What’s Your Why?

It’s time for appeals. We appeal to you because we love the youth. We appeal to you to give a donation to save their lives—because that’s what poetry and other forms of creativity can do: save lives.

“AfA serves young people who have been beaten up, literally or figuratively, by life on the street or in very difficult circumstances. Poetry saves lives. It does, and Art from Ashes is an absolutely vital Denver arts organization, and it deserves the full support of our community.”
“We are never put into a box or labeled; our creativity is allowed to roam free. At Art from Ashes, everyone matters, everyone is loved and valued, and our differences are what bring us together.”
“I believe in the power of changing the narrative of one’s life and that creative artistic expression is an amazing tool toward positive transformation. Art from Ashes provides a safe space where youth can be their authentic selves and realize the power they have to shape their world.”
“When I’m at Art from Ashes, I can present myself truly without being judged or laughed at. That is what I love and why I keep coming back.”
“In a modern world full of art primarily created for the purpose of higher status or monetary gain. . .youth need to be reminded of the divinity bestowed in each of their vessels. These workshops are perfect for that. I am extremely grateful to work with AfA.”
“Art from Ashes truly has a phenomenal and one of a kind program based on science that nurtures the biggest deficits we leave our youth to battle alone.” 
“Before I came to Art from Ashes, I was completely afraid to be myself. I was terrified of life. Now, I have friends and a voice. I am literally a new person.”
“The youth are the future… and the only future worth fighting for is one that is inclusive, equitable, compassionate, and inspired! It is fulfilling to be able to support and facilitate creative youth empowerment through the work done at Art from Ashes.” 
“I wish all young people were encouraged to be creative…and truly believed that they are brilliant and worthy and that their lives matter. I wish they all had access to the creative programs offered by Art from Ashes, where this is the kind of environment we strive to create.” 
“I have been involved with AfA in some form or another since its beginnings; it is part of my family. . .I look forward to helping the agency rebound and become, once again, what is has always mostly been: a sanctuary of sorts for thousands of youth.” 
“I volunteer at AfA because I truly believe in AfA’s mission to help youth change their narrative through creative empowerment programming, and I love that AfA provides isolated youth a platform and space to connect and create a community.”
“I choose to serve in an organization like Art from Ashes because they offer an open-door, judgement and censorship-free zone for art and encouragement for the youth of Denver.”
“The pandemic was doing its thing and I needed a cause to fill my time. I was genuinely surprised to find an organization that ticked so many of my boxes: Event Planning – check. Poetry – check. Youth – check. I feel like I am a valued part of the team.”
“I have a new outlet for my emotions. This is a good coping skill.”

I Choose to Be

by Katie, 17, Denver Online High School

Who I choose to be is someone
who dares to dream.
I am the kind of girl who takes action,
the kind of girl whose dedication
takes her further than imagined,
and the kind of girl who wants better for herself—
even when that self-love is torn by her mental health.
I’m the kind of girl who believes perseverance is key,
no matter the obstacles.
I choose to be me.
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view/download a pdf of our 2021 annual letter here

So much of life can be challenging, with its unavoidable yet somehow always surprising heartbreaks and troubles. The last two years have increased that level of challenge beyond our imagining. We have struggled with chaos, loss and fear as individuals, as families, and as communities. Many are dealing with financial instability, and businesses are working harder than ever to stay afloat. Our own small nonprofit keeps plugging away, despite the many setbacks, doing what we can to serve thousands of young people and keep our staff employed.

For 18 years we have stayed true to our mission to reengage marginalized and dismissed youth with an awareness of their creative power—to reignite their resilience and awareness of possibility through poetry and art.

For 18 years we have held true to our values of respect, inclusivity, creativity, integrity, advocacy and impact.

For 18 years we have done what we believe, no matter what life brings our way:
We believe young people’s voices should be heard and respected.
We believe in the transformative power of language and art.
We believe listening is “the first duty of love.”
We believe connection with self, with each other, and with adult role models is essential for youth to engage with their communities.
We believe the community needs to listen to the voices of our youth.
We believe in social justice and that young people can change the world.
We believe that all young people should have access to the arts.
We believe poets and artists and youth and staff should be compensated for their time, energy, and gifts of service.
We believe each human is a creative genius with the power to choose their perceptions and transform their reality.

We continue to believe that the community will support our work, because what we do works for the community.

With your support we can continue making a difference by providing a safe and brave space for young people to express themselves and be heard and through the power of their words find hope and meaning.

Art from Ashes exists to empower struggling youth by providing creative programs that facilitate health and hope through expression, connection and transformation.