DPP Partner Spotlight: Denver Indian Family Resource Center

Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is lucky to partner with organizations like Denver Indian Family Resource Center (DIFRC), which provide culturally-responsive services and programs to best meet the needs of Denver families. Learn more about our partnership and how DIFRC is helping Denver American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) families on the road to self-sufficiency. 

Denver Indian Family Resource Center Strengthens Families

Established in 2000, DIFRC supports American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) families. The organization’s primary mission is to strengthen vulnerable families through programs, resources and referral services, and through advocacy as part of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) that prioritizes reunification for families involved in the child welfare system. 

“We help families with children in the child welfare system and families who may be on the brink of being involved in the welfare system, like those facing homelessness, food insecurity or loss of a job,” said Jolene Holgate, DIFRC’s Executive Director.

DIFRC has a robust resource and referral network and case management services in Adams and Denver counties, helping families with housing, food, clothing and child care. They also refer families in need of employment help to trusted partners. Ultimately, DIFRC supports families (which can include extended family members involved with children) in becoming self-sufficient. 

“Our goal is to strengthen Native families and make sure they have a place they can come to, with people who look like them,” Holgate said. “We have people on our staff with lived experience in the child welfare system who can relate to families.”  

DIFRC also offers robust youth programming focused on cultural connection, health, youth development, sexual health and violence prevention. Learn more about DIFRC’s youth programming in this Making Concrete Warriors video, which was released this past fall. 

“We want to make sure youth expand their horizons about what’s next after turning 18,” Holgate said.  

Collaborative Community Gatherings

DPP participates in DIFRC’s Seven Stars Collaborative, a monthly meeting that unites Denver community organizations that want to increase their cultural awareness and responsiveness towards the American Indian and Alaska Native populations. 

“The intention is to bring all child welfare and family preservation providers to the table as we all have a similar spirit and passion for the work,” Holgate said. 

Representatives from school districts, benefits providers, the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs as well as organizations like Denver Preschool Program attend the monthly meeting to learn and share. 

“Some people have never heard of these resources,” Holgate said. “It’s a place for connections, to share services and to help each other fill in the gaps.” 

DPP’s team feels grateful to participate in the Seven Stars Collaborative to deepen our understanding of and connection to Native families in the Denver area. 

How You Can Support the Denver Indian Family Resource Center

Holgate encourages all families to attend DIFRC’s community events, which are publicized on DIFRC’s Instagram and Facebook pages. 

“We love anyone and everyone to attend, learn about Native culture, support our vendors and  connect,” she said. 

Donations to DIFRC are also appreciated and go directly to programs and services. Learn more about DIFRC on their website. 

Our partnership with DIFRC is one of the many ways in which we authentically connect with Denver families throughout the community. Join us at an upcoming event, or sign up for our monthly, bilingual newsletter, Family Dispatch, for more information about community partners and insights for Denver families with young children.