The concept of our organization was founded in 2005 when Dwayne Meeks then an counselor paid close attention to the voices of young people in his community and wanted to counteract the negative conditions and work to promote cultural betterment of those young impressionable minds. Dwayne took his mission to the streets and asked both adults and teens what they needed to be successful. "I need to have the opportunity" they said. Mr. Meeks responded by setting out to coach and advocate for them. He challenged families and gave them tools for life to be successful and self sufficient. He found employment for some and others he mentored, assisted with food and clothing while teaching them the life skills they needed to survive and build confidence on a daily basis-hence Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring (UCAM) was born.
Utilizing a grassroots approach, determination and a relentless drive to aid families and young people who may be at risk for many of life's uncertainties. In the last few years Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring has mentored and help strengthened over a thousand youth and families. Clients testify that Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring has given them the push the needed to turn things around in a positive way. Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring understands that young people connect to adults who respect their youth culture and that young people bring their own positive investment to a situation and we use that investment to produce positive outcomes for youth. He understands that the building of character and values start at home. Our goal and vision is to create family programming that is supportive and valued in the home, youth programming that is attractive to their interests and lead them toward successful lives, lives that should be celebrated at every opportunity. Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring takes pride in coaching and mentoring families. In 2009 Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring was awarded the "Fatherhood Program Of The Year" in Colorado by Governor Ritter, Mayor Hickenlooper and the Department of Human Servcies. As we enter into the fifth year of our program Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring have been gaining momentum as a leader in the community and hopes to continue helping at risk families become self sufficient at raising healthy and strong children using unique blend of real life experiences, high expectations, and accountability to surrounding communities. Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring would like to thank every individual, partner, and organization that has donated services and goods to us over the years. You have been one of the reasons why we have been able to continue doing what we do. "YOU CAN WITH UCAM.