR WISHES PAGE 4 CRAZY LOVE AFRICA USAID CUTS REVERSE DECADES OF PROGRESS, RISKING MILLIONS OF LIVES PAGE 5 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 4, 7 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 APRIL 2025 | Vol.30 Issue 4 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: MIKE MARTIN WORKS IN A BLACKSMITHING SHOP IN HIS FATHER’S GARAGE, RESHAPING A GUN INTO A GARDEN TOOL. | PHOTO BY GILESCLASEN ׉ 7cassandra://y09xKUvVovKekZ5CpQrzVE-H9i0xpxmbuL9wte3UYHQ)i`gdg{!m}gdg{!m| בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://IKgMUWgOq09D_US-7oV3IA8Ea-j6kDJ2M53m1QgGjd0`׉ 7cassandra://VTF-mCYpvHDpBs-LXE6IQoGqQ55D7Fktod0qWyexgnwi`q׉ 7cassandra://h1Fkk_fmuuf65WSmztniR5AM8o04CFGO6eNCcXn5WP4#`gdg{!mט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://6ItufwHEP427jevgEHBLQY-O6m2EVqYeNKGYn9fX1kc?`׉ 7cassandra://tsAfadP_Ha0vqTslzzXo_0Lib8nDF4T_58DXCqHtQaof`q׉ 7cassandra://5e4_AZ-43IwiJlS153Cr1M7D8llxYKoNhYdQp7TS3yQ&m`gdg{!mנgdg{!muc̏9ׁHmailto:ads@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mv9ׁH$http://denvervoice.org/subscriptionsׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m̫9ׁHmailto:program@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mg9ׁHhttp://denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E#EDITOR’S NOTE DENVER VOICE JOURNALISTS AMPLIFY MARGINALIZED STORIES AS REGULAR DENVER VOICE readers know, the stories in our paper highlight the struggles of marginalized communities and the deep social injustices they face. We often focus on organizations whose missions either ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR seek to improve these conditions or, unfortunately, exacerbate them. But in these troubled times, independent journalists and news outlets who stand up for democracy or express concern over the cancelation of programs that serve vulnerable groups such as military veterans, people facing poverty or financial instability, and individuals with disabilities — are finding themselves in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. For the journalists who contribute to Denver VOICE, this work is a side project in addition to other journalism gigs or full-time jobs. We don’t pay much, so no one is in it for the money. I am honored to work with such a dedicated team of journalists who are committed to researching, interviewing sources, and writing thoughtful, well-crafted articles. Their efforts support the values of free speech and freedom of information, and, in doing so, they risk being blacklisted or facing harsh punishment. Yet, despite the risks, they remain committed to shining a light on the injustices faced by those living in the margins. I am so grateful to all of our journalists. Their courage, compassion, and perseverance make it possible for us to publish these important stories. THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS GILES CLASEN is a freelance photojournalist who is a regular contributor to the VOICE. Several of the photos he’s taken for the VOICE have won national and international awards. He also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. 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. DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @OCE MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Maddie Egerton VOLUNTEER COPY EDITOR Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Clasen WRITERS 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. Albert Bland Giles Clasen Wayne Easterling Raelene Johnson Halvin Jones Jamie Miller Jerry Rosen BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Michael Burkley Mackenzie Langley Ashni Pabley Eduardo Platon Edwin Rapp Charity Von Guinness 2 DENVER VOICE April 2025 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US ׉ 7cassandra://h1Fkk_fmuuf65WSmztniR5AM8o04CFGO6eNCcXn5WP4#`gdg{!m~׉E#VENDOR SPOTLIGHT VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: WAYNE EASTERLING CONGRATULATIONS TO Denver VOICE vendor Wayne Easterling. Easterling, who has been vending the VOICE since January, has secured an apartment and a good job. His job is not quite full time so you will still see him vending around Denver. It always thrills us to see our vendors work diligently to accomplish their goals and escape homelessness. Congratulate Wayne the next time you see him and consider buying a paper from him. 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. April 2025 DENVER VOICE 3 PHOTO BY GILES CLASEN PHOTO BY GILES CLASEN ׉ 7cassandra://5e4_AZ-43IwiJlS153Cr1M7D8llxYKoNhYdQp7TS3yQ&m`gdg{!mgdg{!m~ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://Q4fDtqG4UYUPtSDATIOYYjaTTDFkMJLpXY7qGJQSL_MO`׉ 7cassandra://7SWhu8nvjwe_-OQI99jvy0yqCEFF0YDcKMAQThwKv-0X`q׉ 7cassandra://7TvUtJjTkzQgaMoKme5ixiA5ZXSRa0XHkVcbGywq--M`gdg{!mט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://bv3b0JKzgRRk9-cMaQn4BxKyjcXEHGcf25SpJlhz8V4Q `׉ 7cassandra://lck88Fm28RECL1nGscLArvn3q7H-KwBBXG4PrpQx_Wcw3`q׉ 7cassandra://d48IGVYChsqaQfAO6YJk44gL4C-a50oMqC9vE5A5YCE)`gdg{!m׉E ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON Q What is your greatest wish? A ALBERT BLAND My greatest wish would be for an influx of readership and genuine people who are into journalism to add input and talent that will make our street paper even better. Denver VOICE is a very good, well-written, photogenic, and resourceful newspaper, but there is always room for growth. That’s why I sell the paper the way I do: to touch people throughout our community and get people involved with Denver VOICE. (Make a difference. Get involved with the Denver VOICE!) WAYNE EASTERLING My greatest wish for the upcoming month is to stay focused on my new job and continue to be motivated and stress-free from problems. I also wish to spend more time with my family and friends and continue to promote world peace to help humanity and [people who are] homeless, and to speak my voice. RAELENE JOHNSON My friend is hosting me at the