Our Organizations

Callie’s Backyard has been busy providing opportunities for young people in Colorado and we need YOUR help to continue our mission!

Callie’s Backyard is honored to champion three initiatives for Colorado youth—and we can’t do it without your support.

Our Shoe Project puts brand-new sneakers on the feet of kids who need them most, right here in Colorado communities where access is limited. For these young people, a simple pair of shoes means dignity, confidence, and the freedom to fully engage in school and daily life.

YOUR gift will help Colorado kids put their best foot forward!

Denver Police Brotherhood Boxing offers more than just a place to train—it’s a safe haven where Colorado youth find mentorship, structure, and a sense of purpose. Your donation provides essential gear, transportation, and ongoing support for this powerful program.

Every dollar you give puts purpose, mentorship, and opportunity in a young person’s corner.

Our Club Law program has been a success at Aspen High School and Aspen Middle School. We are raising funds to continue providing this program in the Roaring Fork Valley and replicate its proven success in Denver. Launched by the Callie’s Backyard Youth Advisory Board, this program connects students with professionals in law and enforcement to empower them with knowledge about the legal system. We are actively seeking school principals in Denver to adopt this program in their schools!

Help us replicate Club Law’s success—donate now to bring this empowering program from Aspen to Denver classrooms!

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The Urgent Reality Facing Denver Youth

Callie’s Backyard is committed to serving Colorado youth who face real, immediate challenges. Here’s a look at the issues affecting many young people in Denver today:

💊 Substance Use

A long-term survey of homeless youth in Denver revealed alarming statistics:

75% reported marijuana use
69% used alcohol
19% used cocaine
18% used methamphetamine
11% exchanged sex for money, drugs, or basic needs

This data highlights the direct connection between homelessness, substance use, and vulnerability to exploitation.

🏠 Youth Homelessness

Nearly 1 in 4 teens in Denver (ages 14–17) experienced homelessness or housing insecurity in 2021 — more than double the rate from just a few years earlier. Many of these youth are not living on the streets but are "doubled up," staying temporarily with friends or extended family.

In 2025, over 10,700 people were counted as experiencing homelessness across metro Denver. While the number of unsheltered individuals has decreased, the overall need continues to rise.

🚨 Sex Trafficking Risks

Colorado ranks among the top 10 states for reported human trafficking cases, with 84 incidents in 2023, many in Denver County. FBI operations in Denver have rescued multiple juvenile victims, reinforcing the need for youth-focused intervention and education.

Local initiatives like the Denver Anti-Trafficking Alliance are working to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered services to youth most at risk.