ELEVATING CONNECTIONS

Elevating Connections was created in 2015 with the purpose of providing year-round programming for siblings separated in foster care to spend time together, as well as continuing their sibling summer camp, Camp Connect (formerly Camp to Belong Colorado). EC was also created to provide programming and community to youth that are "aging out" of foster care without meaningful, permanent connections, with intention to provide community and outlets for self-expression.

EC has a Sibling Connections program, as well as the Youth Connections program:

• The Sibling Connections program does twice-monthly arts and recreational events for siblings separated in foster care, both in Denver and Colorado Springs. We also organize a week-long overnight summer camp in August for siblings, where they are able to have uninterrupted time together to bond and be kids. The Sibling Connections program is for siblings ages 5-18.
• The Youth Connections program is for youth and young adults ages 15+ who have experienced foster care. We have monthly community dinners in the Denver Metro area, and do arts and youth voice programming throughout the year. This includes arts workshops, writing workshops, an annual poetry jam, as well as an annual arts festival. Through this programming, participants are able to express themselves, be in community with other youth, and learn different art modalities.