Showing Our Love to Save Our Lives

STRUGGLE OF LOVE FOUNDATION (SOLF)

Showing Our Love to Save Our Lives

Mentor. Empower. Transform.

Struggle of Love Foundation (SOLF) is a Colorado-based, Black-founded and Black-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities, changing lives, and strengthening communities through mentorship, intervention, prevention, education, health, wellness, and access to essential resources.

Founded in 2000 by LaKeshia and Joel Hodge, Struggle of Love began in their garage with a vision to provide youth and families with the opportunities, support, and resources they often struggled to access. What started as a grassroots community effort became a federally recognized nonprofit organization in 2008 and has grown into a comprehensive community-based organization serving more than 1,800 individuals annually.

For more than 25 years, SOLF has remained committed to meeting people where they are, addressing barriers, and creating pathways for individuals and families to thrive. Our work primarily serves Montbello, Gateway–Green Valley Ranch, Far Northeast Denver, North Aurora, and Park Hill, with a focus on communities that have historically experienced inequities and limited access to resources.

Our programs are designed to address the holistic needs of youth, adults, and families. Through year-round services and community engagement, we provide opportunities for individuals to build positive relationships, develop life skills, improve their well-being, and reach their full potential.

OUR PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

• SOLF offers a comprehensive range of programs and services, including:

• Youth Mentorship and Development: Soldierz of Love mentorship, leadership development, after-school programming, sports, recreational activities, and positive youth engagement.

• Violence Prevention and Intervention: Community-based violence interruption, prevention education, conflict resolution, outreach, and restorative approaches that promote safer communities.

• Mental Health and Wellness: Accessible mental health services, counseling, prevention, and wellness resources that address the emotional and psychological needs of individuals and families.

• Food Access and Basic Needs: Sacks of Love, our no-cost community market, provides nutritious food and essential resources while preserving the dignity and choice of the families we serve.

• Family and Community Outreach: Annual backpack giveaways, holiday toy drives, Thanksgiving meals, community picnics, family engagement activities, and other initiatives that bring people together.

• Workforce and Life Skills Development: Opportunities for youth and adults to explore career pathways, develop practical skills, access technology, and prepare for employment and economic advancement.

• Through our annual backpack giveaway, we have helped thousands of children prepare for the school year with essential supplies. Our food access initiatives have distributed more than one million pounds of food, helping families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

• SOLF has also played an active leadership role in Denver's violence prevention landscape, including co-chairing the RISE Network and supporting community-based efforts to reduce violence and strengthen neighborhoods.

THE LOVE CENTER: A LEGACY BUILT FOR THE COMMUNITY

One of our greatest milestones is the acquisition and transformation of the Love Center, located at 12005 E. 45th Avenue in Denver, Colorado.

The Love Center represents the evolution of our mission and our commitment to creating a permanent community resource hub where individuals and families can access opportunities, support, and essential services under one roof.

This community hub offers an array of resources and spaces, including:

• A no-cost community food market.

• Seeds of Love community garden.

• Basketball court and recreational space.

• Music and podcast studios.

• Fitness and wellness room.

• Hair and barber salon.

• Youth gaming and engagement space.

• Computer lab and workforce development opportunities.

• Event and community gathering spaces.

• Youth programming, summer camp, and educational activities.

The Love Center is more than a building. It is a place of belonging, opportunity, healing, empowerment, and hope. It represents our commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

RECOGNITION AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Over the years, Struggle of Love Foundation has received local, state, and national recognition for its commitment to community service, innovation, and impact. Our accomplishments include recognition and awards for Program of the Year, community outreach, violence prevention, economic development, and leadership.

These honors include recognition from the federal government, Colorado Fatherhood Council, Denver Urban Spectrum, Sister Enterprise, and the City and County of Denver, among other community and philanthropic partners.

While we are grateful for the recognition, our greatest accomplishment is the trust we have built with the communities we serve and the lives we have been privileged to impact.

OUR STORY: ROOTED IN EXPERIENCE, DRIVEN BY LOVE

The foundation of Struggle of Love is deeply personal.

Our founders, LaKeshia and Joel Hodge, understand firsthand the challenges associated with homelessness, financial hardship, and navigating life without adequate resources and support. Their personal experiences became the foundation for an organization built on compassion, empathy, and a commitment to ensuring others do not have to navigate those same challenges alone.

They created SOLF from a place of lived experience, knowing what it feels like to need help and understanding how meaningful access to resources, mentorship, and community support can be.

Their philosophy has always been simple: We serve because we understand. We give because we know what it means to go without. And we continue because we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

What began as a personal commitment has grown into a community movement supported by dedicated staff, mentors, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters who share a belief in the power of love and collective action.

THE WORK CONTINUES

Although Struggle of Love Foundation has experienced tremendous growth, funding and sustainability remain ongoing challenges. The demand for services continues to grow, and maintaining the programs, staffing, resources, and facilities necessary to meet those needs requires sustained investment and community support.

As we look toward the future, our focus is on strengthening our programs, expanding opportunities, investing in our people, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Love Center.

We invite individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners to join us in this mission. Every contribution, partnership, volunteer hour, and act of kindness helps us continue creating meaningful change.

We are not simply building programs. We are building relationships, strengthening families, developing leaders, transforming communities, and creating a legacy that will serve generations to come.

STRUGGLE OF LOVE FOUNDATION

Showing Our Love to Save Our Lives.

Mentor. Empower. Transform.