A NEW BUILDING IS ON THE HORIZON!
After 20+ years of empowering participants in our old "home" at 1600 York Street, we have decided it's time for a change! SAME LOCATION, NEW BUILDING! We need your help!
PROJECT VISION
To create a safe space for people to make the change they need in their lives
A place with positive feeling and energy
A place that promotes health and connection
A place where participants don’t have to think about their safety
A place that supports those who need to leave behind their old peer group and create a new peer group
Use Trauma-Informed Design to help build resilience and support personal growth
A place with positive feeling and energy
A place that promotes health and connection
A place where participants don’t have to think about their safety
A place that supports those who need to leave behind their old peer group and create a new peer group
Use Trauma-Informed Design to help build resilience and support personal growth
Become a Sponsor!
The Empowerment Program is currently facing an urgent need for funding across all areas. We are aiming to raise several thousand dollars at our October 15, 2025 benefit and are seeking sponsors to help cover essential event costs. This includes the venue rental, catering, beverages (wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options), decorations, linens, as well as contributions for silent and live auction items, mobile bidding platform and the live auctioneer fees. Your support would be invaluable in making this event a success!
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Contact Elizabeth Fisher, Director of Development at [email protected] or call 720-422-0753.
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M.K. Christian, M.A., LAc became a NADA acudetox specialist in 1990 at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y. and a registered trainer in 2011. She has worked in the substance abuse/recovery field at both in and out-patient facilities and is a Master Addiction Counselor (1992). She's been in practice for over 25 years and is a licensed acupuncturist, having graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She served as a volunteer acupuncturist in Uganda and interned at Zhejiang TCM College, City Hospital in Hangzhou, China, and in Nha Trang, Viet Nam. She currently does NADA at the Empowerment Program for participants, for the staff of the Colorado Criminal Justice and Reform Coalition, and at St Francis Shelter for the homeless.
Owner, Whole Body Harmony, LLC Website: Whole Body Harmony |
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FREE & Confidential
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CIRCLES PROJECTThe CIRCLES PROJECT is a collective of people seeking to cultivate community support, accountability, and healing by practicing and teaching restorative justice and transformative justice principles and practices. Restorative Justice of Colorado – every 2nd Monday.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
A Day in the Life of an Empowerment Volunteer.
As a volunteer with the Empowerment Program you’ll have the opportunity to work one on one with a very marginalized, but very capable and empowered population of women. Although many of our participants are disadvantaged and have many barriers to self-sufficiency, they also have an enormous amount of potential. The Empowerment Program is designed to serve women who want to take an active role in their treatment and better their lives. It is our job as staff, and your job as a volunteer, to encourage and support them along the way.
The majority of our volunteers serve in the GED classroom as tutors and learning partners. The GED program is designed for women to work at their own pace, and every step forward is celebrated no matter how big or small. Your day as a volunteer might include helping women learn computer skills, long division, or proper sentence structure. Don?t be intimidated if you haven?t studied up on these things since you were in school yourself, you?ll be surprised how quickly it comes back to you! The GED room is also an area where children are allowed, so your job might include holding a baby or quietly playing with children while the mother studies.
If you would like to learn more about social work and women?s issues, or if tutoring just isn?t your thing, we also have opportunities for volunteers to work directly with case managers. We would ask that these volunteers have some background or demonstrated interest in social work or related fields. Working with a case manager might include preparing new participant files, researching for topics for class/group discussions, or helping with organization projects. As always, when working with a case manager confidentiality is top priority.
The majority of our volunteers serve in the GED classroom as tutors and learning partners. The GED program is designed for women to work at their own pace, and every step forward is celebrated no matter how big or small. Your day as a volunteer might include helping women learn computer skills, long division, or proper sentence structure. Don?t be intimidated if you haven?t studied up on these things since you were in school yourself, you?ll be surprised how quickly it comes back to you! The GED room is also an area where children are allowed, so your job might include holding a baby or quietly playing with children while the mother studies.
If you would like to learn more about social work and women?s issues, or if tutoring just isn?t your thing, we also have opportunities for volunteers to work directly with case managers. We would ask that these volunteers have some background or demonstrated interest in social work or related fields. Working with a case manager might include preparing new participant files, researching for topics for class/group discussions, or helping with organization projects. As always, when working with a case manager confidentiality is top priority.
