Hope Starts Here

Marlen Montanez

Art, Heart & Healing: Creating Safe Spaces Together

Hi there! ? My name is Marlen Montanez and I have the absolute joy of being the Mental Health Coordinator and the fearless leader of our Art Group at DCAC! This place truly is my dream job — not just because I get to break out the paint and googly eyes — but because I witness the magic that happens here every single day. Being part of the outreach team means I get to team up with other amazing organizations to bring even more resources to families throughout the Denver Metro area. Together, we're building a safer, stronger community — one where kids can just be kids. Now let’s talk about the art group — my happy place! ? Here, our youth express themselves in the most creative and inspiring ways. What starts as a simple art project often becomes something much bigger: a spark of joy, a safe space to connect, and a reminder that they’re not alone. This little community of creators, families, and supporters is growing, and it’s truly something special. But we can’t do it without you. Your support helps us keep these safe, joyful spaces alive — where laughter, healing, and glitter explosions are always welcome. ? Let’s keep the paint flowing and the smiles growing — for every child who deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

I'm raising money for Denver Children's Advocacy Center

Every child deserves a childhood filled with hope. Yet, thousands of Colorado children experience abuse every year. They need us to speak up, step up, and show up. That’s why I have created this Hope Starts Here fundraising page to raise much-needed awareness and funds for the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) during Child Abuse Prevention Month (April). 

Why DCAC? DCAC prevents child abuse, strengthens families, advocates for children who have suffered abuse, and works tirelessly to ensure all children have the childhood they deserve–one filled with optimism, joy and happiness. This past year, they: 

  • Reached 5,308 children, 541 parents, and 430 teachers through their community outreach and prevention work.

  • Conducted 843 forensic interviews. 

  • Provided case management, mental health assessments, and treatment for 614 clients. 

Why should you give? 

  • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys will experience sexual abuse at some point in childhood. And most won’t tell anyone for years–if ever. 

  • Roughly 9 out of 1,000 children in Colorado suffer from abuse or neglect, and yet we know this number is well lower than the actual cases of abuse as underreporting of child abuse is still high post-pandemic. 

How your donation makes an impact: 

  • $5 provides snacks for 5 children or art supplies for one therapy session 
  • $25 provides child abuse prevention education for one child
  • $50 provides transportation to DCAC for a family to receive services 
  • $125 provides a therapy session for one child 
  • $500 provides prevention programming for one classroom
  • $900 provides a forensic interview and victim advocacy for one child 
  • $5,750 provides a full treatment cycle for one child

For Hope Starts Here, I aim to raise $500 for DCAC. Donate today. 

Can’t give? Please share my page with 3 friends!

I truly appreciate your support. Together, we can give kids the hope they deserve.

$525.00

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$500.00

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Give More, Get More: Join the Hope Starts Here Movement

Your support makes healing possible — and now, when you give more, you also get a little something in return.

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My Supporters

  • Christa Grauert April 2025 $25.00
  • Andrew Agyemang April 2025 $100.00
  • Michelle and Keith Peterson Keep up the good qwork April 2025 $125.00
  • Will Braunstein April 2025
  • Joseph Lamptey April 2025
  • Michelle and Keith Peterson Keep up the good qwork April 2025 $125.00
  • Andrew Agyemang April 2025 $100.00
  • Danielle Kopplin April 2025 $50.00
  • Vivian Hill April 2025 $50.00
  • Christa Grauert April 2025 $25.00