$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE Back on TRACK THE PANDEMIC FORCED TONY MASON TO WORK IN A JOB HE HATED. TODAY THE MUSIC PROMOTER IS BACK TO DOING WHAT HE LOVES. PAGE 6 VOICE LAUNCHES VENDOR TOURS BY SHARING THEIR STORIES, VENDORS SHARE DENVER’S HISTORY. PAGE 4 TRANS AMERICA COLORADO HAS LEGISLATION PURPORTING TO PROTECT TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS, BUT DO THOSE LAWS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? PAGE 8 HAVEN FOR THE HUNGRY FOR 14 YEARS, HAVEN OF HOPE’S MISS KAY HAS PROVIDED KINDNESS AND NOURISHMENT TO THOSE IN NEED. PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 5, 11 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGES 12-13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 JULY 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 7 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: CREDIT: GILES CLASEN
EDITOR’S NOTE ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR ON THE BLOCK IN EAST DENVER WHERE I GREW UP, kids in my neighborhood would gather to play dodgeball and other games in the middle of the street in front of my house. The first one to spot a car alerted the rest of us, and we would step out of the street and pause the game until the vehicle parked or drove away. Today, with the Denver traffic and increasing population, it’s difficult enough for groups of children to cross the street; let alone play in them. I miss a lot about living in a smaller Denver, but I grudgingly acknowledge there are some positives to the city’s growth. I appreciate that we have bigger and better sports arenas, live performance venues, and restaurants, but I miss the cow town charm for which the Denver where I grew up was known. For sentimentalists like me or anyone interested in learning what our city was like before ranking among the 10 most expensive cities in the U.S., the Denver VOICE will launch a vendor tour program this month. The idea is to showcase sections of the city with which the vendor guiding the tour has a personal history. You can read more about the program on page 4. Keeping with our annual July theme of tourism, this issue includes a list of summer events to enjoy in person, as well as suggestions for some of the area’s best live music. Also in this issue is a story about Miss Kay and the kitchen crew at Haven for Hope. Why would we feature Miss Kay in our tourism issue? Simple. Not all who move to or visit Denver arrive with a job, a place to live, or much, if any, money. For newcomers experiencing poverty and looking for shelter or other resources, Haven of Hope is there to welcome and help them, and Miss Kay has made an art form of cooking healthy and delicious meals for those most in need. As we work towards a majority of vaccinated individuals, we have more opportunities to attend events and social gatherings in person. Once you’ve had a glimpse of activities and performances starting up in or returning to the Mile High City, I hope it will inspire you to get out and embrace what this growing city has to offer. ■ July CONTRIBUTORS DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is an award-winning freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. CAT EVANS is a Colorado native born and raised in the Baker neighborhood of Denver. She is a musician, poet, photographer, cinematographer, and free thought enthusiast. She is focused on translatable activism through visuals and sound. DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes and covers stories on people and organizations who often are overlooked. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Anthony Cornejo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Haven Enterman Kersten Jaeger Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen Cat Evans 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 metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 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: Starting June 1, we will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. WRITERS Lando Allen Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis Cat Evans Lisa Gibson Doug Hrdlicka OshaBear Raelene Johnson Whitney Roberts BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Chris Boulanger Donovan Cordova Pamela Gravning Raelene Johnson Zephyr Wilkins @deeOCE 2 DENVER VOICE July 2021 STAFF STAFF BOARD CONTACT US
VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: MARY ANN BY PAULA BARD “WE EACH HAVE OUR OWN STORY. For me, healing is being able to tell that story. I didn’t come to Denver wanting to be homeless. I came to Denver from Arizona, about ten years ago. I was a nurse, 56. I had met this guy from Denver. The day that I arrived, we were in a motel, turns out, he had a crack pipe. Nope, no drugs and alcohol for me. I told him to get the hell out. So here I was, brand new to Denver, “I WILL SURVIVE AND KEEP ON GOING ” CREDIT: PAULA BARD 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. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. 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 didn’t know anybody, didn’t have a job, didn’t have anything. I said, ‘I will survive and keep on going.’ My mail was forwarded to the motel. But come to find out you can’t use motel addresses for job applications! I’m an LPN, and the person who updated LPN licenses had retired; I couldn’t update my license. With that hotel address, I couldn’t get a job. I went to stay at Samaritan House, the shelter. With their address I got a job at the Arapahoe County Jail. I liked it. But I worked odd and late hours. And it was hard getting back into the shelter at night. They close at 9:00. If you’re late, you can’t get back in. So, when I worked a 3-11 shift, I slept in my car in the parking lot. But, they told me they would call the police if I continued it. And then, someone destroyed my car. Intentionally. The security guard wouldn’t let me call the police. I was using light rail and buses to get to Arapahoe County from downtown. Plus, I was keeping up with chores and classes at the shelter. It was exhausting and hard! All I could do was cry. Then, when I was doing my chores in the kitchen, this guy, another resident, grabbed my breast. I ran down to the security guard. He said he couldn’t report it to the police. This was sexual assault, but the guy was from the prison in Sterling, an ex con. ‘You know, if you call the cops, you’ll get thrown out of here,’ said the guard. I left.” ■ OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. 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 @denverVOICE 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. VOLUNTEER SUBSCRIBE We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 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. July 2021 DENVER VOICE 3
LOCAL NEWS VOICE VENDOR TOURS OFFER UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO DENVER’S HISTORY BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN AND WHITNEY ROBERTS ON JULY 12, the Denver VOICE will launch its VOICE vendor tours, where participants will learn pieces of Denver’s history as told by our vendors who have personal relationships with these locations. The cost of each tour will be $18, with 50% of that going directly to the individual leading the tour. We plan to have at least three different tours lined up by the end of the summer. The first will follow longtime vendor John Alexander as he guides participants through the Five Points neighborhood, where he owned a gift boutique for several years. Before RiNo was a trendy, overpriced neighborhood, it was Five Points. With deep cultural roots in the Jazz Age and the Civil Rights era, Five Points was a mostly Black community featuring live jazz at any number of clubs in the area. It didn’t matter if it was a Monday, the middle of the week, or a weekend – music played late into the night. Alexander aims to present the best parts of what he lived and experienced in this historic neighborhood. On his tour, he will transport participants back 40 years to a time when locals and visitors to the area delighted in the hottest nightclubs, the best food, and a place where one could buy fresh fish and illegal food stamps in the same spot. “Picture the best party you’ve ever been to or your favorite holiday gathering, where everyone is laughing, enjoying each other and having a good time,” Alexander says. “That’s how it was there every night of the week.” For more information about Denver VOICE Vendor Tours, CREDIT: CHRIS BAIR, UNSPLASH visit www.denvervoice.org/vendortour. ■ Subscribe online: NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! DENVERVOICE.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 4 DENVER VOICE July 2021 Become a Denver VOICE subscriber and get the paper delivered directly to your mailbox every month. Both personal and business subscriptions are available. Your donation goes directly to support our program!
IN YOUR OWN WORDS I wanted to get back to Denver in time to watch my football team play. So, I was trying to catch the Greyhound bus back home, but they wouldn’t let me on the bus with my bike. I decided to ride my bike on the highway, so that I could watch the football game the next day. I’d been riding my bike on the highway for about half an hour when the cops kicked me off the highway and made me go through small towns. The ride was breathtaking. I saw buffalos and prairie dogs for the first time. I also saw an emu farm along the way. Meanwhile, I stopped in every little town I went through, and then, I finally made it to Castle Rock. I didn’t want to sleep out where the prairie dogs were, so I got a motel room and started to watch the football game. After the game ended, I got back on the highway, and rode my bike to Denver.■ LANDO ALLEN. CREDIT: SARAH HARVEY A different kind of BICYCLE TOUR BY LANDO ALLEN, VOICE VENDOR ONE YEAR, I was interested in people who were riding bikes to other cities. I thought that was very cool. I heard about people who would ride their bikes to Atlanta from Colorado. I asked all kinds of questions about what they did and how they survived. So, I was catching a bus from Denver to Colorado Springs for a job I was doing down there. A lady I worked with in Colorado Springs sold me her bike, and I picked it up after I was finished working for the day. Good Morning, Self. LET’S TALK! BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR GOOD MORNING, SELF. Did you thank your Higher Power for waking you up? Soon as you wash your face, look in the mirror and say, “Today will be a good day. I love you. Think positive always! It will be a great day. I believe in you. You can do anything!” Keep looking deeply at Self so you can know it’s true! Do it all day. Say it over again all day. And if you do, your mind will believe it, and good things will come your way! Self, when you get up and say, “I know someone will mess with me, I’m no good at anything, no one likes me or wants to be around me, no one can love me because that is what everyone said to me all the time, so you know it must be true,” RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA