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.

Core Values

We rely on God for our strength, guidance, and purpose. Our work flows from a posture of trust in Him, not just acknowledgment.

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.

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.

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.

302

The number of youths served in 2025.

52

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

115

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.

Board Members

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

Matt Manning

Crossroads Church

Russel Dains

Save Our Youth

Cheryl Mendes-Ellis

Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church

Sarah Anderson

Globe Life Family Heritage

David Brooks

Cirrus

Kirk Roberts

Bona

Christina Ison

TekStream Solutions

Gavin McKelvey

Independent Investor & Ministry Leader

Lucy Rosas

Attorney

Adele Willson

HCM

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.