‘Colorado Works’ is looking to expand to help more people

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A non-profit that helps Coloradans get back on their feet after tough times is looking to expand its reach. The idea of this first started in 1995.

Leaders of the non-profit 'Colorado Works' wanted to make sure there was a one-stop shop where people could come get a fresh haircut, clothes, and the tools they need to be successful. 

"The barbershop concept came from speaking with my grandparents who are immigrants from the Dominican Republic, as well as my father when they came to America they would go to the barbershop to receive all their resources," said Senior Vice President of Colorado Works, Juaquin Mobley.

He says first came the idea, then the real product. Within a few months, the non-profit built a hub where people of all cultures and economic classes could come. 

"So, we've had a lot of success which I guess field the from city to city and hopefully state to state," Mobley said.  

Colorado Works opened its first hub in Denver, and since then they've expanded to Pueblo, Aurora, and Colorado Springs.

"One, in particular, is for entrepreneurs and the other one that works with the 50 and plus demographic specifically," Mobley said.

The group's goal is to extend across the nation to continue building its legacy. 

"You know we show the rest of the country possibilities are within Colorado, right? So, within that we are developing a concept here that I think is very successful," Mobley added.  

As of right now, Colorado Works has helped more than 15,000 people in Colorado and is expecting to help 2,000 by the end of 2022.