CONTACT:
Jenn Kostka Beck
jbeck@unitedwaydenver.org
303-263-4561 

The Huddle Was Possible Through a Grant from Empower and the Denver Broncos Foundation 

DENVER – Mile High United Way, along with Empower and the Denver Broncos Foundation, cut the ribbon Thursday on a new space at Mile High United Way’s headquarters for young adults who have exited the child welfare system.  

The new space, called The Huddle, is designed by and for Mile High United Way’s Bridging the Gap participants. Bridging the Gap connects young adults transitioning out of the child welfare system to stable housing and other wraparound services, including education and career opportunities and wellness support, so they can move toward independence and economic stability.  

As many as 28% of former foster youth in Colorado experience homelessness by age 19. In 2024, Bridging the Gap worked with over 140 young people aging out of the foster care system to help them access safe, stable housing. Participants also establish goals when they join Bridging the Gap. Then, the Colorado Division of Housing creates an escrow account matching participants’ rent payments. A participant receives a check for those funds when they meet their goals and graduate from the program. 

“The Huddle will provide a safe space for a very special group of families here at Mile High United Way – our Bridging the Gap participants. Thanks to Empower and the Denver Broncos Foundation, we’re taking unused office space on our second floor and turning it into a place where Bridging the Gap participants can come together and build community,” said Christine Benero, Mile High United Way president and CEO. “We are so fortunate to have so many outstanding organizations in Metro Denver, and Empower and the Denver Broncos are at the top of that list for how they support our community.” 

The Huddle offers Bridging the Gap participants and their families a place where they can take part in trainings and coaching, access seasonal clothing and children’s items, and take advantage of a safe child care room. 

Mile High United Way was able to create The Huddle, thanks to a grant from Empower and the Denver Broncos Foundation. Attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Denver Broncos President Damani Leech and Empower General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer Kelly Noble. 

“We are proud to partner with Mile High United Way and the Denver Broncos Foundation to support the communities where children and young adults have a safe place to thrive,” said Steve Jenks, chief marketing officer at Empower. “Collaborating on opportunities like this can help the next generation of young people build the future they want with the dignity they deserve.” 

The organizations’ financial commitment to The Huddle was only the beginning of this partnership. On March 6, nearly two dozen volunteers from Empower and the Denver Broncos, including NFL Hall of Fame Safety Steve Atwater, came to Mile High United Way to put the finishing touches on The Huddle. They built shelving, assembled the child care room and organized supplies. 

About Mile High United Way 

Working side-by-side with the community, Mile High United Way takes on critical human services issues facing our seven-county footprint, including the Metro Denver, Boulder and Broomfield communities. Our united approach changes the odds for all children, families, and individuals in our community, so that all have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at unitedwaydenver.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayDenver. 

About Empower 

Recognized as the second-largest retirement services provider in the U.S. by total participants, Empower administers approximately $1.8 trillion in assets for more than 19 million individuals through the provision of retirement plans, advice, wealth management and investments. Connect with us on empower.com, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram. 

About the Denver Broncos Foundation 

The Denver Broncos Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on future generations by creating a “game plan” for life through youth health and wellness initiatives, dynamic in and out of school programming and access to career pathways. 

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