Last month, First United Methodist Church (FUMC) once again demonstrated their extraordinary dedication to our mission by organizing a donation drive that resulted in countless boxes of essential items for the young people in our housing programs. While we’re deeply grateful for this recent generosity, it represents just the latest chapter in a remarkable partnership that spans over six decades.
The beginning of TGTHR’s Story
The story of FUMC’s involvement with what is now TGTHR begins in the 1960s, when forward-thinking members of their congregation recognized a critical need for services for young people in the community. They observed that youth in the system often lacked the support and resources that come with stable family structures, leading many to cycle through the justice system simply because they had nowhere else to turn.
Rather than simply acknowledging this problem, FUMC took action. Their congregation partnered with Boulder County judge Holmes and Probation Officer Hargadine to create a solution – founding what was then known as Attention Homes. Holmes was known for his caring and lenient approach in trying juvenile cases and started running Attention Homes programs right inside his house. Believing the troubled kids he saw in the courtroom needed attention, not punishment, he would bring home delinquent youth to stay and spend time with his family alongside his own children.
This group’s cry was “Attention, Not Detention!” Among the group’s members were FUMC members Phyllis and Roger Olson, Beth and Dick Hayward, the Rev. Ralph Henard, as well as Judge Horace Holmes, and Chief Juvenile Officer George P. Taylor. In its first newsletter (Winter, 1968), it was noted that “[t]he former Methodist Parsonage at 2118 14th St., opened its doors as an Attention Home in October, 1966. The first resident was a 17-year-old boy who left home due to a conflict with his mother and turned himself in to the local Neighborhood Corps. He has committed no crime but was without food or shelter and had no funds to provide for himself. During the first year, 65 children passed through the Attention Home, and in September 1967, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Frasier gifted their house in South Boulder to Attention, Inc., establishing Attention Home’s second house, which today operates as TGTHR’s Chase House residential program for 12-18-year-olds.
This wasn’t just charitable giving; it was community building at its finest, bringing together faith leaders, legal professionals, and law enforcement to address a shared challenge.
Deepening the Commitment
Fast forward to 2015, and FUMC’s dedication took on new dimensions. When TGTHR needed land for our first supportive housing project, FUMC made an extraordinary decision: they donated their surface parking lot to make 1440 Pine a reality. This wasn’t a small gesture or a token contribution – it was a substantial sacrifice that demonstrated their genuine belief in the transformative power of stable housing for young people.
The decision to give up valuable church property for affordable housing speaks volumes about FUMC’s values and priorities. In a time when many organizations struggle to balance their own needs with community service, FUMC chose to literally give ground for the cause they helped establish decades earlier.
Living the Mission Daily
What makes FUMC’s partnership so special isn’t just the major milestones, but their consistent, ongoing support. The recent toiletry drive exemplifies this perfectly – recognizing that dignity comes not just from having a roof over your head, but from having access to basic necessities that many of us take for granted.
These essential items – shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant – might seem small, but they represent something much larger: the understanding that every young person deserves to feel valued and cared for. When a teenager in our programs receives these items, they’re receiving more than toiletries; they’re receiving a message that their community sees them, values them, and wants them to thrive.
FUMC’s approach to community service offers a powerful model for other organizations. Their involvement isn’t limited to writing checks or hosting one-time events. Instead, they’ve woven support for vulnerable youth into the fabric of their institutional identity. They’ve shown what it means to be a founding partner not just in name, but in ongoing action.
Their commitment demonstrates how faith communities can be catalysts for lasting social change. By working collaboratively with other community stakeholders – judges, law enforcement, service providers – they’ve helped create systemic solutions rather than just addressing symptoms.
Looking Forward Together
As we reflect on this incredible partnership, we’re struck by how FUMC’s vision in the 1960s continues to bear fruit today. The young people they helped us serve decades ago have grown up to become parents, professionals, and contributing members of our community. Some have even returned to support the next generation facing similar challenges.
The recent donation drive reminds us that this work is ongoing. Each box of toiletries represents not just immediate relief, but continued investment in the potential of every young person who walks through our doors. It’s a tangible expression of hope and faith in what these youth can become when given proper support and opportunity.
Gratitude and Partnership
FUMC’s six-decade commitment to this mission is truly unmatched in our community. Their willingness to evolve their support—from founding partner to land donor to ongoing resource provider—shows remarkable adaptability and sustained vision.
We’re honored to continue this journey alongside FUMC, knowing that their dedication helps ensure no young person in our community faces their challenges alone. Together, we’re not just providing services; we’re building a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you, First United Methodist Church, for showing us what true partnership looks like. Your legacy of service continues to transform lives, one young person at a time!