end of the month to speak at a mental health conference, and my greatest wish is that I get such good feedback, that I’ll become a true motivational speaker. My hope is that everybody will think about their mental health. Continuing to love Self is another of my greatest wishes, and I hope everybody gets that message to love themselves. HALVIN JONES My greatest wish for April is to sleep peacefully and enjoy the company of my grandkids. Things haven’t been going as well as I’d hoped, but I sure plan and hope for the best I can be. I love doing the Denver VOICE. It’s a start for greater things. I get to meet people and move around a lot, never seeing something twice. The good thing about April is that the weather will be changing, so no more snow (lol). I wish for everyone who had a tough time in ‘24 to make the rest of this year a blast, and that we do the best we all can. JERRY ROSEN My greatest wish is for better health in many ways. Also, I wish for more sales from vending the Denver VOICE. Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays, 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 VENMO YOUR VENDOR: 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! SPRING WISH LIST @DenverVOICE 4 DENVER VOICE April 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://7TvUtJjTkzQgaMoKme5ixiA5ZXSRa0XHkVcbGywq--M`gdg{!m׉ECOMMUNITY PROFILE DENVER-BASED ORGANIZATION FIGHTS TO PROVIDE HIV TREATMENT FOR UGANDAN COMMUNITY STORY BY GILES CLASEN IN UGANDA, WHERE MORE than 1.4 million individuals live with HIV, access to life-saving antiretroviral medications has been severely limited due to the Trump administration’s decision to freeze USAID’s funding to Africa and other parts of the world. Crazy Love Africa is launching a funding drive to purchase and deliver ARV medications to those support in Uganda. The Denver-based nonprofit has been empowering women and children living with HIV in Uganda for more than 10 years by providing micro-business grants, after education and community building. “The number one success of our program is that all of our women are still alive,” said Jess Wiederholt, founder of Crazy Love Africa. “That may seem obvious, but in Uganda, that’s not a given. Without consistent access to medication, people with HIV can’t survive.” The organization currently supports more than 50 women and children in Uganda and has plans to double its reach in the coming months when they complete work on a new community center. Dr. Ategeka Gilbert receives support from Crazy Love Africa and is at the frontline of the crisis. His small clinic serves more than 10,000 adults and 5,000 children living with HIV in and around Ft. Portal in the southwest region of Uganda. He said he is already seeing repercussions of the Trump administration’s policies. “This will take us back to the 1980s when HIV was uncontrolled when people were dying in large numbers. If USAID doesn’t reinstate funding, we will lose many lives,” Gilbert said by phone. Currently, Ft. Portal has some of the highest rates of HIV infection in Uganda, but the disease was spreading at a much higher rate before the arrival of antiretroviral (ARV) medications. This included transmission from mothers to children. In February, the Uganda health ministry announced that the country must close the HIV and TB clinics supported by USAID. The closures are due to funding losses from the USAIDmanaged program President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a program first launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush that has provided free HIV treatment. PEPFAR DR. ATEGEKA GILBERT’S CLINIC SERVES MORE THAN 10,000 ADULTS AND 5,000 CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV IN AND AROUND FT. PORTAL IN THE SOUTHWEST REGION OF UGANDA | IMAGE COURTESY OF CRAZY LOVE AFRICA they is credited with saving the lives of more than 20 million individuals in Africa. Dr. Sarah Rowan, an HIV and STI treatment and prevention specialist with Denver Health who has spent time treating patients in Africa, warned of the dire consequences if PEPFAR funding is not reinstated. “The modeling is really clear—we will see deaths skyrocket,” said Rowan. A recent UNAIDS report estimates that if PEPFAR is not restored, there will be an additional 6.3 million AIDSrelated deaths in Africa by 2029 – a number larger than the entire population of the state of Colorado. The report also estimates an additional 8.7 million new adult HIV infections and 350,000 new child infections, as HIV is passed from mother to baby. Rowan said that PEPFAR had not yet reached its goals Without continued funding, clinics worldwide could run out of life-saving ARV medications within months. “Right now, we know if people start ARVs before significant immune damage, they will have the same life expectancy as someone who doesn’t have HIV,” Rowan said. “There’s also little to no chance of transmission at all when people have access to medication and can maintain an undetectable viral load.” Perhaps most devastating, Rowan pointed out, is the fate of thousands of babies who will be born with HIV if mothers lose access to ARVs, which prevent the spread of HIV from mother to child. April 2025 DENVER VOICE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://d48IGVYChsqaQfAO6YJk44gL4C-a50oMqC9vE5A5YCE)`gdg{!mgdg{!m בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://3RS_hSL8pPmhOawJynygRWtKmPrDFnup69eSgfOHCzY!