Celebrating 5 Years

of Cobbled Streets

A Note from Shari

Can you believe it’s been five years? Five years of saying YES!... to birthday parties, art classes, soccer teams, summer camps, new friendships, and meaningful moments for children in foster and kinship care. We’ve watched stories unfold, trust build, and kids discover what it feels like to belong. Five years of walking alongside children, making sure they never feel invisible…making sure their voices are always heard.

We’re incredibly proud of our accomplishments—and we know we’re just getting started. We’ve now served thousands of children and families across Colorado, and after five years, we know that our unique approach works. We see the outcomes. We hear the testimonials. We watch confidence grow, trust form, and joy take root. These stories remind us—every single day—that what we’re building together matters and is making a difference for kids.

We also know, however, that the work is far from done. For every child we’ve reached, there are more waiting. The need is great. The work is urgent. We are more committed than ever to create opportunities for kids to feel seen, supported, and connected to a community that believes in them. 

As part of this movement, your support and generosity make all the difference. There are thousands of stories still ahead…let’s make them joyful and memorable. Let’s continue to make a difference…let’s continue to change the world. ~Shari

Providing An Impact That 
Lasts a Lifetime

We’re still buzzing from the magic of our very first Camp Roots + Wings experience this past Summer!

As photos, reflections, and testimonials continue to roll in, one thing is clear: camp was transformative. Camp Roots + Wings hosted its first camp for youth in foster and kinship care, offering three days of connection, confidence-building, and nature-based activities. 

Ashley Hermes, one of our incredible camp leaders with Sylvaneers—offered a beautiful window into the spirit, growth, and impact of this unforgettable pilot program:

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When the campers first arrived at Santa Maria, it was obvious they felt out of their comfort zones. After two hours of being at camp, much of the discomfort and hesitation dissipated.

Watching campers quickly gain connections with other campers and their environment was simply magical. With these new and fast connections comes organic confidence. In three days, youth slowly learned to trust the staff, the environment, and each other. This became evident when a camper stood up and danced on her paddleboard only the second time being on the water, after telling her peers that she refused even to attempt being on the lake at her former camp.

Campers valued the variety of choices for activities and the balance between encouraging them without pushing them too far out of their comfort zones. Another camper had altitude sickness and spent the first night in the nurse’s office, yet refused to go home and let that ruin his full camp experience. Recently, his caregiver shared:

 “Little did we know it would be the turning point in his journey towards healing the unexpected passing of his mother. We were so pleased to see him make friendships at Camp for the first time in his life! Although we have worked with many professionals on creating coping skills and applying them when feeling big emotions, being surrounded by children in similar situations gave him a sense of relief in not feeling so alone. It gave him a level of validation he had not yet experienced. This camp was clearly designed with so much intention!”

Camp undoubtedly provided this vulnerable population with life-altering experiences and a sense of belonging and peace, where they were able to feel safe, mindful, grounded, and authentically confident. It was clear on the final day, when the dining hall was booming with budding friendships, comfort, and joy, that a few short days made a significant impact on these children in such a positive way.

To say this pilot program was successful is an understatement. After camp, several of the campers got together in the Denver area so that friendships and connections could be maintained. All of the children were happily discussing their plans to come back the following summer. In a few short days, the partners of this camp, which included Sylvaneers, Cobbled Streets, and Raise the Future, created a safe and thriving environment for the campers to be their authentic selves and grow in ways that will stay with them indefinitely.

Volunteer Opportunity:

Night of Wonder at the Zoo 


Join us on Sunday, November 2nd for a magical evening exclusively for Colorado's foster, kinship, and adoptive families at the Denver Zoo!

We're seeking compassionate, outgoing volunteers to help create a night filled with joy, connection, and belonging. We already have 2,000+ kids and family members registered for the event, so we will need many helping hands!

The timeline for volunteers is 3:30 pm until the event starts to wind down around 8:00 pm (this is flexible - please just let us know in advance if you need to leave early). Dinner will be provided for volunteers.

For more information and to sign up, please reach out as soon as possible to Sherri Albertson at sherri@cobbledstreets.org. Thank you in advance!

Thank You to Our

Supporting Partners

We are incredibly grateful to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for providing our families with free tickets to The Lion King! Their continued generosity has given many families the chance to share unforgettable nights filled with laughter, wonder, and connection—memories that will stick with them for years to come. We appreciate DCPA tremendously for their ongoing support in helping bring enriching experiences to kids and families!