Forge Evolution

STAFF HIGHLIGHT 🤩

Stephanie Horton joined the Forge team in December 2025, bringing more than two decades of experience in financial strategy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. She is a collaborative leader committed to strengthening organizations and expanding their impact in meaningful, sustainable ways.

Stephanie began her career in banking before moving into public media, where she spent over ten years in fundraising leadership roles. She later expanded her impact through nonprofit consulting and her corporate and foundation work at UCCS. She went on to spend five years at KCME and Jazz 93.5, serving as Development and Marketing Director before becoming General Manager, where she led strategic growth, strengthened operations, and increased community engagement.

In addition, Stephanie has served on numerous boards and is actively involved in volunteerism. She is passionate about building partnerships, empowering teams, and creating opportunities for youth and families to thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief in second chances and the potential for every young person to change their path and thrive.

Stephanie is a proud wife and mother of four and brings both her professional expertise and personal commitment to service into her leadership every day.

COMMUNITY EVENT ALERT 📣🤩

On Thursday, July 16th, we will be tabling at Forge the Fest, a resource fair for Peterson, Schrievers, and Cheyanne Mountain communities! This event will include 6 keynote speakers, 30+ workshops, and 75–100 supporting agencies, all focused on strengthening mental, social, physical, and spiritual resilience. We can't wait to share our programs and support we offer for youth 10-18.

See you there! 🌟

EXCITING NEWS 🚗💨

Forge Evolution has partnered with Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS) to launch a vehicle donation program! Fueling Futures makes donating your unwanted car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat is as easy as can be. The proceeds from your donated vehicle will support our work supporting youth 10-18 in building self-awareness, resiliency, and community.

Here's how it works:
1️⃣Call 855-500-7433 | 855-500-RIDE or complete the online donation form at https://careasy.org/forge-evolution. CARS' Vehicle Donation Support Team is available seven days a week and will happily answer any questions.
2️⃣Schedule your free pick-up: We arrange to have a licensed tow company pick up your vehicle at a convenient time – all at no cost to you.
3️⃣Receive your tax receipt: When the vehicle sells, we'll send you a thank-you letter and any necessary documents you need for your tax-deductible gift.

If you have more questions, visit our website under "Ways to Give" to find more FAQ.

💬Testimonial Tuesday

Summer is a perfect time to get involved in Teen Court!👩‍⚖️
Registration for these trainings is available to those who complete a Teen Court volunteer application. Find Teen Court volunteer applications and learn more about our Teen Court program on our website. Link in our bio🔗

🧠💕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.