Colfax Avenue has been in the news a lot lately. There is growing hope and excitement over the changes in economic development being brought about by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Campus at Fitzsimons. But if you look more closely amid the run-down motels and trailer courts along East Colfax you will see something else.Decaying buildings are in need of demolition to make way for the bright new future of Colfax, but a transient residential community many of whom are families with children, living in poverty who have only these places to call home. How bright is their future? What hope do they have?

Colfax Community Network: An Avenue of Hope, just as it's name indicates, offers hope to these families. Located at First Presbyterian Church, 1585 Kingston Street in Aurora CCN was organized in 1999 when the founder and executive director, Maggie Tidwell, recognized the needs of these families. CCN's main program is the after school program for children ages 6-12. Walk into CCN any day after school and you will see a group of 15-20 eager and active children, involved in a variety of activities. If it is early in the afternoon they will be enjoying a nutritious snack. As the afternoon progresses there will be time for homework, reading and play. On Wednesday the children get to spend lots of time at the their "back yard," Spencer Garrett Park, which they recently adopted through the Parks and Open Space Department's Green Space-Clean Space program. The energy level is high with lots of laughter and some tears. Sometimes there is anger. But, no matter what, there is a sense of community, friendship and safety,something that is lacking for children of the families who have no permanent address, live in isolation and poverty; children for whom the rundown residential motels along East Colfax are home. Besides the regular after school activities, the program takes the children on field trips. Some occur on a regular basis, like swimming at the Utah Park pool or going to theDowntown Aurora Visual Arts. Others include trips to the Arvada Center, Botanic Garden and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. During the summer, CCN also offers a free, six-week summer camp.

CCN has other support services as well. The last Thursday of the month is Family Night. Dinner is served to 80 -100 people and transportation is provided. A Parent-tot Support Group meets once a week and includes transportation, early childhood education activities, resources for parents and lunch. There is also an outreach program, a small food bank and a December Holiday Dinner and Party that serves over 300 people.

It is Colfax Community Network's mission to bring hope to the lives of the hundreds of people, especially children, who live in desperation along the Colfax corridor. Your grant will help brighten these children's future. For more information or to volunteer, check out our web site at www.colfaxcommunitynetwork.org.