StandUp for Kids – Denver
Yes, we are small, but we are mighty for sure and as the “Starfish story” (see below) goes…even if it’s just ONE, we’ve made a difference to THAT ONE…and sometimes that ONE has to be enough. How can it not be? If it were YOUR son or daughter, it would be enough for YOU. We have gotten the opportunity recently to step into the life of an 18-year-old named Angelique (who goes by Duckie. Read her story in her own words below) — ONLY because of the unwavering support from our donors, friends and supporters are we able to do any of what we do not only for her but for all the others out there that we love and try to make a difference with.
Duckie is now able to begin the process for getting her GED, is taking a CPR certification class this weekend, is thinking about taking an EMT certification course…truly ONLY because you all have made it possible. She took the Flagger certification class last weekend as well through TNT Construction. All the job opportunities that are made available the better. We are providing her monthly bus passes to make it easier to get around as well.
Duckie’s story:
My name is Angelique aka “Duckie”, I prefer Duckie. I am from Colorado and this is my life story.
Growing up was rough.
I come from a family of five siblings in a family of 6 kids. I spent my childhood years with only two, my sister Lucinda aka “Binky”, and my brother Christopher. Our parents weren’t around because of their drug habit. The three of us grew up with an abusive woman was my father’s wife at the time. My sister and I were very close. She was like a mother to me, and she saved us from that evil woman. I’m not very close with my other siblings. When my mom got custody of us my sister would leave to live on the streets because my mom had so many problems. It got so bad that my sister would take me with her during the day. I loved going downtown with her. She taught me “street smarts”, and she made me feel loved. March 9, 2010, my sister Lucinda left this world behind. As the years went on my mom and I slowly lost that mother and daughter bond. Around 15 years old I started running away. I lived with my grandparents for about 5 months until I messed up and was sent back to my mother. When she found out, she wasn’t happy with the idea of me coming back. So, I went to live on the streets. I was what they call a “home bum” for the entire winter. That winter I learned something very valuable, “Do not trust every nice person. Some people out here want to hurt you in any way they can. and you just can’t trust them”. At that time in my life I was so hurt and confused that I took on traveling as my new best friend. I went to about 10 states, rail riding and hitchhiking, that year. I gained family that year. It was one of the best years ever, but I knew it was time to head home and take care of business. I hadn’t talked to my mom in such a long time I’m surprised she let me live with her. Although she kicked me out a few times, we knew deep down that there was no more room for heartache or pain. It gets hard living with my mom. There are just some things that never change. I work hard every day because I’m going to be better than any of the things I have experienced. I’m 18 now and so far, so good. There are ups and downs, and half the time I want to call it quits. But I know that I can do this because there’s so much more of my life that I need to live! So, let’s see what the future brings.
Volunteer and Donor Spotlights:
One of our volunteers, Joy Giles is always available to help as she was last weekend to provide winter survival gear to one of our kids as Denver is not an easy place to be homeless in winter, as if it’s “easy” anywhere.
Stacey Derse Hicks and Hope Stafford are both very long-time friends and donors who are just incredible in the amount of giving they do (and in the size of their heartsâ¤ï¸)
Thank you to ALL of you for ALL you DO to keep us going through it all!
