Our History
2006
National CARES Mentoring Movement is founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, but initially called Essence CARES while its director Susan L. Taylor serves as editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine.
2008
National CARES Mentoring Movement learns that while 3 million children are being mentored nationwide, 15 million remain in need. CARES begins developing a group-mentoring model to support the millions who are harmed by poverty and neglect, exposed to violence and attending ill-equipped schools.
2020
Greater Denver CARES becomes a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
2020
Greater Denver CARES is one of 58 local affiliates in the National CARES Mentoring Movement.
2021
Greater Denver CARES launches The Rising, its Afro-centric wellness circles, in Denver schools for the 2021–2022 school year.
2022
Greater Denver CARES launches The Baldwin Literacy Project, bringing books, storytelling and author visits to youth.
2024
Greater Denver CARES is named National CARES Affiliate of the Year.
2026
The Baldwin Literacy Project is featured as a public pavilion in Common Ground, a collaboration with CU Denver and the Denver Mayor's Office of Community Outreach, at Denver's design festival.
2026
Greater Denver CARES introduces Purpose Pathways, a career pathways and apprenticeship program preparing young adults for careers in youth development.