all you are doing is sending the negative messages to the universe, so the universe sends that back to you! So, Self, talk nice to Self. Believe you deserve the best. Tell Self, “I will take nothing less than the BEST!” Self, do you know that self-talk is positive? Like yourself, hypnotize yourself to only take in good. Do not let anyone say you’re no good, you’re a dummy, you’re not worth love. If they do, you have to tell them that’s not true. Speak up for Self. Self, you get to choose the words you keep in or let go of. If it sounds good, feels, good and is not painful, then go for that. You will find how great it is to care about Self and not let unhealthy words keep you down. Think hard. Only you can change your life, Self. I love you, Self. ■ Spring WISH LIST DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Reusable water bottles Sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office GENTLY USED ITEMS NEEDED: Flat screen TV Gloves Umbrellas that can fit into a backpack Ball caps/hats for warm weather Backpacks Panchos & windbreakers (Men’s L, XL, XXL) July 2021 DENVER VOICE 5
LOCAL STORY CREDIT: GILES CLASEN BACK ON TRACK: AFTER A PANDEMIC-CAUSED HIATUS, TONY MASON RETURNS TO HIS PASSION BY GILES CLASEN TONY MASON WAS NOT DESTINED to become a music promoter. Tony Mason’s destiny was to paint houses, like his parents and their parents before them. The plan was simple – he would one day take over Thomas A. Mason Painting, the successful business that has been around since 1912. But Mason was drawn to the music business rather than the family business. That’s not to say that he didn’t try to be a painter. It was simply that Mason found more passion for his “terrible” punk bands than a paintbrush, and just before he turned 21, he told his parents he was going to move from Grand County to Denver to go to college. Once again, Mason was faced with the dilemma of following the family tradition or forging his own path. If he studied business or construction management his parents would pay for college. Instead, Mason chose to start at Red Rocks Community College studying music performance and had to foot the bill himself. “I barely made it through high school,” Mason said. “I almost failed out of high school. I was suspended several times. I was expelled once. High school was just not a good experience for me.” Once Mason found his passion, though, school became easy. He was getting all A’s and B’s at Red Rocks Community College, and an academic advisor pushed him to attend the music business program at CU Denver. During his first semester at CU, Mason’s eyes were opened, and he realized he wasn’t going to be a musician. “I transferred to CU Denver, and all of a sudden, I was surrounded by, like, really talented musicians and people who were so amazing,” Mason said. “I knew I couldn’t compete. I kind of lost my will to play and practice every day at that point.” So rather than compete, Mason determined he would promote his friends and their abilities. “I kind of decided rather than trying to be a rock star, I wanted to work for all of my friends who were amazing musicians,” Mason said. “I wanted to help them with their careers.” In 2008, Mason started booking his first shows, singersongwriter showcases at Leela’s European Cafe, the Mercury Cafe, and any other spot that he could convince to let his friends play. He called his little venture Tonedynamix – a play on his name and his dynamic range of music genre interest. Those early shows led to him booking bigger shows at bigger venues until he found a place as the in-house booking agent for Lost Lake Lounge, Larimer Lounge, and Globe Hall. “I loved working at Lost Lake and the Globe,” Mason said. “It was a lot of work for little money, but I was so passionate about working for small independent venues. It was worth it.” Then in early 2020, Mason was offered a big career move. A much larger venue in Texas offered him a higher-paying job and the opportunity to book big, national shows. 6 DENVER VOICE July 2021
LOCAL STORY With 15 years in the business of booking music acts in Denver, Tony Mason has assembled the following list for the VOICE of the best places to hear different types of live music in 2021: TOP 3 BEST VENUES FOR LOCAL MUSIC: 1. Number 38 2. The Oriental Theater 3. Larimer Lounge CREDIT: GILES CLASEN But just as 2020 giveth, 2020 taketh away. Soon after he received the job offer, the pandemic hit, and days before Mason was set to move, he received a call. With the pandemic bringing live music to a halt there were no promises that the venue would survive. To tighten their belt, they were laying off staff – including Mason. To make ends meet, he went on unemployment and even did some shifts working for his parents’ painting business. “I was literally almost crying walking out the door in the mornings,” Mason said. “I was just on this huge track, new job, huge venue, huge raise, full benefits. I finally got my big break in the music industry and now, all of a sudden, I’m putting on a hard hat and steel-toe boots and doing something that I, like, hate. I was grateful for the work and hated that I wasn’t working in music.” The life changes brought clarity. Mason had a stronger feeling than ever before that he wanted to be a music promoter, but he no longer wanted to work for other people. He longed for the early days when he was hustling to book shows as an independent promoter. He wanted the freedom to schedule national acts at larger venues while helping budding performers book smaller shows. As quarantine restrictions began to ease up, Mason dusted off his old Tonedynamix brand and got to work reaching out to old colleagues, musicians, and venues and bringing his business back to life. He has already booked several shows throughout Denver and is negotiating with some national acts. He even took on the job of managing the Colorado shows for Denver’s Flobots. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN A little more than a year ago, Mason knew where his life was heading, but as it did for so many, the pandemic completely altered this path. However, his struggle over the past year and a half has reinforced Mason’s passion, pushing him to rebuild his business and land on what might an even better path. ■ TOP 3 BEST VENUES FOR NATIONAL MUSIC: 1. Red Rocks 2. Levitt Pavilion 3. The Oriental Theater TOP 3 BEST VENUES THAT ARE FAMILY-FRIENDLY: 1. Levitt Pavilion 2. Jazz in the Park (City Park) 3. Mutiny Information Cafe July 2021 DENVER VOICE 7
LOCAL FEATURE TRANS AMERICA BY CAT EVANS THE STATE OF COLORADO has generated a slew of protective and inclusive laws for the transgender community in recent years, including the right to change your legal gender without sex reassignment surgery, the third gender option, and anti-bullying laws in schools/colleges. With all this considered — what is the actual impact on the day-today life of the individual in comparison to the legislative backing on paper? How does more acknowledgment by our local government impact the oppressions faced when it comes to personal engagement and visibility in the community? These are questions that can only be answered by people who are members of marginalized communities and exist outside of “normal” identities. There are various forms of legislative protection for the LGBTQ+ community, but this does not necessarily translate into tangible improvements for the people who exist in these realities day to day. While one could argue that the general public has become more accepting and tolerant of the LGBTQ community, it is important to note that not all members of this community have the same experience or are afforded the same treatment. The transgender community, specifically, is one that has faced extreme ridicule, hate, violence, accusation, and systemic oppression from the general population and governing bodies that often vilify what they simply do not understand. What “progress” means depends on who you speak to and is specific to the life experience of each individual. When it comes to social issues in the vague sense in which it impacts others, many hope for progress, but for some of us, progress is critical to survival and is a key component of everyday life. GOOD INTENTIONS ARE NOT ENOUGH Emma Parks, who began her transition in Mississippi, left for various reasons, one being that there was no statewide protection. She was drawn to Colorado for its protective acts. “It’s written into the Colorado constitution, and it’s been updated and amended recently, that gender and gender identity is a part of the protected classes – not just a law, but in the constitution,” Parks said. Parks describes her perception of legislation as “not just some half-assed here or there where politicians could seem inclusive and weren’t actually – but something that existed where you could actually protect yourself.” Parks explains that despite elected officials’ good intentions, a lack of trans representation in the legislature ultimately leads to ineffective laws and legislation. There is currently one Colorado lawmaker who identifies as trans, Brianna Titone, and she is one of very few transgender state legislators nationwide. “If you want to be able to have the power, you need to fight for your community,” Parks said. “We need the support of other people. There’s not enough solidarity between minority communities. We are minorities. On our own we cannot stand up against our oppressors. If we came together truthfully, imagine what could happen.” Parks explains that the laws legislators selectively support are the ones that receive media representation, and this creates division. This was a key point that highlighted the importance of authentic representation. With greater representation for the trans community on TV screens, in board rooms, in classrooms, in courtrooms, and so forth — not just as a “representative” or mouthpiece for a community, but as an actual member of the community — acceptance, understanding, and inclusion would begin to evolve quickly. What it means to identify as transgender and what it means to be protected within this identity may have different implications depending on who is interpreting them, especially in tandem with each other. Certain obstacles JULIAN CAMERA. CREDIT: CAT EVANS 8 DENVER VOICE July 2021