`׉ 7cassandra://hxw_9LFbbVFUsSKOf6ZZEOP37wEF70jqYHM96Rf9t3Ÿ́`q׉ 7cassandra://UWx6hhA1_7IO9XV9qK_0lkQFrZEfx4mbrHEoaM5sDvI)`gdg{!mט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://fZ60TdwF894-GGfHzCZtK3EFqXiK7eXI2pxwMHZUfuIb`׉ 7cassandra://OGcI0lc6Kcne0fEhFg0d67EUwFxMS_KOa3_whjONQfYt\`q׉ 7cassandra://1pWSIUNIcOcYY0dKAgzd_7Y-i4v7wlv9PclCvhTyglw)`gdg{!mנgdg{!me9ׁHhttps://donorbox.org/lifeׁ ׁ Ј׉ECOMMUNITY PROFILE But on Monday, March 10th, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the purge of USAID programs is complete and 83% of the agency’s programs have been eliminated. For now, Gilbert’s only solution is to limit the amount of medications patients can receive during their visits while he tries to find any other solution. “Patients used to get refills for three to six months at a time. Now, they get one month—sometimes less,” Gilbert said. “Some people travel long distances for treatment, and if they can’t afford transport every month, they miss doses. When they miss doses, the virus mutates and becomes resistant. This is how we lose lives.” Wiederholt is working to find alternative sources for HIV medications, including generic options from China, Canada, or the U.K., but the financial burden is staggering. “If we bought a month’s supply of medication in the U.S., it would cost about $3,000 per person per month. In Uganda, with USAID funding, it was around $150 a year to treat a person. Without USAID, people simply can’t afford to survive.” The loss of HIV treatments won’t just harm Uganda—it could have global consequences Dr. Rowen warned. “As we’ve seen again and again, when it comes to CRAZY LOVE AFRICA IS LAUNCHING A FUNDING DRIVE TO PURCHASE AND DELIVER ARV MEDICATIONS TO THOSE THEY SUPPORT IN UGANDA. | PHOTO COURTESY OF CRAZY LOVE AFRICA pathogens and microbes and viruses and bacteria, diseases don’t recognize national boundaries. So we’re really hurting our own country by destabilizing the world and taking away vital medical services,” she said. For those in the U.S. wondering why they should care “This isn’t just a funding issue—it’s a moral issue,” Rowan said. Gilbert said ARV medications are a miracle to his community because they not only save lives but also limit the spread of the disease. “Here in Uganda, you are either infected or affected by the disease,” said Gilbert, who has two sisters and other family members living with HIV. Gilbert said individuals with access to ARVs are able to live a normal life, work, and raise children. “But if someone misses their medications, HIV is so, so, so damn bad,” Gilbert said. Even before the USAID cuts it was not an easy task to convince individuals to begin taking ARV medications. There is a severe stigma to HIV infection in the country and individuals hide their infection to avoid being ostracized. Many women and children have been abandoned by their husbands and fathers in Uganda. “If a woman was to find out she was HIV positive, of course she would look to her partner and be like, ‘Where did I get this?’ And he may also be HIV positive, but once he finds out she’s HIV positive, he would leave her because she’s tainted,” Wiederholt said. Rowan also emphasized the far-reaching impact of such cuts, not just on individuals but on global stability and local economies. “When you prioritize women and girls in the HIV response, economic prosperity follows,” she said, highlighting how investment in healthcare translates to stronger economies. Just being seen entering a clinic to receive treatment could lead to being shunned by their neighbors. Poverty and limited access to transportation can also prevent an individual from accessing the drugs. Natgouza Susan is a social worker in Ft. Portal working with individuals and families living with HIV. She said she often spends hours with individuals helping them understand that ARVs can help individuals live normal lives. “Whenever I go to a house, I do comfort them so that even NATGOUZA SUSAN SAID, “IF WE CAN GET SUPPORT, WE CAN LIVE. BUT RIGHT NOW, WE ARE WAITING, AND WE ARE SCARED.” | PHOTO COURTESY OF CRAZY LOVE AFRICA 6 DENVER VOICE April 2025 “ THIS WILL TAKE US BACK TO THE 1980S WHEN HIV WAS UNCONTROLLED, WHEN PEOPLE WERE DYING IN LARGE NUMBERS. IF USAID DOESN’T REINSTATE FUNDING, WE WILL LOSE MANY LIVES.” though there are many challenges in life, at least they know they have someone to lean on. I wish we could still offer medication, but we don’t know what the future will be, so I just offer comfort now,” Susan said by phone. Susan said she fears that many people will give up hope. She said she has heard many people say that they believe God is punishing them in response to the USAID cuts. “If we can get support, we can live. But right now, we are waiting, and we are scared,” Susan said. Gilbert said he is losing sleep because he has had to start rationing medication. He is hoping the USAID freeze will end before his patients begin missing doses. about what happens in Uganda Gilbert has a simple answer. “When governments support each other, everyone benefits. If Uganda’s healthcare system collapses, it destabilizes the country. That affects trade, migration, security, and global health. We need each other,” he said. You can donate to Crazy Love Africa’s efforts to support by following the link: https://donorbox.org/life-savingmedical-fund. ׉ 7cassandra://UWx6hhA1_7IO9XV9qK_0lkQFrZEfx4mbrHEoaM5sDvI)`gdg{!m׉EIN YOUR OWN WORDS RESCHEDULED RAELENE JOHNSON, DENVER VOICE VENDOR. | PHOTO BY KAREN BEEMAN THANK YOU, SELF BY RAELENE JOHNSON THANK YOU, SELF for the Hard Work! Thank you so much for all the hard work that we’ve done over the years to get our mind, body, and soul healthy! Wow, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been 17 years clean, 14 years in my own home, and have become a paid published author! My life has changed beyond my wildest dreams, Self, and I’m glad that you brought us there to the best life ever! We have a chance now so to spread the word about how important it is to love yourself and care about yourself enough to get help if you are depressed, sad, going through hard times because of drugs, or alcohol, or whatever it may be. Support us at DRAG QUEEN BINGO Sunday, April 13 @ 3:30pm 1336 E. 17th Ave., Denver Self has to put Self’s foot down and say enough is enough, I want to climb out! Get the help you need. No one else but Self can want it badly enough to ask for help and put the work in