Denver, CO
For teens, Denver Health’s STEP provides mental health and substance treatment — and hope
Now 19 years old, Bayley is one of hundreds of metro Denver teenagers who benefit every year from Denver Health’s Substance Abuse Treatment, Education and Prevention program, known as STEP.
STEP therapists and psychiatrists work with young people at the uniquely challenging intersection of mental health and substance use struggles, medical director Mario Lintz said.
Teens often come to STEP through school referrals or their parents seeking help, or because they were seen in the emergency room or referred through a diversion program for juveniles in the court system.
Like many program graduates, Bayley found it during one of the lowest points of his life. He attempted suicide by overdose when he was a sophomore in high school and was treated at Denver Health, where he connected with a doctor who told him about STEP.
The swirl of developmental changes that happen in adolescence already makes it a prime time for teens to develop anxiety and negative thinking, Lintz said. Those changes, added to teens’ inclination to take risks while they’re trying to figure out who they are, can be a volatile combination.
“With kids who have a traumatic past, substance use becomes something they use regularly to deal with those things,” Lintz said.
And it might make them feel better at first, until they start experiencing withdrawal symptoms and worsening side effects, and are now struggling with a substance use disorder along with an untreated mental health disorder.
To make it even more challenging, it’s hard to find a provider who will treat both, whether in Colorado or across the country, Lintz added.
“As much overlap as there is between substance use and mental health disorders, they’re often viewed separately, and there’s not a lot of providers who feel comfortable treating both. It can make the picture unclear, from a mental health standpoint, of what’s going on,” he said.
STEP fills that need with ongoing therapy, medication management and an intensive, eight-week outpatient program for teens and their families.
The program also goes the extra mile to remove barriers that often prevent people from accessing care.
STEP isn’t just in one location — providers meet with their patients at the Bannock Street offices as well as at 11 Denver-area high schools. The program pays for transportation for about 40 young people to get to appointments every week. And there are always plenty of snacks and beverages on hand for those who need them.
Five years after he first started STEP, Bayley is now working toward an associate’s degree in business with the goal of completing a bachelor’s in marketing and becoming a marketing or brand director. He plans to move to New York City this summer to further his career goals.
It’s a dramatic difference from where he was, Bayley said — from wanting to give up to loving himself and feeling comfortable in his skin.
“I was a 13-year-old who smoked weed all day and thought college was stupid,” Bayley said. “Now I’m going to college. I care more about my life. Before I was fine dying before 18, and now I’m 19 and I want to live.”
Denver Health STEP program
Address: 660 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204
In operation since: 2003
Number of employees: 10
Number of volunteers: 0
Annual budget: $1,178,147
Number of clients served: 5,310 total visits in 2024
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Von Miller has made it abundantly clear that he would like to return to the Denver Broncos and finish his career where it started. Miller has made that fact known at every possible opportunity, including a Von’s Vision charity event on Wednesday.
“I would love to bring back those Super Bowl 50 vibes, love to assist, to be the vice president to Bo Nix, to Courtland Sutton,” Miller said. “I’ve been the guy and also I’ve been the vice president as well. I would love to contribute to us getting back to the glory land, to holding up that trophy.”
Miller went on to note that he has lobbied coach Sean Payton to sign him (Payton coached Miller at a flag football tournament earlier this year).
Unfortunately for Miller, it sounds like there are no plans for a potential reunion with his old club. The Denver Post‘s Luca Evans reported that “as of last week,” there have been no talks between the Broncos and Miller’s representatives about a potential contract.
With a crowded outside linebacker room, Denver seems unlikely to re-sign Miller, but the 37-year-old pass rusher said he will “for sure” play in 2026. After totaling nine sacks with the Washington Commanders last fall, Miller will probably be able to find a home as a rotational pass rusher, but it might not be with the Broncos.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Denver, CO
Denver Summit FC delays opening of Centennial Stadium, will play next 2 home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Denver Summit FC will play their next two home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer team was hoping to be at their new training facility in Centennial by July, but team says recent rain delayed construction, so they need to push back by two weeks.
That means their July 3 and July 12 matches will be at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.
Summit FC is hopeful to be at their stadium in Centennial for their July 18 game against the Portland Thorns.
Centennial Stadium will ultimately become Summit’s training facility. They’ll play their games there until 2028, when they hope to move into their official home stadium at the Santa Fe Yards at Broadway and I-25. The Santa Fe Yards stadium will have room for more than 14,000 fans.
Denver, CO
Denver Fashion Week Responds To Community Demand With Second Model Audition Date – 303 Magazine
Following overwhelming demand from aspiring models across Colorado, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) has announced a second round of model auditions for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 runway season.
According to DFW, the organization received a large number of emails and social media messages from models hoping for another opportunity to audition after the initial model auditions on May 17.
In response, DFW will host an additional audition date on August 9, giving fresh talent another chance to join one of Denver’s biggest fashion platforms.
Known for its commitment to inclusivity and community-driven casting, Denver Fashion Week is searching for both traditional and non-traditional models with strong runway presence, personality, and confidence.
Audition opportunities include:
- Male and female models ages 6–65+
- Kids and teen models ages 6–14
- Stylish moms and fashionable children for the “Mommy & Me” runway segment
DFW continues to emphasize its all-inclusive approach to casting and does not select talent based on race, religion, body type, height, age, or sexual orientation. Both agency-represented and independent models are encouraged to audition.
Model Workshop Recommended
For first-time runway talent or anyone looking to sharpen their walk and stage presence, DFW highly recommends attending its Model Workshop ahead of auditions. The workshop is designed to help prepare models for the runway experience and provide insight into what casting directors are looking for during Fashion Week. REGISTER HERE
Audition Schedule
11:00 AM — Mommy & Me
Moms + children ages 6–12
11:45 AM — Ages 14+
Models 5’4” and under
12:20 PM — Kids & Teens
Ages 6–14
1:00 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’5”–5’7”
1:45 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’8”–5’10”
2:30 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’11” and taller
What To Wear
Models are encouraged to wear fitted clothing that allows the casting team to clearly view silhouette and movement.
Recommended attire includes:
- Black fitted tank top or t-shirt
- Skinny or fitted jeans
- Heels 3”+ for those auditioning in heels
- Natural hair
- Minimal makeup and jewelry
DFW also recommends avoiding loud accessories that may distract from the runway presentation.
Important Notes
Models who previously walked in Denver Fashion Week’s Spring 2026 season are not required to audition again.
No comp card is required, as DFW will take measurements, photos and video during auditions.
As Denver Fashion Week continues to expand its platform, the organization remains one of the few major regional fashion weeks actively prioritizing accessibility, diversity and opportunities for emerging talent.
Follow Denver Fashion Week on Instagram
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