June 2025

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to share some exciting milestones with you as we head into the heart of summer! In April, we celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of our brand-new playground—a joyful space designed to inspire creativity, movement, and connection. We were thrilled to see more than 75 partners, supporters and sponsors join us for the ribbon cutting, and are even more pleased to see the playground already in use by our youth and the surrounding neighborhood.

In May, we started the first steps for our new children's garden—an outdoor classroom where our youth can learn about nature, responsibility, and the simple joys of growing something with their own hands. From planting seeds to harvesting vegetables, this garden will be a powerful way to reinforce resilience, patience, and growth—values that mirror the journey of every child in our program.

And later this June, we’re hosting our very own summer camp! This new initiative is a dream realized, providing enriching, adventure-filled days for our youth during the summer months. From field trips and STEM projects to team-building games, sports opportunities, and leadership activities, the camp is another way we’re deepening our long-term commitment to each child.

Thank you to our partners, donors, and community members who helped make these moments possible. Your belief in our mission continues to create brighter futures.

With gratitude,

Heather Steinman, Executive Director

Real Results

May was National Foster Care Month, and Friends - Colorado Springs joined others in recognizing the challenges these families face every day. El Paso County has the highest number of youth in foster care in Colorado. On any given day there are about 4,250 youth in foster care in Colorado; 850 of which are in El Paso County. Families with children going into care are struggling with more than just poverty - they are also coping with violence in the home, substance use and unmet mental health needs.

The long-term impacts of foster care result in human and economic costs for Coloradans. A recent report estimates that the lifetime societal costs for one young person aging out of foster care in Colorado is up to $343,000.

The Friends of the Children model works to help children stay with their families. Learn more about our work in Foster Care at https://friendscoloradosprings.org/how-it-works/our-work-in-foster-care

We were thrilled to join Friends chapters across the US to spend some time with the G.O.A.T. herself in May! World Champion gymnast and youth advocate Simone Biles joined a special Zoom to share her own story of facing childhood challenges, encouraging Friends of the Children youth to dream big and work hard, and even teaching youth some of the calming breathing techniques she uses to manage her own anxiety during difficult moments.

One of the children told us "Simone Biles is adopted and does gymnastics, just like me. I could be like her!"

Since our last newsletter we have had a lot happen at the clubhouse!

Here are just a few of our major events:

Playground Ribbon Cutting

Tales for Tails with Jack Swigert Middle School

Glow Party at the Clubhouse

Splash into Summer

Ways to Engage

Meet the Team

Sarah Reynolds

Friend (Professional Mentor)

Say hello to Sarah Reynolds, a Friend (Professional Mentor) at Friends of the Children - Colorado Springs. Sarah was born and raised in the Southwest of England. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology and Sociology at Wolverhampton Polytechnic and her teaching credential from the University of Leeds, both in the UK.

Sarah has a passion for helping youth and families, coming alongside them to help them reach their potential. She has spent time teaching ESL in Singapore, working with under-served youth in Nevada, teaching in Washington state public schools, and tutoring youth with challenges throughout Colorado Springs.

Learn More about Sarah and our Team