to achieve the goal of getting healthy no matter how hard the work is! May is mental health awareness month, but I hope that anybody struggling with anything will try to get the help that they need now because my Self and I are very happy to finally be working as one! When you don’t have your Self, you don’t have anything! My prayer for you is that you get the help you need. My journey is beginning with me spreading the word that you, too can overcome but you have to want it! Only Self can love Self enough to get help, and only Self can receive the benefits of the hard work that Self puts into getting healthy! No one can take care of you but you! Stay positive and know you are worthy of love! April 2025 DENVER VOICE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://1pWSIUNIcOcYY0dKAgzd_7Y-i4v7wlv9PclCvhTyglw)`gdg{!mgdg{!m בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://TYzyc37_WyF9zHPg9Xiu6ppDnSo0ctpYeCOjF6pV5l0`׉ 7cassandra://E-ubs4KOB1Vl2-pHFuKUfFJbPrQMsIsUEnQqMKd7q-8u`q׉ 7cassandra://VlwLJQOR2Ek7m4zFBh_uS5PdJZJgg9-HqDv80JiRWb0,`gdg{!mט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://z5JQlS3fg5eWGuixeQpgF2T3WY5csDSQEXBeYpBGPWI`׉ 7cassandra://E4ZV2lSVuCOuWcOl5rBx01KYUL8kRTgULavanUsXzXso`q׉ 7cassandra://5Tbo9eGi1LCXHrNATOgShvpXIhALs3PtVjAj4vUMrfE$`gdg{!m׉EHONORING A LOST SON, FORGING TRANSFORMATION: STORY BY GILES CLASEN AND JAMIE MILLER PHOTOS BY GILES CLASEN GUNS TO G HELPS FAM 8 DENVER VOICE April 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://VlwLJQOR2Ek7m4zFBh_uS5PdJZJgg9-HqDv80JiRWb0,`gdg{!m׉EASHA COOPER WORRIED LIKE ANY parent would when her son, Jayden Hoyle, didn’t come home from school on April 8, 2022. But it was Friday and Cooper assumed her son was safe with friends. When the clock ticked to 9 pm, Cooper’s worry turned to panic. It was out of character for him to be out past that time without calling to reassure his mother he was okay. “I called his friends, I called the hospitals, I even called the police myself trying to see if they knew anything. And they didn’t tell me anything. I kept looking at my phone, waiting for it to ring,” Cooper said. Desperate, Cooper got in her car and started driving, tracing the path she thought Jayden might have taken home from school. In the distance, she saw blue and red police lights flashing on the Central Park bridge. But Cooper didn’t drive towards the police lights. It was not the route Jayden would have taken home from school. It seemed impossible that the pulsing lights were connected to her son, but still, they left her feeling uneasy. “I kept looking at those lights, thinking, ‘I hope that’s not for Jayden. I hope that’s not him.’ But at the same time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was,” Copper said. Jayden was a student at Denver Green School in Northfield and an active member of People’s Presbyterian Church, where he was preparing for his Confirmation. He was outgoing and athletic, playing football, basketball, and soccer. “He was a great kid, and I know he was only going to be greater as he got older,” Cooper said. He had three older sisters, whom Cooper credits for influencing Jayden’s high emotional intelligence. He never hesitated to extend a helping hand and always steered clear of Denver community violence, frequently mourning those friends he lost to it. Instead, Jayden spent his days striving to be a good friend, brother, son, and grandson. “He was very respectful…if he saw someone carrying groceries, he would go help them. He would take his clothes and shoes to friends at school who did not have any. He would get snacks and give them to people who he knew needed them more than he did,” Cooper said. When morning broke without word from Jayden, she began calling friends, family, and hospitals once more to locate her son. It was not until mid-morning that Cooper’s world began to crack open with a call from Jayden’s sister; she had heard that Jayden and his friend Adrian Foster, 14, were killed the night before. The morning continued in a blurred panic. Cooper remembers dialing 911 and frantically begging for information, but they had none. She was en route to the Aurora jail when she got a call from the coroner’s office. “They said, ‘I think we have your son, Cashier [one of Jayden’s friends],’” Cooper said. “I said, ‘I have talked to Cashier, and he is alive, and he is not my son.’ They told me they needed me to identify the body.” Instead of allowing Cooper to enter the facility, representative had her wait on hold for 45 minutes before the sending an image to her phone. “He looked like he was just sleeping. Like if I had peaked GARDENS MILIES HEAL in his room and he was asleep. I lost it, and his dad lost it, right there in the middle of Alameda. They couldn’t tell me what had happened, just that he had passed,” said Cooper. Nearly three years later, the what-ifs from that Friday night still haunt her. “I keep going over that night in my head, wishing I had done something different, wishing I had been the one to pick him up. If I had just been able to speak with him, I wonder if things would have turned out differently,” Cooper said. April 2025 DENVER VOICE 9 TASHA COOPER LOST HER SON JAYDEN HOYLE IN 2022. VOLUNTEERING WITH GUNS TO GARDENS HAS HELPED HER PROCESS HER GRIEF AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE. ׉ 7cassandra://5Tbo9eGi1LCXHrNATOgShvpXIhALs3PtVjAj4vUMrfE$`gdg{!mgdg{!m בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://DeexDLrLEGXm3QEb0aHxUoFaGUS02Po7yovGBGEjyw0`׉ 7cassandra://-pD2KHdXcvIfovhzkMeZwqa8puQm8VLWRka11eQP0sk͉V`q׉ 7cassandra://gmsJwfv9e6qaL6fx_BHW40Tr7kQrlRf3pVZdzR_tLTU,9`gdg{!mט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://rn85qC8h0qM9OZWE9PAjSf7I0f0E2clbiv8Dp9rzYWs`׉ 7cassandra://1uDp84J23I-l9ew4wYQ6LpdX37xDHhrlJSdsxlbb330t[`q׉ 7cassandra://R6htgBMSgI-xSzPKxmV23qnBtFqf5t91rPP-yYdTlmc'`gdg{!m׉Eplowshares, the Guns to Gardens movement completes gun buybacks, or as