To our Focus Points Supporters,
Happy End of Summer! At Focus Points, we’ve been busy with our Friday Farmers’ Market – so far serving 176 participants per week – and our annual Back to School event – where we gave away 300 backpacks. We’re looking forward to seeing you at our fun-filled Lotería event on Friday, September 5. Tickets are still available!
While we remain focused on our mission-critical work, I have a blend of news to share with you.
Many of you have asked whether Focus Points has been affected by recent cuts in government grants and contracts. The biggest impact is to our Wildflowers English for Newcomers program, which will no longer receive federal funds as of Wednesday, October 1. This change is squarely a result of the current administration’s targeted approach to reduce services for refugees and immigrants. This news rocked the very foundation of Focus Points and means that we will be forced to close the program on September 30. Focus Points has offered English classes for 30 years, ever since neighbors in the Five Points area approached our founders, Terry and Patti Lohman, asking for classes so that they could help their children with schoolwork and seek better jobs. The Lohmans shared “the halls were full of students.” With this rich history, the impact of eliminating funding is crushing to the soul of Focus Points. It is also frustrating for the more than 300 students we currently serve. When a student learns English, they have better access to health care, entry into the workforce and improved educational outcomes. Our teachers and staff are navigating this process with dignity, pride in the quality of instruction that they have provided over the years, and intentionality in connecting students with additional resources. Please take a moment to read below about a recent trip with students to the Botanic Gardens. If you would like to know more about the financial need to continue this programming or know of resources or funders, please connect with our development team.
I also want to update you on our efforts to rezone our property—an important step for our organization, supporting both our current programming and future initiatives such as a possible community land trust, early childhood center, and affordable housing. Unfortunately, our application was denied, but we were encouraged to apply again in the future. The Focus Points Board of Directors is currently reassessing the situation and deciding on next steps.
Despite these setbacks, Focus Points remains committed to our mission to build better communities by strengthening families. We are looking forward to a new program year with our upcoming Lotería event because this year is even more special as we celebrate Focus Points’ 30th anniversary. If you haven’t attended in the past, check out this brief video for an idea of what to expect at this special community event. If you can’t make it this year, you can still make a donation to support Focus Points or to sponsor a community member attending the event.
After 30 years of service, Focus Points Family Resource Center remains rooted in our mission and proud of the impact that we make every day. Thank you for being a part of that journey.
Hope to see you at Lotería!
En unidad,
Julio Kelty
Director ejecutivo
Lotería is Just Around the Corner!
Friday, September 5th
Focus Points’ annual signature fundraising event, ¡Lotería!, is happening next week—Friday, September 5, from 6–10 p.m. at the McNichols Civic Center Building.
Enjoy a vibrant evening of multicultural cuisine prepared by Jebena Ethiopian Coffee & Catering, Prieto’s Catering, and SukNuh, live music by Denver’s own Los Mocochetes, and exciting rounds of the traditional Mexican game of chance.
If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you to support Focus Points by making a donation. Every gift directly sustains programs that strengthen families and build thriving communities in the Globeville-Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods and across the greater Denver area.
Purchase Your Ticket!
Can’t Attend? – Donate to Focus Points!
Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors!
Back2School – Preparing Children for a Bright Year Ahead
On Saturday, August 9, Focus Points welcomed families from the Globeville-Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods and across Denver to our annual Back2School event. This joyful gathering continued our 30th anniversary festivities and brought families together to prepare for a strong start to the school year.
264 children left ready for the school year ahead. Every child received a backpack filled with school supplies—organized with care by a team of volunteers—along with helpful resources from our community partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Alpine Bank and Comcast for sponsoring this year’s event, and to all of you who contributed backpacks, supplies, and financial support.
Ensuring a Healthy Start for Our Youngest Community Members
This past Saturday, August 23, we welcomed families to our Early Childhood Health Fair at the Hydro building on the CSU Spur campus. Thanks to the generosity and collaboration of our community partners, families had access to vital health screenings, services, and engaging activities—strengthening the support network that helps young children thrive. We are deeply grateful to the families who joined us and to the volunteers and partners whose dedication made this event possible.
Celebrating Milestones in our Home Visitation Programs
Focus Points celebrated the incredible achievements of families in our Home Visitation programs. On Friday, May 23, families from HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) and on Thursday, June 5, families from PAT (Parents as Teachers) gathered to honor their children’s growth. These graduations were joyful moments filled with connection, pride, and anticipation for the future.
Adding to the excitement, our HIPPY program has received national recognition for their work in equipping homecare givers with the tools to ensure quality early childhood education. This is an incredible milestone that affirms the strength and impact of our work. Stay tuned to learn more how you can contribute to our upcoming Winter Fiesta on Friday, December 5!
Huerta Urbana Farmers Market: Nourishing Families, Building Community
Our Huerta Urbana Farmers’ Market has been alive with fresh produce, community connection, and local partnership. The Market runs every Friday from June 13 through October 31, welcoming neighbors from 2:00–5:00pm. The celebration of National Farmers’ Market Week on August 8 brought together a record number of attendees, along with partner booths and music that showcased the very best of community spirit.
For those with a green thumb—or simply a big heart—Huerta Urbana also offers volunteer opportunities throughout the week. To learn more, please contact our Development Manager, Jaz.
Building Language, Confidence and Community with Wildflower English for Newcomers
At Focus Points, learning English is more than classroom instruction—it’s about building community and creating opportunities for families to thrive in their new home. Through our Wildflower English for Newcomers program, participants and their families engage in activities that encourage connection, cultural exchange, and shared learning. From a joyful spring picnic to a special visit from the Denver Zoo, families are introduced to American culture in welcoming, supportive spaces.
Most recently, on Friday, July 25, families enjoyed a memorable trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens, exploring the vibrant summer blooms. From the beauty of the Monet Pond’s lilies and lotuses to the warmth of gathering together, the day offered both discovery and joy. For many, it was a first experience of one of Denver’s most beloved landmarks—a meaningful step in feeling more at home in a new country.
For 30 years, Focus Points has been honored to walk alongside newcomers as they build language skills, confidence, and community connections.
Supporting Older Adults with Connection and Care
Since last fall, participation in Focus Points’ Older Adults programming—part of our Family Support Services—has grown, showing just how vital these gatherings are for our community. In partnership with the HRCP Aging Division, we host monthly workshops where community partners share resources on topics ranging from housing and finances to mobility, technology, safety, and mental health. Each session also provides one-on-one opportunities for participants to connect directly with organizations that can help meet their needs with a shared lunch at the end of the event.
Thanks to our collaboration with the City of Denver, participants can also look forward to enriching outings—like our upcoming trip to the History Colorado Center on Thursday, September 25.
