Core Values
He is at the center of all we do. We embrace Scripture as our ultimate authority, and seek wisdom, guidance, and provision through prayer.
We see people as God sees people. We support and serve those living in poverty (emotional, spiritual, financial, or relational) by connecting them with resources that lead to hope.
All we do happens within the context of a healthy relationship. We strive to build relationships with all we interact with, including staff, youth, mentors, donors, the community, and church leaders.
Teamwork is our primary mode of operation. We intentionally seek and offer support, feedback, guidance, and collaboration.
We do all things to the best of our ability. We are good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure, both individually and as an organization. We gauge impact through clear measures of success.
Learning never ceases. We value wisdom and intentionally pursue ways to apply new knowledge. We commit to owning our mistakes and leveraging them as growth opportunities.
Save Our Youth in Numbers
1994
The year Save Our Youth began serving kids in the Denver area.
259
The number of youths served in 2023.
52
The number of months an average Save Our Youth mentoring relationship lasts.
90
The number of youth in the Denver area who still need a mentor.
Staff Members
Well-trained, highly experienced, and eager to help mentors do great work.
Board Members
Representing a wide range of industries, they guide the vision and direction of the organization.
Sarah Julianelle
Highlands Health & Wellness
Russel Dains
Save Our Youth
Matthew Misegadis
Misegadis & Associates LLC
Shannon Dreyfuss
Colorado Christian University
Peter Horstman
Prosperion Financial Advisors
Jeffrey Shepard
Hughes Marino
Kirk Roberts
Bona
Sarah Anderson
Globe Life Family Heritage
Matt Manning
Crossroads Church
Cheryl Mendes-Ellis
Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church
Our History
1993
Denver’s “Summer of Violence” devastates families across the city. The crisis prompts pastors, social workers, and others to address the issue collaboratively.
1994
Mentoring emerges as one way to address the issues plaguing Denver’s youth, and Save Our Youth is launched.
2013
Save Our Youth launches The Master’s Apprentice, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, to address the gaps in employment preparation for young men and women.
2019
Co-founder Luis Villarreal passes the torch of leadership to the new CEO and President, Russel Dains.
2024
Serving nearly 3500 youth, Save Our Youth celebrates 30 years of mentoring in the Denver Metro Area.