Celina Duran
Secretary
Celina has worked as a public servant for more than 20 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and had a master’s degree in public administration from University of Colorado Denver. Most of her work has been to support the CU Board of Regents and Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Currently she works on the budget and finance team at the University of Colorado System Office supporting the Vice President of Budget and Finance. Celina joined the University of Colorado in September 2015. She is responsible for collaborating with the campus budget directors on the budget process to present to the Board of Regents. She provides support to the Budget and Finance office in the development of the annual budget, assists in preparing responses to internal and external constituent requests for finance related policy questions, and continually works to improve financial policy outcomes at the University. She comes from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) where she worked on the budget team for nearly eight years specializing in financial aid policy and tuition classification. She has experience with state higher education finance policy, performance funding, and the statewide budget process. In her time at the CDHE she collaborated with campus representatives to redesign financial aid allocations and was recognized for her service at CDHE by Governor Hickenlooper in 2015. Prior to working for CDHE, she held various positions at Emily Griffith Technical College. Celina is currently finishing training as trauma informed somatic coach and breathwork facilitator.
Jazmyn Gray
Chair Elect
Jazmyn Gray is the Manager of Recovery Programs at Cross Purpose. Jazmyn is a person in long term recovery, has former justice involvement, is a former participant, and employee of The Empowerment Program. Jazmyn is a certified peer and family specialist and is actively advancing her career in organizational development. She has a passion for women who have experienced heart ache and seek opportunities to build them up by getting involved in community and developing pathways to encourage holistic growth and help individuals succeed.
CONTACT STAFF
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Keep an eye out for us on Next with Kyle Clark!
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The Empowerment Program has been serving cis and trans women in the Denver metro area for nearly 40 years. While our primary focus is on women, we also provide services to men and actively support the LGBTQ+ community.
What sets us apart from other organizations is our commitment to helping everyone who seeks our assistance; we never turn anyone away. All our services are free of charge, and we offer personalized care within a broader safety net of services in a secure environment. Additionally our non-exclusionary approach ensures that there are no rigorous criteria for service qualification, allowing us to quickly enroll individuals into our programs, unlike other agencies where longer wait times are common. Many of our participants consider Empowerment to be like a family due to the individualized continuum of care they receive along with our wrap-around services which acts as a safety net. To continue providing optimal wrap-around specialized services and continued individual care plans to our growing population, we are in need additional funds that are not covered by city, state or federal grants to assist with the housing, health and mental health, counseling, employment, and education needs of our participants. |
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Janet Mickish, PhD
President
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice Specialist
Consultant, Women and Violence
Board Tenure: 2006-present
Represents Academia
Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice Specialist
Consultant, Women and Violence
Board Tenure: 2006-present
Represents Academia
Janet E. Mickish, Ph.D. (she, her) earned her doctorate in sociology and has been involved in violence prevention and intervention at the grassroots, academic, and policy levels for 30+ years. She has worked at and consulted with a number of battered women’s programs and was the Executive Director of the Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition for nearly ten years. Dr. Mickish has also taught sociology, criminal justice, human resource management, public policy, and women’s studies courses at universities across the country. She has authored numerous works related to violence, including articles, book chapters, and training manuals for mediators, health care providers, criminal justice practitioners, and lawyers. At the Colorado Department of Human Services, she served as Coordinator of the Enhanced Domestic Violence Advocacy and Prevention Project, as a Prevention Specialist, and Training Manager. Currently, she serves as Lead Trainer for Staff Development across the state. Jan joined the Empowerment Program to help support women and their families thrive.
The Wellness Project - SAMHSA Grant
Funded by SAMHSA - Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
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The Empowerment Program is a 2022 Grant Recipient!The Denver Broncos are committed to improving lives in our community and are looking to support highly effective nonprofit organizations in the state also working to positively impact Coloradans. The Denver Broncos Community Grant Program was created to offer Colorado-based nonprofits and organizations the ability to request necessary funding (up to $10,000) for community projects and programs. Completing this grant application does not guarantee funding from the Denver Broncos.
