Testimonials
“The need for effective engagement and collaboration among community stake holders is extremely important within our Denver community. Connect The Kids has taken a unique stance in delivering these core competencies, and has made significant strides in propelling our community forward.”
- Wellington Webb, Former Denver Mayor
“Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has enjoyed partnering with Connect The Kids for more than three years. Connect The Kids provides a critical service that is simply not available for scores of youth lacking ready access to transportation. As long as CPRD has operated programming, transportation has been a challenging issue for reaching youth who are often most in need of the services. Connect The Kids has enabled CPRD to fulfill its mission by reaching youth for several of our programs. In fact, our summer program simply could not operate without the affordable services of Connect The Kids. While public transportation and bus passes are affordable, too many safety issues and inconvenient routes often make it prohibitive to accessing programs especially for younger participants. Thanks to Connect The Kids, youth are safely and efficiently connected to an array quality experiences and activities.”
- Cleo Parker Robinson, Community Leader & Historic Pioneer in Dance
“In my 13 years of experience, Connect The Kids is the first of its kind. Too many community members don’t know about programs/services available to them or have no way to access them – because of physical distance or lack of money for fees. Connect The Kids is addressing those needs. Their work not only helps the community but strengthens the work and capacity of local nonprofits. The Denver Foundation’s Strengthening Neighborhoods is pleased to be one of the first funding institutions to support their work.”
- LaDawn Sullivan, Program Officer of The Denver Foundation’s Strengthening Neighborhoods Program
“When I first heard about City LAX, it reminded me of the incredible opportunity that was given to me as a child growing up in Denver’s inner city to go into the wilderness and experience Colorado’s outdoor adventures. Those experiences helped to shape a different future for me by expanding my horizons and revealing life’s endless possibilities and all the things I could achieve. That is the story of the group of Park Hill youth who have discovered through this unlikely game of Lacrosse a whole new world that has enabled them to transcend their boundaries. Their journey is beautifully captured in the documentary film, City Lax – an Urban Lacrosse Story and it is a story that needs to be told in every city where kids may be trapped by their limited circumstances. As a Denver Public Schools Administrator and former Councilwoman, I have seen countless kids who just needed a little opportunity to awaken their skills and talent. This is where Connect The Kids comes into the picture because it is through organizations like this that inner city kids find access and resources to pursue opportunities like City LAX. Everyone should see this film and then give generously to an organization like Connect The Kids.”
- Happy Haynes, Denver Public Schools Administrator & former Councilwoman
“Someone once said “It is better to build children than to repair adults.” Connect The Kids is doing a great job of building children in the four core areas of Education, Athletics, Enrichment, and Life Skills, and I am pleased to add my support.”
- Presley F. Askew, President, Colorado Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
“City LAX: An Urban Lacrosse Story is the most inspiring documentary in recent times. Through the eyes and minds of Jaden, Joann, Trevon, Kei’zuan and Gage, we are reminded of the power of confidence and of the greater power that is revealed when one is courageous enough to open doors to something that initially feels foreign and different. These kid’s lives will never be the same because they embraced the game of lacrosse. Their energy, hope, and determination to overcome significant challenges in their personal space is complimented by the same energy, hope, and determination they display when using their sticks to drive the ball down field and into the goal. With the support of wonderful organizations like KNUW Seeds whose mission is to facilitate access to great programs like City LAX, the spirit and drive of these kids and many others like them is exponentially uplifted. As a result, the lives of children and the fabric of our community are significantly enriched.”
- Stephanie Y. O’Malley, Clerk and Recorder, City and County of Denver
“The City LAX documentary not only shows how diverse programs are changing the inner city, but how kids can grow no matter what their circumstances are, if given the right tools or chances.”
- Terrance Roberts, Executive Director, The Prodigal Son Initiative, Inc.