The vision of MBK Denver is to create a collaborative, proactive network of support and resources to support young men and boys of color from cradle to college to career in the Denver metro area.
The Sims-Fayola Foundation, as the new backbone organization for My Brother’s Keeper Denver (MBKD), is poised to lead the largest citywide collective impact effort focused on strengthening the city’s youth-serving ecosystem, with an emphasis on young men and boys of color and improving their outcomes at scale using a Collective Impact framework.
A Collective Impact approach is a network of community members, organizations, and institutions who advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems-level change.
Ultimately, we aim to affect systems change by centering equity of access and opportunity in all that we do. The Sims-Fayola Foundation will leverage the power of data, our knowledge of the youth-serving ecosystem, and our relationships with grasstops and grassroots stakeholders to identify and support solutions aligned with four key areas and the six overarching My Brother’s Keeper milestones that drive positive community and systems level outcomes for the Denver metro area’s young men and boys of color.
A Legacy of Impact
What began as a commitment to hope and opportunity has grown into a movement. This recap traces the milestones, people, programs, and partnerships that have defined My Brother's Keeper Denver's impact for boys and young men of color. From mentorship and education to violence prevention and leadership development, this is the story so far and there is still more to come.
Areas of Focus
Nonprofit Organization Development & Support
The My Brother's Keeper Denver chapter is committed to fostering the growth and success of smaller nonprofits by offering comprehensive services and support in development and capacity building. Through targeted initiatives, we aim to enhance organizational effectiveness, broaden community impact, and empower these nonprofits to secure increased funding. Our dedicated efforts will create a collaborative environment where smaller organizations can thrive, ensuring a stronger, more resilient community for all.
Convening for Practice & Policy Impact
The My Brother's Keeper Denver chapter is dedicated to catalyzing positive change for young men of color in the Denver metro area. Through visionary leadership, we will convene an annual MBK Summit and local action tables around one or more of the 6 overarching MBK milestones, fostering collaboration among community stakeholders. These gatherings will serve as dynamic platforms for discussions on practice and policy, aiming to drive impactful initiatives that uplift and empower young men of color.
Technical Assistance Grant Funding
The My Brother's Keeper Denver chapter is dedicated to empowering small nonprofits through strategic technical assistance funding. Our support extends to capacity building in crucial areas such as program design, theories of change, program evaluation and monitoring, and grounding frameworks.
Professional Development
The My Brother's Keeper Denver chapter is committed to advancing the professional development of nonprofit leaders and program staff dedicated to serving young men of color. We recognize the crucial role these individuals play in our community's well-being. Therefore, we provide targeted opportunities for role and program capacity-building, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate with efficiency and effectiveness.
access & opportunity
Milestones
Getting a Healthy Start & Entering School Ready to Learn:
All children should have a healthy start and enter school ready cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Reading At Grade Level by Third Grade:
All children should be reading at grade level by age 8 – the age at which reading to learn becomes essential.
Graduating From High School Ready for College & Career:
All youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to post-secondary education or training.
Completing Post-Secondary Education or Training:
Every American should have the option to attend post-secondary education and receive the education and training needed for the quality jobs of today and tomorrow.
Successfully Entering the Workforce:
Anyone who wants a job should be able to get one that allows them to support themselves and their families.
Keeping Kids on Track and Giving Them Second Chances:
All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime; and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training, and treatment they need for a second chance.
Impact in Action
MBK25: A DEEPER DIVE INTERVIEW SERIES
We are thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative from the Sims-Fayola Foundation and My Brother’s Keeper Denver. Today, we release the first video highlight in our series, MBK25: A Deeper Dive. This series will shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who have been honored as part of the 2024 MBK25 Honorees.
SENATOR JAMES COLEMAN
Senator James Coleman, President of the Colorado State Senate and My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient sat down with Ajay Kyle of Miss Money Shot Media to discuss some of the challenges he sees young men of color facing and how those challenges can be overcome at the legislative level.
SHAYLA "SHAY J" JOHNSON
Shayla “Shay J” Johnson of Sitting with Shay J on 9 News Denver and My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient sat down with Ajay Kyle of Miss Money Shot Media to discuss the importance of My Brother's Keeper Denver and what fuels her passion for community.
RAYMOND JOHNSON
Raymond Johnson of Community Outreach Service Center and My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient sat down with Ajay Kyle of Miss Money Shot Media to discuss how it's never too late to turn your life around and the importance of second chances.
COACH G RODNEY BATES
G Rodney Bates, Coach, entrepreneur, community advocate and My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipients at down with Ajay Kyle of Miss Money Shot Media to discuss what fuels his passion for community and how we can combat some of the challenges that he sees young men of color facing.
THE HONORABLE AUON'TAI ANDERSON
The Honorable Auon’tai Anderson, My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient and CEO of the Center for Advancing Black Excellence in Education discusses what fuels his passion for community and what he is doing to combat some of the challenges that he see young men of color facing.
CANDICE BAILEY
Candice Bailey of Light Carrier and My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient sat down with Ajay Kyle of Miss Money Shot Media to discuss the importance of collaboration and some of the challenges she sees young men of color facing.
MIDIAN HOLMES
MiDian Holmes, My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient and CEO of The Epitome of Black Excellence & Partnership discusses some of the biggest challenges she sees young men of color facing, and how she is working to address them through her work.
ROB ANDREWS
Rob Andrews, My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient of One Voice Coalition sat down with Ajay Kyle of Miss Money Shot Media to discuss the importance of collaboration and some of the challenges he sees young men of color facing.
BRIAN "PASTOR B" SEDERWALL
Brian "Pastor B" Sederwall, My Brothers Keeper 25 award recipient and Founder of The Denver Dream Center discusses the work his organization is doing in Denver for the youth and the importance of partnership.
When: October 10-11, 2025
Where: Grand Hyatt Denver
Why: The 2025 My Brother’s Keeper Denver Summit: Leadership in Action is more than just an event—it’s a movement. Over the course of three impactful days, community leaders, educators, youth advocates, and young men of color will come together to build connections, spark innovation, and create lasting change.
Through transformational discussions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative experiences, the summit will tackle the six MBK Milestones, equipping participants with tools and strategies to break barriers and unlock potential.
Expect dynamic keynote speakers who will challenge and inspire, interactive sessions that foster critical conversations, and unmatched networking opportunities designed to build powerful partnerships and shared visions for the future.
Whether you're a young leader ready to take action or an adult committed to empowering the next generation, this summit is your space to learn, grow, and lead boldly toward a more equitable future.