National Mentoring Month: Ki and Milo's Story

Did you know that January is National Mentoring Month?

Our Volunteer Mentors are an incredible pillar of our community, providing new experiences and support for Denver Kids students outside of the classroom.

Last month, Denver Kids was granted $20,000 in support of our volunteer mentoring program from the Eppstein Uhen Tennessen Foundation. Some Denver Kids staff, students, and Volunteer Mentor, Ki, were able to meet with representatives from the foundation to accept this generous donation and share about their experiences working within the mentoring program.

At the presentation, Ki shared a bit about her relationship to her mentee, Milo.

Ki stated that Milo, "is 14 and already one of the most naturally confident, curious, and big-hearted people I’ve met. She keeps me up to date on everything from WWE to teen slang, and I’ve watched her lead with ease on the volleyball court and in the way she shows up for people who don’t always have a voice. Being around her reminds me how powerful it is when a young person feels free to be fully themselves.

‍When we first got matched, I thought mentoring would be mostly about me giving guidance. But Milo has taught me just as much — whether we’re hiking, shadowing firefighters, going to Christmas markets, or even teaching my foster dog how to walk on a leash. I was proud to watch her walk in her continuation ceremony, and now she’s one of the faces of Denver Kids, which feels exactly right. She’s a reminder that leadership starts young, and that it grows when someone has consistent support behind them.

What your support makes possible is this: a space where students feel seen and supported, and mentors get to walk alongside them as they grow into themselves. I’m grateful to be part of this program, and even more grateful that your investment helps relationships like ours thrive."

Thank you, Ki, for your advocacy of Denver Kids, and most importantly, your dedication and support of Milo! In addition, thank you to the Eppstein Uhen Tennessen Foundation for supporting our volunteer mentoring program.

Are you ready to get involved with our volunteer mentoring program? Click the button below to learn more, or schedule a 30-minute meeting with Denver Kids Mentor Coordinator, Matt Kelly.

Learn more about volunteer mentoring

Q&A with Mentor Coordinator Matt Kelley

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Looking for more highlights of the Denver Kids mentoring program? Check out our mentoring spotlight in the January 2026 edition of 5280 magazine!