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The Empowerment Program is a community that believes humanity is best served by a diverse population coming together to encourage the most caring and equitable relationships between people. We align with those working to improve the health of our humanity by opening our minds and hearts to a world where all are loved and compassionately cared for. We understand we have much in common with each other, while also embracing our differences as essential to the human spirit and to its health and well being.
The alarming increase in bias-related violence against non-white people across different communities speaks to the larger issue of the systemic racism and oppression embedded in our society and institutions. Let us work every day to transform and re-create the oppressive systems in our own community and the larger world to become the place where we all feel safe and can manifest the best of our humanity in our work and in our actions. This can be our unifying goal.
The Empowerment Program stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We condemn police brutality and the systemic, physical, emotional and psychological violence against black people. We also condemn the larger, societal disease of white supremacy and the entire system of racist, oppressive rules, laws, policies and practices that evolved out of the persistent refusal to view black people as equals. We know black lives have just as much value as white lives and we will not tolerate the rhetoric of fear and anger so many use to sustain power.
The Empowerment Program stands against all acts of hate and bias as we stand in solidarity with our Asian and Asian-American staff, participants, and with the wider Asian community. Today, and every day, we affirm our commitment to the incredible diversity that defines the Empowerment community as we work together to build a healthier, safer, and more inclusive environment.
To radically change the culture of law enforcement, we must all work to radically change the culture of our entire society. We vow to amplify the voices of individuals who have deep, profound knowledge and insight that come from experiencing severe racial and social injustice. We are dedicated to empowering those who have been directly impacted by injustice and racism to emerge as partners and leaders of the movements for justice we are building.
We commit to the demanding work transformative change requires. We will vote, engage in policy change and hold ourselves and everyone around us accountable for the restoration of basic civil and human rights for people of color.
The alarming increase in bias-related violence against non-white people across different communities speaks to the larger issue of the systemic racism and oppression embedded in our society and institutions. Let us work every day to transform and re-create the oppressive systems in our own community and the larger world to become the place where we all feel safe and can manifest the best of our humanity in our work and in our actions. This can be our unifying goal.
The Empowerment Program stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We condemn police brutality and the systemic, physical, emotional and psychological violence against black people. We also condemn the larger, societal disease of white supremacy and the entire system of racist, oppressive rules, laws, policies and practices that evolved out of the persistent refusal to view black people as equals. We know black lives have just as much value as white lives and we will not tolerate the rhetoric of fear and anger so many use to sustain power.
The Empowerment Program stands against all acts of hate and bias as we stand in solidarity with our Asian and Asian-American staff, participants, and with the wider Asian community. Today, and every day, we affirm our commitment to the incredible diversity that defines the Empowerment community as we work together to build a healthier, safer, and more inclusive environment.
To radically change the culture of law enforcement, we must all work to radically change the culture of our entire society. We vow to amplify the voices of individuals who have deep, profound knowledge and insight that come from experiencing severe racial and social injustice. We are dedicated to empowering those who have been directly impacted by injustice and racism to emerge as partners and leaders of the movements for justice we are building.
We commit to the demanding work transformative change requires. We will vote, engage in policy change and hold ourselves and everyone around us accountable for the restoration of basic civil and human rights for people of color.
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From the Executive DirectorWhat is expected of all of us right now is a lot. But we were made for this. And if we stay connected, work together, and love one another, we will continue to rise.
To ensure we continue to support the health and well-being of our participants, staff, families, and communities during COVID-19, we’ve found new, creative ways to provide services and stay connected because we’re here for you! While our location at 1600 York Street remains largely closed until further notice, we do have the following services available currently:
Together we are stronger, wiser, and more courageous than we realize. We got this. Julie Kiehl, JD |
Stage One: Safety and Stabilization - Overcoming Dysregulation
As a first step, you must first learn to comprehend the effects of trauma: to recognize common symptoms and to understand the meaning of overwhelming body sensations, intrusive emotions, and distorted cognitive schemas. The achievement of safety and stability rests on the following tasks:
- Establishing bodily safety: e.g. abstinence from self-injury.
