Dear Friends,

Each month, I’m reminded of how powerful it is to watch transformation unfold—both in the lives of our youth and within our organization itself. October has been a month filled with growth, connection, and courage.

In this issue, you’ll read about a young person who’s found their voice and confidence through art and authentic connection; meet two Dreamers who embody our values of perseverance and community; and see how our Beyond Dreams Therapy and Youth Program teams are continuing to expand access, opportunity, and belonging across Denver. These stories are more than updates—they are living proof of what happens when care, consistency, and belief come together.

We’re proud to share some external recognition too: The Denver Post recently featured us in their Season to Share campaign — a meaningful affirmation of the work happening across our programs and community.

And as we look ahead, we’re entering a season of incredible possibility. Colorado Gives Day is on Tuesday, December 9, and early giving is officially open. We’re already at 25% of our $75,000 goal, and this is the moment where collective momentum truly matters.

When you give, you’re not just supporting a program — you’re opening a door.

A gift of $150 becomes a lifeline: one therapy session for a young person who needs someone to walk beside them.
A gift of $250 becomes an opportunity: a full month of after-school experiences that help a student feel seen, supported, and inspired.

If you believe in the power of community — if you believe in what our youth can become when they’re surrounded by people who show up — I invite you to join us now. Your gift meets a real need, at the exact moment it matters most.

Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us, to believe in our youth, and to help shape a future where every Dreamer has the support and community they need to thrive.

Kaye Taavialma, President & CEO

Mission Moment

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

Over the past year, we’ve watched one of our youth step into a whole new chapter of confidence and connection. When we first met them, they tended to hang back—quiet in sessions, unsure what they liked, and often choosing not to talk. They didn’t feel ready to build friendships and usually preferred to keep their distance from others.

But in the last few months, something powerful has shifted.

They’ve started opening up about their world—about friends, shared inside jokes, video games played together, and even planning matching Halloween costumes. There’s a sense of belonging now, and it shows in how they talk, laugh, and connect with the people around them.

We’ve also seen huge growth in how they communicate. Conversations flow more easily, with back-and-forth exchanges that feel natural and engaged. Their creativity is blossoming, too. In art sessions, the dark and intense colors they once used have gradually opened into light blues, pastel greens, and soft purples—small but meaningful signs of a brighter outlook and growing self-expression.

It’s been an honor to witness this journey—and a reminder of just how transformative support, trust, and community can be for our youth.

Dreamers of the Month

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

**Whatever it Takes**: Liam Vasquez Pinzon (3rd Grade)

Liam has done an incredible job advocating for himself during program, especially during homework time. He comes in, gets started on his assignments right away, and asks for help when he needs it. He takes his time, asks thoughtful questions, and works through each problem until he understands both the process and the solution.
Over the past few months, Liam has shown big growth in his communication skills, academic confidence, and ability to push through when the work feels tough. He also brings a positive attitude every day and is always friendly with staff and other students, making him a strong addition to any class or group he’s part of.

**We Not Me**: Caleb Prostman (11th Grade)

After various years of having the "Core four" in their program, the now 11th grade boys were a little apprehensive of having new students joining them. However, Caleb made it a goal to be more social and make new friends this year.
In fact, Caleb has welcomed new students with open arms and takes his individual time to speak to them and make them feel welcomed. I know the new students feel great knowing they have peers that are open to receiving them.
Last week, as the group were making taquitos, Caleb willingly took a plate to a new student so they could all share a meal together. Caleb has absolutely demonstrated that he was serious about his goal of being more social and making new friends.

Updates

Afterschool Highlights

Our after-school youth programs are buzzing with energy across all grade levels. High school youth have gone on a college visit, joined several after-school and social events like bowling and a Broncos game, and have been actively working on their academic and career goals. A small group also toured Toperia Boxing Gym, one of our new partners, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the boxing world.
Tutoring is fully up and running again, and our veteran tutor, Pablo, has returned to Blossom House to provide consistent academic support. Looking ahead, we have many exciting events planned, including the Sugar Shack Showdown gingerbread decorating contest and a Dreamers Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration hosted by Alvarado Nation.
We can’t wait to share how these moments unfold in our next newsletter.
We can’t wait to share how these moments unfold in our next newsletter.

Beyond Dreams Therapy

October was a month of powerful momentum for Beyond Dreams Therapy. Our team received an average of seven new referrals each week and averaged 78 therapy sessions weekly across sites. With this pace and commitment, we anticipate being 100% at capacity within the next four weeks.

Our clinicians have been diligently working to move families off our waitlist and into active care, ensuring youth and caregivers feel supported without unnecessary delay. And beyond the numbers, their dedication to providing holistic, person-centered care has been instrumental in the healing, growth, and regulation we’re seeing in our clients. Clinicians are walking alongside clients to strengthen self-advocacy, practice emotional self-management skills, build routines that support stabilization, and nurture healthier relationships at home, in school, and in community. They are doing this work in a way that centers dignity, voice, and collaboration - care that is co-created with clients and families.

This month we cultivated a new partnership with Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) Noel, allowing us to provide on-site therapy support for students directly where they learn. We are grateful for DSST Noel’s commitment to supporting the whole student and for all the community partners who continue to walk alongside us in this work.

Together, we are expanding what it means for mental health to be accessible - not just in theory, but in practice.