Elevating Connections 5th Annual Poetry Jam

350 South Dahlia Street,Denver CO 80246

25 May, 2022

Description

Youth voice matters and our youth have something to say & they want their community to listen! An evening of inspiration & hope! There is nothing more powerful than hearing from our youth directly about their experiences growing up in foster care. Each performer will share their story in their own words and they will move you, educate you, and open your hearts to current and former youth in foster care. It's an evening you won't soon forget! Our voice is our most compelling tool we have to tell our own stories. Our voice is the most dynamic instrument we have to advocate for ourselves & others. Imagine being part of a group of people who are often overlooked and whose voices are often silenced. We firmly believe that everyone has a right to be heard, especially the incredible youth we serve. Doors open at 6:30 Poetry Jam begins at 7:00, followed by a dessert reception Alexander Miller was an incredible young man who performed in every Poetry Jam with enthusiasm and joy. Alex believed in the power of voice to speak his truth and to advocate for other youth in foster care, especially youth with disabilities. Sadly, Alex died on March 12, 2022. His death has left a hole in our hearts and our community that can never be filled. Our youth participants have created a moving and intensely honest tribute to honor Alex and all he meant to us that will be shared at the beginning of the Poetry Jam. We will also share how Elevating Connections will continue to ensure Alex is forever a part of our organization. In 2020 the Foster Care Challenge was created by Mixed Roots & Music is Unity in response to the pandemic and it's impact on current & former foster youth. In collaboration with Mixed Roots & Music is Unity, Elevating Connections, the only Colorado based organization to participate in the Foster Care Challenge, continues to provide food insecurity & technology support to youth impacted by the pandemic thanks to grants we have received from Music is Unity & the Foster Care Challenge. Music Is Unity: Created by the fabulous Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, MIU is a leading non-profit focused on helping young people thrive in their transition out of the foster system. We financially support agencies that provide programming to enhance the ability of foster youth to transition successfully into adulthood. We make grants to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide supportive services for youth who are emancipating from the foster care system. Mixed Roots Foundation :Rooted in Multiculturalism, We improve the quality of life by collaborating with individuals, businesses & organizations in the greater community to promote & support organizations, create awareness, and inspire future generations to achieve their dreams & goals through strategic outreach, multimedia, and innovative grant making programs including mentoring, DNA testing and unique scholarships & grants for the global multicultural adoption and foster care community & their families. This year, to help Elevating Connections raise critical dollars to provide quality programming, Music is Unity has provided us tickets to the Earth, Wind & Fire's upcoming Denver concert, a backstage pass sound check with the band, an autographed vinyl record and more. Go to tickets to learn how you can have a chance to win this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.