Superintendent Giles recommended our ABC Collective to repurpose Paris Elementary and we need your help. Superintendent Giles will present his recommendation on Tuesday evening, November 21st at the Aurora Public Schools (APS) board meeting at 6pm. The meeting location is Aurora Public Schools Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 E 1st Ave, Aurora, CO 80011, USA.

We would love it if you all could show up Tuesday evening for the board vote and show your support for this transformational project. Please use this google form to RSVP!

Embracing Inclusivity: Join Us Virtually

We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their situation, can engage. Therefore, if you are unable to attend physically, you can still actively participate by joining the meeting live stream at boe.aurorak12.org/live.

We understand that barriers such as distance, health concerns, or other commitments may hinder your ability to be there in person. Your virtual presence through the live stream is equally valued and appreciated.

A Place for Community by Community

The ABC Collective includes representation from Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA), Driven By Our Ambitions (DBOA), Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization (APOYO), and Aurora Wellness Community (AWC).  

Paris is an abandoned elementary school in zip code 80010 and we are partnering with this mighty collective to repurpose the school into a thriving community hub with daycare, food access points, and other relevant services. This innovative project is a holistic initiative aiming to transform an abandoned school into a dynamic space that addresses various needs of the community, focusing on education, economic empowerment, well-being, and social support.

Join us this Tuesday at the APS Board meeting to lend your support as we embark on a transformative journey. Our vision is to breathe life into this space, transforming it into a vibrant community hub known as 'a place for community by community.' At the core of this initiative lies a community-centric approach, aimed at celebrating our diverse multicultural fabric and cultivating a sense of belonging while establishing a secure haven for both students and the wider community.

The focal points of this endeavor revolve around providing crucial supportive services, including supplemental food, childcare provisions, and accessible health resources, catering to the needs of students and families alike. Our commitment extends to crafting programs and events tailored to our diverse community, focusing particularly on families and children. These initiatives are designed not just to support but to actively engage and uplift.

Under the banner of the ABC Collective, services will be comprehensive. A repurposed Paris Elementary will offer summer and out-of-school programs, emphasizing career and civic development for the youth, while also cultivating a healthcare pathway program aimed at workforce development. Moreover, our efforts extend to creating economic opportunities through paid career roles, enhancing skills, promoting financial literacy, and fostering small business development.

At the heart of our mission lie essential well-being services, including mental health support, mentorship programs, and wellness classes. Additionally, we are committed to providing accessible and affordable food and childcare services to the community at large. Our emphasis on a healing-centered approach integrates prevention and intervention support, encompassing services related to youth violence prevention, and behavioral and mental health. A repurposed Paris will also offer diverse activities like yoga, tai chi, comic book creation, and lyrical expression to promote well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to community well-being.