Our Approach

At Project PAVE, we believe that every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered—in their relationships, at school, and in their community. Our approach blends trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to meeting youth and families where they are. We partner with schools and community organizations to deliver wraparound support that addresses the full spectrum of needs, from prevention to crisis intervention.

Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered

Everything we do is rooted in the principles of trauma-informed care: safety, trust, collaboration, choice, and empowerment. We understand that violence and adversity impact every aspect of a young person’s life, and our therapists, educators, and advocates are trained to respond with compassion and evidence-based practices that support healing.

Culturally Humble and Responsive

We recognize that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Our diverse team reflects the communities we serve and brings lived experience that allows for authentic connection. We approach every interaction with cultural humility, listening first and adapting our work to affirm each young person’s identity. Services are available in English and Spanish, and we partner with translation agencies to ensure accessibility for all language communities. We also create safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+, male, female, and nonbinary youth.

Meeting Youth Where They Are

We know the best way to reach youth is to meet them in the environments where they already feel comfortable—schools, community centers, sports teams, even at home. Our school-based and mobile service model removes barriers like transportation, cost, and stigma, making it easier for young people to access help when they need it most.

Guided by Youth Voice

Young people are not just participants in our programs—they are co-creators. Through our Youth Community Educators Program (YCEP), youth leaders shape our curriculum, inform program decisions, and ensure our services remain relevant to the real experiences of Denver’s youth. This integration of youth voice keeps our work authentic, responsive, and impactful.

Holistic and Wraparound Support

We integrate prevention and intervention services so that youth receive seamless support. A student might attend a healthy relationships class, connect with a therapist the same week, and have their family linked to resources by our advocate—all within the same trusted network. This wraparound model strengthens protective factors, builds resilience, and supports long-term wellbeing.

Rooted in Equity and Inclusion

Racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are not add-ons—they are woven into the fabric of our work. From intentional hiring to ongoing anti-oppression training, to partnerships with high-need, majority BIPOC schools, we ensure that our programs address both the immediate impacts of violence and the systemic inequities that perpetuate it.