the organization prefers to call them, safe surrender events. The destroyed gun parts are then sent to blacksmiths to transform the guns into garden tools. The grassroots movement was founded by Colorado resident Mike Martin following the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting in December 2012. For Martin, whose wife is a first-grade teacher, the Sandy Hook tragedy was a call to action. “When we think of those impacted by gun violence, it’s not just that person who was harmed and their family and close friends. It’s also the community; the ripple effect is huge,” Martin said. In the aftermath of Sandy Hook, Martin launched Raw Tools and the Guns to Gardens movement. Raw Tools is a nonprofit dedicated to transforming instruments of violence into tools for peace. “For us, this was the way forward, taking something destructive and reshaping it into something that gives life,” Martin said. From its humble beginnings in Colorado Springs, Martin’s work has become a national movement with Guns to Garden surrender events in many major cities. Martin’s work with Raw Tools is deeply shaped by his Mennonite faith, which is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the call to nonviolence. He sees his work not just as activism, but as a spiritual “FOR US, THIS WAS THE WAY FORWARD, TAKING SOMETHING DESTRUCTIVE AND RESHAPING IT INTO SOMETHING THAT GIVES LIFE,” MIKE MARTIN SAID. SEEKING JUSTICE, UNDERSTANDING, AND ACTION Police eventually arrested and charged a 15-year-old with Jayden’s murder. Since then, he has been charged with additional unrelated crimes, including the killing of a pregnant woman and involvement in a shootout with Aurora Police Department (APD) officers in November 2023. During the court proceedings, Cooper noticed the aggressive, defiant demeanor of the suspect’s mother, which resulted in a surprising shift in Cooper’s perspective. “I had empathy for him,” she said. “[I decided] I have to forgive him. I don’t have a choice. It’s how I was raised.” But forgiveness did not come easy, nor did it diminish the weight of her grief. Cooper turned to therapy and joined a support group for women who have lost children to violence. “For months, I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t get out of bed,” she said. “Meeting other mothers who understood what I was going through helped me start to heal.” One of Jayden’s former teachers reached out with the idea to start a nonprofit in his honor. This idea formed Jayden’s Place, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and keeping them on the right track. The nonprofit provides mentorship, organizes community events, and offers Cooper said. HEALING THROUGH ADVOCACY Cooper’s advocacy also led her to an unusual outlet to heal: a grassroots movement called Guns to Gardens. Inspired by the biblical vision of beating swords into resources for children in underserved areas. “I give them everything that I can’t give my son anymore,” practice, embodying the belief that redemption is always possible — not just for people, but for the very objects that cause harm. “Jesus didn’t tell his followers to fight — he told Peter to put away his sword,” Martin explains. “If we truly believe in transformation, we have to live like it’s possible.” Through Guns to Gardens, Martin helps people disarm not only their homes but also their hearts, offering a tangible way to choose peace over fear. Cooper has participated in multiple Guns to Garden events and said she finds the surrender events and Martin’s message empowering. “The whole process of cutting through a gun is just therapeutic,” she said. “And I want to do anything in my power to keep guns out of the hands of irresponsible people.” Martin estimates that Guns to Garden events have helped transform thousands of unwanted guns into garden tools. He learned to blacksmith in his dad’s garage so he could be part of every step of the transformative work. He invites those impacted by gun violence to take part in the blacksmithing. JAYDEN HOYLE WAS KILLED BY GUN VIOLENCE IN 2022; HIS MOTHER, TASHA COOPER, KEEPS HIS MEMORY ALIVE IN HER HOME. GARDEN TOOLS FORGED FROM DESTROYED AND SURRENDERED GUNS ARE READY FOR SALE. 10 DENVER VOICE April 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://gmsJwfv9e6qaL6fx_BHW40Tr7kQrlRf3pVZdzR_tLTU,9`gdg{!m׉E“When they come into the shop, we don’t just hand them something pre-made. They pick up the hammer, they feel the heat of the forge, they watch something destructive turn into something life-giving in real-time. And it’s emotional,” Martin said. Martin also hauls a forge, anvil, tools, and gun parts to workshops around the country so participants can experience the transformation firsthand. To support their work, Raw Tools’ website sells the garden tools that Martin and other blacksmiths forge. Still, Martin knows this isn’t a practical solution to confronting America’s estimated 400 million guns. “We don’t expect to solve the entire issue of gun violence with this program, but what we do expect is to plant seeds — seeds of change, seeds of hope, seeds of a different way forward. And just like in a garden, those seeds take time to grow,” Martin said. Martin knows his work has political undertones. But he tries to avoid getting into political discussions because he doesn’t think further division will solve the problem. He is proud that the Guns to Gardens volunteer base is composed of individuals who work for major gun manufacturers and police departments, as well as activists fighting for strict gun regulations at both the state and federal levels. “We live in such a polarized time, and people assume that conversations about guns are always going to be heated debates. But in my experience, most people — whether they own guns or not — just want their families to be safe. If we start from that common ground, maybe we can have real conversations,” Martin said. MCDAVID SAID THE GUNS TO