LOCAL FEATURE taken matters into his own hands. Camera, who works for the American Civil Liberties Union, a national nonprofit organization, says it’s no secret that there is a major lack of advocacy for civil rights in this nation as a whole. “We focus on civil rights and civil liberties issues in Colorado, through law, litigation, and advocacy,” Camera said. “So we take on civil rights cases in the courts.” Camera believes that the path to change is through effort and consistency: “We try to pass and defend legislation for civil rights and civil liberties. We also do community advocacy for civil rights issues,” he said. Camera’s position is in community advocacy, focusing on LGBTQ+ issues in general while also working on other issues like immigration. Camera was recommended for the position through an internship, and although his degree was in communications and anthropology, he chose this path because it aligned with his cause. “I was able to transfer my passion for those issues into civil rights,” Camera said. “And that was right at the beginning of my transition. It was the perfect time, and Trump had just been elected. I was worried about my community, not only mine, but immigrants, minorities.” Camera was initially drawn to civil rights matters in high EMMA PARKS. CREDIT: CAT EVANS trans folks face may be more obvious to those outside their community, while other challenges are pocketed or swept away for the sake of “fitting in,” or trying to get by. There is much avoidance tied to the desire to experience normalcy, thus day to day life can be tricky and sometimes daunting for those who are not out or are out in some spaces and not others. For many transgender people, the experience of coming out is one of extreme vulnerability and a time when perception of protection – or lack thereof – is highly relevant. IN SEARCH OF PROTECTION Consider 11-year-old Avani’s story. Born male, now identifying as female, she is no stranger to the turbulence of a society that will forever look at her differently. At such a young age she has already experienced rejection based on her identity, beginning with her father’s response. “Her dad was still seeing her every weekend,” Avani’s mother said. “We weren’t allowed to grow her hair.” Avani, who lives with her mother, first asked for girl clothes on her ninth birthday. It was all that she wanted. Her mother cried, mostly out of fear for her child, but agreed nonetheless because she knew her child was living a secret life at home and at school. Her father reluctantly agreed, only to demand when picking her up from school a short time later, that Avani remove her female clothing the second she got in his car. “I was just so mad; I didn’t talk to him the whole way to the house,” Avani said. “Like, literally right when I got in the car, he gave me [boy’s] clothes. I don’t even think he said hi to me.” Avani’s mom recalls her father’s blunt rejection of Avani’s femininity and how he would try to make her act like a boy. “She couldn’t scream a certain way; it was too girly,” Avani’s mother said. “She was under a magnifying glass. He would make her do crazy things to make her more manly. That was one of the biggest fights we ever had. He would make her do things like go on roofs, put her in dangerous situations — like, why?” Avani’s coming-out experience is common. There are numerous factors that contribute to resistance and dismissal from family members, including religious background, politics, gender roles, gender expectation, fear, societal implications, and an overall lack of understanding. Bridging these gaps can seem overwhelming, especially when such a small portion of the population is visible. According to GLAAD, a nonprofit advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, in 2017 roughly 3% of the nation identified as transgender. The fact that transgender people comprise a comparatively small portion of the population sheds light on the ways in which legislation can be ineffective and can fail to translate into improvements in people’s daily realities. In Avani’s case, although she lives in Colorado. where there is legislation in place to protect her, these laws have no impact on her daily existence. She describes her coming-out experience as traumatic and filled with fear. She did not feel protected within her immediate surroundings. With long, dark brown hair and a full rosy face, Avani is female-passing; you would never know that just a few years prior she was seen as a boy to the outside world. As she began to fully embrace her long-awaited femininity in physical form, she changed schools to avoid the potential social repercussions from her peers who knew her as “he.” That didn’t stop news from traveling, and she was bullied by a “friend of a friend” who blurted out in the middle of class, “That guy only likes her because he doesn’t know she’s transgender.” “I started to cry; I was bawling my eyes out,” Avani said. “I didn’t know what to do. I’ve never been in that situation. No one has ever said that.” Before she left school that day, one of her teachers made the situation even more hurtful by pulling her out of class and asking, “Was it really necessary to call your mom?” Avani is grateful that her mother has been understanding and supportive of her experience. Currently, her mother is in the middle of deciphering the legality and protections for her daughter in the school system. There is only so much that can be done on a legal level, as microaggressions are both prominent and subtle. THE PATH TO CHANGE Julian Camera, a trans male born and raised in Denver, has AVANI. CREDIT: CAT EVANS school while learning about racism and feeling utter disgust in both what had occurred and what has become. Having experienced the feeling of being a minority himself, initially identifying as a lesbian and ultimately deciding to follow his truth into full transition to male, there was really no other route for him. Already having a passion for civil rights in general, it seemed only right to continue his pursuit, and as a highly visible transgender male, there is much impact to be had through varying advocacy, and much to be learned, analyzed, and applied en route to a safer world for those who are fighting to exist in it. Reflecting on Colorado’s role in advancing protections for the transgender community, Emma Parks stresses the goodness of what has come so far but is quick to mention that there is a lot of work to be done. “Laws are impactful,” explains Parks, ”but there is much room to fill in regard to true acceptance of what is thought to be different.” ■ July 2021 DENVER VOICE 9
