Colorado UpLift

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we not only fulfilled our fundraising match of $165,000 but also surpassed our mid-year goal of raising over $2 million dollars! This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of donors like you. Your contributions are helping us make significant progress in fulfilling our mission, and we couldn't be more grateful. As we move forward, we will continue to rely on the generosity of our dedicated donors. Thank you for believing in our cause and for being an essential part of our journey.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Let’s take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our Teacher/Mentors for their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our students' education and well-being. Their passion for teaching and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the success of every student is truly commendable and inspiring. It is because of educators like them that our program community thrives, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

🌟 Gratitude Alert! 🌟 I'm thrilled to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Colorado Oil & Gas Association for their generous grant to Colorado UpLift! 🙏 Their commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift our communities is truly commendable. This grant will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of many, enabling us to continue our mission of empowering and inspiring youth across Colorado. At Colorado UpLift, we believe in the power of education, mentorship, and community support to create positive change, and partnerships like this one are crucial in driving that change forward. Thank you once again to the Colorado Oil and Gas Association for their dedication to making a difference. Together, we're building a brighter future for the next generation! 💫 #CommunityPartnerships #Gratitude #EmpowerYouth

Home Build with Homes of Hope They say a photo is worth a thousand words, but when it comes to capturing the essence of our annual Home Build trip, even a thousand words fall short. Each snapshot merely hints at the profound impact this journey has on our students, alumni, staff, donors, and, most importantly, the families whose lives are forever changed when they receive the gift of a new home. This year, 90 dedicated participants embarked on a mission from Denver to San Diego, crossing borders into Tijuana to spend a weekend crafting homes for four deserving, hardworking families trapped in the cycle of poverty. Despite the challenges posed by wind and rain, our teams remained undeterred, their collective efforts transcending barriers of age, economic status, life experience, and diversity. Together, they embodied the vision of Colorado UpLift—uniting to transform lives and communities, one nail at a time. While each year brings its own unique journey, a common refrain echoes among our returning participants—"that trip was truly life-changing." It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of unity, the boundless potential within each of us to effect change, and the immense fortune we possess in being able to make a tangible difference in the world. If you're intrigued by the idea of joining us on next year's transformative adventure, we invite you to reach out for more information. It's a weekend that holds a special place in our hearts—one we eagerly anticipate year after year. A heartfelt acknowledgment is due to Steve James, whose unwavering leadership and infectious smile guide our group—and countless others—on this journey of compassion. Today, as you reflect on your investment in our mission, may you feel uplifted by the knowledge that your support is creating ripples of positive change throughout the world.

Cardinal Group Companies has been an incredible partner over the years, investing in our young leaders and showing them what's possible for their futures!

We were able to treat our students to experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil through their community engagement program! 🎉 Thanks to their support, we’re providing an unforgettable opportunity for these young minds to be inspired by creativity, artistry, and wonder. Together, we’re opening doors to new experiences and fostering a love for the arts! #CirqueDuSoleil #ArtsEducation #NonprofitImpact 🎭✨ #coloradouplift #coloradononprofit #denvernonprofit

Get to know our CEO Joe Sanders! He joined Colorado UpLift in November 2017. He is a recognized expert in character and leadership development, a retired Air Force Colonel and former Permanent Professor/Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development, United States Air Force Academy. During this time, he profoundly influenced the moral and ethical growth of over 13,000 cadets and staff, while supervising over 960,000 hours of character and leadership education, experiences, and training. Joe earned his PhD in Leadership and Human Resource Development from Colorado State University in 2003. He has authored and published several articles and book chapters on topics ranging from transformational leadership and servant leadership to organizational spirituality and moral development. In addition, Joe has delivered thousands lectures and workshops on these topics to a variety of audiences. He is the Founder of Touchstone Leadership Academy an organization committed to creating transformative possibilities for current and future leaders. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and as Director for Leadership Development at All American Leadership. As CEO of Colorado UpLift, Joe is pioneering novel approaches and educational achievement strategies, including enhancing access to concurrent enrollment for students and collaborative partnerships that operate cohesively to ensure successful school transitions, academic attainment, workforce integration, and economic mobility for underserved youth. Joe has served his community in multiple capacities. He has taught self-defense courses at the YMCA, served as a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer, and led a local ministry for the homeless in Colorado Springs. Over the years, Joe has been a consummate community mentor for youth, whether it is in his capacity as a football coach or during his routine visits to teen group homes. However, Joe’s most significant contribution to the community is his family. He and his wife, Lourdes, are blessed to be the parents of Isaiah, Jasmine, and Josiah.

As we wrap up #MentoringMonth we reflect on the transformative power of mentorship! Mentoring, is about nurturing growth, unlocking potential, and building meaningful relationships. This month was for learning, sharing, and uplifting each other. As our CEO, Joseph Sanders, PhD shares, “Our staff creates structures of challenge, support and accountability” Want to learn more of what UpLift is doing in our community? Email Nicole Wirtz to set up a site visit [email protected] #MentorshipMatters

Embracing the thrill of snowboarding with my amazing students! 🏂 Learning, laughing, and making memories on the slopes together.

📚 interested in joining us for an exclusive program site visit!? Explore our classes, meet our staff, and learn about our programs from our students directly! ✨ Email Nicole Wirtz at [email protected] for more information!