GARDENS SAFE SURRENDER EVENTS ARE IMPORTANT ACTIONS COMMUNITIES CAN TAKE WHEN THE PROBLEM FEELS IMPOSSIBLE TO TACKLE. “WHEN THEY COME INTO THE SHOP ... THEY PCK UP THE HAMMER, THEY FEEL THE HEAT OF THE FORGE, THEY WATCH SOMETHING DESTRUCTIVE TURN INTO SOMETHING LIFE-GIVING IN REAL-TIME,” SAID MIKE MARTIN. April 2025 DENVER VOICE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://R6htgBMSgI-xSzPKxmV23qnBtFqf5t91rPP-yYdTlmc'`gdg{!mgdg{!m בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://cxGt_zzy_QnAhJO3TknWlrLIycOBOeAxifkwOjLmlo4i`׉ 7cassandra://XAdN1ibMk0haFIIfntisIORSF4VNY5BJQ_3Qymh1TyUy`q׉ 7cassandra://SNqAXJOriZOM9K72VrdQSOFSb1XruZp8kYdX-Qy5DIw("`gdg{!mט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://hZuc9qsyovEOig3yOIlMlbnoUtY6DRBNdImdg3qX_E8Ì`׉ 7cassandra://dIkMsIFtoPo9tIbjyUe-wasqmyT10DGMKVfBv9kO4LE{`q׉ 7cassandra://my2E977Wphtj55cKdku68De-xPAEoO_A2qXp1z-P0vk'`gdg{!mנgdg{!m]2Y9ׁHhttp://bit.ly/43OxZD5ׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m]=̶9ׁH"http://botanicgardens.org/programsׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m]EW9ׁHhttp://bit.ly/423zhZvׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m]t*9ׁH0http://hrcaonline.org/Events/Details/superheroesׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m\X9ׁHhttp://bit.ly/3DshS3yׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m\9ׁH'http://standwith.collegefund.org/denverׁ ׁ Ј׉E7VOLUNTEERS LEARN TO LEGALLY AND SAFELY DESTROY FIREARMS AT A SAFE SURRENDER EVENT. DEACON CLARENCE MCDAVID AND ONE CHURCH’S ROLE IN SAFE SURRENDER EVENTS Most safe surrender events are held at churches. Cars often snake around the block as individuals wait to receive a gift card to a supermarket, ranging from $50 to $150, in exchange for surrendering their gun. One safe surrender event can cost more than $25,000. Raw Tools funds the events through community and church donations. At Cure d’Ars Catholic Church in Denver, Deacon Clarence McDavid has helped host multiple Guns to Gardens events and has another safe surrender scheduled for July 19. “When I first heard about Guns to Gardens, I got so excited because it is scripturally based,” he said. “Jesus is clear — we are about giving life, not taking life.” McDavid worked with victims of gun violence as both a deacon and previously as the Director of the Crime Victim Bureau with the Colorado Springs Police Department. He said words feel trite when families are torn by gun violence. “How do you minister to someone through that? You meet them where they are. You hold their hand. You listen. It is the only thing you can do,” McDavid said. McDavid’s Park Hill church has long served one of the Denver neighborhoods most heavily affected by gun and gang violence. “One of the things our members are asking us is, ‘What are you doing [about gun violence]? Where is your voice in “ WE’RE NOT HERE TO TAKE AWAY ALL GUNS. WE’RE HERE TO PROVIDE A CHOICE. A CHOICE TO DISARM. A CHOICE TO TRANSFORM. A CHOICE TO HEAL. all of this?’ They are expecting that we will have a voice, that the church must respond to the violence,” McDavid said. McDavid said the Guns to Gardens safe surrender events are important actions communities can take when the problem feels impossible to tackle. “We collected 35 weapons at one event, and four of them were assault weapons. When you see the pile of gun barrels, it really hits you. Each one represents a potential tragedy that has been prevented,” McDavid said. For Martin and the team at Raw Tools, this work is about changing the narrative and offering alternatives. “We’re not here to take away all guns. We’re here to provide a choice. A choice to disarm. A choice to transform. A choice to heal,” Martin said. Martin is hopeful that the Guns to Gardens message that transformation and change can bring healing will continue to reach more people. “Ten years ago, I don’t know if I would have felt as hopeful,” he said. “But now, I see more people willing to think differently, willing to take action.” Honoring Jayden’s Legacy As Cooper moves forward, she remains dedicated to keeping Jayden’s memory alive. She recently moved into a new home. Cooper made the decision to pay $500 more each month to rent a larger home, one with an extra bedroom for Jayden. His room is carefully set up displaying his football helmet, clothes, and a book that his classmates made. “I really got to keep his room until I’m ready,” she said. “I wanted a space where I could go, sit, and just be with him.” She now awaits trial, which has been rescheduled to May 21 — the day after what would have been Jayden’s 17th birthday. Cooper continues to participate in as many Guns to Garden surrender events as possible. She hopes that her story, and her work with Guns to Gardens, will inspire change. “I don’t want any other parent to feel this pain,” she said. “If I can stop just one family from going through what I’ve been through, it’s worth it.” 12 DENVER VOICE April 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://SNqAXJOriZOM9K72VrdQSOFSb1XruZp8kYdX-Qy5DIw("`gdg{!m׉EEVENTS PUZZLES DENVER EATSS The American Indian College Fund, headquartered in Denver, is excited to announce the return of its Denver EATSS event for two nights at Boettcher Concert Hall, in partnership with the Colorado Symphony and Nathaniel Rateliff. Join us for your choice of two nights, to raise awareness and support for Native scholars and communities, and take an active role in fostering the next generation of Indigenous leaders through higher education. WHEN: April 11 & 12 (EATSS Event – 5:30 pm, Concert 7:30 p.m.) COST: EATSS only: starting at $150, Concert only: starting at $55, Combo EATSS+Concert Tickets: starting at $230 WHERE: EATSS Event: Ellie Calkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St., Denver, Concert: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver INFO: standwith.collegefund.org/denver-eatss/ DRAG QUEEN BINGO FUNDRAISER FOR