Who We Are

The young people who join our program and experience a successful mentoring relationship are more likely to experience an increase in spiritual, emotional, and economic hope.
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Core Values

God Centered

We rely on God for our strength, guidance, and purpose. Our work flows from a posture of trust in Him, no just acknowledgment.

Embody Hope

Hope sees what’s possible, finds a way forward, and takes the next step. We take ownership of our own hope so we can speak life into others and stay grounded in purpose—especially when it’s hard.

Together on Purpose

We don’t drift into unity—we choose it. We show up for each other, speak truth with love, and move forward as one team. Collaboration isn’t just helpful—it’s how we win.

Unapologetic Excellence

We pursue excellence without apology—bringing our best effort, creativity, and focus to everything we do. Excellence isn’t perfection; it’s doing the best we can with what we have, every time.

Save Our Youth® in Numbers

1994

The year Save Our Youth began serving kids in the Denver area.

283

The number of youths served in 2024.

52

The number of months an average Save Our Youth mentoring relationship lasts.

100

The number of youth in the greater Denver metro area who still need a mentor.

Staff Members

Well-trained, highly experienced, and eager to help mentors do great work.

Russel Dains

President & CEO

Maria Borrego

Program Director

Don Kerns

Director of Operations & Finance

Matt Lange

Denver Program Manager

Angela Maher

Education Manager

Dan Frederick

Mentor Recruitment Manager

Matt Wilcox

Mentor Recruitment Coordinator

Carol Trejos

Mentoring Specialist III

Darcy Burge

Mentoring Specialist II

Ashleigh Birkholtz

Mentoring Specialist I

Michael TenBarge

Mentoring Specialist I

Rachel Best

Mentoring Specialist I

Candace Mitchell

Operations & Executive Assistant

Keith McVaney

Donor Relations

Jay Jung

Major Gifts Officer

Angela May

Development Coordinator

Board Members

Representing a wide range of industries, they guide the vision and direction of the organization.

Sarah Julianelle

Highlands Health & Wellness

Russel Dains

Save Our Youth

Matthew Misegadis

Misegadis & Associates LLC

Shannon Dreyfuss

Colorado Christian University

Peter Horstman

Prosperion Financial Advisors

David Brooks

Cirrus

Kirk Roberts

Bona

Sarah Anderson

Globe Life Family Heritage

Matt Manning

Crossroads Church

Cheryl Mendes-Ellis

Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church

Our History

1993

Denver’s “Summer of Violence” devastates families across the city. The crisis prompts pastors, social workers, and others to address the issue collaboratively.

1994

Mentoring emerges as one way to address the issues plaguing Denver’s youth, and Save Our Youth is launched.

2013

Save Our Youth launches The Master’s Apprentice, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, to address the gaps in employment preparation for young men and women.

2019

Co-founder Luis Villarreal passes the torch of leadership to the new CEO and President, Russel Dains.

2024

Serving nearly 3500 youth, Save Our Youth celebrates 30 years of mentoring in the Denver Metro Area.

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