THIS BOULDER-LAUNCHED COMPANY IS SERVING PANCAKES TO DENVER'S HOMELESS YOUTH

Local non-profit organization Urban Peak and Birch Benders have teamed up to create one of the best partnerships of 2017. Birch Benders, a Boulder-launched pancake company now located in Denver, has become the official sponsor for Urban Peaks’ morning breakfastthat serves the homeless youth in Denver.

Often considered the “invisible” population, roughly 921 homeless youth are found sleeping on the streets on any given night. Research has shown the jump in rent prices, lack of employment opportunities, chronic homelessness, varying health issues as well as differing environmental circumstances (no, not the legalization of marijuana), all contribute to this number.

“One thing to really note about youth experiencing homelessness is that they have a really unique resilience,” said Joshua Zmroczek, director of development for Urban Peak.

Founded in 1988, Urban Peak provides education, housing and employment opportunities to homeless youth between the ages of 15 to 24. The mission of Urban Peak is to help Denver’s youth overcome real life challenges and become self-sufficient adults through programming and outreach services — including daily meals. Every weekday morning at the local drop-in center, volunteer groups — from church groups, to groups of friends, to corporate volunteer groups — come in and serve a hot breakfast. The menu? Pancakes and waffles provided by Birch Benders, specializing in just add water pancake mix.

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