Community Corner | Southwest Denver Coalition
Meet Southwest Denver Coalition, a grassroots nonprofit that has been quietly, and powerfully, doing the work in Southwest Denver for 16 years. Led by Executive Director Cassandra Ornelas, who grew up right there in the community, the organization serves 13 neighborhoods from Colfax Avenue to Hampton, Sheridan to Platte. What makes it different from your average nonprofit isn't just where it operates: it’s how. "I don't want to do it for them," Cassandra explains. "I want to do it with them."
Take art instructor Mark Romero's classes, for example. What started as a single graffiti art session grew into a full-blown youth program with iPad Procreate classes, skateboard design workshops, and over 40 kids a week walking through the doors. The program runs four nine-week sessions a year and has been going strong for four years now, all with a youth violence prevention focus
Beyond art, Southwest Denver Coalition runs the Pialli Youth Leadership Development Program, covering everything from financial literacy and resume writing to podcasting and social media. They also support the Westwood Community Action Team, a resident-led group that now functions as the neighborhood's official RNO.
Every summer, it all comes together at their Save Summer Kickoff, a massive event held at Garfield Lake Park the day after school lets out. We're talking kayaking, rock climbing, free fishing poles, art stations, and 80 to 100 community organizations under one roof. Last year, around 3,000 people showed up. This year's event is Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and they're looking for volunteers.
Find them at southwestdenvercoalition.org or on Instagram and Facebook @SouthwestDenverCoalition.
