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Dear
Our 2026 theme, (Re)new. (Re)purpose. (Re)build, was never just about the people we serve. It's about us, too. It's a healthy practice to take stock of our mission, our model, our overhead, and make decisions at both a heart level and data-informed ones. We teach people to take the next right step. This is ours.
For us, one of the barriers has been rent. So we're right-sizing that commitment, and in doing so, we're freeing up more of our resources for people and mission. This about stewardship and sustainability. And this is what it looks like to take our own advice.
This wasn't Plan A or Plan B. But it might just be better than both. “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps,” Proverbs 16:9. I've seen this proven true more times than I can count in two years of leading the WorkShop, and we’re holding this next chapter the same way. With open hands and a lot of gratitude.
This month, there are lots of ways to be part of what's happening here at the Shop. We're moving our 19,000 square foot warehouse, and we need hands. If you've ever wanted to show up for the WorkShop in a tangible way, this is a great time to step in and help us build what’s next! |
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Even in the midst of a big move like this, our work continues and we have a lot of good news to share this month. From a 9NEWS feature, a new product line, to a simple way to give, we invite you to read on and share our work with someone this week.
We’re excited about this new chapter at the WorkShop and grateful to have you be part of our own story of renewal in 2026! |
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| Adrienne Tafilowski Executive Director |
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| Access to Work Changes Everything
April is Second Chance Month, a time to recognize the barriers many people face after incarceration, and the role work plays in moving forward. In the U.S., 80 million people (1 in 3 adults) has a criminal record Unemployment for justice-impacted individuals is nearly 10 times higher than the national average Even 30 days of employment can reduce recidivism by more than 50%
Access to work changes everything. And it's something we can all be part of. Employers: Consider fair chance hiring practices, offering interviews, or creating entry points for people to gain real work experience. Community members: Support organizations doing this work, share their stories, and help connect people to opportunity. All of us: Choose to see people for who they are becoming, not just where they've been.
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“I Didn’t Feel Like a Number”
This month, we’re introducing you to Precious, who recently graduated from the WorkShop. She came to us looking for a place to heal and build new skills, and we’re grateful to share her story with you.
Q: When you first came to Mile High WorkShop, what was going on in your life, and what were you hoping for? When I first came to the WorkShop, I was coming from a domestic violence marriage and I also had an open criminal case. And I was hoping to get the opportunity to learn how to work with industrial sewing machines.
Q: What’s something you learned at the Shop, about work or about yourself, that you’re proud of? I’m proud that I could just be myself at the WorkShop. I like the fact that I didn’t feel like a number. I’m proud of my sobriety which the WorkShop helped me with with programs and classes like Advocates for Recovery.
Q: What was your favorite part of learning and working at the WorkShop? My favorite part of learning would be that there are several projects to do and learn, so you can be doing something different everyday.
Q: What milestones are you celebrating right now? I am celebrating my sobriety and just where I’m at in my life. I have a dream again. I’m seeing things more clearly. I’m celebrating clarity, my hard work and balancing my life. |
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| 9NEWS: The Story Behind the Work
Even in the middle of a big move, the work continues to move forward.
Last week, we had the opportunity to share a window into the WorkShop through two features on 9NEWS as part of their Earth Day coverage.
The first segment highlights our partnership with Melanzana, but more importantly, it centers on the people behind the work. You’ll hear directly from WorkShop alumni Brian, Precious, and Jacqueline, who share their stories and perspective from the shop floor.
We were also invited live in-studio, where we got to showcase our ReMelly’d Collection dog beds and the design work coming out of our sew shop, led by our Sew Shop Manager, Madison Duke.
Together, these segments tell a fuller story, people stepping into what’s next, sustainable products, and meaningful work taking shape here in Denver.
We’re grateful for the chance to share that story more widely. If you missed it, you can watch and share both segments below. |
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| | A Simple Way to Give: Skip-a-Coffee
Last week we launched something simple, and that's exactly what it is. Skip something small you'd normally spend, and put it toward real work and real opportunities here at the WorkShop. Skip something small you might normally spend on Give what you can—$5, $10, or $25 all adds up You choose, give once or become a monthly partner Share it with a few others who might want to be part of it
Small things, done together, have a way of adding up! |
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| Calling All Dogs (and Their People)
Applications are open for something new and really fun as we develop our first run of ReMelly’d dog beds. We’re inviting a small group of dog owners to be part of our test group!
This is a hands-on way to help us refine the design, test durability, and make sure we’re putting out a product that reflects the level of excellence that we care about.
If you (and your dog) want in: Apply to be part of our first test group Receive an early version of the dog bed Help shape the final product
We’d love for you to apply and share it with other dog lovers in your world! |
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Stay connected with us on social media for daily updates |
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| | | Thank you to the volunteers, donors, and friends… who continue to pour out their time, energy, and generosity at our WorkShop. We have spots available for corporate teams and church partners to come work alongside us, your partnership makes a difference! Email us at he...@milehighworkshop.org |
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| Copyright (C) 2026 Mile High WorkShop. All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
Mile High WorkShop
3795 E. 38th Ave
Unit A
Denver, CO 80205
USA
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