fbpx

About

Caring For Denver

We’re on a Mission

To address Denver’s mental health and substance misuse needs by growing community-informed solutions, dismantling stigma, and turning the community’s desire to help into action.

Logo with Denver skyline & mountains.  Logo of two hands holding a heart Logo of one hand caring for another
Founded by and for Denver Independent, non-profit foundation Addresses Denver’s mental health & substance misuse needs

The ballot initiative was simple, yet powerful. For every $100 spent in Denver, 25 cents goes toward addressing mental health and substance misuse needs in our city. With this enduring investment, our vision is a vibrant Denver where all communities are strengthened by the mental health and substance misuse support they need.

We cannot
   thank you enough

To the community organizations, partners, and residents who provided support and feedback throughout this process, thank you. This work is as much a reflection of you as it is us. And although we know we can only tackle so much at one time, we will continue to listen and collect feedback to inform future funding areas and grant opportunities.

We are honored to serve you.

Lorez Meinhold
Executive Director

Leslie Herod
State Representative, Board Chair

Equity Statement

The impact of living under social conditions that include racism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, ageism, ableism, xenophobia, or any other form of oppression has a direct effect on the mental health and wellbeing of the individuals within a community. Whether these conditions be historic or present-day, we all have a part to play in dismantling the systems of inequity that are harmful to our larger society. Driven by the voices of community, Caring for Denver Foundation will work through our grantmaking, evaluation, community engagement, and communication initiatives to push impact together in the pursuit of equity. We will seek guidance, perspective, and insights always.

Our values guide our actions

Respect. Always.

We fiercely embrace inclusion and diversity, and strive to be representative, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate in all that we do.

Be Courageous in action.

We champion candid, open-minded reflection and are thoughtful and bold in the action we take.

Meet people where they are.

We see and support all people and communities for their strengths and inherent value.

Focus on impact for communities.

We center all of our work on outcomes that always put Denverites, and their potential, first.

Advocate out loud.

We courageously share our stories, engage our communities, and demonstrate how mental health and substance misuse affects us all.

Invite Partnership.

We are partners with the grantees, communities, and individuals with whom we collaborate and serve, recognizing all are essential to identifying, defining, and deciding what they need.

If you or someone you know is in crisis...

Please reach out for free, confidential, professional, 24/7 support:

  • Colorado Crisis Line – (844) 493-TALK (8255) or by texting TALK to 38255
  • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741

If you are looking for community resources, United Way’s 2-1-1 Help Center is available for calls, live chats, texts, or database search. Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211. Live chat or database search is available at http://211.org.

Partner with us

Creating Impact

Grants