Forge Evolution

🧠💕Youth mental health is often misunderstood. When it comes to LGBTQ+ youth mental health, the Trevor Project's annual U.S. National Survey amplifies the experience of more than 16,000 LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24. Take a look at some significant stats from the 2025 survey about LGBTQ+ youth mental health and scroll to the end to find some local resources for LGBTQ+ youth and their families!

Happy Global Day of Parents! 🌎💕

Parents and caretakers come in all shapes and sizes. From single parents to co-parents to grandparents, thank you for supporting the development of the next generation. Check out our curated family resources & learn more about our behavioral health services, preventative work, and Teen Court program on our website: forgeevolution.org.

STAFF HIGHLIGHT 💫

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Mackenzie Wagner began with Forge Evolution in March 2025 as a recent graduate from Colorado College's Feminist and Gender Studies and Education departments. She has a background in volunteer coordination from her three seasons with Brothers Redevelopment's Paint-A-Thon program in Denver and Colorado Springs, as well as program development through her work with Colorado College's Bonner Fellowship, grassroots community organizing, and over a decade of youth literacy tutoring.

Community engagement has always been a core part of her life, as well as advocating for youth and social justice. In this role, she is excited to be making interventions in the carceral system through Forge's restorative justice programming and expanding Forge's impact through increasing community engagement opportunities and strengthening our storytelling.

Mental Health Monday: Connection Is a Powerful Form of Care🧠💕

Did you know...
▪️When someone you love is living with a serious mental illness, steady presence and compassion matter most.
▪️Understanding serious mental illness helps you respond with empathy and confidence.
▪️Maintaining healthy, clear boundaries protects both you and your loved one.

🧑‍💻We're Hiring!

Become our Behavioral Health Case Manager and join our team. This full-time role supports Coloradan youth and families participating in Forge Evolution programs through case management, behavioral health support, individualized intervention, and family advocacy. The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice, or a related field; is a licensed or unlicensed clinician (LPC, LPCC, LSW, LCSW); and has hands-on experience working with underserved youth and families.

To apply and see the full job description on our LinkedIn or at forgeevolution.org 🎉

We encourage early applications as we will review them on a rolling basis.

Mental Health Monday: Words Matter and Words Can Heal 🧠💕

Did you know...
▪️Respectful communication is especially important during times of transition, including housing instability or reentry into the community.
▪️Language that recognizes the whole person helps people feel respected and valued.
▪️Trust grows through clear and thoughtful conversation.

📆EVENT ALERT!

Catch us at the inaugural Springs Fest, a free, family-friendly community festival. Come for live entertainment, guest speakers, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and to learn about us and other community engagement organizations.

📆Saturday May 30th, 2026
⏰12:00pm - 6:00pm
📍Springs Journey Church: 1250 Vondelpark Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

🔁EVENT RECAP🔁

Law Day 2026 with the El Paso County Bar Associate was a success! Enjoy a taste of from our awesome Q+A session. Thank you to our attendees for their thoughtful questions and to those who presented for their time and wisdom.

📰Sign up for our quarterly newsletter in our bio to keep up to date with future events!