EZRA
 The streets are a hard, cold, unloving place. There is no rest, no peace, and no real relationship. Children go hungry and thirsty. They are raped, used up as prostitutes, beaten up, and/or murdered. Some will freeze to death while others may kill each other or themselves. They are neglected and uncared for. They stand by hurting, crying out for attention, compassion, and help while the world just goes walking by.

Ezra is an outreach to streetkids in Denver. The streetkids we work with range in age from 15 to 40. Most come from backgrounds of abuse and neglect by those who were supposed to love and nurture them. This neglect has continued in how society treats them. Many deal with addictions, mental illness and violence on a daily basis. These streetkids have much to offer, but the opportunities for them are few. Ezra offers an atmosphere of love, acceptance, expression, hope, opportunity and growth.

Some of what we do includes outreach, an art and design studio, art shows, mentoring, and meals. Outreach in downtown Denver means handing out coffee & hanging out daily with streetkids, hippies, drug dealers, junkies, gangbangers, prostitutes, and anyone else who calls the streets and/or downtown their "home". The art and design studio allows streetkids to develop their creative abilities so they can get beyond the streets.

The art opportunities are: painting with oils, acrylics, watercolors; drawing with graphite and charcoal; creating wire sculpture; jewelry making; painting with an airbrush on canvas, artboard, bikes, skateboards and custom painting their clothing, etc. The design opportunities include the chance to learn graphic design and web design, and then to work on real projects for real businesses. The studio is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 5pm. Monthly art shows provide opportunity to sell their creations at the Creator’s Café, a venue of live music and art.

Streetkids have the opportunity to be mentored by staff one on one over a meal. These relationships support their positive growth and encourage wise choices. There are also small group Bible studies and book studies to further develop their spiritual lives and provide some accountability.

Every other Sunday a family style meal is provided to the streetkids. We serve them with nice dishes and home cooked meals to reinforce our belief that they are each special and loved. This family atmosphere creates greater connection and community.

All of these opportunities provide love, acceptance and hope. These are things we all crave.

go to ezra website