Sox Place
Mission Statement
Sox Place exists to bring the Father’s heart to the fatherless, through physical, spiritual, emotional, and social provision to urban youth subcultures.
Overview
Sox Place is a daytime drop-in center for street youth. These youth range in age from 12 to 30 and belong to the youth sub-culture known as “street kids”. Many have been abandoned by parents/guardians, some are victims of the foster care system, and most have been tossed aside by society. Addictions to drugs, alcohol, violence, and sex are a part of their everyday lives. Most are just trying to survive! A hot meal and a safe place is provided Monday through Saturday. There are activities such as movies, video games, foosball, pool, and ping pong to entertain the youth during their time at Sox Place. Staff and volunteers spend their time interacting with the youth and building friendships in order to provide healthy and constructive relationships.
Sox Place Provides
Meals, Socks, Clothing Bank, Personal hygiene supplies, Internet access, Intentional Mentoring and Guidance, Crisis Intervention, Referrals to other services
History
Doyle Robinson started connecting with the youth who were hanging out on the 16th St. Mall in Downtown Denver in 1999. Discovering their need for clean, dry socks, Doyle used this very basic need to reach the street youth gathered on 16th Mall, eventually earning him the street name, ‘Sox’. Following God’s leading, Sox Place was opened by Doyle was and his son, Jordan, in May of 2002. It was established out of a desire to provide a safe place for street youth to go during the day where they could truly be accepted and loved. There was no other organization or ministry filling this need during the day. Sox Place continues today with the same heart, reaching more than 80 youth a day with dedicated staff and volunteers. We look toward the future with anticipation of expansion of facilities and services for more street youth here in Denver with possibilities of other major cities.
Here is a poem written by a former street youth:
Realize This...
Piercings, tattoos, nothing we would find right
Ripped clothes, torn skin, surrounded by desires to fight
Cement floors, painted walls, a place many call home
Warmth, and food some things they've never known
People who care, giving everything they can
Giving hope to the doubtful and to the lost they lend a hand.
Asking only respect and for an open ear and heart
Help those in need, helping put together the lost parts
We are quick to judge and close our eyes to those here
Many ignore those in need, pushing them away, instead of bringing them near
We step in the door expecting a place of white and pews
We see the opposite, not looking from others point of view
These teens here see us and do not judge by our clothes or money
They look not at our outward appearance, yet many look at them as funny
How do we live in so much hate, so much pain we cause
Tearing down the weak, looking only at people's flaws
Would you ever think that this place is where many teens go?
Do you realize that there is so much about these teens, we don't know
When you step in the entrance, drop everything you think is so wrong
Many don't have parents, or hope, but these teens have held on for so long.
This place changes lives and helps the lost and the weak
It gives so many a second chance, yet in their lives, we only get a peek
Talk to one of them, you'll be surprised how many have something to say
Just realize these teens are so thankful for many things we have every day.
It's changed my life; it showed me everything I'd never expect to see
It gave me so much in only a few hours, and I hope God hears their plea
Day after day, so many pains and troubles these teens go through
And from this amazing place I soon realize that there is so much I never knew.
Inspired by Sox Place
Thanks for everything
Jessica R. Calhoon
February 21, 2004