COMMUNITY PROFILE MISS KAY OFFERS A HAVEN FOR HUNGER BY DOUG HRDLICKA WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE DINING ROOM at Haven of Hope any preconceptions of what it may be like are washed away, and you are left with a welcoming feeling. Your meal is brought to you, and each bite is imbued with the nostalgia of home cooking. The noise of kitchenware clinking and coworkers laughing spills from the kitchen into the dining room, and all at once, the troubles of the world fade into the background while everyone eats. Miss Kay, the head chef, arrives at Haven of Hope at 5:45 a.m., five days a week, to begin lunch prep. She oversees food service and decides what meals are going out. The oven is preheated to 350 degrees, and lunch begins cooking while breakfast is being served. Today, seasoned chicken is on the menu. VOLUNTEERS. CREDIT: DOUG HRDLICKA The chicken, so tender the meat falls off the bone, is paired with baked green beans and carrots with butter. Miss Kay’s cooking is exceedingly delicious, and anyone taking part will forget where they are and be taken to a place of comfort and safety. “I make everything here. Pretty much everything,” said Miss Kay. “I don’t do much frying here. Everything is boiled or baked. Once in a while, we’ll order fried chicken from King Soopers for the occasional holiday.” The food, which is donated, arrives every Thursday, and the dishes Miss Kay makes depend on what all was delivered. Sometimes, she serves spaghetti, and other times, she serves pinto beans with turkey - two classic dishes that are favorites among the diners. Occasionally, they will get in steaks, which is always a treat. Like most cuisine, the food that Miss Kay cooks inspires a sense of community at Haven of Hope. For many, that feeling of belonging and security is essential. “People feel safe here, and that’s what they want, to feel safe and be treated like human beings,” said Miss Kay. Serving meals has been a tradition at Haven of Hope since its inception in 2003. During the early years, food was served from an 800-square-foot house and fed between 80 and 90 people. Over the years, the organization has grown. MISS KAY. CREDIT: DOUG HRDLICKA VOLUNTEERS. CREDIT: DOUG HRDLICKA 10 DENVER VOICE July 2021
PAGE TITLE WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP OSHA BEAR THE LURE OF SILENCE Wisps of Breath Descend on my Being Aware of Loneliness Nothing Certain A VOLUNTEER. CREDIT: DOUG HRDLICKA Today, Haven of Hope operates out of a building that is nearly 6000 square feet and feeds 400 to 500 people daily, with Miss Kay at the helm. The growth has included new services, too. Laundry and showers have always been a part of what Haven of Hope offers, along with food, but now the sanctuary offers vocational classes and assistance with any legal troubles one might be facing. Her work for Haven of Hope is not Miss Kay’s first role in a kitchen, though. Originally from Indianapolis, she cooked in restaurants owned by her relatives. In 1987, she relocated to Denver, following siblings who already lived here. Fourteen years ago, a friend who worked at Haven of Hope and needed assistance with cooking called her. Miss Kay was hired that day and has been there ever since. “Haven of Hope is exactly what it says. It gives people hope. It’s a safe haven; it saves lives,” said Miss Kay. While the kitchen staff changes regularly, some volunteers have been coming for more than five years. Others, like Kevin Davis, are members of the Haven kitchen staff and work under Miss Kay. Davis has been working in the kitchen for three years and is Miss Kay’s right-hand man. He arrives at the same time she does and helps prep the lunch and serve breakfast. “I came down here to eat,” explained Davis. I had a few hours of community service to do at the time and asked Miss Kay if they needed any help. I was in the right place at the right time. [Miss Kay] told me to come back the following Monday at 6:30 a.m. I came; haven’t left yet.” Miss Kay’s dining hall is not simply a place to eat, but a gateway to showers, laundry, and other services that can improve the lives of those who’ve fallen on hard times. “We don’t deny anybody,” said Miss Kay. “We don’t turn anybody down for food. We welcome everyone, with no questions asked.” ■ July 2021 DENVER VOICE 11 Standing in Urban Relishes Forgetting Crackling fires Prayers go up Offered silence Grounding on Barefoot Earth Luxury Soft pillows of Musty Seasons Surrounded by canopies Forest delight Without a care For time or compasses Silence is a Lure Awaiting my patience LISA GIBSON SWEET ROCK-A-BYE Sailing on ship at night. Gentle rocking to soothe a troubled soul. Ebb and flow of tide that time can’t control. Stars winking and blinking, Growing bright in a darkening sky. Knowing I’m safe from all in the sweet rock-a-bye. A warm breeze engulfs me, Caressing tendrils of my hair. I’ve mapped my destination with great care. We’re all sailors in this world, Plotting our course as we go along. Discovering each time we dock whether it’s right or wrong. Gathering things from each port, That guide our journey through time. Setting our sails and casting a line. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org
