October 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
As the school year begins, I find myself reflecting on just how far we’ve come—and how much promise lies ahead. This month’s report is a celebration of growth, renewal, and the remarkable young people who remind us daily why we do this work.
For the first time since 2018, we have seniors preparing to graduate! Watching them step confidently toward their futures fills me with deep pride and gratitude. Their journeys—shaped by years of mentorship, care, and opportunity—represent the heart of who we are as a community.
Across every program, from Blossom House Afterschool to Restoring Futures to Beyond Dreams Therapy, our teams are reimagining what’s possible for Denver’s youth and families. We’re not only sustaining impact—we’re expanding it, together.
And soon, we’ll be stepping into something new ourselves. In the coming weeks, we’ll share a major announcement that opens a new chapter for our organization. It’s the culmination of thoughtful work over the past several years, and represents an inspiring leap forward into the future we’ve been building toward.
Thank you for believing in this vision, for standing beside us, and for being part of this unfolding story. The next chapter is bright—and it’s just beginning.
Kaye Taavialma, President & CEO
Mission Moment
A glimpse into what we do and why we do it.
After seeing Restoring Futures client IV over the summer, we developed a plan to address truancy issues and improve their grades over the school year. Since the beginning of the school year this August, he maintained full-time attendance and mostly A's and B's in his courses!
He shared that therapy has allowed him to process his grief, construct his own sense of personal meaning, talk through obstacles he encounters, and address negative patterns that he would like to break. IV has a sharp, philosophical mind and actively thinks through his choices, reassesses, and maintains psychological flexibility to make necessary changes.
His sustained improvements in attendance and grades have meant that his court case has been dismissed. He drives his own therapy and deserves ownership of his own improvements, but credits the Restoring Futures team with allowing him the space to solve his own issues and conceptualize change.
IV’s enrollment in the Restoring Futures program has meant that small but meaningful additional interventions are possible, such as funding me to bring him a cold Pepsi and ice for his hottest and most disliked class after therapy sessions.
Giuliano Jones, Restoring Futures Case Manager
Dreamer of the Month
A glimpse into what we do and why we do it.
Celebrating the Class of 2026!
The Class of 2026 embodies the spirit of dreaming big and fiercely supporting one another. They are each other’s biggest fans—brave, brilliant, and ready to reach for the stars! This fall, they have been busy writing college essays, participating in internships, and working part-time jobs, all while dedicating themselves to the Colorado Dream Foundation's out-of-school-time program.
What lies ahead for them this year as aspiring dreamers? The group will lead community service projects, explore various pathways, engage in a mentorship program with our board, and delve into their emotional well-being, preparing themselves to face the world as adults. We are excited to witness their journey and celebrate their achievements every step of the way.
Updates
Afterschool Program is Back!
We kicked off the afterschool program on Tuesday, September 2nd, and it was great to welcome back so many familiar faces. This fall, we're serving around 45 youth from 12 schools across southwest Denver, supported by our committed team.
Caregiver orientations helped launch both the 3rd–8th grade and high school programs. The program runs Monday through Friday, 2:30–6:00 PM at Blossom House.
Any caregivers interested in enrolling their youth can do so by completing this form, or visiting our website for more information.
Beyond Dreams Therapy
In September, Beyond Dreams Therapy continued pushing forward our mission: to walk alongside youth and families with accessible, affordable, and individualized, strengths-based care across Denver.
We launched three Therapist-in-Community pilot programs, embedding services directly into trusted spaces where youth and community members already gather. We also expanded our pipeline of providers, welcoming five new interns and promoting four graduates from last year’s cohort into Associate Behavioral Health Therapist roles. This growing team strengthens our ability to meet demand while building a clear path from internship to clinician.
Across all seven locations and sub-programs, our clinical team delivered 350 therapy sessions and consultations last month. Clients worked with their therapists on a wide range of goals: from managing anxiety and navigating depression to building healthy routines, self-advocacy skills, and stronger relationships.
We also celebrated our first successful “Restored Future” through our partnership with Denver Juvenile Courts in the Restoring Futures sub-program. Since working with Giuliano Jones, LPCC (Restoring Futures Case Manager), a participating youth sustained full-time school attendance, improved grades, and was dismissed from court—a powerful example of what consistent, wraparound support can achieve.
Now more than ever, our work remains grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, healing-centered approach and is carried out through deep collaboration with clients and families, as well as with schools, courts, the neighborhood Community Hubs, and other like-minded stakeholders.
Dream Team Profiles of the Month
Adam Betancourt, Senior Director of Youth Programs
Adam joined the Dream Team in November 2024 and brings more than a decade of experience in Public Education. Originally from Phoenix, AZ, he holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College, a Colorado teaching license, and a Data Wise Certificate from Harvard. He’s also trained in Project-Based Learning, Liberatory Design, and more.
Adam is passionate about equity, collaboration, and building spaces where both young people and adults can grow. His favorite part of the job? “Working with such a talented team—and knowing we’re all learning together.”
Outside of work, Adam enjoys running, working on cars, traveling, and finding new spots to eat around town. And yes—he values good rest.
Aimee Alcorn, Senior Director of Clinical Programs
Aimee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in education, private practice, inpatient care, and school social work. She holds an MSW from Colorado State University and a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Educational Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, plus post-grad training in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Aimee is passionate about CDF’s mission because she’s seen the real barriers youth and families face, and believes in making sure they have the tools to thrive. She values communication, creativity, and empathy, and loves working with a team that shares those values.
Outside of work, Aimee enjoys hiking with her dog Luna, spending time with her big Italian family, and trying new restaurants. A fun fact: one of her drawings is displayed in a school in Florence, Italy. Her favorite book is Strega Nona—a nod to her Kindergarten teaching days.
Partner Spotlight
Since 2021, American Furniture Warehouse (AFW) has generously supported the Colorado Dream Foundation with three in-kind grants—helping us furnish our therapy spaces with care, comfort, and intention.
Thanks to their partnership, our rooms feel warmer, more welcoming, and better equipped to support the healing journeys of the young people we serve.
We’re deeply grateful to AFW for investing in environments that promote safety, trust, and mental well-being. Their belief in the power of space is making a real difference.
Upcoming Events
Colorado Gives Day: Early Giving Opens November 1!
We’re gearing up for our biggest Colorado Gives Day yet—aiming to raise $75,000 to power our youth and clinical programs across Denver! Early giving opens November 1, and your support helps us create safe, inspiring spaces where young people can heal, learn, and thrive.
And that’s not all—this Colorado Gives season comes with something big. We’ll be sharing exciting news that marks a major milestone for our organization, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it.
Together, we’re building brighter futures. Stay tuned—and get ready to give!
