The statistics on child abuse in Colorado are staggering; Every 6 minutes someone reports a concern of child abuse and in 2013 over 10,000 children suffered abuse or neglect. However, the Tennyson Center for Children has been working tirelessly throughout Colorado to change those numbers and offer children and their families hope.
The Tennyson Center for Children was founded over 100 years ago and has grown over the years to become one of the Rocky Mountain region’s leading treatment centers for abused and neglected, and at-risk youth. Tennyson Center offers residential and day treatment programs designed to support children that have been unsuccessful in more restrictive academic settings.
Community partners, outreach, and political advocacy are just a few of the areas where Tennyson Center has promoted the welfare of Colorado children and paved the way for at-risk families to develop skills and “live empowered lives.” Built on a foundation of empathy and commitment to healing, Tennyson Center promotes family involvement, commitment to a safe and open environment, and cultural sensitivity that helps families learn together in a nurturing and safe community.
One way that Tennyson Center is able to provide for so many is through corporate 
partnerships and ongoing fundraising. One popular annual event is the Mile High Q & Brew started in 2010 by “a group of Denver business leaders committed to making a difference in their community.” This year’s event will be held February 20th at Mile High Station featuring recording artists Brothers Osborne (with table sponsorship provided by the Greater Glendale Chamber). The 6th Annual Mile High Country Q & Brew will benefit children’s programs which range from education and counseling to reunification and ongoing treatment.
Funds raised at last year’s event were instrumental in the recent construction of a new playground on the corner of 29th and Tennyson. This playground was made possible thanks to a partnership with KaBOOM! and The CarMax Foundation. Over 300 volunteers built an integrative-design playground where kids can run, swing, laugh, and have fun and they built it in just 6 hours. The playground is made even more special because the design was chosen based on drawings made by children who live at Tennyson Center of their dream playgrounds . . . minus the popular request for a “shark pit.”
Photo by Maggie Frasure
The Tennyson Center makes children a priority and shaping public policy is an important component in order to maintain sustainability and ensure community support. Tennyson Center has developed strategic partnerships with several advocacy groups that are highly engaged in the political process to ensure that the voices of the many children positively impacted by the programs are heard. These organizations include The Colorado Children’s Caucus and Every Child Matters Education Fund.
You can help make a difference in a child’s life by attending an event, donating time, or auction items, and volunteering. For more information about getting involved or to learn more about the upcoming 6th Annual Mile High Country Q & Brew please visit Tennyson Center for Children’s website at www.tennysoncenter.org or www.childabuse.org to view videos on programs and services and learn more about how you can help change lives and give hope to children who need it most.
Source material gathered from the following outlets: The Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle, Tennyson Center for Children website and www.9news.com
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