EVENTS Tourism Edition This just in – summer is back! After a long year of Zoom happy hours, Netflix binges, and virtual events, your summer of in-person fun starts now! i bk! Aft l f Z h h COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA LIVE MUSIC FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Levitt Pavilion is quickly becoming the darling of Denver’s live music scene. Round up your friends and family, brings your blanket and chairs, and kick back for a night of eclectic music performances. WHEN: Various dates through early October. COST: Free but you must register online. WHERE & MORE INFO: Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W Florida Ave. • levittdenver.org CITY PARK JAZZ This Sunday evening tradition is back! Enjoy live music, sunsets, food trucks, cute dogs, and community at this beloved city event. WHEN: Sundays through August 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Free but donations accepted. WHERE & MORE INFO: City Park Pavilion, 2001 Steele St. • cityparkjazz.org B-SIDE MUSIC FRIDAYS Enjoy an intimate musical performance while sipping craft beverages and relaxing on one of the sweetest rooftops in town. WHEN: Fridays in July and August; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. COST: Tickets start at $30. WHERE & MORE INFO: MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St. • mcadenver.org RIVERFRONT PARK SUMMER SESSIONS Check-out Denver’s newest music series that also features food, drink, and art. WHEN: July 8, August 19, September 16, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Free WHERE & MORE INFO: 19th Street Bridge, S. Platte River Dr. • riverfrontparkevents.com THE UNDERGROUND MUSIC SHOWCASE (UMS) Discover your new favorite band at this 3-day “mess” of a festival. WHEN: August 27 – August 29 COST: Tickets start at $50. WHERE & MORE INFO: Various venues along Broadway • undergroundmusicshowcase.com The Denver Public Library is your friend, offering a variety of free/ low-cost workshops on writing, meditation, current events, history, film, English and Spanish language classes, U.S. citizenship, and more! WHEN: Various dates and times COST: Most events are free. WHERE & MORE INFO: Denver Public Library branches • denverlibrary.org/events For an ongoing list of free/low-cost comedy showcases and open mics, visit 5280comedy.com. COMEDY & OPEN MICS COMEDY 12 DENVER VOICE July 2021 Whether you are interested in yoga, outdoor movies, live music, and/or comedy, Ironton is hosting a number of ongoing events this summer in their beautiful backyard oasis. WHEN: Various dates and times COST: Costs vary WHERE & MORE INFO: Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse, 3636 Chestnut Pl. • irontondistillery.com VARIOUS WORKSHOPS This weekly market will feature 40+ local vendors, pop-up bars, food trucks, live music, and more. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. WHEN: Saturdays through October 2, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Free entry. WHERE & MORE INFO: 1611 Raleigh St. • facebook.com/DenverBazaar VARIOUS EVENTS MISCELLANEOUS FRIDAY NIGHT BAZAAR: RINO ART DISTRICT Drink, eat, and shop local at this festive community event. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. WHEN: Fridays through August 27, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. COST: Free entry. WHERE & MORE INFO: 2424 Larimer St. • facebook.com/DenverBazaar SATURDAY NIGHT BAZAAR: SLOAN’S LAKE
FILM ART SUMMER MOVIE SERIES Free Wednesday night movie series. Selections include Onward, Black Panther, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Wonder Woman. WHEN: July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28, at dusk COST: Free WHERE & MORE INFO: E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11701 Community Center Dr. • northglennarts.org FILM ON THE ROCKS After a successful run of drive-in films in the Red Rocks parking lot, the Denver Film Society is bringing it back inside the amphitheater with three modern classics: Casino Royale, Jurassic Park, and The Princess Bride. WHEN: July 12, July 19, August 2, doors at 6:30 p.m. COST: Tickets start at $16 WHERE & MORE INFO: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy. • denverfilm.org MONDAY MOVIE MADNESS Free Monday night movies series. Selections include Spiderman into the Spiderverse, Raya and the Last Dragon, Footloose, The Croods – A New Age, and Disney Pixar’s Soul. WHEN: July 12, July 26, August 9, August 30, September 13, doors at 6 p.m. COST: Free WHERE & MORE INFO: Infinity Park, 4599 E Tennessee Ave. • infinityparkatglendale.com/events RIVERFRONT PARK SUMMER SESSIONS Check-out Denver’s newest music series that also features food, drink, and art. WHEN: July 8, August 19, September 16, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Free WHERE & MORE INFO: 19th Street Bridge, S. Platte River Dr. • riverfrontparkevents.com THE UNDERGROUND MUSIC SHOWCASE (UMS) Discover your new favorite band at this 3-day “mess” of a festival. WHEN: August 27 – August 29 COST: Tickets start at $50. WHERE & MORE INFO: Various venues along Broadway • undergroundmusicshowcase.com MIXED TASTE Mixed Taste is where even the most mismatched subjects find common ground in an interactive lecture series that can go pretty much anywhere. Each evening will conclude with an original poem inspired by the topics and performed by a local poet. WHEN: Wednesdays from July 7 through August 11, 7 p.m. COST: $10 for virtual; $20 for in-person attendance. WHERE & MORE INFO: Seawell Ballroom (in-person event), 1350 Arapahoe St • mcadenver.org FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK The Santa Fe Arts District comes alive every Friday night offering a great opportunity to contemplate art and to people watch. WHEN: Fridays, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE & MORE INFO: The bulk of the galleries are located along Santa Fe Drive, between 5th and 11th Avenues. • denversartdistrict.org VARIOUS LOCATIONS FARMERS MARKETS EDGEWATER FARMERS MARKET, 5505 W. 20th Ave. Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., through September 16. GOLDEN FARMERS MARKET, 1019 10th St. Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 2. CITY PARK MARKET, City Park Esplanade. Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 20. CHERRY CREEK FARMERS MARKET, 3000 E 1st Ave. Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through September 29 and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., through October 30. UNIVERSITY HILLS FARMERS MARKET, 5505 W. 20th Ave. Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 30. LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET, Mile Hi Church at 9077 W. Alameda Ave. Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., through September 25. GOLDEN TRIANGLE FARMERS MARKET, 1115 Acoma St. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through September 26 ARVADA FARMERS MARKET, 5700 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., through September 26. HIGHLANDS FARMERS MARKET, Lowell Blvd. & W. 32nd Ave. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through October 10. SOUTH PEARL STREET FARMERS MARKET, on South Pearl St. between E. Iowa Ave. and E. Arkansas Ave. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., through November 14. PUZZLE SEARCH WORDS Bin Bombe Broil Bun Cafe Caters Chill Cob Crust Cup Date roll Dill Eggs Flan Flip Flute Fruit Fryer Fuse Grog Ham Hash Honey Hot Jug Lime Lunch Mangle Manna Margarine Mess Mug Muslin Mussel Nut oil Pan Pasta Plug Polish Pot Prune Pulse Punch Rabbit Salt Scoff Sesame Smart Soap Starch Stove Tart Th yme Tin Toss Trap Trivet Tub Tuna Urn COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 July 2021 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR
DONOR 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 $25,000+ The NextFifty Initiative John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund $10,000+ Kenneth King Foundation Denver Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund The Christian Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation $1,000-$4,999 BNSF Railway Foundation Bright Funds Russell Peterson Phoenix Capital, Inc. Signs by Tomorrow Energy Outreach Colorado City Side Remodeling SEI Giving Fund Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Josh Kauer Caring Connection Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Kroger Gaelina Tesfaye Network for Good Charities Aid Foundation of America Jim Ashe Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Matthew Rezek Jerry Conover The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Patrick & Jan Rutty Conover/Wonder Family Fund Phoenix Capital $500-$999 Colorado Cross Disability Colalition Graham Davis Betty & Warren Kuehner Jeremy Anderson Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop, Inc. Community Health Charities Michelle Stapleton & James Thompson Michael Dino Paul Hoffman Michael J. Fehn & Jan Monnier Jennifer Stedron Mr. Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Jill Haug Travis & Meggie Ramp Alistair Davidson Jim and Nancy Thomas Jennifer Seybold Sheryl and John H Parker Susan B. Jones Maggie Holben Elsbeth Williams Michael Vitco Gaspar Terrana Catherine Hegedus Christine Muldoon and Pete Iannuzzi James Stegman 3M Foundation 10X Business Consultants SEMOptimize Laura Wing Pivitol Energy Partners Donald Weaver Key Renter Property Management 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 July 2021
RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am 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. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. 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, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org 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, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES) Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. 833-931-2484 sunshinebehavioralhealth.com VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; 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, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. 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. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/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 urbanpeak.org July 2021 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLE IS ON PAGE 13
WANT TO DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT? To celebrate 25 incredible years and ensure another 25 years of even greater impact in our community, The McWethy Family Charitable Fund has generously agreed to match 100% of monthly donations through the end of 2021. With this matching gift, a contribution of $25 a month = $600 dollars a year and makes a huge difference for those we serve for years to come. Set up a monthly donation of any amount this year, and the 12 month value of your donation will be matched dollar for dollar in a one-time gift from The McWethy Family Charitable Fund — doubling your impact this year! WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR MATCHING DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE
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