Mission

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado helps academically capable and motivated
children-in-need to meet their full potential and become men and women for
others by providing value-centered, family-like homes, opportunities and education through college.

History

Inspired by the Boys Town model of embracing society's marginalized children, Father Paul Sheridan, a Jesuit priest in St. Louis, Missouri, founded Boys Hope Girls Hope in 1977 as a non-profit, multi-denominational program to benefit urban children.   National Boys Hope Girls Hope suports 37 residences in 15 U.S. cities and four foreign countries (Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru).  The national organization provides accounting and marketing services and materials along with staff training for all local programs.   Each city's Boys Hope Girls Hope is independently operated; governed by a local Board of Directors, managed by a local Executive Director, and responsible for their own programming, fundraising, special events and volunteerism.

In 1994, Denver developers Don McFall and Barry Talley established Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado to serve boys in the Denver community by involving their friends and associates. The Boys Hope home was constructed through donations.  Through the 2009-2010 school year, Boys Hope has offered 142 scholarships to young men in the metro Denver area. 

The Girls Hope home is scheduled to open January 3, 2010.  Currently four girls are being served in a non-residential program.  This Fall, Boys Hope Girls Hope started a School-Based Enrichment Program in partnership with Escuela de Guadalupe and Annunciation schools.  Twenty-six honor roll students from Spanish-speaking families are enrolled in the program with the goal of enhancing their English proficiency. 
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado continues to benefit from the tradition of individual gifting, support and volunteerism that began with Mr. McFall and Mr. Talley.  Each year, nearly 36% of resources provided to the scholars (including significant medical, dental and residential maintenance) are in-kind contributions made by professionals and community members.  

In 2009, BHGH has grown from a residential program serving eight young men into an organization that provides residential and school-based services to 40 boys and girls. 

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