THE DENVER VOICE Due to a power outage, we had to cancel our original event, which was scheduled for February. Join us for Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s! Prizes, food, fun, and community. All ticket sales support the Denver VOICE. WHEN: April 13, 3:30pm COST: $33.36 WHERE: Hamburger Mary’s, 1336 E. 17th Ave., Denver INFO: bit.ly/3DshS3y SUPER HEROES UNITE! Your little superhero is in for an action-packed day fi lled with food, fun, and superheroes. Kids will have the chance to meet their favorite superheroes up close, take photos, and feel like part of the team. Dressing up as their favorite hero is encouraged. WHEN: April 12, 10-11:30 am COST: $19.54 WHERE: Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Dr Highlands Ranch INFO: hrcaonline.org/Events/Details/superheroes-unite THE GREAT EASTER EGG EGGSTRAVAGANZA! Bring your baskets, bring your friends, and bring your best egg-hunting skills! This is an event you don’t want to miss! WHEN: April 19, 2025, 10:30am-12:30pm COST: Free (but you need to register through Eventbrite) WHERE: University Church of Christ, 2000 S. Milwaukee St., Denver INFO: bit.ly/423zhZv PRAIRIE ORIGAMI Join instructor Sabrina Xu to learn the art of origami while connecting with nature at the Plains Conservation Center. After an introduction to origami and basic folds, the class will explore the prairie on a wagon ride to fi nd peaceful areas to create pieces inspired by the plants and animals of the Colorado plains. The class is open to all skill levels. (Adults and ages 13+) WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 2-4pm COST: $8 WHERE: Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Avenue, Aurora INFO: botanicgardens.org/programs FUTURE FEST 2025 Future Fest is an inclusive, free, citywide event for young people of all ages and their families. Future Fest celebrates Denver’s young people for their contributions to their communities. This citywide event is focused on empowering youth, connecting passions to careers, and creating a more inclusive future for all. WHEN: April 26 COST: Free WHERE: Civic Center Park INFO: bit.ly/43OxZD5 April 2025 DENVER VOICE 13 3 8 4 2 7 5 3 5 4 7 6 7 2 5 6 3 9 3 5 5 3 9 7 5 8 2 8 2 3 7 9 1 9 8 4 5 1 14 17 20 23 28 33 36 40 42 49 53 56 61 64 57 58 59 62 65 43 44 50 54 55 60 63 66 37 41 45 51 52 46 47 48 29 30 31 34 38 39 21 24 32 35 2 3 4 COURTESY OF STREETROOTS 5 15 18 22 25 26 27 6 7 8 9 16 19 10 11 12 13 ACROSS DOWN 1. Camp beds 5. Response to “Are not!” 9. Loud, metallic sound 14. “You said it!” 15. Palindromic title 16. Indian coin 17. Michael of “Arrested Development” 18. Oscar winner Sorvino 19. Reply to a knock 20. Compulsive thief 23. Textbook division 24. “My package arrived!” 28. Greek vowel 29. Salsa and guacamole 32. Hold up 33. Latke ingredient 35. Schools of thought 36. Verses for children 40. Dry Spanish sherry 41. Do over, as a shot 42. Frozen drip 45. Scattered 46. Org. with body scanners 49. Hears again, as a case 51. Until now 53. Jane Austen and George Eliot, e.g. 56. Aired again 59. Reverberate 60. Presidents’ Day event 61. Speechify 62. Letter opener? 63. Jazzy Fitzgerald 64. Pirate’s pal 65. In stitches 66. Neptune’s realm 1. Witch’s laugh 2. Egg dish 3. Mother ___ 4. Ginger cookies 5. Coiled fossil shell 6. Mangle 7. Poet Teasdale 8. Sultanate citizen 9. Fold 10. One, for some 11. Liable (to) 12. Alumna bio word 13. Plop or plunk preceder 21. Foofaraws 22. “___ be a shame if...” 25. Nonchalance 26. Edges 27. Nav. rank 30. Henry VIII’s last wife 31. Eye sores 33. Reproduce 34. “...___ take arms against a sea of troubles...” 36. “I’m impressed!” 37. Condo division 38. Hedgerow tree 39. “As a matter of fact,” informally 40. Douglas ___ 43. Laura of “Love Actually” 44. Hosp. readout 46. Tex Mex dish that comes wrapped in a husk 47. She got her groove back 48. Lover of Dido, in myth 50. Racing vehicles 52. Medicine amounts 54. Slurpee alternative 55. “Pygmalion” playwright George Bernard ___ 56. Data storage site 57. Memorable time 58. Snitch 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://my2E977Wphtj55cKdku68De-xPAEoO_A2qXp1z-P0vk'`gdg{!mgdg{!m בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://HpQ5Xg89LQOxUcu-Vmg7DyNjhmGKGLSqcUi3fgamCxE0p`׉ 7cassandra://dPuV6ELxjw_HuwaOr6d853ECKEA52_elabWZp7MryKob`q׉ 7cassandra://NOnsAIohWMXkzSJd6yZpNLmzy2QqxtidCHlJ_luktdE `gdg{!mט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://-0NAFSUocBwzARiSfATcRD0WQxcnDRJMcI3WbTx-tWQ1`׉ 7cassandra://-Cv4bdvibQ6JEQ8ybzxVTVcwUcR9Yq7EKbLrxXFDfDkrP`q׉ 7cassandra://51WVT9MDXeL2L4kGWWU1GJs_DzOm_Pi91AvvhAA8-wQ `gdg{!m4נgdg{!mQ 9ׁHhttp://urbanpeak.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mm̪ 9ׁH#http://sunshinebehavioralhealth.comׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mmlw 9ׁH(http://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programsׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m0 9ׁH https://www.veteransguide.org/vaׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m̭ 9ׁHhttps://www.veteransguide.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mnw( 9ׁH3https://www.va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5ׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mmQ̐ 9ׁH http://seniorsupportservices.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m /̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.trׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mnŞ 9ׁHhttp://lgbthotline.org/youthׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m .,̸ 9ׁH https://www.thetrevorproject.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mmށh 9ׁHhttp://voacolorado.org/gethelpׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m ̞ 9ׁHhttps://www.soallmayeat.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mk̑ 9ׁHhttps://www.sfcdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m|̫ 9ׁHhttps://www.stׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mDV 9ׁHhttps://www.odmdenver.org/homeׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m ̺ 9ׁHhttps://www.holyghostchurch.