An Act of Kindness making an Impact in Lives

Jaycee M. a client of COSC wanting to volunteer for outreach.

We here at COSC want to make lasting change in the Denver Five Points Community. There are several people who were once clients, now family serving and giving back, that have a story that explains our mission fairly clearly: working together to build a better community. Here is a moving story about Jaycee, who moved from Arizona to come to Colorado and is now wanting to make a difference in the lives of others:

“I grew up in poverty and had a wishy-washy childhood. I moved from home to home, sometimes staying with my grandma, other times with my aunts and uncles. When I was 10, there was a house fire that led to my family moving to Colorado from Arizona. No one was hurt, but it changed everything.

My family grew after that, and even though life hasn’t always been easy or traditional, family means the most to me. I hold them in the highest regard. As I got older, I went through a period of homelessness. That time came with a lot of isolation and solitude. I was just trying to find emotional and physical safety. I’m still unraveling parts of my past and learning who I am, but I’ve grown a lot into my own person.

When I was younger, I made a mistake that led to a juvenile charge, but it’s been expunged. It came from a roommate situation that went bad. I don’t hate anyone or wish bad on anyone, but I see everything as a lesson.

One day, while I was outside near Denver Rescue Mission, someone offered me a blanket and a meal. I thought it was just church resources at first, but that small act of kindness connected me to real support. It’s history ever since, and it all started with a blanket. My goal now is to uplift others the way people uplifted me.

I also stayed at Urban Peak Youth Shelter. I had heard mixed reviews, but they showed up for me when I needed it. Through case management, I was able to get into affordable youth housing, which gave me stability and a chance to move forward.

The Community Outreach Service Center has also made a big difference in my life. Accessibility was one of my biggest challenges before, and sometimes just knowing what resources were out there. Here, people are direct and give solid advice, especially about staying on track and working toward employment when I’m able.

Some of the most helpful things might seem small like hygiene supplies, meals, even a blanket, but they mean a lot when you’re trying to get back on your feet. It also helps just to have a place where you feel welcome and can breathe for a moment. Ms. Darlene [COSC office manager] has given me a space where I can just sit and be, and Mr. Al [COSC job specialist/ peer support specialist] is always eager and happy to help. Those little moments of kindness stick with you.

Being around people here gives me hope. I’m grateful, and I want to share that gratefulness with others. If there’s ever a chance for me to volunteer, I would love to give back. One day, I even hope to start my own nonprofit to help others the way I’ve been helped.

I’m not just trying to survive anymore. I’m thriving. And it’s nice to take a breath and remember that I’m human too."

Not only do our programs and services create a lasting impact, so does the support from community partners, funders, donors, and volunteers. We thank you for believing in the mission and understanding through each story that is shared; you are also impacting lives. We cannot continue to do the work that we do for the community if it were not for everyone's help.

I'm not just trying to survive anymore. I'm thriving. And it's nice to take a breath and remember that I'm human too.