Tucked around a hallway inside a Montbello High School classroom, the knob turns and the door opens eyes to understanding and opportunities.
Giselle Johnson, a junior, walks in and greets Denver Kids adviser Ariane Brown. As she sits down, it is the equivalent of an exhale. It is hard being a kid. Johnson just received her driver’s permit, is juggling a full class schedule and pursuing a dream of attending an historically black college or Ivy League school.
The ability to meet with Brown once a month, while remaining tethered through texts and emails, provides Johnson a rudder, a sense of relief that someone is in her corner and keeping her on track.
“Even with so much happening, meeting with Ariane, it is a place where you can step back and collect yourself and know that everything will be OK,” Johnson said. “With goals, it is kind of like deadlines, Students, we can struggle with time management, and Denver Kids can hold you accountable. And it feels so much more meaningful because it is a one-on-one conversation.”
Rooted in educational counseling, Denver Kids provides a relationship-based approach to building character, academic achievement and social and emotional growth. At a time when resources are dwindling and cuts happening, Denver Kids, in a partnership with Denver Public Schools, can form the “bridge between school and home,” explained vice president of development Michelle Maldonado.
“We have the ability to work with them in the school. We have relationships with the teachers. If there is issue at school, our staff is there. But we are not limited by the school day,” Maldonado said. “We can connect with the family at the home or in the community or at a (athletic) game.
Watching Brown interact with Johnson, the personal connection becomes obvious. And, it comes with a twist. Denver Kids is about empowering students, helping them with everything from basic essentials, like a month of groceries, to improving their attendance by identifying their passion in school or a potential job through career exploration field trips.
The process centers on listening — not telling — and guiding.
“I pride myself on being open, and letting the students lead the way,” said Brown, who has been with Denver Kids for seven years. “Some will admit they have no clue on what they want to do and others are very clear on where they are going. Some don’t want to talk much at first. Some do. So, I get a mix of everything. We start by trying to find what they are interested in, what they are good at, what their goals are.”
In 1993, Denver Kids became the merged entity of Denver Boys (founded in 1946), and Denver Girls (founded in 1970). The nonprofit, which receives funding from The Denver Post Community Foundation’s Season to Share program, serves nearly 1,000 students in 70 schools. The advisers carry a heavy workload, assigned 50 to 55 students ranging from sixth graders to seniors in high school.Brown meets with seven students per day for roughly 30-to-45 minutes. The check-in sessions form the basis of relationships that have spawned success. According to Denver Kids, the on-time graduation rate for the class of 2025 was 94.8 %. It was only a few years ago that the number sat in the high 80s. However, with greater understanding of social and emotional learning, Denver Kids has fostered stronger connections.
“I have been with them for five years. They are someone in my village I know will be there for me. I know I can always call Miss Ariane and ask for help, whether it’s personal or academic,” Johnson said. “It has been very helpful.”
Denver Kids aims to continue impacting lives, knowing how much having a trusted adult in a school can increase positive outcomes. Donations help support Denver Kids advising program, volunteer mentoring, youth pathways and student engagement.
At Montbello on this busy Friday, a few students look through the door window and wave at Brown as she talks with Johnson. She calls them her “kiddos.” Brown was a teacher, but found a home at Denver Kids through the personal connections. She is fully invested in their success, helping calm and navigate the waters at a time when students are experiencing hardships and uncertainty.
“I was a student who didn’t have that one trusted adult. I had some good teachers but they didn’t have time outside the class room. That is the great thing about Denver Kids, having that one on one monthly support that is consistent. They know they are going to see you, and where they can find you,” Brown said. “I left teaching and went into the corporate world, and I wasn’t fulfilled. With Denver Kids, I can be hands on, and be more in-depth with them. Our goal is to find out what is going on with them, what they want to do, and help them get there. What I am teaching my students I am also learning as I am going. It has been a beautiful experience.”
Denver Kids Inc.
Address: 780 Grant St., Denver, 80203
In operation since: 1946
Number of employees: 36 full time, 1 part time
Annual budget: $3.6 million
Number of people served: 1,164 this school year
