Vickers Boys & Girls Club Turns 10

Community Anniversary Party Is Planned For Oct. 27 With Meals, Trunk-Or-Treat And A Celebration Of Community

By Lauren Kamm

For the GPHN

In 2008, Holly Square, a thriving retail center and social hotspot for almost 50 years, fell victim to gang-related activities and was burned to the ground. Yet, despite the devastation, the community refused to let violence define its children’s futures.

Following the arson at The Holly — as the block at Holly Street and 33rd Avenue is affectionately known — residents of the neighborhood rallied together with city leaders to form the Holly Area Redevelopment Project (HARP). Their mission was simple: to bring connection and healing to a neighborhood scarred by violence through a space that would provide neighborhood kids with safety, education, and opportunity. HARP began exploring ways to nurture the good in their community and bring about social change.

In spring of 2009, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver was welcomed as a partner in this process. It was evident that, in order to help bring hope and healing to the community, its children needed a safe space to socialize, learn, and play.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver turned to one of its longtime supporters, The Anschutz Foundation. The foundation agreed to contribute $5 million towards the capital development of a new community center, named for Nancy P. Anschutz to honor her commitment to Denver’s youth.

The center houses the Jack A. Vickers Boys & Girls Club, along with other nonprofit partners dedicated to strengthening families and providing positive places for the community to connect and thrive.

The Club provides a safe space for kids and teens to spend time outside of school, offering a range of programs focusing on education, character development, and healthy lifestyles. Every year the club offers more than 500 members opportunities and resources. Members from other Boys & Girls Clubs converge from all over the city for teen nights, holiday parties, tech and photography tutorials, field trips, and competitions.

Over the years, the programs offered have developed and changed, but they have always supported youth development in three foundational areas: academic success, character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Today, mental health is also a key focus. Members are additionally exposed to diverse college and career paths, develop supportive relationships with peers and trusted adults, and develop their social-emotional skills.

“This anniversary marks a decade of beautiful partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and the surrounding community partners in Northeast Park Hill,” says Erin Porteous, chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. “We’re proud to serve in this diverse and vibrant community.”

10-Year Party Is Oct. 27

Everyone Is Welcome

On Oct. 27 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is collaborating with surrounding community partners at the Nancy P. Anschutz Center and the Northeast Park Hill community to host a 10-year anniversary celebration for the Vickers Club.

The event is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the club, at 33rd Avenue and Holly Street. There will be meals, family-friendly activities, a trunk-or-treat event, and the opportunity to connect with neighbors and other community partners. Everyone is welcome.