Dear Denver Kids Community,
As I approach my second anniversary as CEO of Denver Kids, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement for all we've accomplished together. These past two years have been a journey of growth, challenges, and remarkable achievements that have reinforced the vital importance of our mission.
When I joined Denver Kids in March 2023, I was inspired by the organization's long-standing commitment to empowering students. Now, as we near our 80th year of service, I'm even more convinced of the transformative power of our work. Our dedication to helping students graduate, develop life skills, and pursue meaningful post-graduation pathways continues to drive everything we do.
I'm proud to report that our impact remains strong. We've achieved our highest on-time graduation rate of 92%, with 80% of our graduates pursuing postsecondary education. These numbers represent real lives impacted and dreams realized. Behind each statistic is a story like Houlaye. A remarkable young woman who overcame language barriers, excelled academically, and is now pursuing a business degree at Colorado State University.
Our team has grown stronger too. We've welcomed new Advisors, expanding our capacity to support more students, and hired a new Alumni Coordinator to strengthen our community and build more resources for students. We've also increased the diversity of our board, including Denver Kids alumni who now contribute to our governance. This "growing our own leadership" approach exemplifies our commitment to long-term, sustainable impact.
Financially, we remain dedicated to responsible stewardship of your generous support. In 2024, we managed $2.71 million in revenue and $6.77 million in total assets, allowing us to continue our vital programs while planning for the future.
As we look ahead, we're focusing on our next three-year strategic plan. We're committed to building on our keys to success while adapting to the ever-changing needs of our students. The challenges our youth face, from mental health concerns to academic pressures, continue to evolve, and so must we.
Your continued support makes all of this possible. Whether you're a donor, volunteer, or community partner, you're an essential part of the Denver Kids family. Together, we're shaping the future of our community.
Thank you for your trust, your generosity, and your belief in the potential of every child we serve. Here's to another year of empowering dreams and transforming lives!
With deep appreciation,
Jay Grimm
CEO, Denver Kids, Inc.