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m!̲ 9ׁHhttps://www.krishnadenver.comׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m| 9ׁHhttp://www.havenofhope.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mZ̋ 9ׁHhttp://denverrescuemission.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m߁%̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.mealsforpoor.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mށ6̖ 9ׁHhttps://www.citysquare.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m݁Ɂ̭ 9ׁHhttps://www.christinthecity.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m܁t 9ׁHhttp://www.christsbody.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mہ@̤ 9ׁHhttps://www.deׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mځ̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.mealsforpoor.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mف 9ׁH*https://www.capitolheightspresbyterian.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m؁Q 9ׁHhttp://urbanpeak.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mׁ$K 9ׁH)https://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programsׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mցl̒ 9ׁHhttps://www.soxplace.comׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mՁ̐ 9ׁH http://seniorsupportservices.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mԁvi 9ׁHhttp://www.sfcdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mӁ2̜ 9ׁHhttps://www.odmdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mҁq 9ׁH-https://www.homelessassistance.us/li/lawrenceׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mс`'9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCEׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mЁ=̮ 9ׁH$http://harmreductionactioncenter.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mῥ 9ׁHhttps://www.tgpdenver.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m΁O^e 9ׁHhttps://www.thׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!ḿCS 9ׁHhttp://denvergov.org/ׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!ḿ2ˁe 9ׁHhttp://denverlibrary.org/ׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mˁ̖ 9ׁHhttps://www.thehotline.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mʁ<j 9ׁH+http://www.detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mɁ=D 9ׁH,https://www.coloradocoalition.org/healthcareׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mȁ 9ׁH$https://www.saludclinic.org/commerceׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mǁ<S 9ׁHhttp://www.rainn.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mƁ<Á~ 9ׁHhttp://www.1800runaway.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mŁ<o 9ׁHhttp://www.988lifeline.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mā^̢ 9ׁHhttps://www.viventhealth.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mÁ<^W 9ׁHhttp://connection.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m 9ׁH(http://www.harmreductionactioncenter.orgׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m 9ׁH,http://www.drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/ׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!mj̗ 9ׁHhttp://www.detoxlocal.comׁ ׁ Јנgdg{!m<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. Albrecht Designs Master Goldsmith Mary Walker & Walker Family Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Alexander Seavall Anschutz Family Foundation Laurie Duncan and Duncan-Mcwethy Foundation Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Joshua Kauer Frederic K Conover Trust The Christian Foundation Bank of America Charitable Foundation Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation Joshua Kauer $1,000-$4,999 Christopher Boulanger Michael Dino Katherine Standiford Jill Haug Whole Foods Foundation Alex Salva Signs By Tomorrow Rose Community Foundation Russell Peterson Kneedler Fauchere Donald Weaver Chris and Susan Pappas Julia and David Watson Gaspar Terrana Alexander Seavall SEI Giving Fund Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Megan Arellano Warren and Betty Kuehner Jeremy Anderson and Thomas Stalker Russell Peterson Maggie Holben Keyrenter Property Management Denver Mathew Rezek The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Elsbeth Williams Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Michael J. 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 Kathleen McBride John Phillips 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 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 April 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://NOnsAIohWMXkzSJd6yZpNLmzy2QqxtidCHlJ_luktdE `gdg{!m׉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. April 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 3 8 4 6 5 9 7 2 1 6 2 9 1 3 7 8 4 5 7 1 5 8 4 2 9 3 6 5 3 2 4 7 6 1 9 8 1 9 8 5 2 3 4 6 7 4 7 6 9 8 1 2 5 3 8 4 7 2 6 5 3 1 9 2 5 1 3 9 8 6 7 4 9 6 3 7 1 4 5 8 2 C O T S A M S O C L A N K A M E N M A A M R U P E E C E R A M I R A K L E P T O M A N I A C L E S S O N I T S H E R E E T A D I P S D E T A I N P O T A T O I S M S F I N O N U R S E R Y R H Y M E S R E T A K E I C I C L E R E T R I E S S O W N T S A T O D A T E E N G L I S H W O M E N R E R A N E C H O S A L E O R A T E D E A R E L L A M A T E Y S E W N S E A S E N T E R ׉ 7cassandra://51WVT9MDXeL2L4kGWWU1GJs_DzOm_Pi91AvvhAA8-wQ `gdg{!mgdg{!m בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://zUl_44dEJ4lcK-LxluwZWU4f_C-Kj3p5ie8lGLmgm8s`׉ 7cassandra://4vuuXB4BUiGmpM9MBCZ7_GaZr5Tl1UfXVKf0Etk3rAUi`q׉ 7cassandra://XCrl4Ye2QxT_J_HilTVEokOPsSzNcWFvBcjgKXddfLM'`gdg{!mנgdg{!m9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATEׁ ׁ Ј׉ERWHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE ׉ 7cassandra://XCrl4Ye2QxT_J_HilTVEokOPsSzNcWFvBcjgKXddfLM'`gdg{!m׈Egdg{!mgdg{!m ,04-2025gd#ˁDؐ8