Cobbled Streets Newsletter ~ December 2025

A Note from Shari

Colorado Gives Day always leaves me a little breathless—in the best way.

I find myself thinking back to our earliest days, when Cobbled Streets was mostly a big idea, a lot of grit, and a deep belief that kids in foster and kinship care deserve the simple joys of childhood and the steady presence of people who don’t give up on them.

This year, I felt that belief in a new way. Some of you have been with us for five years—quietly, faithfully, sustaining this work when it was still new. And some of you have walked alongside me, supporting this work for decades, showing up again and again as I’ve followed this calling. And then there are those of you who joined for the first time this year, saying “yes” to kids you may never meet, simply because you care. That mix of steadfast support and fresh momentum is exactly how change happens.

Because of you… a birthday or other celebration felt special, a new placement home felt calmer and more welcoming, a caregiver felt seen and supported.

As we step into the New Year, I’m carrying so much gratitude—and so much hope. Thank you for helping us build real momentum and real change, one child, one family, one “yes” at a time.

~Shari

News & Events

A Wildly Wonder-full Evening
at the Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) was buzzing, roaring, and glowing as Night of Wonder came to life on November 2nd. It was a heart-filled evening hosted by Cobbled Streets and DZCA to celebrate foster, kinship, and adoptive families from across Colorado.

The Zoo transformed into a glowing habitat of hope, welcoming more than 1,800 attendees, including over 350 families, 40 volunteers, 16 resource partners, and, yes, two very loved stuffed giraffes. 🦒✨

Families explored the zoo under twinkling lights, enjoyed unlimited carousel and train rides, had their faces painted, danced at the silent disco, and discovered the “wild side” of family trees through interactive exhibits and animal encounters. The VW Shutter Bus captured smiling faces, while the ever-popular Family BINGO had everyone on the prowl for prizes.

Sixteen organizations that serve foster families across Colorado shared giveaways, glow-in-the-dark treasures, and information to support families throughout their journeys. Volunteers and partners alike helped make the zoo come alive with laughter, belonging, and love.

But perhaps the most meaningful moments were the quiet ones—where families reconnected, stories were shared, and hearts found comfort in knowing they weren’t alone. Caregivers shared:

“My son often struggles with shame from being adopted, and last night it was so cool for him to see there are so many other kids who have very similar stories. When we left he kept saying, ‘Wow, so we aren't alone, Mom!’"

“My oldest daughter lost her 28-year-old husband unexpectedly due to cardio issues in March. Things have been very rough in our family, and to watch my grandchildren dance and laugh and smile was something I haven't seen in a very long time. For the moment, they just got to be kids.”

“Our adopted son of 5 years got to connect with his bio dad for the first time in 6 years in a safe, stress-free environment, and it was AMAZING! Our foster daughter got to spend time with her bio siblings as Grandma was able to attend, and it was AMAZING. Our other foster daughter got to spend time with her little sister, who was adopted by her aunt...AMAZING!”

The event is about more than fun—it’s about connection. It’s about giving families the chance to simply exhale, play, and know they belong—and doing it together, surrounded by the beauty of the zoo and the generosity of our community.

As the lights dimmed and the final train whistle blew, the spirit of Night of Wonder continued to echo—a reminder that with a little compassion and collaboration, even the wildest dreams can come true.

Cobbled Streets extends heartfelt gratitude to DZCA, our generous sponsors—New York Life, The Colorado Health Foundation, Dick Monfort, and Nancy Gary—our partners, and every volunteer who made this incredible night possible. We can't wait for next year! ...

SAVE THE DATE: August 2, 2026

Colorado Gives Day

Gratitude

This year, we celebrated FIVE YEARS of Cobbled Streets' participation in Colorado Gives Day, and we were overwhelmed by the love and support!

Thanks to an extremely generous matching gift from The Antero Charitable Fund, nearly $48,000 (just shy of our $50k goal) was raised to help children in foster or kinship care.

Thank you to every donor, new or returning, from the bottom of our hearts, for your support and for believing that every child we serve deserves a sense of belonging and an opportunity to dream!

Stories & Testimonials

A New Placement,

A Meaningful Birthday

After several rapid placement changes, a young boy entered a new home overwhelmed and struggling to adjust.

His new foster Mom wanted to make his birthday meaningful—something he hadn’t consistently experienced in past placements—and reached out to Cobbled Streets for support.

We made a trip to the Downtown Denver Aquarium possible, giving him a joyful and calming day, complete with his favorite moment: petting the stingrays! His caregiver laughed as he described them as “little water puppies.”

Why It Matters: On a follow-up call, the caregiver reflected on what the day meant for him, sharing: “I really think that helped him to settle in… just being able to do something, have some family fun helped him with his adjustment.” She added, “You guys are always right there when I need you. You always help me out.”

Moments like this help restore stability, joy, and belonging for children navigating the hardest transitions.

A Holiday Memory Full of Color and Connection

This month, Cobbled Streets had the joy of sending one of our kinship families to ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas at Gaylord Rockies.

The five children were surrounded by towering ice sculptures, bright colors, and the magic of the season. For the youngest child, just four years old, it was his very first time, and it made a huge impression!

From the moment they walked in, the kids were drawn to the bright, colorful Grinch display and loved taking photos in front of the sculptures.

Why It Matters: But the real highlight wasn’t just the attractions—it was the chance for the children to share this experience with their biological mom. One of the boys stayed close to her the entire time.

Their caregiver shared a heartfelt reminder of the impact your support makes: “It was fun to get out and be with them and their mother and for all of us to enjoy one another. You guys have done so much for these kids… Every time you send them somewhere, it’s just wonderful and we’re grateful and appreciative.”

For many families in foster and kinship care, opportunities to spend positive, low-stress time together are rare. Cobbled Streets provides these experiences so kids can explore, bond, and simply be kids, and so families can create the memories every child deserves.

Every colorful moment, every shared laugh, every memory made helps strengthen families and gives kids a sense of joy, belonging, and connection that stays with them long after the event ends.

SAVE THE DATE! ~ April 30, 2026

Crossroads: The Journey of Rebecoming is Cobbled Streets’ inaugural signature fundraising event—an immersive, one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that places audiences in the heart of the foster care journey.

Inspired by the Emmy Award–winning documentary Rebecoming Me, Crossroads brings to life the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape children, families, and advocates within the foster care system through three floors of powerful performances.

Proceeds directly fuel the experiences, relationships, and moments of belonging that are at the core of Cobbled Streets’ work with youth in foster and kinship care.

We’re inviting event sponsors to play a critical role in bringing Crossroads to life. Sponsorship support makes the event possible while generating vital funds that sustain and expand our programs.

Whether you join us as a guest or stand with us as a sponsor, Crossroads is a powerful way to deepen impact, raise awareness, and help ensure more young people experience connection, joy, and stability.

Become a Sponsor

Purchase Tickets

HOLIDAY HOURS

We will have limited availability from December 23rd - January 2nd, so we

can spend quality holiday time with our loved ones. If you need urgent assistance, please email info@cobbledstreets.org and a team member will respond as quickly as possible.

Happy Holidays!

*Joyce Dumont was a retired nurse from rural Dunseith, North Dakota, and a member of the Chippewa Tribe who opened her home to children for decades. Over the course of her life, she was a devoted mother to many, including her biological and adopted children, as well as a foster mother to more than 69 children. She died in December 2024, at the age 89.

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