- Establishment of a safe environment: e.g., a secure living situation, non-abusive relationships, a job and/or regular income, adequate supports.
- Establishment of emotional stability: e.g., ability to calm the body, regulate impulses, self-soothe, manage post-traumatic symptoms triggered by mundane events.
The goal of this stage is to create a safe and stable "life in the here-and-now," allowing you to safely remember the trauma, rather than continue to re-live it.
Stage Two: Coming to Terms with Traumatic Memories
At this stage, the focus is to overcome the fear of traumatic memories so they can be integrated, allowing appreciation for the person you have become as a result of the trauma. In order to metabolize (not just verbalize) memories, you may make use of EMDR or other mind-body therapies. Pacing ensures that you don't become "stuck" in avoidance or overwhelmed by memories and flashbacks. Since "remembering is not recovering," the goal is to come to terms with the traumatic past.
Stage Three: Integration and Moving On
You can now begin to work on decreasing shame and alienation, developing a greater capacity for healthy attachment, and taking up personal and professional goals that reflect post-traumatic meaning-making. Overcoming fears of normal life, healthy challenge and change, and intimacy become the focus of the work. As your life becomes reconsolidated around a healthy present and a healed self, the trauma feels farther away, part of an integrated understanding of self but no longer a daily focus.
2022 Spring Fling
Fundraiser Benefiting The Empowerment Program, Inc.
June 7, 2022, 5:30-8:30pm
Carla Madison Recreation Center
Silent & Live Auctions, Grazing Table, Cash Bar, Program & Awards
FESTIVAL for LIFE and EMPOWERMENT
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For over 30 years, thousands of people from across Colorado have joined together as a community to raise money for organizations that provide critical services to people living with or at risk of acquiring HIV. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this is the first year Festival for Life will go virtual.
The Empowerment Program is a Partner Agency for the Festival For Life AIDS Walk Colorado. 60% of funds raised for the Empowerment Program team will come back to Empowerment for services for women living with HIV. We depend on these funds to provide needed and unfunded items such as: hygiene items, feminine hygiene items, emergency copay assistance for medications, cold weather gear such as hats/gloves, socks & underwear, and other urgent needs of participants. GOAL: $1,000
Join our virtual team! Donate! Share!
Click on the 'Join Team' if interested! |
SEX ED TRIVIA
Event Registration
Entry Fee: $20 Sponsor another person to play and/or Donate additional money! Locally Sourced PRIZES! Supporting our local artists and small business owners August 6, 2020 6:30-8:30pm REGISTER / SPONSOR |
BREAK THE BIAS
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
MARCH 8, 2022
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
Together we can forge women's equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
MARCH 8, 2022
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
Together we can forge women's equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
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Teaira Anderson
INTAKE SPECIALIST & Care Manager | 970-823-3610 or 303-320-1989 Ext. 251 She, Her, Hers |
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IT TAKES A VILLAGE
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Male Specific Programming- 6 sessions of full body acupuncture
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RELAPSE PREVENTION |
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Relapse Prevention is drug/alcohol treatment group that focuses on building cognitive and behavioral skills to help support sober living and provide support in recovery.
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9 indoor cycling bikes, 2 classes & 9 spots to dance your heart out!
$100 a bike & $100 to dance
Not able to make it to ride or dance in person? We've got your covered!
REGISTER to RIDE ON YOUR OWN & we'll send you our Spotify playlist!
FESTIVAL for LIFE and EMPOWERMENT
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For over 30 years, thousands of people from across Colorado have joined together as a community to raise money for organizations that provide critical services to people living with or at risk of acquiring HIV. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this is the first year Festival for Life will go virtual.
The Empowerment Program is a Partner Agency for the Festival For Life AIDS Walk Colorado. 60% of funds raised for the Empowerment Program team will come back to Empowerment for services for women living with HIV. We depend on these funds to provide needed and unfunded items such as: hygiene items, feminine hygiene items, emergency copay assistance for medications, cold weather gear such as hats/gloves, socks & underwear, and other urgent needs of participants. GOAL: $1,000
Join our virtual team! Donate! Share!
