For over fifteen years Michel Williams has represented the Denver Rescue Mission.  Denver Rescue Mission has provided assistance to the less fortunate in Colorado for over 140 years with several locations across the metro area and in Larimer County.  In 2014, an opportunity was present to allow Denver Rescue Mission to acquire land adjacent its Lawrence Street Shelter to construct a community center.  Mike assisted with acquiring the land, obtaining funding from governmental and private financing sources and ultimately the zoning and construction of the Lawrence Street Community Center. After obtaining the approval from Denver for the construction and use as a community center, a local group of homeowners protested the use and appealed the approval to a Denver District Court Judge.  Erich Bethke vigorously opposed this appeal over the last year and, after the judge ruled in favor of the homeowners, Erich successfully argued a motion to reconsider where the judge revered his own decision–a result that rarely occurs.  This result allowed the community center to open in November and begin serving the community and providing a warm, safe place for those in need. This photo is from the “First Serve” event, where Erich and Mike volunteered to serve lunch in the community center.  The photo includes various groups who participated in the project including: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and members of his team, Eidos Architects and JHL Constriction and the staff from Denver Rescue Mission.  If you would like to donate or learn more about The Denver Rescue Mission please visit www.denverrescuemission.org