Attention Homes is a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency. We have been serving adolescents and their families in Boulder County and the surrounding metro area since 1966. Attention Homes remains committed to the founding principles of our organization: providing sheltering and counseling services to youth in a homelike environment. Throughout the years we have have helped thousands of adolescents and families in times of crisis.
History
Attention Homes was founded in 1966 by a group of community leaders associated with the First United Methodist Church in Boulder, together with Judge Horace Holmes and former Chief Probation Officer, John Hargadine. Concerned about the problems facing youth in the community, they researched the models for youth sheltering and became distressed to learn that most facilities were very institutionalized. They realized that these shelters were simply locking kids up, rather than providing them with a caring environment. The group decided to create a shelter for homeless youth that was safe and caring, allowing them to feel valued and supported.
The name of the organization evolved from the desire to give youth the attention needed to work through their difficulties and meet their potential. “Attention, not Detention” became our motto.
Attention Homes operated under the umbrella of the First Methodist Church for the first 10 years. The organization grew, and our successes earned us a reputation locally and nationally as a premier youth sheltering agency. In 1976, Attention Homes was spun off to become a non-affiliated 501(c)(3) and remains so today.