Click on the 'Join Team' if interested! |
SEX ED TRIVIA!Event Registration
Entry Fee: $20 Sponsor another person to play and/or Donate additional money! Locally Sourced PRIZES! Supporting our local artists and small business owners Date to be announced SOON! |
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Join us Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 11am-1pmCalling ALL Staff & ALL Participants for FREE LUNCH (first 50 people) and a PHOTO SHOOT on THURSDAY, September 24TH from 11A-1PM at Empowerment’s parking lot.
Check out Peggy’s website One Million Faces – link is below! You can write your own inspiring message on a white board for your photo!! Each person’s photo will take no more than 10 minutes, we hope EVERYONE can join us!!! Just show up and be ready to inspire with your beautiful smile and message!! www.onemillionfaces.org See you Thursday at Empowerment in the parking lot anytime 11am – 1pm!!! |
MONDAY MOTIVATION Cancelled for September
HOST: Meghan Behring |
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Start the week off by joining with community. We will gather together to set and share our weekly intentions.
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HOW ARE WE DOING? |
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First time on Zoom?
Join us to check-in, test out Zoom, work out the kinks, and talk about things we are working on! |
Sex Ed Trivia!Register Today!
Entry Fee: $20 Sponsor another person to play and/or Donate additional money! August 6, 2020 6:30-8:30pm Register - Sex Ed Trivia! |
Locally Sourced PRIZES!
Supporting our local artists and small business owners You will receive an e-mail with the Zoom link. |
The Empowerment Program is a Partner Agency for the Festival For Life AIDS Walk Colorado. 60% of funds raised for the Empowerment Program team will come back to Empowerment for services for women living with HIV. We depend on these funds to provide needed and unfunded items such as: hygiene items, feminine hygiene items, emergency copay assistance for medications, cold weather gear such as hats/gloves, socks & underwear, and other urgent needs of participants.
Do you have any questions about sex and sexuality? Ask them anonymously here:
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Q: Who should REGISTER for Sex Ed Trivia?
ANSWERS:
A. EVERYONE who thinks they may have played it a long time ago!
B. EVERYONE who thinks they probably wouldn't want to play with their grandparents...but, maybe!
C. EVERYONE who thinks it's funny or awkward to talk about sex, sexuality, gender, and new ideas!
D. EVERYONE who thinks it's AWESOME and FUN to talk about sex, sexuality, gender, and new ideas!
E. EVERYONE who thinks they know everything about sex ed!
F. EVERYONE who thinks they know nothing about sex ed!
G. EVERYONE who … is YOU!
A. EVERYONE who thinks they may have played it a long time ago!
B. EVERYONE who thinks they probably wouldn't want to play with their grandparents...but, maybe!
C. EVERYONE who thinks it's funny or awkward to talk about sex, sexuality, gender, and new ideas!
D. EVERYONE who thinks it's AWESOME and FUN to talk about sex, sexuality, gender, and new ideas!
E. EVERYONE who thinks they know everything about sex ed!
F. EVERYONE who thinks they know nothing about sex ed!
G. EVERYONE who … is YOU!
Q: What IS Sex Ed Trivia?
ANSWER: Exactly what you think it is!
Begin Your Wellness Journey at Empowerment
or call 720-425-6293
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*If Intensive Outpatient or Outpatient Treatment is NOT needed, we will refer you to a Peer Navigator to make a plan.
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*If yReceive a day planner, $10 gift card, & welcome kit to help prepare for your wellness journey!
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BEYOND TRAUMA |
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Beyond Trauma is a group for women who are ready to examine the reach and impact of trauma on women’s lives, helping to integrate traumatic experiences through understanding, mindfulness, and connection.
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MOTHERHOOD
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Motherhood provides a safe environment where parents can openly discuss their successes and challenges of parenting and the difficult relationships we often have with our own mothers.
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FINDING THE CORE BELIEFLet Love Be Your Beam
LAST CLASS on June 26! FRIDAYS 2 – 3pm HOST: Amber B. Shells Meeting ID: 817 1373 6748 |
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Join us to explore why we make the decisions that we make and how we see our own personal truth. Find the root belief versus our emotional beliefs. We will be exploring how beliefs and emotions can limit us. Please bring paper and a pencil to the group.
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