Annual Report 2021 – Thanksgiving Overflows
We are pleased to present Mile High Ministries’ Annual Report from our fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. This is truly our expression of thanksgiving. Blessings have flowed freely and joyfully—shared by you, by our staff and volunteers, and those who participate in our programs.
Some impact highlights from the fiscal year are below, and you can click here for a full report including our financials.
For so many, the past year involved trauma and loss. It was also a year of uncommon generosity and care. God is ever present to us in all of it—the giving and the struggle. Together we learn to pay attention and recognize the Divine in the face of our neighbors.
The close of this fiscal year saw a milestone in the life of our community: the launch of Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center as an independent non-profit organization after 15 years at MHM. JAMLAC is one of the most vital efforts serving vulnerable people in our city, and we will remain close partners on a daily basis. Of course, this kind of friendly launch is nothing new to MHM. Over the years we’ve birthed small businesses, outreach programs, schools, cutting-edge leadership programs—and now a legal aid center—launching each to operate independently when the time seemed right.
This transition allows us to focus on expanding the redemptive housing model we’ve pursued at Joshua Station for twenty years. The completion of our $4.2 million capital campaign, along with the rest of the $25 million funding package, has us poised to begin construction of a new community at Clara Brown Commons in the new year!
We all know how important truly affordable housing has become in Denver. Beyond simply roofs over heads, we are absolutely convinced of the importance of building robust communities where people belong, and where kids can thrive in their growing-up years.
Your generosity and encouragement has sustained the work of MHM for 35 years. As always, the main message of this report is very simple: Thank you!
Blessings and peace,
Jeff Johnsen
Executive Director, Mile High Ministries
Your giving, together with the courage and hard work of our resident families, is a truly transformational partnership. In these challenging times we celebrate that our families have secure, supportive housing as they rebuild from homelessness—in a safe and caring community.
89 adults and 197 children in 79 families received family advocacy, mental health care, early childhood education, youth tutoring and mentoring, adult education, and employment services—as they worked toward their goals. 25 families are in various stages of the program, typically with stays of two years.
100% of families moved into stable housing upon graduating from our program. 6 families graduated in the past year, with another 8 families set to graduate by January 2022.
27 adults and 37 children received 838 counseling sessions. 88% of children who received mental health services, including play therapy, showed decreased intensity of emotional distress as reported by parents. 72% of our school-aged children improved school attendance.
298 individual volunteers provided over 1,200 hours of service including tutoring, community meals, room renovation, and life skills education. The pandemic greatly restricted activities, but we are now able to welcome on-site volunteers.
As a training organization, Mile High Ministries provides opportunities for people to learn and grow as urban peacemakers, including through our hosted affiliate programs. Please contact us for more information.
We celebrated our Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center becoming its own independent organization on July 1, 2021. They remain integral to our work and continue in our building. In the past year JAMLAC provided legal services to over 2,000 people, 86% of whom are survivors of abuse.
